UK – Titled “Hompimpa: Harmony Among People of Nusantara”, IISMA Leeds 2024 successfully organized a cultural exhibition on Thursday, November 14, 2024 to introduce Indonesia’s unique culture to the international community. With the theme of harmony among people of the archipelago, the event presented an interactive and diverse cultural experience, from traditional clothing to Indonesian music.

Indonesian students introduce the uniqueness of Indonesian culture in the UK. Students who participated in the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program in Leeds UK held an event with the theme of the harmony of the archipelago. The event presented an interactive and diverse cultural experience, from traditional clothing to Indonesian music.

This exhibition is part of IISMA’s mission to introduce Indonesian culture to the world through various inspiring activities. One of IISMA’s efforts is through the CULTURISE challenge, where awardees are encouraged to actively develop creativity in promoting Indonesian culture during their study abroad. The “Hompimpa” exhibition clearly shows how IISMA Leeds UK awardees have successfully implemented this challenge.

At the exhibition, several interesting booths provided an immersive cultural experience for visitors. At the “Clothes Try On” booth, visitors could try on and see the diversity of the archipelago’s traditional clothing, such as batik cloth, kebaya, and sortali accessories. “Batik makes me feel fashionable and I feel comfortable wearing it,” said an international student from Switzerland, Elie, on Saturday (16/11/2024).

Indonesian students introduce Indonesia’s unique culture in the UK

There is also a “Games” booth, which presents traditional games such as Congklak, Gaplek, Gangsing Kayu, and Bola Bekel, evoking childhood memories and cultural values of archipelago games. Visitors interested in traditional music can visit the “Music Booth” booth, where they can see and play Angklung, Gamelan, and Suling. In addition, there is also a “Batik-ing” booth offering a batik learning experience, introducing the art of Batik making to the world.

Indonesian students introduce Indonesia’s unique culture in the UK

“I think this event is very interesting, and I learned many things about interculturalism at this event. Many booths were fun. I think the batik drawing booth was the most fun booth,” said Jane, an international student from France.

In addition, the “Merchandise” booth sold various Indonesian souvenirs such as Batik cloth, wayang key chains, Batik bookmarks, and wayang miniatures, with all proceeds donated to LBH APIK Jakarta. At the “Indonesian Food” booth, visitors could taste the authentic flavors of Indonesia through instant noodles and chili sauce.

The “Hompimpa” exhibition is one of IISMA’s strategic steps in bridging Indonesia’s cultural diversity with the world. Through this event, IISMA Leeds United Kingdom 2024 awardees not only introduce the richness of the archipelago but also realize IISMA’s mission in promoting harmony and cultural wealth in the international arena.

Indonesian students introduce Indonesia’s unique culture in the UK

Reference: Leeds IISMA Culture Exhibition Coverage 2024