Jakarta, 9 September 2024 – The Faculty of Da'wah and Communication at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta proudly hosted the International Intercultural Exchange Night on Friday 6 th September 2024, a memorable evening showcasing cultural diversity and intellectual exchange. Held in both English and Indonesian, the event attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, and esteemed international speakers.
The evening opened with a vibrant Palang Pintu ceremony—a traditional Betawi welcoming ritual that captivated guests with playful rhyming banter and an impressive display of pencak silat. The lively energy of the Betawi culture set the tone for the evening, followed by a dinner for the special guests and faculty staff.
The main event began in the Aqib Suminto Theatre, with a Keynote Speech by Dr. Gun Gun Heryanto, Dean of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication. He emphasized the importance of multiculturalism, inclusivity, and the significance of intercultural understanding in an increasingly globalized world.
The  highlight  of  the  evening  was  the  Cultural  Orations  delivered  by  two  distinguished international scholars:

1.  Dr. Celal Akar, President of Hayrat Foundation Indonesia and a distinguished educator from Turkey, delivered an insightful oration in both Turkish and Indonesian. Dr. Akar discussed the deep cultural heritage of Turkey, weaving together humor and history by recounting  stories  of  the  famous  Turkish  folkloric  figure  Nasreddin  Hoca.  His anecdotes provided a glimpse into Turkish philosophical thought, with humor used as a  tool  to  inspire  critical  thinking  and  reflection.  Dr.  Akar  also  highlighted  the significance of intercultural learning, urging students to remain open to understanding cultures beyond their own. His engaging and bilingual presentation resonated deeply with the audience, who gained a new appreciation for Turkey’s rich cultural and intellectual traditions.
2.  Dr. Reza Ibrahimi, Cultural Counselor at the Embassy of Iran in Jakarta, delivered a powerful oration in Persian, with live translation provided. Dr. Ibrahimi introduced the audience to the poetic beauty of the Persian language and its rich cultural significance. He elaborated on the shared cultural and historical ties between Iran and neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, showcasing how these connections transcend borders. Dr. Ibrahimi also touched on the importance of maintaining cultural diplomacy in today’s globalized world. His speech was not only a tribute to Persian heritage but also a call for unity, as he emphasized the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the need for collective support. He concluded his oration by announcing 34 scholarships from  Iran  to  UIN  Jakarta  students,  symbolizing  Iran’s  commitment  to  fostering academic and cultural exchange.
Additionally,  the  event  featured  a  presentation  and  fundraising  campaign  for  Palestine, organized by Rumah Zakat, to raise awareness about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and to support those affected.
An inspiring video presentation showcased testimonials from successful alumni who had pursued higher education in Indonesia and various countries, including the United States. This segment motivated the current students to explore global educational opportunities.
The night concluded with a mesmerizing Saman dance from Aceh, performed by students of the Faculty of Da'wah and Communication, leaving the audience in awe of Indonesia's rich cultural diversity.
The International Intercultural Exchange Night successfully embodied the spirit of academic and cultural exchange, encouraging mutual respect and understanding among different nations. The Faculty of Da'wah and Communication remains committed to fostering dialogue and collaboration on a global scale, empowering students to engage with the world beyond borders.
(Fanshobi)