Indonesia steals limelight at AISJ International Day

The Indonesian Consulate General and the International Indonesian School in Jeddah recently participated for the third time in the “International Day 2018” organized by the American International School of Jeddah (AISJ).
A one-day cultural event, which stressed the main core values of “embracing cultural diversity, developing relationships and enriching life,” was held on Feb. 24 at the main soccer field of the school and joined by a number of consulates and communities in Jeddah.
AISJ Superintendent Monti Hallberg said the event was held to give an opportunity to AISJ students and visitors to learn about other countries. Students were assigned to visit and learn the facts displayed on each country’s booth and then had their passports stamped.
“The prize will give an opportunity for all the students to hold the whole world in their hands,” he said.
Hallberg also appreciated the representation of Indonesia, which he said brings a new color each year to the event.
“The Indonesian representation at the International Day each year wins the award for the best educational booth. You have so many interesting facts. And we learn about your country, we learn about your history, we learn about your culture. I am very pleased to have Indonesia’s representation here,” he said
Umar Badarsyah, Indonesian vice consul of information and culture, who received the award on behalf of the Indonesian consul general, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the event for the last three years.
“In line with the core values of the event, it is a great chance for Indonesia with its spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity’ to greet visitors of the International Day, especially children, and get them to learn more about how Indonesian people enjoy living together in harmony with one another in spite of their differences in ethnicity, language, religion, art and tradition, yet respecting peaceful co-existence,” said Badarsyah.
A set of canvases painted by the Indonesia school students in colorful batik patterns (an original Indonesian clothing with unique design and pattern), handmade dolls in various costumes and traditional music instruments were a major attraction at the event.
Visitors were also given a chance to experience the process of making batik on the spot.