fsb.ung.ac.id, Gorontalo – I am Muhamad Randiyanto Mantulu, currently pursuing a Master of Applied Linguistics at the University of Melbourne. I am an alumnus of the English Department, Faculty of Letters and Culture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo. Alongside my academic journey, I am deeply committed to promoting Indonesian culture and contributing to the Indonesian community abroad. I believe that cultural exchange plays a crucial role not only in preserving national identity but also in strengthening diplomatic relations between Indonesia and other countries, including Australia.
As part of this commitment, I had the honour of participating in the Indonesian Night Festival held in Melbourne in October 2024. Themed “Echo from Eastern Indonesia,” this cultural event was organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Melbourne and aimed to showcase the vibrant cultural heritage of Indonesia’s eastern regions, such as Papua, Maluku, and East Nusa Tenggara. The festival brought together Indonesians, Australians, and international guests to celebrate and learn about the diverse traditions that make up Indonesia’s cultural identity.
During the event, I was privileged to perform in the Musical Theatre segment, one of the main attractions of the evening. I wore traditional Papuan tribal attire and body painting, a representation made possible through formal permission from Papuan elders who were present at the event. Their approval and participation gave the performance authenticity and ensured that it was conducted with deep respect for indigenous customs and values.
This cultural engagement was more than a performance—it was an act of cultural diplomacy, offering a space for meaningful exchange between Indonesian and Australian communities. Through shared appreciation of art and tradition, such events help build mutual understanding, respect, and stronger people-to-people connections, which are vital to the ongoing friendship and collaboration between Indonesia and Australia. I remain committed to supporting cultural initiatives like this and advancing the values of diversity, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. (Muhamad Randiyanto Mantulu, currently pursuing a Master of Applied Linguistics at the University of Melbourne. and alumnus of the English Department, Faculty of Letters and Culture, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo).