RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian students are making their mark on the global stage, bringing both cultural pride and creative achievement to the Rencontre des Étudiants Internationaux (International Student Forum) held in Kelibia, Tunisia, from March 24–27, 2026.

The event gathered more than 150 students from 18 countries to foster intercultural dialogue, knowledge exchange, and stronger integration among international students. Indonesia was represented by 10 students under the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Tunisia.

From the opening day, the spirit of togetherness was evident. Indonesian participants introduced traditional martial art silat, performed by Galih Kurniawan, which drew enthusiastic appreciation from fellow students. The program also featured music exchanges, creating a lively and interactive atmosphere.

On the second day, participants joined a mountain walk in El Haouaria combined with photography training, followed by a “national night” highlighting Mali. Mali’s delegation presented the country’s rich history, from the era of Mansa Musa and the glory of Tombouctou to the cultural significance of the Niger River and griot traditions.

The Indonesian delegation continued to shine on the third day, showcasing the diversity of the Archipelago through traditional attire, kebaya, batik, and Malay Riau clothing, alongside another silat performance.

Their creativity was further recognized when Indonesia won second place in the documentary video competition, underscoring the quality and innovation of Indonesian students abroad.

The forum was attended by Director General of the University Services Office for Northern Tunisia, Abdul Raouf bin Faqih, who praised the initiative. “This program should be replicated across Tunisia, given its benefits in strengthening diversity and cultural exchange,” he said, as quoted by Antara.

For the Indonesian participants, the experience was deeply meaningful. “This forum is not only about cultural exchange but also about building cross-civilizational understanding and solidarity among students worldwide. We are proud to represent Indonesia and achieve recognition at this international forum,” said student representative Muhammad Dakhlan Gazali.

By combining cultural performance with academic creativity, Indonesian students in Tunisia demonstrated how youth engagement can bridge communities and strengthen global connections. ***