The excitement of celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day was felt throughout Diponegoro University (UNDIP). The International Office of Diponegoro University (IO UNDIP) participated in the 79th Anniversary celebration of the Republic of Indonesia in the UNDIP area on Thursday afternoon, August 15, 2024, at the Widya Puraya field, with an event titled “Clash of Patriots.” Unlike the usual August 17 celebrations, this event was enlivened with traditional Indonesian games featuring 40 international students from UNDIP, originating from Canada, Germany, Pakistan, Timor Leste, Madagascar, Japan, Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya.
The Head of IO UNDIP, Pulung Widhi Hari Hananto, S.H., M.H., L.L.M, officially opened the August 17 games with UNDIP’s international students. He remarked, “Enjoy the moment. This event is the celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day, and we will play together in traditional Indonesian games. Winning or losing is not important; what matters is togetherness. Please be happy and stay safe.”
The traditional Indonesian games held included the cracker-eating contest, sack race, water bottle-filling contest, and balloon-popping contest. The enthusiasm and competitive spirit of the international students were evident as they participated energetically from start to finish. Their joy was also accompanied by jokes in Indonesian, which they had learned during their time in the country.
Through this event, the spirit of nationalism and togetherness that burns within the Indonesian people was shared as a positive energy. UNDIP’s international students had the opportunity to learn more about Indonesian culture through traditional games, which are only held during special moments like the Independence Day celebration. Happy 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, Merdeka! (Titis – Public Relations)
