Brisbane will host Queensland’s largest celebration of Indonesian culture this Sunday (8 September) at New Farm’s Brisbane Powerhouse.
The 2013 Pesta Rakyat festival will showcase modern and traditional Indonesian culture thanks to The Indonesian Students Association of Australia (QLD).
Students from The University of Queensland’s Indonesian Student Association (UQISA) have collaborated with Indonesian student societies across Queensland to stage the sixth annual event.
UQISA Media and Communications Coordinator Ardita Asweva said the event would feature performers from Indonesia and include an array of food, dance, art and batik displays.
“Our event is unique because it represents the traditional culture of Indonesia with a mix of modern culture, so you can experience contemporary Indonesia,” Ms Asweva said.
“We are celebrating the listing of Saman dance and Angklung music as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasures with unique workshops, and will be selling Indonesian culinary delights such as beef rendang, satay and gadogado.”
Ms Asweva said she was excited to share Indonesian culture and preserve its rich heritage.
“Multicultural events are important because they remind us of Australia’s diversity and introduce local people to other cultures,” Ms Asweva said.
“UQISA strives to introduce Indonesian culture to Australians while also providing a ‘home away from home’ for Indonesian students studying in Australia.
“We encourage UQ students to participate in our event, especially people who are eager to learn about Indonesian culture and language.”
Being part of a student society has added value to Ms Asweva’s Australian study experience and helped strengthen her leadership skills.
“As a student living abroad for the first time, it’s hard for me to stay away from my family and leave my comfort zone,” Ms Asweva said.
“Joining a student society has helped me adapt to my new environment and build a new home in Australia.
“I am also developing personal and professional skills and have had many opportunities to meet new people.”
The event is supported by a Sponsorship Grant from UQ’s Office of Undergraduate Education.
Event details What: Pesta Rakyat When: 1pm-5pm and 6pm evening show, Sunday, 8 September Where: Brisbane Powerhouse , New Farm Cost: Free entry. Tickets for evening show available from Brisbane Powerhouse.
To find out more about how The Office of Undergraduate Education supports student led events and programs, visit www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate.
Media: Melanie Martin, 3346 0655, melanie.martin@uq.edu.au or Georgia Mitchell, 07 3346 0626, georgia.mitchell@uq.edu.au
