KBRN, Jakarta: The International Program of Trisakti Tourism Institute (IP Trisakti) recently hosted "Cultural Day: International Students Gathering" to introduce international students to Indonesian culture and local cuisine.

"I appreciate the Darmasiswa students for their dedication and commitment in participating in this program," said Amrullah, Dean of the Vocational Faculty at Trisakti Tourism Institute, in an official statement in Jakarta on Friday, June 20, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The event, themed "Cultural day: Connect, Celebrate, Create!", took place in Jakarta on Tuesday June 17 and was attended by 11 international students from seven countries who are recipients of the Darmasiswa Republic of Indonesia Scholarship program. These students hail from Madagascar, Poland, Tajikistan, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, and China, and are currently studying at various universities in Jakarta, including Universitas Indonesia, Unika Atmajaya, and Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ).

The international students were invited to participate directly in various activities, including an Indonesian Culinary and Pastry Class. Here, they learned to cook traditional Indonesian dishes and cakes under the guidance of Chef Alifatqul Maulana, and Chef Chairul Salim.

In this class, the international students prepared and served various Nusantara culinary delights such as Ayam Lengkuas, Rujak Pengantin, Sayur Lodeh, and other condiments. They also attended a pastry class to make Nona Manis, Putu Ayu, and Dadar Gulung cakes.

Following the cooking session, students learned how to present their dishes attractively, which were then judged by supervising lecturers based on various criteria. In the culinary class, Natsuki Yagihashi from Unika Atmajaya was crowned Top Chef in Indonesian Pastry, while Natsumi Yamaguchi from Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) won Top Chef in Indonesian Culinary.

The activities continued with learning to play the kolintang musical instrument and practicing traditional Indonesian dances. Participants played the kolintang and performed traditional dances in a beautiful collaboration with IP Trisakti's student activity units TIAT (kolintang) and TRADE (traditional dance).

At the end of the event, the Darmasiswa students showcased cultural performances from their respective universities as a token of appreciation for the rich Indonesian culture they had learned during their stay in Indonesia.

Amrullah said that the event was specifically designed to be a cultural bridge and provide an authentic experience of Indonesia's rich art and culinary heritage to foreign students. The activity also served as a farewell event for the Darmasiswa Republic of Indonesia students who have completed their program from September 2024 to June 2025.

According to him, the farewell event aimed to strengthen international relations between foreign students and the Indonesian community through the introduction of local culture. It is also hoped to facilitate students in sharing their experiences and knowledge with friends in their home countries.

"We hope that through the Darmasiswa program, students who have completed this program can become Indonesian cultural ambassadors in their respective countries to promote and maintain good relations between Indonesia and friendly nations," he said. ***

Translator: Naura Sofia

Editor: Bambang MBKA