Semarang – The 2024 IISMA Culturise Challenge held at the University of Otago marked a significant moment to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia while introducing the richness of Nusantara culture to the international stage—especially in New Zealand. Carrying the theme “Nusantara Festival,” ten 2024 IISMA Awardees from the University of Otago successfully held the Indonesian Independence Day celebration on August 9, 2024, open to all international students and staff at the university. Nusantara Festival reached 101 participants from 16 different countries—spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa.

The Nusantara Festival included various activities introducing Indonesian culture, starting with explanations about batik and wayang at the registration area, along with souvenirs such as pins, bookmarks, batik headbands, and wayang figurines brought directly from Indonesia. The event opened with a lively performance of the Gemu Famire dance from Maumere by the awardees, dressed in batik cloth as their main costume. Participants were also invited to dance together, creating a warm and spirited atmosphere. The festival also offered a variety of Indonesian culinary delights such as soto, rendang, bakwan sayur, and cincau—enthusiastically received and praised by attendees. The excitement continued with traditional Indonesian games, such as the cracker-eating competition, marble-on-spoon race, and pencil-in-the-bottle challenge. An Indonesia-themed photo booth was also provided to capture moments of togetherness in the spirit of independence.

Positive responses poured in from the participants. A student from Japan shared, “This is my first time trying Indonesian food, and everything is delicious! The batik sarongs worn by the committee are very unique and attractive!” Meanwhile, Angwar Venus Aurelia, one of the IISMA Awardees from the Communication Science Program at Diponegoro University, expressed, “The Nusantara Festival is a valuable moment. I feel happy to be able to introduce Indonesian culture directly to international friends at the University of Otago. Their enthusiasm when tasting rendang and participating in the cracker-eating competition was truly an unforgettable experience.”

The Nusantara Festival, as part of the Culturise Challenge by the 2024 IISMA Awardees at the University of Otago, proves that Indonesian students can be active, creative, and inspiring cultural agents on the global stage. It is hoped that this event will serve as a bridge that strengthens international relations through cultural understanding, while encouraging Indonesia’s young generation to continue carrying the nation’s cultural identity into the international realm in an inclusive and enjoyable way.