Berita

International Cultural and Culinary Festival (ICCF) is back again on 17 March at the Sportorium UMY. Under the theme “Land of Unity, Home of Diversity”, the 8th ICCF brought more than 20 countries’ cultures and cuisine to one place.

The Rector of UMY, Prof. Dr. Ir. Gunawan Budiyanto, M.P., IPM., ASEAN Eng., during the interview session highlighted that this ICCF is not only to make an international atmosphere in UMY but also delivering the message of humanity and world peace. “We want to prove that culture and cuisine could be soft diplomacy to reduce political tensions between countries. this will also trigger a sense of togetherness among the younger generation between nations and form the impression that we can manage the world in a peaceful atmosphere.”

Gunawan also hoped that next year there will be more varied countries joined as the situation gets better.

François Dabin, Director of Institut Français Indonesia in Yogyakarta also attended ICCF as the representative of Institut Français Indonesia and presented France with Warung Prancis. François expressed his gratitude for taking part in this event, “We are glad to be able to take part in this event as a partner of UMY and also to share about France’s culture and exchange it with other cultures. It is such a wonderful event for sharing.”

During the ICCF, UMY also use this opportunity to sign an MoU with the Embassy of Ukraine. Ambassador of Ukraine to Indonesia, HE Dr. Vasyl Hamianin during the interview mentioned that he is honored to be invited to the event. “I am honored to be able to attend ICCF and would like to deliver my gratitude to the Rector of UMY and all the team for the invitation and opportunity. The slogan of ICCF is an idea that has been implicated in Indonesia which is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and it is also a great idea to applicate it to other countries.

He also added that this event prove that we could be different but still one, “I think it’s a good example for the world how you can be diverse and still be united. I think the culture and cuisine are part of the culture itself and best instruments to make people come together to build bridges.”