For many Americans, dinner can mean anything from fast food or TV dinners to a sit-down family-style meal.But this Sunday, students, faculty and community members will have the chance to try something a little different.
During Indonesia Night 2001, otherwise known as “An Evening in Java,” audience members will be invited to sit on the floor for dinner.
“The traditional way to eat in Java is to sit on the floor,” said Indira Soekasah, director of PERMIAS — the Indonesian Student Association, which is sponsoring the event. “We want to set the table like this because we want the audience to feel like they are in Java. This is the way we eat in Java.”
The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the EMU Ballroom, will highlight some of the cultural traditions of Indonesia — a country in Southeast Asia composed of more than 13,000 islands.
“The minute you walk in the ballroom, you are going to experience the life of Javanese people,” PERMIAS member Soni Dharmawan said.While seated at the low tables for dinner, participants will be able to sample a variety of Indonesian foods, such as “nasitumpeng” — a vegetable similar to fried potatoes, with a coconut rice — as well as “rendang,” which is similar to beef curry, served with coconut sauce.
Soekasah, who is from Jakarta, Indonesia, said that even though her family doesn’t follow this tradition anymore, it is still an important part of the culture.
Participants may eat with their hands, but they may also use utensils.
Dharmawan, a junior computer and information science major, said the ingredients on the menu cannot be found in any local grocery store. Instead, they will come from the Sunrise Oriental Market and China Blue Restaurant.
Annuuriah Amirmachmud, a junior pre-journalism major and the secretary of PERMIAS, said the group will be preparing food for about 250 to 300 people.
PERMIAS members will also entertain the audience with a fashion show, wearing traditional clothing from the different islands. The performance will include two traditional and one contemporary dance, singing, piano playing and traditional music from Java. Dharmawan said they will be singing the country’s national anthem, “Indonesia Raya,” which explains the freedom of the Indonesian people from colonization by the Dutch and Japanese.
Soekasah said the 15th annual culture night is a way for students from Indonesia to introduce their Javanese culture to the international forum and to American students, as well as faculty and community members.
The island of Java, known for its rich culture, is the capital of Indonesia and one of the country’s five largest islands. Soekasah said 26 provinces make up Indonesia, and Bahasa is the national language that most people can understand.
“It is very important for us to have this Indonesian Night every year to inform people from other cultures about our culture,” Soekasah said.
Soekasah, a senior economics major, came to the University last year as a transfer student from London. She is one of about 150 other Indonesian students on campus. She said there used to be more than 300 Indonesian students on campus, but the value of Indonesian currency has dropped, and it is more expensive for students to study abroad.
Even though Soekasah is far from many of her family members and relatives, she is not alone in the United States. She has three cousins and a younger sister here in Eugene.
“My family wants me to go home every holiday, and be involved in organizations and interact with Indonesian students and students from other cultures,” she said.
Tickets for “An Evening in Java” are available at the EMU Ticket Office for $6.
For more information, contact the Indonesian Student Association (PERMIAS) at 683-8929.