TIMES JAKARTA, JAKARTA – The vibrant celebration of this year's Pesta Rakyat or People's Party brings a fresh breeze of joy after the hiatus in 2021, caused by the global pandemic. One of the most striking aspects of this People's Party is the significant presence and involvement of Indonesian students especially PPI Austria's member who are pursuing their education in the country.

These students, united under the banner of the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) Austria, have brought an array of artistic and cultural performances that brilliantly showcase the captivating essence of their homeland i.e. Indonesia. They have tried so hard to introduce Indonesian culture to the local community for this long. 

 "The Indonesian students affiliated with PPI Austria play an active role; they have a strong sense of community and engagement with the Indonesian diaspora here. Their contributions have been invaluable, especially during our celebrations of Indonesia's independence," Dr. iur. Damos Dumoli Agusman, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Austria, International Organizations, and the Republic of Slovenia said.

During the same event, Damos extended an inspiring message to the Indonesian students, encouraging them to consider returning to their homeland upon completing their studies. "Don't forget, after your academic journey here, come back to Indonesia, in alignment with President Jokowi's vision," he warmly remarked.

Indonesian Culture Took The Attendee's Attention

At the heart of this gathering, Anggi Yanuariska, an EMJMD Media Arts and Culture awardee and a student at the University of Weiterbildung Krems, mesmerized the audience with a captivating Indonesian pencak silat performance, accompanied by her talented colleagues from Pencak Silat Harimau and Bongsu Silat Wien.

Anggi candidly admitted her initial nervousness when asked to deliver this performance. She shared, "This is my debut performance in a lifetime. Yet, driven by the desire to introduce the rich silat culture of Nusantara to Europe, I summoned the courage to overcome my doubts and apprehensions."

The involvement of Indonesian students in Austria extended beyond traditional performances. A spirited band from PPI Austria took center stage at the People's Party, delivering a captivating musical performance featuring three beloved Indonesian songs.

The PPI band comprises PhD students hailing from various Vienna-based universities, including BoKu University, with members such as Shahnaz Nabila Fuadi (vocalist), Lukmanul Hakim Zaini (lead guitar), and Ahmad Baidlowi (guitar), among others.

"We may not be professional musicians, but we were graciously provided with a platform by the Indonesian Embassy in Vienna to perform, share our passion, and sing in unison with fellow Indonesian nationals at the People's Party, serving as a comforting remedy for our homesickness while residing far from home," bella marked. 

The event was not limited to popular music alone; spiritual melodies, such as Nasyid, also played an integral part in the annual celebration of Indonesia's independence in Vienna. Muhammad Ghoyatul Amin, a PhD student from BoKu University, along with the Nasyid team from Warga Pengajian Austria (Wapena), presented spiritually-themed Indonesian songs.

Amin expressed his hope that their performance added a meaningful dimension, filling the spiritual spaces of the independence celebration and introducing the art of Nasyid to the broader audience.

People's Party Means Food All Around

On this occasion, Thomas Troszter, the Chairman of PPI Austria 2023, shared a unique perspective on this year's People's Party, where PPI Austria actively participated as partners with registered participants, operating food stands.

"There are four stands partnering with PPI Austria at this year's People's Party. We wholeheartedly welcome this partnership and hope it will be a rewarding collaboration," Thomas enthused.

However, the event was not only about showcasing artistic talents, it also celebrated Indonesia's rich culinary diversity. Several entrepreneurial students operated food stands, such as Warung Tetangga, offering an array of authentic Sundanese snacks. Initiatives like these not only brought students closer to fellow Indonesians seeking the flavors of their homeland but also introduced the rich tapestry of Indonesian cuisine to the international attendees.

In Vienna, Indonesian students serve as cultural ambassadors, building bridges between Indonesia and Austria, and introducing and promoting Indonesia's cultural wealth to the global community.

This year's Pesta Rakyat symbolizes unity, spirit, and the deep pride that Indonesian students abroad hold for their homeland. With an abundance of talent and potential showcased by PPI Austria and others, the vision for Indonesia's brighter future, in alignment with the goal of Indonesia Emas 2045 (Golden Indonesia 2045), becomes increasingly tangible. (*)