Under the guidance of the NPUST Office of International Affairs (OIA), the Indonesian Student Association hosted the grand 2025 Colors of Indonesia Festival on December 6th at the plaza in front of Shu-Yun Hall. The event, which attracted a large number of faculty, staff, and international students from various countries, was a culturally rich time of celebration for all those who attended.
Since the tradition began in 2012, the Indonesian Festival has been held on campus 10 times so far—with this year’s theme giving focus to the vast diversity of Indonesian culture. As an archipelago of thousands of islands, Indonesia possesses unique traditions in every region, and the festival aimed to introduce this rich heritage to a wider audience. The festivities began with lighthearted traditional Indonesian games, including a cracker-eating contest and “Bakiak” (wooden clog) racing, giving the participants the opportunity to demonstrate their diligence, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The competitions were filled with fun and laughter, and winners received prizes carefully prepared by the organizers.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES AND ARTISTIC DISPLAYS
The formal ceremony and performances opened with an Angklung ensemble playing traditional Indonesian songs such as “Tanah Airku.” In a nod to cultural exchange, the performance also seamlessly integrated Mandarin songs into the mix. The instrumentals were followed by a demonstration of Pencak Silat (traditional Indonesian martial arts) and the iconic Kecak fire dance, which is a symbol of Balinese culture.
Originating from Bali, the Kecak dance combines religious, symbolic, and dramatic elements. It portrays a classic segment of the Ramayana epic, where Prince Rama, with the help of Hanuman and the monkey army, rescues his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. The high-tension performance earned great acclaim from the audience. The event concluded with a contemporary Indonesian dance blending modern music and choreography, ending the festival on a high note.
A TASTE OF THE ARCHIPELAGO
Beyond the stage, the Indonesian food market was a major highlight of the evening. The festival offered authentic Indonesian delicacies, including Beef Rendang, Risol (fried spring rolls), Onde-onde (sticky rice sweets), and Es Timun (cucumber ice), allowing participants to enjoy the diverse flavors of Indonesia. With the support of the International College and the Office of International Affairs, the food market ran smoothly, enriching the atmosphere of international exchange on campus and spreading a spirit of diversity and inclusion.
The 2025 Indonesian Festival concluded as a vivid tapestry of tradition and modern energy, successfully bringing the heart of the archipelago to the NPUST campus. Through this vibrant exchange of art, food, and history, the Indonesian Student Association and the OIA have strengthened the bonds of our international community, leaving the campus enriched by the spirit of diversity and mutual respect.
