On November 12, 2024, the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) students at the University of York held Culturise III – Echoes of Heroism: Warna Milik Indonesia (Warmindo), a cultural celebration that brought a vibrant piece of Indonesia to the heart of Halifax College. The event drew over 150 attendees, including local students, international students, and faculty members, all eager to experience the richness of Indonesian heritage.

Warmindo was designed as an immersive cultural journey, delivering Indonesian traditions through all five senses. Divided into four main sections photobooth, snack booth, culture booth, and traditional games the event successfully introduced Indonesian values, flavors, and stories in an interactive and accessible way.

The photobooth, adorned with traditional batik from across Indonesia, offered attendees the chance to wear Indonesian accessories and take home memories enhanced by digital twibbons. At the snack booth, guests sampled iconic Indonesian treats such as bakwan, jamu, nastar, and Beng-Beng chocolate, while engaging in a playful “Jamu-Pong” activity. Cultural understanding was deepened at the culture booth, where Indonesian language, instruments, and historical exhibits invited thoughtful engagement. Meanwhile, the traditional games corner, featuring classics like estafet sarung and estafet kelereng, brought the joyful spirit of Indonesian Independence Day to life.

Despite logistical challenges, the event achieved wide engagement garnering over 6,000 social media impressions and enthusiastic reposts from local students. More than just a cultural showcase, Warmindo fostered meaningful cross-cultural connections and broadened international perspectives on Indonesia.

This initiative underscores the power of cultural diplomacy through education and student-led engagement. By sharing Indonesia’s vibrant traditions in such a dynamic way, IISMA at York not only celebrated national pride but also made a lasting impact on how international peers understand and appreciate Indonesia.