Portsmouth, England – Carissa Dewi Pratiwi, a student of the Logistics Management and Administration (MAL) program from the Vocational College at Diponegoro University, is currently participating in the Indonesian International Students Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2024 program at the University of Portsmouth, UK. With a vision to introduce Indonesian culture on the international stage, Carissa, along with 15 other IISMA awardees from the University of Portsmouth, successfully showcased Indonesian culture and heroes through an event titled *“What’s on Indonesia: Echoes of Heroism”* at the University of Portsmouth.
The event coincided with Indonesia’s National Heroes Day, making it not only a platform to introduce Indonesian culture to the world but also an occasion to honor and remember the contributions and struggles of Indonesia’s national heroes. Led by Muhamad Naufal Adeliowaradana, the event successfully attracted nearly 100 local students and faculty members.
The event began with a storytelling session that recounted the history and struggles of prominent Indonesian heroes, such as Soekarno-Hatta, Ki Hajar Dewantara, R.A. Kartini, and R.A. Lasminingrat. The session was beautifully presented by Joshua Siregar Chavez and Prameshwari Salma Falihah. Following the storytelling, the event continued with a musical performance by Devan Fabiano Sandhy, Ravena Viyanka, and Zaid Abdillah. The songs performed were selected based on the regions of origin of the heroes, including ‘Ibu Pertiwi’, ‘Suwe Ora Jamu’, ‘Gundhul-Gundhul Pacul’, and ‘Manuk Dadali’, which captivated the attendees.
After the performances, the participants were treated to traditional Indonesian dishes that reflected the authentic flavors of the archipelago. Some of the dishes served included rendang, nasi goreng, mie goreng, and bajigur, a traditional Indonesian drink. The event also featured a souvenir booth where visitors could purchase keychains shaped like angklungs, batik-patterned pouches, batik fans, and other items. In addition, a photobooth with a batik backdrop added a fun element, allowing attendees to capture memorable moments.
Interactive games provided visitors with a unique and enjoyable experience, including traditional games typically played during Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations, such as the marble-in-a-glass game. As part of the heroism theme, the event also hosted a zine art creation session, focusing on Indonesian heroes featured in the storytelling session.
The *“What’s on Indonesia: Echoes of Heroism”* event received positive feedback from participants. One international student, Bryan, shared his thoughts: “I think the event was amazing. Everyone had fun and also learned about Indonesian culture.” Furthermore, one of the professors awarded a perfect score of 10 out of 10 as a recognition of the event’s quality.
Through this event, Carissa and the other IISMA awardees from the University of Portsmouth 2024 succeeded in highlighting the richness of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, while emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange in building stronger global connections.