Berita

YOGYAKARTA — Marking its tenth anniversary, the International Cultural and Culinary Festival (ICCF) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) once again brought together international students and diverse traditions under one roof. Held on Tuesday, April 29 at the university’s Sportorium, the annual celebration transformed into a vibrant mosaic of global heritage, cuisine, and community. Drawing hundreds of visitors—from students to local residents—the event underscored UMY’s growing international profile and commitment to fostering global understanding through cultural dialogue.

This year’s ICCF welcomed participation from 31 countries and around 100 student contributors. Nations such as Japan, Egypt, the Netherlands, Poland, and South Korea were among the represented, showcasing culinary and cultural elements unique to their homelands. The festival was staged as part of UMY’s 44th anniversary celebrations and served as a powerful testament to the university’s inclusive ethos and strategic emphasis on internationalization.

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In opening remarks, Ir. Slamet Riyadi, M.Sc., Ph.D., UMY’s Vice Rector for Quality, Reputation, and Partnership, emphasized the role of ICCF in cultivating a global academic atmosphere.

“This festival shows how food and culture can bring nations together,” he said. “It reflects UMY’s ongoing commitment to elevating international exposure, fostering collaboration between institutions, and enriching our academic environment through cultural exchange—not limited to the classroom.”

New to this year’s festivities was a street kitchen concept, inviting guests to experience traditional dishes via live cooking demonstrations. Alongside these culinary showcases, the festival featured a series of competitions, including traditional performances and a contest for singing in Indonesian—further reinforcing cultural interaction and mutual appreciation.

All events were designed with one goal in mind: to open space for dialogue, strengthen friendships, and deepen cross-cultural awareness among students and the broader community.

Dr. Riyadi further highlighted ICCF’s alignment with UMY’s vision of becoming a leading entrepreneurial university with global reach.

“Through this festival, we don’t just celebrate diversity,” he added. “We inspire innovation and cultivate a sustainable global network.”

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For Zamira, a student from Egypt and returning participant, ICCF offered a meaningful opportunity to share her heritage and immerse herself in others’.

“This festival means a lot to me,” she said while serving macarona bechamel, a beloved Egyptian comfort dish. “It’s my second year here, and the energy and atmosphere never disappoint. The themes keep evolving, and the experience becomes more enriching each time. If I’m still in Yogyakarta next year, I’ll definitely be back.”

Though ICCF lasts just one day, its impact continues to resonate well beyond. It remains a cornerstone of UMY’s cultural calendar, championing international friendship, intercultural understanding, and the university’s dynamic role in the global academic landscape.