Indonesian Consulate in San Francisco Highlights the Important Role of Students in Introducing Indonesian Culture
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in San Francisco (SF), California, United States, has highlighted the important role of students in introducing Indonesian culture abroad.
“Besides academic achievements, experiences in organising, and involvement in events such as promoting Indonesia through Nusantara Fest, this demonstrates the important role of students in helping to introduce Indonesian culture abroad,” said the Consul General of Indonesia in San Francisco, Yohpy Wardana, in a KJRI statement received in Jakarta on Thursday.
He made this statement during his meeting with seven Indonesian students from the Berkeley Indonesian Student Association (BISA) and PERMIAS San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) at the Indonesian Consulate House in San Francisco on 8 April 2026.
In that meeting, Consul General Yohpy encouraged collaboration with the students in organising Nusantara Fest 2026, which will be held on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at SOMArts Cultural Center, San Francisco.
The festival is a flagship annual event by Indonesian students that has been running consistently for 11 years, and it reflects the ongoing commitment of the younger generation in introducing Indonesia on the global stage, according to the statement.
More than just a cultural showcase, Nusantara Fest is considered to have strong relevance for the international community in the Bay Area, known as a melting pot of world cultures.
Through authentic culinary offerings, art performances, and direct interactions with Indonesian students, the event becomes a space for cross-cultural dialogue that strengthens understanding, opportunities for cooperation, and appreciation of Indonesia’s diversity.
In the meeting with the students, Consul General Yohpy expressed full support from KJRI San Francisco for the implementation of Nusantara Fest. Additionally, he emphasised the importance of preparing the younger generation of Indonesians to face the dynamics of the global workforce.
The Consul General views these students as important partners for the Indonesian Representation in helping to brand Indonesia abroad.
He also highlighted that Indonesian students abroad have a strategic position to connect Indonesia with the global ecosystem, both in education, innovation, and professional networks.
Meanwhile, Co-President of BISA, Servian Husada, stated that Nusantara Fest is the result of collaboration and the collective spirit of Indonesian students.
“For more than a decade, Nusantara Fest has become a platform for us to share our identity, build connections, and introduce Indonesia to the international community in a closer and more authentic way,” he said.
In addition to cultural promotion, the discussion with KJRI SF highlighted the importance of strengthening professional networks, the diaspora’s contributions to innovation, and opportunities for educational collaboration between Indonesia and institutions in the US, including with the University of California, Berkeley, as a strategic partner in education and research.
Looking ahead, strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration is key to maximising the potential of the Indonesian diaspora.
In this regard, KJRI San Francisco plays the role of a strategic connector between students, professional diaspora, industry players, and the Indonesian Government.
This cross-sector synergy is considered necessary to continue strengthening efforts to drive innovation, open wider career paths for the younger generation, and strengthen sustainable promotion of Indonesia at the global level.
Through this collaboration, Nusantara Fest 2026 is seen not only as a cultural celebration but also as a symbol of collaboration and shared commitment in strengthening Indonesia’s visibility in the San Francisco and Bay Area regions.