The atmosphere at Lasinrang Park on Tuesday evening, 25 November 2025, was unlike any other. At exactly 7:30 p.m. WITA, a small studio in the corner of the main festival area became the meeting point for three cultures during the “Culture Stories” podcast hosted by Wahyuniar Yusuf. The session featured Quetzalli Marquez (Mexico), Mansi (India), and Putra Jaya Wiyuda, Chairman of the English Teachers Association (MGMP) for Junior High Schools in Pinrang Regency and the festival’s LO Coordinator.
Cultural Narratives from the Heart of the Festival
Quetzalli Marquez opened the discussion by sharing insights about her dance performance inspired by Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. She described Pinrang in one simple yet meaningful word: beautiful, referring to the warmth and friendliness of the people she met.
Next to her, Mansi—a computer engineering student and global education volunteer from India—shared her memorable encounters with Pinrang’s schoolchildren. She encapsulated Pinrang in the Hindi word dildar, meaning “big-hearted”.
Language Challenges That Became Opportunities
Putra Jaya Wiyuda highlighted that language barriers were the main challenge in assisting international delegations. However, he emphasized that these challenges transformed into valuable learning opportunities for local teachers.
Karasa, Bandang, and Shared Laughter in the Mini Studio
The conversation turned lighthearted when the guests discussed local Pinrang snacks. Mansi expressed her fondness for karasa, a crispy traditional treat. Meanwhile, Quetzalli tried to recall a snack she described as “similar to popcorn.” After some guessing and laughter, it became clear that the snack she enjoyed was bandang—a traditional Bugis cake wrapped in banana leaves, made from a mixture of rice flour with a banana filling.
Laughter filled the studio as they compared flavors and shared stories about the hospitality of Pinrang residents.
Messages for Pinrang from Mexico and India
In the closing segment, Quetzalli expressed her hope for ongoing cultural collaboration between Indonesia and Mexico.
Mansi conveyed her belief that Pinrang’s young talents deserve the opportunity to perform on international stages.
Putra added that he hopes this cultural exchange marks the beginning of long-term cooperation benefiting both teachers and students.
A Night That Brought Stories Together
The podcast closed with an invitation to attend the festival’s closing ceremony on the following day at Lasinrang Park’s main stage.
On that night, the small studio in the corner of the park became more than a recording room—it became a space where three continents met, shared stories, and celebrated culture in the most meaningful and humble way.
