International Webinar 2022 - Get to know the beauty of diverse cultures between countries – Part 15

Indonesian academics explain the traditions of celebrating Indonesia's independence day in an international webinar. Indonesia's Independence Day (officially known in Indonesian as the Indonesian Republic's Independence Day, abbreviated as "HUT RI", or simply Independence Day, and colloquially referred to by the people as Seventeen, which means "Seventeen") is the national holiday in Indonesia. commemorating the day of the proclamation of Indonesian independence on August 17, 1945.


Ceremonies and celebrations are held across the country to celebrate this national day, including flag-raising ceremonies conducted nationally and at Indonesian diplomatic installations abroad, local community competitions, with patriotic and cultural parades.


It seems that the celebration of Indonesia's independence day, which falls on August 17 every year, is apparently not only celebrated with a flag ceremony, but also various exciting activities such as competitions. In addition to general competitions, several regions in Indonesia also have unique competitions that are characteristic of their respective regions, such as horse races, torch relay competitions, canoe competitions, and rowing competitions.


For example, in Palembang, Palembang residents, South Sumatra, have a quite unique tradition called Telok Abang. The tradition of playing telok abang has existed since the Dutch colonial era and is always there when celebrating Indonesian independence day. Telok means egg and brother means red. So, telok abang are boiled chicken eggs or duck eggs that are red in color and stuck on miniature boats, airplanes, toy cars, and rickshaws made of cork wood.


The tradition of celebrating independence in Banjarmasin is also unique. The city of Banjarmasin is indeed famous for its rivers and canoes which are the means of transportation for its people. It is not surprising that the rowing tradition is used as a competition to commemorate the Republic of Indonesia's anniversary every year. This competition was attended by participants from various regions in South Kalimantan to compete in rowing as far as 500 meters. The event which was held on the Martapura River competed for the governor's rotating trophy.


There is also a unique tradition in Semarang. In Semarang, there is a night running competition while carrying a torch. Anyone can participate in this competition, both men, women, children and adults. The philosophy of this tradition is the torch which is believed to be a symbol of the fiery spirit of the heroes fighting for independence. What's more, Semarang residents celebrate this at night and of course it becomes a spectacle for residents who are also passionate about supporting runners.


Meanwhile in Aceh there is a tradition of horse racing during the celebration of Indonesia's independence day. Horse racing or kude racing in the Gayo language has actually been a folk entertainment long before the Dutch came. Referring to the book Pesona Tano Gayo by AR Hakim Aman Pinan, quoted by Kompas, Pacu Kude is usually held after the harvest season or around August. Actually there are many different traditions in each region on the celebration of Indonesian independence day.


The above material was presented by presenters from Indonesia in an international webinar held by STEKOM University in collaboration with Universities from Mexico, Ukraine, Ethiopia and various other parties. The presenter's name is Ahmad Zaenuri, M.Si who is a lecturer and head of the entrepreneurship study program at STEKOM University. The title of the presentation he delivered was "Introduce the culture, culinary, tourist attractions of Indonesia as a nation's economic asset".


This international webinar activity is part of the implementation of STEKOM University's commitment to increase various international activities. This was done in order to realize the vision to become an international-class university. Various international activities carried out by STEKOM University continue from year to year. There are international activities that are sustainable and there are also some international activities that are not sustainable. All types of international activities are accommodated and regulated by the International department of STEKOM University.