As a foreign student in NTUST [Taipei, Taiwan], I joined NTUST Indonesian Student Association [NTUST-ISA]. One of its annual programs to introduce Indonesia is called Indonesian Culture Exhibition [ICE]. This event held in a form of Indonesian traditional features exhibition and art performance.

This year’s event held in two days [March 12 and 13], comprising of 1-and-a-half-day exhibition and a few hours art performance in the afternoon of the second day. Around 3 months preparation was done to ensure the event went well and as expected by several parties [or people by the way].

The Mosaic of Indonesia has been chosen as the big theme for ICE 2009. The name itself represents the diversity of Indonesia, apparent differences in culture, language, and so on, but also bold the ability of Indonesia, despite of its large area and numerous tribes, to unite. Unity in diversity.

An exhibition is an effective way to attract people to know something closer and deeper. Though seems to be similar with the common exhibition, ICE 2009 offered different point of view by displaying some mini-Indonesian famous sites. Several 3-feet diameter Buddhist stupas of Borobudur Temple were made to give more impression on experiencing the real Indonesia. Volcano, Joglo house, and a lake also created to attract more visitors. Indonesian traditional goods were displayed; some of them are angklung, wayang, Indonesian traditional costumes, and traditional weapons.

Interactive searching engines also provided to explore more about Indonesia. What’s missing here? Indonesian culinary of course. There were some periods of snack serving during that two-day event. Visitors can taste wedang jahe [ginger drink], kolak ubi [I do not know how to translate it, but if you wonder, I can describe it  ], tempe [made from soybean], and lots else. Free dinner also served in the art performance night. I miss Indonesian food so much!

Since Indonesia is a library of cultures, art performance is a very interesting. So many dances can be performed; each has its own meaning. ICE 2009 showed Yapong Dance, Tempurung Dance [tempurung is dried coconut shell], Gaba-gaba Dance [so energetic!], Kayau Dance [a traditional dance from Kalimantan, and honestly I saw it for the first time in this very event], Indonesian famous folk song, Bengawan Solo, also sung by IOCA [Indonesian Overseas Chinese Association, great thanks to them!!].

What a night. Oh I forgot to mention, the sacred Javanese wedding ceremonial also conducted at that night! Who was the lucky couple?? I write a report, not a gossip column   .

Finally, I am really proud to be a part of Indonesia, and so grateful of being a part of this marvelous ICE 2009. Great, not just good, work from all the committee and NTUST-ISA members.
 
[Citraningrum, reported from Taipei]