Kisah & Kain of Nusantara 2024, an intercultural event celebrating Indonesian folklore, batik, and culinary traditions, was held at Monod Diephuis & Co on 16th November 2024 from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This intercultural event was organized by International Undergraduate Program students of the Communication Science Department, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) as part of their event management course. The event successfully showcased Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage through various activities, which included Indonesia’s Folklore Storytelling Competition for High school students, Batik Talk show, Indonesian Food Festivals, Sakutala Performance, and a Collaboration with Umat Renjana, an art exhibition by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at Universitas Negeri Semarang.

The event opened with a speech from Mas Wildan Namora Ichsan Setiawan, M.Sc., the event management course lecturer, who shared his hopes that the event would provide valuable insights into Indonesia’s traditions and leave a lasting impact on the audience. “We hope this event will inspire you to appreciate and preserve the richness of Indonesian culture,” he remarked. Project officer Syifa Alifia Zahra then took the stage to thank everyone involved. “Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this event. Together, we are helping to preserve Indonesian culture and pass on our traditions to future generations,” she said.

One of the event’s main sessions was the Indonesia’s Folklore Storytelling Competition, where 11 talented competitors performed traditional Indonesian stories such as Malin Kundang, Timun Mas, and other folklores. The competition was a vibrant spectacle, with participants wearing colorful traditional costumes, such as kebaya and regional attire that reflected the origins of each tale. The performances impressed the panel of judges, Pak Eko Wahyudi and Pak Barans Irawan Palangan.

Pak Eko Wahyudi, founder and director of AEC Semarang, praised the storytellers for their authenticity and passion for bringing the folktales to life. Pak Barans Irawan Palangan, Senior Coach at Albibek Smart in English, also emphasized the richness of Indonesia’s cultural diversity. He noted how each storyteller skillfully presented folklore from different regions, each carrying a unique moral lesson that reflected the values of their local communities.

In addition to the storytelling competition, the event featured an Indonesian Food Festival offering a wide range of traditional dishes. Visitors were able to indulge in Indonesian classics like Nasi Kuning and Nasi Uduk, as well as traditional sweets such as Klepon, Dadar Gulung, Lapis Legit, and many more. The food festival provided an amazing experience that defines Indonesian cuisine. The event also presented Sakutala Performance, a band from the Faculty of Social and Political Science at Diponegoro University, to perform songs for the audience.

Another key event segment was the Batik Talk show by Pak Dave Jeremia Tjahjamulia, a renowned Batik curator, educator, and artisan. In his “Wearing Batik in Daily Life? Say Yes!” session, Pak Dave shared the rich history and symbolism behind various batik patterns. He also demonstrated how batik can be seamlessly incorporated into modern fashion, showing how this traditional fabric can be both fashionable and versatile for everyday wear. Pak Dave highlighted the importance of the younger generation’s role in preserving batik, saying, “We are the next generation to carry forward and spread the culture of batik. It is our responsibility to ensure batik becomes a part of our daily lives.” His message highlights the need for active participation in cultural preservation.

In addition to these activities, the event featured a collaboration with umat.renjana, an art exhibition organized by students from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design at Universitas Negeri Semarang. The exhibition showcased the creative works of art students, including paintings and installations that reflected stories from each artist. The collaboration with umat.renjana added a dynamic visual element to the event, enriching the overall experience for visitors.

The event was hosted by Communication Science students Chelsea Hayyu and Rafa Naryama, with Deana Zahira Nurhindarto moderating the talk show. All of them brought energy and enthusiasm to the proceedings.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the winners of the storytelling competition, which were:

• 1st Winner : Xaviera Queenitia – SMAN 3 Semarang
• 2nd Winner: Areta Annisa Ramadhani – SMAN 3 Semarang
• 3rd Winner: Nikolas Dama Maitias Putra Prashanti – SMAN PL Don Bosko Semarang

Best Costume: Areta Annisa Ramadhani – SMAN 3 Semarang

The event also expressed special appreciation to the judges, Pak Eko Wahyudi and Pak Barans, and to Pak Dave Tjoa for his willingness to speak at the Batik talk show.

With over 60 attendees, Kisah dan Kain provided a platform for the young generation to understand more about Indonesia’s Culture and Traditions. Through a Storytelling Competition, Food Festival, and Batik Talkshow, the event highlighted the importance of preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage and ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of our lives.