Balinese Fisherman Dance performed by Indonesian students Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Celebration
By Daria Fominykh
At the end of the May Day holiday on May 5, Zhejiang University of Technology’s Pingfeng Campus buzzed with excitement as it hosted “INA DAY: Tresna Sujati”, the largest Indonesian cultural festival in Hangzhou.
Organized by the Hangzhou Indonesian Students Community (HISC), the event drew hundreds of students from Indonesia and other countries, offering a slice of home through a vibrant cultural bazaar and dynamic stage performances.
Asma Binti Cholis, President of HISC, defined the spirit of the day by saying “We’re far away from our home country but this event makes us connected.” The festival transformed the campus into a lively bazaar akin to a Jakarta street, where attendees could indulge in Indonesian food, such as turmeric yellow rice with chicken, fried noodles, and chili sauce, learn Kertas Anyaman, the traditional art of paper weaving, play traditional games or try on Indonesian costumes in the booths.
The festival’s highlight was “Barong Landung”, a music drama performed by Indonesian. Steeped in Balinese mythology, the play told the love story of an ancient Balinese king and a woman of Chinese descent. Far from a simple romantic tale, the drama was filled with emotional depth, unexpected twists, and humor, making it a hit among the international audience. The clear and expressive acting ensured that even those who did not speak Indonesian could enjoy and understand the nuances of the story.
“INA DAY: Tresna Sujati” has proved to be a showcase of Indonesian culture which brought together the international student community in Hangzhou, celebrating the rich tapestry of traditions and stories that define Indonesia.