Celebrating 32nd Anniversary, Indonesian Students' Association in Tunisia Promotes Nusantara Culture
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Students’ Association (PPI) in Tunisia celebrated its 32nd anniversary by showcasing local traditional culture to strengthen national pride and foster solidarity among Indonesian students in the country.
“In a foreign land, cultural identity is a spiritual bond. Through traditional attire, we are not merely displaying the beauty of fabrics and colours, but also history, values, and national identity,” said event organiser Muhamad Fathi Ilmy, a student at Az-Zaitunah University in Tunisia.
In a press release issued by PPI Tunisia in Jakarta on Monday, Muhamad said the traditional costume parade affirmed that the 32nd anniversary was not merely a celebration of the organisation’s age, but also a celebration of identity and solidarity.
“Amidst the dynamics of global life, the Indonesian diaspora in Tunisia demonstrates that they remain proud to carry Nusantara culture, nurture unity, and strengthen familial bonds in a foreign land,” he said.
Muhamad explained that through the event, PPI Tunisia reaffirmed its commitment to preserving cultural values and building a diaspora generation rooted in tradition whilst remaining adaptive to the challenges of the times.
He added that PPI Tunisia reasserted its role as more than just an organisation, but as a reflective space for the Indonesian diaspora in Tunisia and a vehicle for cultural diplomacy at the global level.
“The togetherness of students at this event demonstrates that PPI Tunisia is not merely a student organisation, but a shared home for the Indonesian diaspora,” he said.
The cultural fashion show at the pinnacle of PPI Tunisia’s 32nd anniversary celebration on Sunday (22 February) served as a powerful symbol of Indonesian diaspora unity in Tunisia, maintaining national identity amidst life abroad.
Indonesian students displayed a variety of traditional attire from numerous provinces, accompanied by the Zapin dance characteristic of Sumatra and martial arts performances that captivated the Indonesian diaspora audience.
Beyond modelling the costumes, participants shared brief information about the philosophy, symbolic meaning, and cultural values behind each outfit, creating an educational space and an introduction to the richness of Indonesian culture for fellow diaspora members and invited guests.