Diplomats and Students from Nine Nations Celebrate at UMB's Intercultural Festival

Universitas Mercu Buana (UMB) in Jakarta is actively promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening students' global competencies through its Intercultural Festival 2026. The event aims to transform the campus into a hub for cultural exchange and internationalization.

The festival brought together students and diplomatic representatives from nine different nations, including Indonesia, Yemen, Rwanda, Somalia, the Philippines, Syria, Russia, Timor-Leste, and Pakistan. Attendees had the opportunity to experience a variety of cultural elements, such as traditional cuisine, beverages, attire, games, and artistic performances from each participating country.

UMB Rector Andi Adriansyah emphasized the university's responsibility to prepare graduates not only for academic excellence but also for success in an increasingly interconnected global society. "This festival is not just a cultural celebration. It is a reminder that although we come from different countries, languages, traditions, and backgrounds, we are united by humanity and the spirit of mutual learning," Adriansyah stated. He added that higher education should equip students with a global perspective, cross-cultural skills, and respect for diversity.

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This festival is not just a cultural celebration. It is a reminder that although we come from different countries, languages, traditions, and backgrounds, we are united by humanity and the spirit of mutual learning. Higher education must equip students with a global perspective, cross-cultural competence, and respect for diversity.

The festival, organized by UMB's Bureau of Cooperation, is seen as a strategic initiative to build an academic environment that is open to diversity and expands international networks. It is expected to serve as a bridge for friendship, strengthen academic collaborations, and help dismantle prejudices arising from cultural differences. The presence of chargés d’affaires, education attachés, and diplomatic representatives further solidified the university's role in fostering people-to-people diplomacy.

Knooz Saggaf Abdulrahman Al-Saggaf, wife of the Ambassador of Yemen, praised the event for providing a platform for people to learn about different cultures. "From this event, we can get to know the customs and cultures of various countries. Thank you for the extraordinary welcome and preparation. Hopefully, the event will get better every year," she remarked. UMB's Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, Irmulansati Tomohardjo, expressed hope that the festival would be the beginning of broader academic collaborations, cultural exchanges, and international networking.

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From this event, we can get to know the customs and cultures of various countries. Thank you for the extraordinary welcome and preparation. Hopefully, the event will get better every year.