Spirit of Indonesia 2026 Highlights Food, Music, Dance, and Batik in Shanghai

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Spirit of Indonesia (SOI) 2026 event in Shanghai, China, was not only a showcase of food, music, and dance but also an immersive cultural experience where international visitors engaged directly with Indonesian traditions.

Held at Raffles City Changning on Saturday, August 29, 2026, the festival ran from morning until late evening, drawing crowds from China and other countries.

Indonesian Consul General in Shanghai Berlianto Situngkir said the event aimed to strengthen mutual understanding through culture. “By sharing our cuisine, music, dance, and crafts, we give a glimpse of who we are. When cultures understand each other, aspirations become easier to connect,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

The festival featured 24 booths offering Indonesian products and specialties such as coffee, snacks, satay, nasi padang, and fried rice, along with promotions from Garuda Indonesia and Indonesian wellness brands.

Performances included collaborations between Indonesian musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music Beijing and Chinese traditional musicians, dances presented by Yingde Dance Studio from Guangzhou, and songs by Asty Puji, a former Indonesian Idol contestant, and Indonesian student Lovena.

A batik workshop also attracted visitors, who learned basic techniques such as drawing with canting, applying wax, and dyeing fabric. Firda, a staff member of the Indonesian Consulate General in Shanghai, led the workshop. Participants could take home their finished batik pieces as souvenirs.

James, a German visitor living in Shanghai, said he attended the event after being invited by his Indonesian friend. He enjoyed exploring the booths and tasting various foods, adding that Indomie was his favorite. He also joined the batik workshop and appreciated the people's friendliness.

Shirley, a Malaysian attendee, praised the batik workshop as a free and engaging introduction to Indonesian culture. She said her Chinese friends also enjoyed the activity and expressed interest in returning next year. Shirley added that she hopes to visit Labuan Bajo in the future.

Jet, a Filipino visitor, said he had previously visited Jakarta for business. He was surprised to see a singer he follows on Instagram performing at the event and described the experience as very enjoyable.

The event also drew diplomatic guests, including Marcelo Magnou, Consul General of Uruguay and Dean of the Shanghai Diplomatic Corps, and Parulian Siahaan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing. ***