Indonesian Day 2023: Beauty in Diversity

By Adam Alief Priyadi and Muhammad Izzuddin

GOMBAK, 12 November 2023: Indonesian Day as the annual event held by Indonesian Student Association International Islamic University Malaysia (PPI – IIUM) officially ended with a closing ceremony on Friday, 3 November 2023 in IIUM Gombak Campus.  

The theme “beauty in diversity” was used to appreciate the diverse cultures of Indonesia.

The President of PPI – IIUM 22/23, Faeyza Omar Khalifa, explained in his speech during the closing ceremony that Indonesia serves as an inspiring example of unity in the face of differences. “Together, we can make changes and create a world in peace with the value of Islamiyah where beauty truly shines in the diversity of our global family,” said Omar.

This was followed by the speech of the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur, Mrs. Rossy Verona, on behalf of Dato’ Indera Hermono, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Malaysia, who expressed her appreciation to the committee members who have shown a small part of Indonesian culture to the IIUM community consisting of about 64 countries from around the world.

She also hoped that the event will become a cultural show for Indonesia and Malaysia as Negeri Serumpun to get to know each other and explore the potentials for collaborations in future.

The Deputy Rector, (Student Development and Community Engagement), Prof. Dr. Akmal Khuzairy Abd. Rahman also attended the event. He mentioned, “This event would be the manifestation of how we can be united although we are living in different countries but in our hearts we are close to one another.”

Indonesian Day was held from 27 October 2023 until 3 November 2023 with several activities. The activities were as follows:

1. “Venue to Indonesia” was the opening ceremony for Indonesian day, which was held in IIUM Male Sports Centre.
2. “Night of Culture” an event that appreciated Indonesians who have made contributions to the IIUM, it was held in the Experimental Hall.
3. “Taste Of Nusantara” was a food festival held to introduce Indonesian food such as banana crackers, coffee, tea, etc.
4. “Beauty In Diversity” or the parade of Indonesian students in their tribe’s costume that started from Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws until the Riverside.
5. “Celebrating Diversity” was the closing ceremony of Indonesian Day that was enlivened by the Saman dance, drama, and musical performance. ***