Regular Activities of Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Japan-Okayama Branch

The committee of PPI of Okayama Branch designs regular activities of various events for the members to take part in leisure (sport and recreation) and culture activities in their free time. We also often participate in culture events organized by the local government of Okayama City to introduce the Indonesian Culture to Japanese Society in Okayama.

January

At the beginning of the first month of the year we hold a special membership gathering for all members and their families to enjoy light chit-chats and some home cooked meals and snacks. This event is aimed to strengthen the senses of togetherness and belongings among the members.

February

Winter sport and recreation is usually held in February. The members take this opportunity to go for skiing or board sliding in a ski resort in Okayama Prefecture. This event is surprisingly so fun and amusing that it may be once in the life time. It is too good not to be missed.

March

It is the farewell month for some members who have finished the study or academic training in the universities around Okayama. The committee arrange a farewell party for those members before they leave Okayama back to Indonesia for good.

April

This is the month in which we hold the Hanami party by the Korakuen Garden to welcome some new members and to enjoy the beauty of Sakura flowers under the warm spring weather. We also take part in Momotaro Festival being held in Okayama City to introduce the richness of Indonesian culture.

May

In this month, we participate in Amigo de Spain annual festival held in Tamano City of Okayama Prefecture in which we have another chance to introduce our traditional culture.

June

Another international culture show is provided in the annual festival, the Fure Ai Festival in which we not only participate in food and souvenir bazaars but also show off our traditional dress and songs on stage.

July

A small barbecue party is organized for all members under the summer weather of July in Sport Park, Okayama City during which we use the opportunity to discuss on the next important program for August so as to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day.

August

Cooperating with the Friendship Association for Indonesian-Japanese Society, PPI arranges a special program to celebrate the Indonesian Independence Day. We design a culture show to serve the Japanese audiences some introduction on the Indonesian culture, e.g. traditional dances, dresses, foods and goods.

September

PPI in Okayama usually get invited to participate in Kurashiki International Friendship Festival in Kurashiki City. We use this opportunity to open a food stand so as to introduce and sell our traditional food and snack. A sayonara party is also usually arranged in this month for some members who will return to Indonesia.

October

The main activity in October is to participate in another event of Fure Ai Festival and in the Global Village of Okayama Ai Annual Festival. In the Okayama Ai Festival, we introduce some traditional songs, dances on stage and to advertise traditional foods and goods from the booths, and participate in various traditional Japanese culture events. Another activity is to organize small party to welcome some new members.

November

We participate in another annual event, the Okayama Convex Import Fair, in Okayama Prefecture to sell traditional food and goods.

December

At the end of the year, as the foreign students at Okayama University, some members of PPI of Okayama Branch take part in the International Friendship Party organized by Okayama University to represent some traditional songs or dances.

Personal Activities of Member of Indonesian Students Association (PPI) in Japan-Okayama Branch

Personal activity of the member is any non-regular activity carried out by the member under the umbrella of PPI of Okayama branch. The activity is to include 1) the Indonesian Language course for the member of Friendship Association for Indonesian-Japanese Society in Okayama, 2) talk or lecture on the culture and development of Indonesia on invitation of Primary or Secondary Schools around Okayama City, 3) Academic discussion on the current issue in Indonesia on invitation of any society or organizations in Okayama.
The activities (2) and (3) are used to give the better information to the Japanese Society on any current issues in Indonesia.