SZEGED — Indonesian students from the IISMA programme promote batik through SZEDAP (Szeged’s Indonesian Eating Party) on the 13th of October 2023 at the Faculty of Economics atrium of the University of Szeged.

IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) recipients are Indonesian undergraduate students who have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester at prestigious universities worldwide. They serve as ambassadors of Indonesian culture, presenting its diversity in addition to their academic life.

SZEDAP is part of the IISMA students’ task called the BATIK Challenge. The BATIK (Bracing Awareness, Togetherness, Inclusivity, and Kindness) Challenge, in celebration of Batik Day, is an initiative that aims to promote Indonesian culture, especially batik, abroad with a positive and beneficial image. The main focus of the Batik Challenge as a means of social service and the introduction of Indonesian culture at the University of Szeged is to develop an understanding and appreciation of Indonesian culture.

The BATIK Challenge was not only a celebration but also an initiative that positively impacted the relationship between Indonesia and the local community of Szeged. The success of this programme opens up opportunities to create similar events in the future, creating positive networks between nations.  Through the BATIK Challenge, IISMA has proven to be a positive step in promoting Indonesia's culture and positively contributing in a cross-cultural context.

On the 13th of October 2023, the Faculty of Economics atrium at Kálvária sugárút 1 was packed with guests of SZEDAP. Students, faculty members, and local residents from Szeged gathered to experience Indonesian culture.

The students took charge of preparing the cuisine themselves for the event. They brought ingredients from Indonesia that were not readily available in Szeged. The food was cooked by dividing the students into several groups and then each took on the task of cooking a specific dish. According to them, it was quite a hurdle given that not all of them can cook. However, they successfully introduced Indonesian delicacies to Szeged. Some of the cuisines served are bihun goreng or fried glass noodles with vegetables, soto ayam or chicken noodle soup, martabak manis or sweet pancake, and jasuke or mixed corn, condensed milk, and cheese. The guests gave positive feedback about the food, with martabak manis as their favourite dish.

In addition to the main event, another activity aimed at promoting batik was organized. It was an interactive batik try-on session for the guests. The students prepared a variety of batik clothes, fabrics, and traditional Javanese headpieces known as "blangkon" for the participants to try on. Three enthusiastic volunteers were chosen to model the batik outfits accompanied by traditional music playing in the background. This activity gave guests a firsthand experience of Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.

SZEDAP which was initiated by Indonesian students from IISMA awardees of the University of Szeged successfully introduced batik to the local people of Szeged. The event also made a positive contribution to social aspects and cross-cultural interaction. The local community enthusiastically followed and enjoyed a series of events and felt the togetherness in social events