The International Tropical Summer Course (ITroSCo) I – 2023 (August 1 to 12, 2023), organized by the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, University of Diponegoro, presented a heartwarming scene in the midst of the celebration of the 78th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia. In the spirit of unity and togetherness, participants from different parts of the world participated and played in variety of fun activities.
The 24 ITroSCo participants came from 14 countries and several continents, including the ASEAN countries – the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei – to Timor Leste, Iran, Yemen, Sudan, Cameroon, Gambia, United States, Uganda, Mauritius and Côte d’Ivoire, all united in the spirit of friendship to commemorate Indonesia’s Independence Day.
The event did not only offer knowledge but also exciting entertainment through various Indonesian traditional games. For instance, the cracker-eating contest, where participants tried to eat crackers hung high on ropes without touching them which brought laughter and a spirit of competition.
Other competitions such as egg and spoon race, sack race and putting a spoon in a bottle brought out immense joy and enthusiasm within the participants.
The ITroSCo participants who participated in this activity are active international students from various foreign universities such as Srinakharinwirot University, University of the Philippines Visayas, Nanyang Technological University, Boston University, and University of Mauritius, as well as local universities in Indonesia such as Udinus Semarang, Amikom University Yogyakarta, UMY, UII, and Unsoed, all of whom were present in full spirit.
This event was a concrete proof that togetherness between nations and cultures can create unforgettable moments. They supported each other, laughed together and united in the spirit of celebrating independence and friendship.
In an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm, the participants of the International Tropical Summer Course 2023 showed that independence is a call to celebrate and build a better future together.
“Happy 78th Independence Day, Indonesia! Merdeka!”
