Surakarta, August 4, 2026 – The spirit of Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS). International students from various countries joined a series of traditional Indonesian games held at the UMS Football Field on Tuesday (August 4, 2026), bringing a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere to the celebration.
Organized by the Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs (DRKUI) through the International Office, the event provided international students with an opportunity to experience firsthand the joy and traditions of Indonesian Independence Day celebrations.
Director of DRKUI UMS, Nurgiyatna, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that the activity was designed to introduce international students to the traditions commonly practiced by Indonesian communities during Independence Day celebrations.
“This activity provides an opportunity and serves as a medium for international students to experience the excitement of Indonesia’s Independence Day through traditional games that are commonly played by Indonesian communities during the celebration,” said Nurgiyatna.
He added that the event was also intended to strengthen the relationship between international students and DRKUI, particularly the International Office. This year’s celebration marked the first time DRKUI organized Independence Day competitions specifically involving international students.
The event was also held during the semester break, providing students with an opportunity to enjoy a fun and engaging activity while taking a break from their academic routines.
Five traditional games were featured in the celebration: tug of war, sack race, flour relay, sarong water relay, and nail-in-the-bottle challenge. The games encouraged teamwork, coordination, and interaction among students from different countries.
Head of the Subdirectorate of Hospitality, Ir. Wijianto, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., said that August holds special significance for Indonesian people, making the celebration an opportunity to introduce international students to the cultural meaning behind the month of independence.
“We want to give international students new insights so they can experience and share in the joy that Indonesian people have during the Independence Day celebrations,” he said.
The competition was filled with cheers and laughter as students enthusiastically participated in each game. One of the participants, Silivinosi Tikoinadramaki Naulumatua from Fiji, or Sili, showed great determination during the tug-of-war competition. Although her team lost to the strongest team in the competition, they ultimately secured second place overall after performing strongly in other games.
Sili participated in several competitions, including tug of war, the water relay, and the nail-in-the-bottle challenge. Among the games, she found the nail-in-the-bottle challenge particularly memorable.
“I really enjoyed being part of the games celebrating Indonesian Independence Day. The committee did a great job organizing the event,” she said.
For Sili, participating in the celebration was also a valuable cultural experience. She expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to experience firsthand how Indonesians celebrate Independence Day through traditional games, creating memorable moments beyond the classroom.
Through this celebration, UMS continues to provide international students with opportunities to engage directly with Indonesian culture and traditions. Beyond creating a joyful atmosphere, the activity serves as a platform for cross-cultural interaction, student engagement, and strengthening the sense of belonging among UMS’s international student community.
