Makassar – International students from the Faculty of Medicine at the Indonesian Muslim University (FK UMI) participated in the 2026 Handai Festival, organized by the Faculty of Literature, Communication, and Education (FSIKP) at UMI to commemorate Language Month 2026. The event took place on Monday, October 19, 2026, on the 5th floor of the UMI Faculty of Medicine in Makassar.
The participation of FK UMI’s international students in this event serves as a form of active engagement in introducing and celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity. The 2026 Handai Festival also provided a space for students to strengthen cross-cultural interactions while fostering an appreciation for language as a means of communication and a unifying force within society.
Language Month is an opportunity to foster a love for language, strengthen cultural identity, and encourage the proper and appropriate use of language in daily life. Through this event, students can gain a deeper understanding of the richness of Indonesia’s languages and cultures while sharing experiences with participants from diverse backgrounds.
The involvement of international students from the UMI Faculty of Medicine reflects an academic environment that is open to diversity and cultural exchange. It is hoped that these interactions will broaden students’ horizons, foster mutual respect, and strengthen bonds of friendship within the University of Muslim Indonesia community.
In addition to serving as a celebration of language, the 2026 Handai Festival also supports the development of cross-cultural awareness among students. The experience of participating in such activities can be part of the learning process outside the classroom, particularly in building communication skills, expanding social networks, and fostering tolerance toward differences.
Through their participation in the 2026 Handai Festival, international students at the UMI Faculty of Medicine are expected to continue playing an active role in various academic and student activities that support the internationalization of the campus. This event also serves as a manifestation of students’ contribution to strengthening intercultural relations and enlivening the 2026 Language Month celebration at UMI.