RRI.CO.ID, Hangzhou - The Hangzhou Indonesian Student Community (HISC), an association of Indonesian students in Hangzhou, China, held its annual cultural festival, INA DAY 2026, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. A musical drama inspired by a Javanese legend became the highlight of the event.

The festival featured a wide range of Indonesian cultural elements, including art performances, music, traditional games, and Indonesian cuisine. This year, INA DAY carried the theme “Tamanrathi,” inspired by the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul, one of the cultural stories closely associated with Javanese society.

“Through this theme, HISC aims to present a cultural experience that not only showcases traditional elements, but also reflects the relationship between humans and life values through a modern artistic approach,” the statement said.

The theme was then brought to life through a series of events that combined traditional Indonesian culture with the creativity of Indonesian students in Hangzhou. One of the highlights was a musical drama of the same name, portraying the figure of Nyi Roro Kidul through a more “modern, emotional, and relevant to younger generations” interpretation of the story, with the entire production process involving Indonesian students in Hangzhou.

“Amid their academic responsibilities, they went through intensive rehearsals and preparations to deliver a performance that not only entertains, but also serves as a medium for introducing Indonesian culture to an international audience,” the statement added.

In addition to the musical drama, INA DAY 2026 also featured a music festival, cultural bazaar, and various interactive booths introducing traditional Indonesian games to international visitors and the local community. The series of events was designed to create a cultural experience that is more engaging, interactive, and inclusive for all visitors.

HISC stated that INA DAY involved more than 500 Indonesian students in Hangzhou. As an annual agenda of Indonesian students in Hangzhou, the organization described INA DAY as a platform for introducing Indonesian culture to the international community while also strengthening cultural ties between Indonesia and the global community in China.