Celebrating Success: Thai Student Represents UIN Surakarta on the FHI 2025 International Stage

Nurfaseela Aemango, a Thai student from UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, proudly represented the university at the prestigious Festival Handai Indonesia (FHI) 2025, held in Jakarta on 25–31 October 2025. Organized by the Language Development and Fostering Agency of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (Badan pengembangan dan Pembinaan Bahasa, Kementian Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah), the festival brings together foreign nationals who love and master the Indonesian language. This year, 436 registrants from 60 countries participated, and only 35 finalists from 26 countries—including UIN Surakarta’s delegate—successfully passed the rigorous selection process. 

Throughout the week-long event, participants engaged in various competitions such as singing, speech, storytelling, pantun, and poetry recitation, while also joining cultural activities that introduced them to Indonesia’s heritage. The agenda included a film screening, batik-making workshop, cultural visits to Monas, the National Museum, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, as well as digital influencer and vlogging workshops. These activities enriched the participants’ understanding of Indonesian arts, culture, and language, offering immersive experiences beyond the competition stage.

The Festival Handai Indonesia 2025 served as a meaningful platform for cross-cultural friendship and linguistic exchange, echoing the spirit of “Bahasa Indonesia for the World.” UIN Surakarta’s participation not only highlights its commitment to international engagement but also showcases the achievements of its global students in promoting Indonesian language and culture on the world stage. The university extends its appreciation to the delegate for bringing pride to UIN Surakarta through this outstanding accomplishment.