Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) held the International Cultural and Academic Competition (ICAC) 2026, attended by 155 participants from 30 countries and 50 universities, at the Moh. Djazman Auditorium, UMS Campus 1, on Thursday (4/6/2026). This annual event serves as a platform for students from around the world to exchange cultures, broaden their global perspectives, explore international cuisines, and build international networks.
Director of the UMS Directorate of Cooperation and International Affairs (DRKUI), Nurgiyatna, Ph.D., stressed that ICAC is more than just a competition. It is a meeting space for students from diverse countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds.
"ICAC is more than just a competition. It is a space where students from various countries, cultures, and academic backgrounds can learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and build meaningful international friendships," he said on Thursday (4/6/2026).
DRKUI UMS Director Nurgiyatna, Ph.D. delivering his remarks at ICAC 2026. UMS Public Relations The holding of ICAC is part of UMS's commitment to promoting the internationalization of higher education. Through the event, students have the opportunity to develop global perspectives and collaborative skills that are increasingly vital in an ever more connected world.
Nurgiyatna also invited all participants to make the most of their ICAC 2026 experience by sharing ideas, appreciating cultural differences, and building lasting relationships.
UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., remarked that the world is full of differences, whether in nation, religion, culture, or perspective. Yet ICAC 2026, he said, teaches a different meaning of diversity.
"Diversity is not a barrier but a bridge. Every participant present in this room is an important part of that bridge," he said.
He added that the theme of ICAC 2026, "Bridging Worlds, A Cultural Puzzle," carries deep meaning. "Like a puzzle, every culture has its own uniqueness and beauty. Each piece is beautiful on its own, but when brought together, a harmony emerges that is far greater than any one of us alone," Harun said.
At ICAC 2026, participants took part in various competitions and cultural activities, including a fashion show, cultural performances, and a cultural exhibition through booths showcasing the rich traditions of different countries, including traditional food and beverages.
One UMS student, Intan Rahayu Utami, said she found ICAC a thoroughly enjoyable experience. She had the chance to taste a variety of food from other countries served at the event.
"I think ICAC is a really interesting event and it gives us Indonesians, especially UMS students here, the chance to try food from the countries represented. There seem to be more than 30 countries here, so we are free to choose whatever food looks interesting to us using the vouchers we have," she said.
Meanwhile, Abdella Amin Aliyemohammed participated in the fashion show competition while also introducing traditional food from his home country, Ethiopia. Abdella and his friend presented three dishes, with the main dish being Doro Wat.
The spiced chicken stew, cooked with a large amount of onions, is known for its bold, spicy flavor. They also served Dinich Alicha Wat, made from cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, and Key Sir, a dish made from beets with a sweet flavor.
"ICAC this year was so much fun. I really had a great time. I saw so many new faces. I really enjoyed it," Abdella said in closing.
Writer: Maysali Sudarwati
Editor: Fika Annisa Sholihah
Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid
The 2026 PTMA Fosma National Coordination Meeting encourages synergy among Muhammadiyah and 'Aisyiyah campuses to focus on developing impactful innovation talent.
Nothing’s more special than reading curated news just for you.
Subscribe to the UMS Newsletter for free today.
