BUNKASAI 2025 at USK: Harmony in Diversity, Bridging Indonesia & Japan
Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), through its Office of International Affairs, in collaboration with the Association of Alumni from Japan (PERSADA), successfully hosted BUNKASAI 2025 on August 23–24, 2025, at AAC Dayan Dawood, Banda Aceh. With the theme “Harmony in Diversity: Bridging Indonesia and Japan,” the event served as both a cultural exchange platform and a gateway to opportunities for scholarships and careers in Japan for the Acehnese community.
The two-day festival featured a wide range of activities. Highlights included the Study in Japan Seminar with the Consul General of Japan in Medan, Mr. Furugori Toru, and the Vice Consul, Mr. Furunobu Koichi, as well as performances by Aceh’s Karate and Judo athletes. Visitors also participated in a Japanese Language Class for beginners, a Japanese Cultural Expo, Yukata Experience, Origami Workshop, Coloring Contest, and a Talk Show titled All About Japan & Surviving Work or Study in Japan. The program also featured a Book Review on Fukubukuro, an Open Stage Japanese Speech Contest, and a performance by the Kogetsu School choir.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, various booths were set up, ranging from Japanese food and beverages to study abroad information, bonsai displays, disaster archives, Japanese language training, and youth and cultural organizations such as the Youth Disaster Awareness Forum Aceh, Asian Society Friendship of Aceh, Bina Antarbudaya Aceh, and the Aceh Art Community.
In his opening remarks, USK Rector Prof. Marwan warmly welcomed participants and officially inaugurated the festival. “Japan is a fascinating country with a wide range of scholarship opportunities. Beyond education, the Japanese government also offers broad access to work opportunities for international communities, including those from Aceh,” he said.
Consul General Furugori Toru also expressed his appreciation for Aceh’s enthusiasm in organizing such an event. “In Japan, Bunkasai is usually held as a school festival. Hosting it here in Aceh is truly remarkable. Japan and Aceh also share historical ties, including experiences in facing tsunamis. Today, Japan is increasingly open to Indonesians for both study and work, with growing Muslim-friendly facilities such as halal food and vibrant Muslim communities,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ir. Yulia Hayati, ST., M.Eng., IPM., Head of BUNKASAI 2025, noted that the last Bunkasai in Aceh was held in 2012. “Alhamdulillah, this year, BUNKASAI was held again. We hope this event will strengthen the bonds between the people of Aceh and Japan through culture and education,” she said.
BUNKASAI 2025 drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, ranging from school students and USK undergraduates to the wider public. Attendees enjoyed the lively festival atmosphere, tasted Japanese cuisine, and gained a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
With the success of this year’s event, BUNKASAI is expected to become a regular agenda at USK—further strengthening cultural ties while opening pathways for Aceh’s younger generation to pursue education and experiences in Japan.
