At a glance
Keraton 2025, organized by the Indonesian Student Association at the University of Washington, is a major cultural festival… Read full summary
- Funding received
- 2024-2025
- Large
- Awarded
- $15,000
- Funding partners
-
- Services and Activities Fee (SAF)
- Website & social links
Our ISAUW member's group photo at KERATON
Keraton 2025, organized by the Indonesian Student Association at the University of Washington, is a major cultural festival celebrating Indonesian heritage. As the second largest Indonesian cultural event in the U.S., it features traditional performances, authentic cuisine, cultural exhibits, and sustainability initiatives. The festival, held on the UW campus, promotes community and cultural understanding while emphasizing sustainability, such as paperless transactions and compostable packaging. The event also offers leadership opportunities for students, with over 40 organizers and numerous volunteers involved. Keraton remains free to ensure accessibility and fosters inclusivity while showcasing Indonesia’s rich culture and environmental responsibility.
Keraton 2025 is an annual Indonesian cultural festival organized by the Indonesian Student Association at the University of Washington (ISAUW). As the largest Indonesian cultural events in the west coast and the second largest in the United States, Keraton aims to celebrate and share the richness of Indonesian heritage with the University of Washington community and the Greater Seattle area. This event provides an immersive cultural experience through traditional performances, authentic Indonesian cuisine, interactive cultural exhibits, and sustainability initiatives.
Keraton is a powerful celebration of culture, community, and sustainability that showcases the vibrant spirit of Indonesia. The word “Keraton” means “palace” in Javanese, and true to its name, the festival transforms the UW campus into a lively, immersive celebration of Indonesia’s rich heritage. For many Indonesians living in Seattle, Keraton is a cherished tradition that feels like a homecoming, while for non-Indonesians, it’s an eye-opening journey into one of Asia’s most culturally diverse countries.
This year, Keraton 2025 takes its mission further by embedding sustainability into every aspect of the event. From paperless transaction systems that save an estimated 7,000 paper receipts to 99% compostable utensils and packaging, the festival is committed to reducing its environmental impact. We are eliminating carbon-heavy food trucks in favor of stationary booths, cutting emissions by 75% compared to past events. Pre-event seminars for volunteers will emphasize waste management and recycling, ensuring that sustainability becomes a shared responsibility.
Keraton 2025 is also a platform for student leadership and professional development. A team of over 40 ISAUW members, organized into specialized groups such as Event Management, Sponsorship, Design, and Marketing, dedicates months to planning this large-scale event. Additionally, volunteers take on roles in cooking, registration, and logistical support, gaining hands-on experience in teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These efforts not only ensure the success of Keraton but also prepare students to carry forward its legacy.
Financial sustainability is central to our strategy, with funding sourced through quarterly fundraisers, sponsorships, and partnerships with organizations like PERMIAS Seattle and Solar Chapter. Keraton remains free of charge to ensure accessibility for all, emphasizing inclusivity while maintaining its high standards.
Keraton 2025 is a celebration of community, culture, and sustainability that leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved. It’s a day where you can experience the beauty of Indonesian traditions, connect with people from all walks of life, and see how small, intentional changes can make a big difference for our planet.
The money requested from the CSF will be used entirely to cover essential costs for the stage, lighting, and sound system. These elements are critical to ensuring that Keraton 2025 delivers a high-quality experience, showcasing the performances and cultural presentations that are central to the event. With the help of CSF, we can take Keraton to the next level, making it not only a showcase of Indonesian culture but also a shining example of how to host events responsibly and sustainably. Keraton isn’t just something UW should have, it’s something we can all be proud of.
William Perdana
Project lead
- wperdana@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 1 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- ISAUW
Octavio Gunawan
Team member
- octaviog@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 1 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- ISAUW
Ryan Alexander
Team member
- ryanalex@uw.edu
- Affiliation
- Student
- Years
- 2 year(s) remaining at UW
- Affiliated groups
- ISAUW
To whom it may concern,
ISAUW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organization dedicated to promoting diverse Indonesian culture to the communities in the Greater Seattle area. ISAUW’s vision is to become the leading Indonesian Student Association in the United States. We aim to achieve this by building a respectful, well-rounded, diverse, yet nationalistic young Indonesian community in the Greater Seattle Area and in the United States. Established for over ten years, ISAUW would like to improve the legacy of our previous years and hold the most successful Keraton Indonesian Festival to date.
As the largest Indonesian cultural event on the West Coast and the second largest in the United States, Keraton has experienced high growth, cumulating over 16,000 attendees since Keraton in 2019. ISAUW expects 5,000 visitors and will showcase the diversity of Indonesia’s many islands through traditional food, dance, music, and art. Beyond ISAUW’s purpose of entertaining and educating the community about Indonesia, we also wish to create a memorable Indonesian experience. This year at Keraton, we plan to feature various engaging booths, including our annual coffee-tasting booth and a batik awareness and creation booth. These booths, along with many others, are designed to enrich visitors' knowledge about Indonesia’s rich culture, traditions, and iconic landmarks. With this, ISAUW would like to apply for CSF funding to make Keraton possible again this year.
ISAUW guarantees CSF that Keraton always has and will continue to deliver a sustainable impact. Our organization empowers our members and the campus community to take active roles in cultural preservation, environmental responsibility, and social impact, fostering connections across the Seattle community and inspiring positive behavior change. Last but not least, throughout the years, Keraton has instilled important values and taught our members essential life skills, such as building resilience, practicing accountability, and developing teamwork skills. With CSF’s support, we aim to enhance our work's sustainable and educational dimensions, creating programs and events that promote cultural awareness and embody values of inclusivity, well-being, and environmental stewardship, making a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.
As for the budget requested, the $15,000 will be used for the stage, lighting, and sound system, as it is our most significant expense and one of our most important components to successfully conduct the event and deliver a high-quality and memorable experience for attendees. Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to working together with CSF.
Sincerely,
ISAUW
no stakeholders
no stakeholders
- isauw@uw.edu
- Affiliation and department
- no stakeholders
- Stakeholder approval form
Request amount and budget
Accommodation:
- Campus Services - Floodlight Rental $ 1,100.00
- Event Insurance $ 500.00
- Honey Bucket and Water $ 1,000.00
- Events Staff $ 1,800.00
- First Aid $ 150.00
- Recycling $ 200.00
- Electricity $ 4,600.00
- Tenting and Rental Equipment $ 4,000.00
- Stage, Lighting, and Sound System $15,000.00
Vendors Area:
- Food Vendor Equipment $ 500.00
- Photobooth Equipment $ 100.00
- Kitchen (Husky Den) $ 1,400.00
- Decoration $ 1,700.00
- Transportation (U-Haul) $ 150.00
- Assembly Permit and Propane Permit $ 4,500.00
Volunteers & Performers:
- Guest Star Fee $10,000.00
- Event T-shirt $ 800.00
- Committee, Volunteers, & Performers Consumption $ 2,000.00
Marketing:
- Instagram and Online advertisement $ 200.00
- Balloons and sandwich Bag $ 150.00
- Posters and Banner Printing $ 500.00
Total Budget: $50,350.00
How the project will react to funding reductions
We understand that the Campus Sustainability Fund (CSF) strives to support as many deserving projects as possible, and we are prepared to adapt Keraton 2025 in response to potential funding reductions. While we are committed to maintaining the core elements of the event, adjustments will be made to ensure that the event remains financially viable without compromising its impact. Below is a breakdown of how we would adjust the project given different levels of funding reductions:
10% Funding Reduction
With a 10% funding reduction, we would make minor adjustments to non-essential elements while preserving the event’s key features. For example, we could reduce spending on additional decorations or printed promotional materials by shifting to a greater reliance on digital marketing. Similarly, we could downsize the scale of certain cultural displays or performances without sacrificing the diversity and richness of the experience. This reduction would have a minimal impact on the overall quality of Keraton 2025.
20% Funding Reduction
A 20% funding reduction would require more significant adjustments. We would prioritize essential expenses such as electricity, waste management, and vendor costs, while scaling back on some aspects of the event. For example, we could reduce the number of cultural booths or performances, focus on fewer but more impactful activities, and further streamline operations by encouraging vendors and participants to contribute in-kind support. Additionally, we would increase fundraising efforts, such as selling more merchandise or hosting additional pre-event fundraisers, to help close the gap.
50% Funding Reduction
A 50% funding reduction would significantly impact the scope and quality of Keraton 2025, forcing us to scale back many of the features that make the event unique and impactful. We would likely need to reduce the number of cultural performances, food vendors, and decorations, which would diminish the immersive celebration of Indonesian culture that attendees have come to expect. Such a cut would also jeopardize key sustainability initiatives, such as paperless transactions, compostable materials, and waste management education, which are essential to aligning Keraton with UW’s sustainability goals. While we would strive to preserve the event’s core mission, a reduction of this scale would inevitably limit our ability to fully represent the richness of Indonesian heritage and meet the expectations of our 5,000+ attendees.
Keraton represents a meaningful tradition that unites the Indonesian community in Seattle and shares our culture with thousands of people from diverse backgrounds. A 50% cut would seriously impact the event, making it harder to achieve our goal of promoting cultural exchange and sustainability. We hope CSF sees how important Keraton 2025 is not just as a celebration of Indonesian culture, but as a space for learning, connection, and action. With your full support, we can create an event that truly showcases the vibrant spirit of Indonesia and highlights the importance of sustainability at UW.
Plans for financial longevity
The long-term financial sustainability of Keraton 2025 and future iterations of the event will be ensured through a robust and multi-faceted approach, combining consistent fundraising efforts, community partnerships, and innovative revenue-generation strategies. These measures will be implemented by every administration to guarantee the financial health and continuity of this flagship event.
Fundraising Initiatives:
To secure sufficient funding, ISAUW will conduct two fundraising events every quarter. These events will range from bake sales featuring Indonesian treats to collaborative cultural showcases and movie nights, where a portion of proceeds will directly support Keraton. These activities not only generate funds but also serve as an opportunity to engage with the UW and Greater Seattle communities, building awareness and excitement for the event.
Ivar’s Volunteer Work:
Another consistent source of funding will come from our partnership with Ivar’s, a local restaurant chain. Every ISAUW member is required to participate in volunteer shifts at Ivar’s, earning wages that contribute to our Keraton budget. This mandatory program is a reliable and consistent financial resource, with the added benefit of fostering teamwork and responsibility among members.
Sponsorships and Grants:
Keraton has historically relied on sponsorships from local businesses, community organizations, and cultural institutions. To sustain and expand this support, each administration will develop strong partnerships by actively engaging potential sponsors and offering attractive packages, including on-site booth opportunities and digital promotions. Additionally, ISAUW will apply for university grants, such as the ASUW Special Appropriations Fund, the ECC SDEF, and GPSS funding, which have proven to be vital sources of financial assistance in previous years.
Revenue-Generating Activities:
While Keraton remains a free event to ensure accessibility, we aim to supplement our funding by incorporating creative revenue streams. For instance, we will sell exclusive Keraton merchandise, such as T-shirts, tote bags, and culturally themed memorabilia, both during the event and through online pre-orders. These items are designed to appeal to both the Indonesian community and the broader audience, providing a meaningful way for attendees to support the festival.
Community Engagement:
Another financial strategy involves leveraging partnerships with student organizations and cultural groups, such as PERMIAS Seattle and Solar Chapter, to co-host smaller events and fundraisers throughout the year. These collaborations reduce costs while amplifying our reach and resources.
Oversight and Management:
To maintain financial transparency and efficiency, ISAUW’s Treasury team will document all financial activities meticulously, providing a clear budget and expenditure report at the end of each Keraton cycle. These records will be passed down to future administrations, along with training sessions to ensure a seamless transition of knowledge and best practices.
By implementing consistent fundraising, securing sponsorships, leveraging community support, and exploring innovative revenue strategies, Keraton will remain financially sustainable for years to come. These efforts ensure that the festival continues to thrive as a cherished cultural tradition at UW while maintaining its accessibility and impact.
KERATON 2025 Project Timeline
Autumn 2024
Event Organizers:
● Start reaching out to artists to perform in Keraton
○ Planned to have a few known artists to headline, and student performers from all over Seattle
○ Previous guest artists include: Andrew Garcia, Jeremy Passion, Leroy Sanchez, Dhruv, Lullaboy, Xavier Weeks, and more
Creativity Management:
● Decide the theme for Keraton 2025
Treasury, Fundraising, and Sponsorship:
● Start Fundraising events to raise funds for Keraton
○ Seathrough: Social event for new and current UW students alike, primarily targeted towards Indonesians
○ Friendsgiving: Thanksgiving event, providing food, drinks, games, photo booths, and karaoke
● Sell ISAUW merchandise designed by the Design and Documentation team
○ Seattle Puff Print Hoodie: 100% cotton Seattle-themed hoodie in White/Purple and Dark Green
○ The Evergeen Tee: Seattle-themed T-Shirt in White/Green
● Sell homemade food to raise funds for Keraton
○ Banana Pudding: Creating our signature dessert that is packaged in an environmentally friendly mason jar and sold to the student population around the Greater Seattle Area
● Draft Keraton Sponsorship proposal
● Draft a rough budget plan to estimate the budget breakdowns for Keraton
Information Technology:
● Created a website to hold information about ISAUW, our events, our merch, and promote our sponsors
Winter 2024
Event Organizers:
● Hold Fundraising and Networking events to raise funds for Keraton
○ Catalyst: Career conference and speed networking event featuring professionals from named companies, mainly highlighting the journey and life of Indonesian professionals in the US
○ Winter Ball: La La Land-themed formal ball with special live performances, food, photo booth, and games, attended by Indonesian and non-Indonesian undergraduate and graduate students and working professionals in the Greater Seattle area
● Continue reaching out to artists for Keraton
○ Finalize artists and performers for Keraton by the first week of February
Creativity Management:
● Draft designs for Keraton
Treasury, Fundraising, and Sponsorship:
● Create a detailed budget plan for Keraton
● Finish drafting the Keraton sponsorship proposal
● Reach out to potential sponsors from slight to big businesses in Indonesia and the Greater Seattle area
● Fundraising
○ Banana Pudding
○ Authentic Indonesian savory dish: Bakmi Ayam, Nasi Tim
○ Salted Egg Chicken
Marketing Communication:
● Create marketing campaigns for our events, including Keraton, in social media and physical spaces, such as the UW campus
● Tabling at the University of Washington Red Square to promote ISAUW events and ISAUW merchandise
Design and Documentation:
● Create T-shirt designs for Keraton
● Create Instagram posts, poster designs, and video promotions for Keraton
Information Technology
● Finalize payment plans and have decided to incorporate a paperless mode of payment in Keraton by using Square
Spring 2025
Executes Keraton on May
Event Organizers:
● Finalize all logistics for Keraton by the end of April (equipment, set up, layout, artists, etc.)
● Hold Keraton social night on mid-April to give an introduction on Keraton and host an Indomie Eating Competition
● Hold Keraton volunteer check-in on May 3 to assign tasks and give a briefing
Creativity Management:
● Complete Keraton décor by the end of April
Treasury, Fundraising, and Sponsorship:
● Fundraising
○ Banana Pudding
○ Authentic Indonesian savory dish: Sambal Matah Chicken
○ Salted Egg Chicken
● Finalize the list of sponsors for Keraton and communicate about their plans for Keraton
● Create an actual budget breakdown of expenditure for Keraton
● Handle all reimbursements in preparation for Keraton
Inventory:
● Take count of inventory in office and other locations, gather items needed for Keraton
Design and Documentation:
● Finalize T-shirt designs for Keraton (Sponsors at the back of the shirt)
● Create Instagram posts, TikTok videos, promotional videos, and poster designs for Keraton
● Print T-shirts for officers and volunteers
● Print posters to be passed around campus
● Document Keraton to be posted on all ISAUW’s social media and website
Marketing Communication:
● Market Keraton actively on all social media platforms such as Instagram, Tiktok, and on ISAUW’s website
● Collaborate with other colleges in the Greater Seattle area to promote Keraton
● Tabling to promote the festival at community colleges in the Greater Seattle Area (one week before Keraton)
● Tabling to promote the festival at the University of Washington Red Square (week of Keraton)
Information Technology
● Create a paying platform using Square to be used in Keraton by our vendors
Keraton (May, 3rd 2025)
|
Time |
Agenda |
|
8 AM |
ISAUW starts preparing and decorating site |
|
3 PM |
Vendors arrive and set up booths (such as: Food vendors, Solar Chapter booth, Batik-making booth, Coffee-tasting booth, Photography booth, etc.) |
|
4 PM |
Guests arrive and start visiting booths |
|
5 PM - 9 PM |
Performances from guest artists and students |
|
9:30 PM |
Debrief and clean up |
Plans for long-term project management
We are fully committed to ensuring Keraton's continuity and success of Keraton in the future, even as current leaders and organizers graduate. To achieve this, we have a strong succession strategy in place that focuses on teaching, mentoring, and equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to continue this tradition.
Our directors and department heads are actively mentoring new officers, passing down essential skills, insights, and strategies necessary for the successful execution of Keraton. From sponsorship negotiation, event logistics planning, or cultural programming - they take time mentoring their teams so they are well prepared for roles they will soon assume as leaders. At Keraton, we value hands-on learning by giving officers increasing levels of responsibility throughout planning to ensure they feel capable when the time comes for them to step into leadership positions themselves.
In addition to direct mentorship, we've assembled an expansive library of resources from past Keraton events. This includes detailed files, timelines, budgets from each event, and documentation of what worked well and what could be improved upon. New teams can utilize this material while adding their own new ideas and innovations - our aim is not simply replicating previous success but constantly building upon it year-on-year.
At Keraton, a core part of our strategy involves cultivating an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to take ownership of Keraton beyond just being an annual event. It becomes part of its culture, honoring tradition while strengthening ties with community members. Team members don't simply contribute towards organizing this festival; instead, they contribute toward an effort that unifies our culture while strengthening community ties.
Finally, we believe in the power of collaboration. Each year, we encourage officers to actively engage with past ISAUW members by asking for advice when needed and learning from their experiences. Through this ongoing dialogue, we ensure that knowledge of Keraton will continue to spread to future generations, creating a solid foundation for its continued success.
With these strategies in place, we're confident that Keraton will remain an enjoyable and enriching celebration of Indonesian culture at UW for many years to come. We’re dedicated to keeping it alive and growing.
Problem statement
Keraton 2025, as one of the largest Indonesian cultural festivals in the United States, aims to tackle several sustainability-related challenges while creating a memorable and impactful event. Energy use, waste management, and community engagement have been identified as key areas requiring improvement, informed by lessons from past events and the need to align with the University of Washington's sustainability goals.
Energy Use
Electricity consumption during large events like Keraton is significant, and we aim to reduce this impact. Keraton 2025 will implement energy-efficient practices, such as utilizing lower-voltage lighting during evening hours and eliminating artificial lighting during daylight hours in favor of natural sunlight. This deliberate approach not only minimizes energy use but also demonstrates how cultural events can adapt environmentally conscious practices.
Paperless Transactions
To minimize our carbon footprint, Keraton 2025 will adopt a seamless, paperless payment system using Square’s touchless readers. This system, which connects via customer smartphones or cards through RFID technology, reduces the need for paper receipts while providing a fast and efficient payment experience. This shift supports a greener and more modern approach to event management.
Carbon Footprint
Keraton 2025 is committed to addressing the carbon emissions associated with its food vendors. In past events, food trucks were used extensively, contributing to unsustainable energy consumption. This year, we will exclusively utilize stationary food booths, which are less energy-intensive and more sustainable. This change reflects our dedication to reducing emissions while maintaining the vibrant culinary experiences central to the festival.
Waste Management
Improper waste disposal was a significant issue in past Keraton events, leading to misplaced trash and limited recycling efforts. To address this, Keraton 2025 will double the number of trash and recycling bins throughout the event area. Additionally, we will hold a pre-event seminar for volunteers, educating them on sustainable practices and the importance of proper waste segregation. This initiative ensures that sustainability becomes a shared responsibility among all participants.
Food and Water Conservation
Food and water usage are critical areas of focus for Keraton 2025. Vendors will be encouraged to provide prepackaged food options to minimize food waste and reduce the water required for on-site cooking and cleaning. When cooking on-site is necessary to maintain authenticity, we will provide sustainable water containers to limit excessive water usage.
Community Development and Cultural Representation
Keraton 2025 goes beyond sustainability by fostering community development and cultural pride. The event brings together Indonesians from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared heritage, while also promoting volunteerism and collaboration. Partnerships with organizations like Solar Chapter highlight sustainable solutions in Indonesia, linking local action to global impact. Moreover, Keraton serves as a platform to address the underrepresentation of the Indonesian community in the United States, with over 5,000 attendees annually learning about one of Asia’s most culturally rich nations.
By addressing these specific sustainability challenges—energy use, waste management, carbon emissions, and community engagement, Keraton 2025 not only promotes environmental stewardship but also reinforces its role as a cultural and educational cornerstone at UW. This comprehensive approach ensures that the event contributes to both a greener campus and a deeper understanding of sustainability in the context of cultural celebrations.
Problem context
Keraton 2025 aligns with and enhances the existing sustainability efforts at the University of Washington (UW) by integrating innovative solutions and amplifying collective action toward environmental responsibility. While UW has numerous sustainability-focused programs and events, such as composting initiatives, recycling programs, and energy efficiency campaigns, Keraton 2025 complements these efforts by embedding sustainable practices within a large-scale cultural event. By addressing energy use, waste management, and carbon emissions, this project not only contributes to UW's sustainability ecosystem but also promotes cultural awareness and community engagement in a uniquely impactful way.
Keraton 2025 adopts key sustainability practices that align with UW’s broader environmental goals. For instance, the event’s transition to 99% compostable utensils and packaging fits seamlessly with UW’s composting infrastructure, reducing waste sent to landfills. Additionally, the shift to paperless transactions reduces unnecessary resource use, with savings easily quantified by the number of digital transactions. Assuming 13,000 attendees and at least one transaction per person, this initiative saves 13,000 paper receipts, contributing significantly to UW’s efforts to reduce paper waste.
Keraton 2025 also prioritizes energy efficiency, mirroring the university’s commitment to reducing energy consumption. By utilizing natural sunlight during the day and energy-efficient lighting at night, the event minimizes electricity use while maintaining an immersive atmosphere. This approach directly supports UW’s energy-saving initiatives and demonstrates how cultural events can adopt sustainable energy practices.
One of Keraton’s most significant contributions to UW’s sustainability ecosystem is its emphasis on education and behavioral change. As part of ISAUW’s vision to empower the next generation, the event serves as a platform to educate volunteers, officers, and the general public about the importance of sustainability. This is particularly impactful for members of the Indonesian community in Seattle, many of whom come from a country where sustainability is not yet a primary focus. Pre-event seminars for volunteers and waste management accountability for vendors ensure that sustainability remains a priority at all levels of involvement.
To further amplify collective action, Keraton 2025 will engage with other campus organizations, such as UW Sustainability and Solar Chapter, to promote cross-collaboration and shared goals. By integrating Keraton into UW’s larger network of environmentally conscious initiatives, the event fosters a culture of collective responsibility and creates new opportunities for student involvement in sustainability efforts.
Keraton 2025 is designed to generate measurable outcomes that align with UW’s sustainability objectives. For instance, the shift from food trucks to stationary booths is expected to reduce the event’s carbon emissions by 75% compared to Keraton four years ago. Water usage will also decrease significantly by encouraging vendors to use prepackaged foods, saving an estimated 3,500 gallons during the event.
By integrating into UW’s existing sustainability framework, emphasizing education, and measuring tangible impacts, Keraton 2025 not only complements current initiatives but also serves as a model for how large-scale cultural events can drive collective action toward sustainability.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| people enganged | 4000 people come and enganged | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Waste | 99% of vendors in keraton uses compostable utensils and packaging | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Food & Water | 3500 gallons of water used | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
Education and outreach goals
Keraton 2025's outreach strategy is meticulously developed to maximize visibility and engagement throughout both the University of Washington (UW) community and the greater Seattle area. By employing various communication methods from university platforms and collaborative partnerships to targeted digital marketing, Keraton 2025 hopes to share its vision effectively with as broad an audience as possible.
University Communications:
We will utilize official University of Washington platforms, including email newsletters, the UW Event Calendar, and feature coverage in The Daily, to ensure the information about Keraton 2025 is shared widely and effectively. These trusted channels will provide consistent, professional communication to reach a broad audience of students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing the event’s importance as a vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture. By leveraging these institutional resources, we aim to highlight Keraton’s unique role in promoting cultural diversity, fostering community engagement, and enriching the university’s dynamic cultural landscape.
Social Media and Digital Marketing:
Understanding the significance of online engagement, ISAUW Solar Chapter will leverage Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share engaging content, event updates, interactive posts, and interactive teaser campaigns for maximum reach within the university and Seattle's diverse communities. This strategy includes vibrant visuals, teaser campaigns, and targeted ads to maximize reach both within Seattle and across its various communities.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
Keraton 2025 will partner with PERMIAS Seattle, the Indonesian Student Association representing all Indonesian student communities in Greater Seattle. Our collaboration allows for extensive cross-promotion, shared resources, and coordinated efforts to promote Indonesian culture more widely. In addition, we will engage other UW Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) to amplify our message and attract diverse groups to our event.
Community Engagement and Tabling at Red Square:
We will host tabling sessions at Red Square to build anticipation and generate excitement surrounding Keraton 2025. These engaging events will include games, giveaways, and prizes to attract passersby's attention while sharing event details and inviting students and faculty members to participate. By creating an approachable presence on campus, we hope to build momentum before our big event day arrives.
Keraton 2025 will deliver an impactful and memorable celebration of Indonesian culture by drawing upon university resources, partnerships with organizations like PERMIAS Seattle, and on-campus activities like tabling. Our comprehensive plan demonstrates our dedication to cross-cultural understanding while creating an event with broad reach and inclusion for everyone involved - your support will make Keraton 2025 shine as one of the premier cultural events at UW and beyond!
Student involvement
Keraton 2025 has always been, and continues to be, a primarily student-led event, offering an array of student involvement and professional development opportunities. The event is organized by the Indonesian Student Association at the University of Washington (ISAUW), a committed group of over 46 students who dedicate their time, skills, and creativity to ensure its success. Each year, ISAUW creates an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment where members can apply their talents in specialized teams, contributing to the planning and execution of this flagship cultural festival.
These teams include Event Organizing, Design, Creativity Management, Inventory Management, Sponsorship, Treasury, Fundraising, Marketing & Communication, Documentation, and Web Development. Each group plays an essential role in the overall success of Keraton 2025, with students learning to work collaboratively while managing complex tasks under real-world conditions. For example, the Design team creates compelling visuals for marketing materials, the Sponsorship team builds relationships with local and national organizations to secure funding, and the Treasury team oversees budgeting and financial management. Through these roles, students gain invaluable experience in teamwork, leadership, and professional communication, as well as specialized skills that enhance their career readiness.
Preparation for Keraton 2025 begins in the fall, with ISAUW members dedicating months of effort to organizing this large-scale event. Members work across departments, pooling their knowledge and ideas to bring together performances, food booths, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities. This extensive planning process equips students with transferable skills such as event management, time management, and problem-solving. By the time the festival takes place, these students have not only contributed to a meaningful cultural experience but also grown personally and professionally through hands-on involvement.
In addition to the contributions of ISAUW officers, Keraton 2025 welcomes broader participation through volunteer opportunities. We are actively recruiting students to assist with cooking, registration, and event support roles. These volunteer positions are designed to provide participants an engaging and enriching experience, allowing them to build new skills while supporting a high-profile cultural event. Cooking volunteers will collaborate with our fundraising team to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes, gaining hands-on culinary experience while learning about the cultural significance of food as a unifying force. Meanwhile, registration volunteers will manage event logistics such as guest check-ins and crowd flow, building valuable skills in operations management, customer service, and communication.
Keraton 2025 also provides a platform for students to engage in applied research and creative storytelling. Through the Documentation team, students will learn the art of capturing cultural events through photography, videography, and narrative writing. In contrast, the Marketing & Communication team crafts compelling social media campaigns to engage audiences and promote the festival. Additionally, the Web Development team allows tech-savvy students to contribute their coding and design expertise, creating and maintaining Keraton’s digital presence.
Beyond the immediate professional skills gained, involvement in Keraton fosters a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and global citizenship among students. Working on a project of this scale allows participants to build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and community leaders while contributing to preserving and celebrating Indonesia’s heritage. This experience also challenges students to think creatively, adapt to changing circumstances, and develop solutions to complex problems, further preparing them for future endeavors.
By participating in Keraton 2025, students contribute to the success of an iconic cultural event and enhance their personal and professional growth. The opportunity to participate in a high-impact, student-driven project equips them with the skills, confidence, and cultural understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. Whether they are ISAUW officers leading specialized teams or volunteers supporting key activities, all participants play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for the UW community and beyond.
Keraton 2025’s commitment to student involvement reflects its broader mission of fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and community engagement. This student-led event empowers participants to take ownership of their contributions, build lasting connections, and leave a meaningful legacy on campus. In doing so, Keraton celebrates Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and cultivates the next generation of globally minded leaders.
Problem statement
Keraton 2025, as one of the largest Indonesian cultural festivals in the United States, aims to tackle several sustainability-related challenges while creating a memorable and impactful event. Energy use, waste management, and community engagement have been identified as key areas requiring improvement, informed by lessons from past events and the need to align with the University of Washington's sustainability goals.
Energy Use
Electricity consumption during large events like Keraton is significant, and we aim to reduce this impact. Keraton 2025 will implement energy-efficient practices, such as utilizing lower-voltage lighting during evening hours and eliminating artificial lighting during daylight hours in favor of natural sunlight. This deliberate approach not only minimizes energy use but also demonstrates how cultural events can adapt environmentally conscious practices.
Paperless Transactions
To minimize our carbon footprint, Keraton 2025 will adopt a seamless, paperless payment system using Square’s touchless readers. This system, which connects via customer smartphones or cards through RFID technology, reduces the need for paper receipts while providing a fast and efficient payment experience. This shift supports a greener and more modern approach to event management.
Carbon Footprint
Keraton 2025 is committed to addressing the carbon emissions associated with its food vendors. In past events, food trucks were used extensively, contributing to unsustainable energy consumption. This year, we will exclusively utilize stationary food booths, which are less energy-intensive and more sustainable. This change reflects our dedication to reducing emissions while maintaining the vibrant culinary experiences central to the festival.
Waste Management
Improper waste disposal was a significant issue in past Keraton events, leading to misplaced trash and limited recycling efforts. To address this, Keraton 2025 will double the number of trash and recycling bins throughout the event area. Additionally, we will hold a pre-event seminar for volunteers, educating them on sustainable practices and the importance of proper waste segregation. This initiative ensures that sustainability becomes a shared responsibility among all participants.
Food and Water Conservation
Food and water usage are critical areas of focus for Keraton 2025. Vendors will be encouraged to provide prepackaged food options to minimize food waste and reduce the water required for on-site cooking and cleaning. When cooking on-site is necessary to maintain authenticity, we will provide sustainable water containers to limit excessive water usage.
Community Development and Cultural Representation
Keraton 2025 goes beyond sustainability by fostering community development and cultural pride. The event brings together Indonesians from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared heritage, while also promoting volunteerism and collaboration. Partnerships with organizations like Solar Chapter highlight sustainable solutions in Indonesia, linking local action to global impact. Moreover, Keraton serves as a platform to address the underrepresentation of the Indonesian community in the United States, with over 5,000 attendees annually learning about one of Asia’s most culturally rich nations.
By addressing these specific sustainability challenges—energy use, waste management, carbon emissions, and community engagement, Keraton 2025 not only promotes environmental stewardship but also reinforces its role as a cultural and educational cornerstone at UW. This comprehensive approach ensures that the event contributes to both a greener campus and a deeper understanding of sustainability in the context of cultural celebrations.
Problem context
Keraton 2025 aligns with and enhances the existing sustainability efforts at the University of Washington (UW) by integrating innovative solutions and amplifying collective action toward environmental responsibility. While UW has numerous sustainability-focused programs and events, such as composting initiatives, recycling programs, and energy efficiency campaigns, Keraton 2025 complements these efforts by embedding sustainable practices within a large-scale cultural event. By addressing energy use, waste management, and carbon emissions, this project not only contributes to UW's sustainability ecosystem but also promotes cultural awareness and community engagement in a uniquely impactful way.
Keraton 2025 adopts key sustainability practices that align with UW’s broader environmental goals. For instance, the event’s transition to 99% compostable utensils and packaging fits seamlessly with UW’s composting infrastructure, reducing waste sent to landfills. Additionally, the shift to paperless transactions reduces unnecessary resource use, with savings easily quantified by the number of digital transactions. Assuming 13,000 attendees and at least one transaction per person, this initiative saves 13,000 paper receipts, contributing significantly to UW’s efforts to reduce paper waste.
Keraton 2025 also prioritizes energy efficiency, mirroring the university’s commitment to reducing energy consumption. By utilizing natural sunlight during the day and energy-efficient lighting at night, the event minimizes electricity use while maintaining an immersive atmosphere. This approach directly supports UW’s energy-saving initiatives and demonstrates how cultural events can adopt sustainable energy practices.
One of Keraton’s most significant contributions to UW’s sustainability ecosystem is its emphasis on education and behavioral change. As part of ISAUW’s vision to empower the next generation, the event serves as a platform to educate volunteers, officers, and the general public about the importance of sustainability. This is particularly impactful for members of the Indonesian community in Seattle, many of whom come from a country where sustainability is not yet a primary focus. Pre-event seminars for volunteers and waste management accountability for vendors ensure that sustainability remains a priority at all levels of involvement.
To further amplify collective action, Keraton 2025 will engage with other campus organizations, such as UW Sustainability and Solar Chapter, to promote cross-collaboration and shared goals. By integrating Keraton into UW’s larger network of environmentally conscious initiatives, the event fosters a culture of collective responsibility and creates new opportunities for student involvement in sustainability efforts.
Keraton 2025 is designed to generate measurable outcomes that align with UW’s sustainability objectives. For instance, the shift from food trucks to stationary booths is expected to reduce the event’s carbon emissions by 75% compared to Keraton four years ago. Water usage will also decrease significantly by encouraging vendors to use prepackaged foods, saving an estimated 3,500 gallons during the event.
By integrating into UW’s existing sustainability framework, emphasizing education, and measuring tangible impacts, Keraton 2025 not only complements current initiatives but also serves as a model for how large-scale cultural events can drive collective action toward sustainability.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| people enganged | 4000 people come and enganged | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Waste | 99% of vendors in keraton uses compostable utensils and packaging | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Food & Water | 3500 gallons of water used | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
Education and outreach goals
Keraton 2025's outreach strategy is meticulously developed to maximize visibility and engagement throughout both the University of Washington (UW) community and the greater Seattle area. By employing various communication methods from university platforms and collaborative partnerships to targeted digital marketing, Keraton 2025 hopes to share its vision effectively with as broad an audience as possible.
University Communications:
We will utilize official University of Washington platforms, including email newsletters, the UW Event Calendar, and feature coverage in The Daily, to ensure the information about Keraton 2025 is shared widely and effectively. These trusted channels will provide consistent, professional communication to reach a broad audience of students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing the event’s importance as a vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture. By leveraging these institutional resources, we aim to highlight Keraton’s unique role in promoting cultural diversity, fostering community engagement, and enriching the university’s dynamic cultural landscape.
Social Media and Digital Marketing:
Understanding the significance of online engagement, ISAUW Solar Chapter will leverage Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share engaging content, event updates, interactive posts, and interactive teaser campaigns for maximum reach within the university and Seattle's diverse communities. This strategy includes vibrant visuals, teaser campaigns, and targeted ads to maximize reach both within Seattle and across its various communities.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
Keraton 2025 will partner with PERMIAS Seattle, the Indonesian Student Association representing all Indonesian student communities in Greater Seattle. Our collaboration allows for extensive cross-promotion, shared resources, and coordinated efforts to promote Indonesian culture more widely. In addition, we will engage other UW Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) to amplify our message and attract diverse groups to our event.
Community Engagement and Tabling at Red Square:
We will host tabling sessions at Red Square to build anticipation and generate excitement surrounding Keraton 2025. These engaging events will include games, giveaways, and prizes to attract passersby's attention while sharing event details and inviting students and faculty members to participate. By creating an approachable presence on campus, we hope to build momentum before our big event day arrives.
Keraton 2025 will deliver an impactful and memorable celebration of Indonesian culture by drawing upon university resources, partnerships with organizations like PERMIAS Seattle, and on-campus activities like tabling. Our comprehensive plan demonstrates our dedication to cross-cultural understanding while creating an event with broad reach and inclusion for everyone involved - your support will make Keraton 2025 shine as one of the premier cultural events at UW and beyond!
Student involvement
Keraton 2025 has always been, and continues to be, a primarily student-led event, offering an array of student involvement and professional development opportunities. The event is organized by the Indonesian Student Association at the University of Washington (ISAUW), a committed group of over 46 students who dedicate their time, skills, and creativity to ensure its success. Each year, ISAUW creates an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment where members can apply their talents in specialized teams, contributing to the planning and execution of this flagship cultural festival.
These teams include Event Organizing, Design, Creativity Management, Inventory Management, Sponsorship, Treasury, Fundraising, Marketing & Communication, Documentation, and Web Development. Each group plays an essential role in the overall success of Keraton 2025, with students learning to work collaboratively while managing complex tasks under real-world conditions. For example, the Design team creates compelling visuals for marketing materials, the Sponsorship team builds relationships with local and national organizations to secure funding, and the Treasury team oversees budgeting and financial management. Through these roles, students gain invaluable experience in teamwork, leadership, and professional communication, as well as specialized skills that enhance their career readiness.
Preparation for Keraton 2025 begins in the fall, with ISAUW members dedicating months of effort to organizing this large-scale event. Members work across departments, pooling their knowledge and ideas to bring together performances, food booths, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities. This extensive planning process equips students with transferable skills such as event management, time management, and problem-solving. By the time the festival takes place, these students have not only contributed to a meaningful cultural experience but also grown personally and professionally through hands-on involvement.
In addition to the contributions of ISAUW officers, Keraton 2025 welcomes broader participation through volunteer opportunities. We are actively recruiting students to assist with cooking, registration, and event support roles. These volunteer positions are designed to provide participants an engaging and enriching experience, allowing them to build new skills while supporting a high-profile cultural event. Cooking volunteers will collaborate with our fundraising team to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes, gaining hands-on culinary experience while learning about the cultural significance of food as a unifying force. Meanwhile, registration volunteers will manage event logistics such as guest check-ins and crowd flow, building valuable skills in operations management, customer service, and communication.
Keraton 2025 also provides a platform for students to engage in applied research and creative storytelling. Through the Documentation team, students will learn the art of capturing cultural events through photography, videography, and narrative writing. In contrast, the Marketing & Communication team crafts compelling social media campaigns to engage audiences and promote the festival. Additionally, the Web Development team allows tech-savvy students to contribute their coding and design expertise, creating and maintaining Keraton’s digital presence.
Beyond the immediate professional skills gained, involvement in Keraton fosters a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and global citizenship among students. Working on a project of this scale allows participants to build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and community leaders while contributing to preserving and celebrating Indonesia’s heritage. This experience also challenges students to think creatively, adapt to changing circumstances, and develop solutions to complex problems, further preparing them for future endeavors.
By participating in Keraton 2025, students contribute to the success of an iconic cultural event and enhance their personal and professional growth. The opportunity to participate in a high-impact, student-driven project equips them with the skills, confidence, and cultural understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. Whether they are ISAUW officers leading specialized teams or volunteers supporting key activities, all participants play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for the UW community and beyond.
Keraton 2025’s commitment to student involvement reflects its broader mission of fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and community engagement. This student-led event empowers participants to take ownership of their contributions, build lasting connections, and leave a meaningful legacy on campus. In doing so, Keraton celebrates Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and cultivates the next generation of globally minded leaders.
Problem statement
Keraton 2025, as one of the largest Indonesian cultural festivals in the United States, aims to tackle several sustainability-related challenges while creating a memorable and impactful event. Energy use, waste management, and community engagement have been identified as key areas requiring improvement, informed by lessons from past events and the need to align with the University of Washington's sustainability goals.
Energy Use
Electricity consumption during large events like Keraton is significant, and we aim to reduce this impact. Keraton 2025 will implement energy-efficient practices, such as utilizing lower-voltage lighting during evening hours and eliminating artificial lighting during daylight hours in favor of natural sunlight. This deliberate approach not only minimizes energy use but also demonstrates how cultural events can adapt environmentally conscious practices.
Paperless Transactions
To minimize our carbon footprint, Keraton 2025 will adopt a seamless, paperless payment system using Square’s touchless readers. This system, which connects via customer smartphones or cards through RFID technology, reduces the need for paper receipts while providing a fast and efficient payment experience. This shift supports a greener and more modern approach to event management.
Carbon Footprint
Keraton 2025 is committed to addressing the carbon emissions associated with its food vendors. In past events, food trucks were used extensively, contributing to unsustainable energy consumption. This year, we will exclusively utilize stationary food booths, which are less energy-intensive and more sustainable. This change reflects our dedication to reducing emissions while maintaining the vibrant culinary experiences central to the festival.
Waste Management
Improper waste disposal was a significant issue in past Keraton events, leading to misplaced trash and limited recycling efforts. To address this, Keraton 2025 will double the number of trash and recycling bins throughout the event area. Additionally, we will hold a pre-event seminar for volunteers, educating them on sustainable practices and the importance of proper waste segregation. This initiative ensures that sustainability becomes a shared responsibility among all participants.
Food and Water Conservation
Food and water usage are critical areas of focus for Keraton 2025. Vendors will be encouraged to provide prepackaged food options to minimize food waste and reduce the water required for on-site cooking and cleaning. When cooking on-site is necessary to maintain authenticity, we will provide sustainable water containers to limit excessive water usage.
Community Development and Cultural Representation
Keraton 2025 goes beyond sustainability by fostering community development and cultural pride. The event brings together Indonesians from diverse backgrounds to celebrate their shared heritage, while also promoting volunteerism and collaboration. Partnerships with organizations like Solar Chapter highlight sustainable solutions in Indonesia, linking local action to global impact. Moreover, Keraton serves as a platform to address the underrepresentation of the Indonesian community in the United States, with over 5,000 attendees annually learning about one of Asia’s most culturally rich nations.
By addressing these specific sustainability challenges—energy use, waste management, carbon emissions, and community engagement, Keraton 2025 not only promotes environmental stewardship but also reinforces its role as a cultural and educational cornerstone at UW. This comprehensive approach ensures that the event contributes to both a greener campus and a deeper understanding of sustainability in the context of cultural celebrations.
Problem context
Keraton 2025 aligns with and enhances the existing sustainability efforts at the University of Washington (UW) by integrating innovative solutions and amplifying collective action toward environmental responsibility. While UW has numerous sustainability-focused programs and events, such as composting initiatives, recycling programs, and energy efficiency campaigns, Keraton 2025 complements these efforts by embedding sustainable practices within a large-scale cultural event. By addressing energy use, waste management, and carbon emissions, this project not only contributes to UW's sustainability ecosystem but also promotes cultural awareness and community engagement in a uniquely impactful way.
Keraton 2025 adopts key sustainability practices that align with UW’s broader environmental goals. For instance, the event’s transition to 99% compostable utensils and packaging fits seamlessly with UW’s composting infrastructure, reducing waste sent to landfills. Additionally, the shift to paperless transactions reduces unnecessary resource use, with savings easily quantified by the number of digital transactions. Assuming 13,000 attendees and at least one transaction per person, this initiative saves 13,000 paper receipts, contributing significantly to UW’s efforts to reduce paper waste.
Keraton 2025 also prioritizes energy efficiency, mirroring the university’s commitment to reducing energy consumption. By utilizing natural sunlight during the day and energy-efficient lighting at night, the event minimizes electricity use while maintaining an immersive atmosphere. This approach directly supports UW’s energy-saving initiatives and demonstrates how cultural events can adopt sustainable energy practices.
One of Keraton’s most significant contributions to UW’s sustainability ecosystem is its emphasis on education and behavioral change. As part of ISAUW’s vision to empower the next generation, the event serves as a platform to educate volunteers, officers, and the general public about the importance of sustainability. This is particularly impactful for members of the Indonesian community in Seattle, many of whom come from a country where sustainability is not yet a primary focus. Pre-event seminars for volunteers and waste management accountability for vendors ensure that sustainability remains a priority at all levels of involvement.
To further amplify collective action, Keraton 2025 will engage with other campus organizations, such as UW Sustainability and Solar Chapter, to promote cross-collaboration and shared goals. By integrating Keraton into UW’s larger network of environmentally conscious initiatives, the event fosters a culture of collective responsibility and creates new opportunities for student involvement in sustainability efforts.
Keraton 2025 is designed to generate measurable outcomes that align with UW’s sustainability objectives. For instance, the shift from food trucks to stationary booths is expected to reduce the event’s carbon emissions by 75% compared to Keraton four years ago. Water usage will also decrease significantly by encouraging vendors to use prepackaged foods, saving an estimated 3,500 gallons during the event.
By integrating into UW’s existing sustainability framework, emphasizing education, and measuring tangible impacts, Keraton 2025 not only complements current initiatives but also serves as a model for how large-scale cultural events can drive collective action toward sustainability.
Measure the impacts
| Impact / goal | Metric(s) of success | UW stakeholders impacted |
|---|---|---|
| people enganged | 4000 people come and enganged | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Waste | 99% of vendors in keraton uses compostable utensils and packaging | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
| Food & Water | 3500 gallons of water used | Undergraduate, Graduate, Alumni, Academic staff, Admin staff |
Education and outreach goals
Keraton 2025's outreach strategy is meticulously developed to maximize visibility and engagement throughout both the University of Washington (UW) community and the greater Seattle area. By employing various communication methods from university platforms and collaborative partnerships to targeted digital marketing, Keraton 2025 hopes to share its vision effectively with as broad an audience as possible.
University Communications:
We will utilize official University of Washington platforms, including email newsletters, the UW Event Calendar, and feature coverage in The Daily, to ensure the information about Keraton 2025 is shared widely and effectively. These trusted channels will provide consistent, professional communication to reach a broad audience of students, faculty, and staff, emphasizing the event’s importance as a vibrant celebration of Indonesian culture. By leveraging these institutional resources, we aim to highlight Keraton’s unique role in promoting cultural diversity, fostering community engagement, and enriching the university’s dynamic cultural landscape.
Social Media and Digital Marketing:
Understanding the significance of online engagement, ISAUW Solar Chapter will leverage Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to share engaging content, event updates, interactive posts, and interactive teaser campaigns for maximum reach within the university and Seattle's diverse communities. This strategy includes vibrant visuals, teaser campaigns, and targeted ads to maximize reach both within Seattle and across its various communities.
Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations:
Keraton 2025 will partner with PERMIAS Seattle, the Indonesian Student Association representing all Indonesian student communities in Greater Seattle. Our collaboration allows for extensive cross-promotion, shared resources, and coordinated efforts to promote Indonesian culture more widely. In addition, we will engage other UW Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) to amplify our message and attract diverse groups to our event.
Community Engagement and Tabling at Red Square:
We will host tabling sessions at Red Square to build anticipation and generate excitement surrounding Keraton 2025. These engaging events will include games, giveaways, and prizes to attract passersby's attention while sharing event details and inviting students and faculty members to participate. By creating an approachable presence on campus, we hope to build momentum before our big event day arrives.
Keraton 2025 will deliver an impactful and memorable celebration of Indonesian culture by drawing upon university resources, partnerships with organizations like PERMIAS Seattle, and on-campus activities like tabling. Our comprehensive plan demonstrates our dedication to cross-cultural understanding while creating an event with broad reach and inclusion for everyone involved - your support will make Keraton 2025 shine as one of the premier cultural events at UW and beyond!
Student involvement
Keraton 2025 has always been, and continues to be, a primarily student-led event, offering an array of student involvement and professional development opportunities. The event is organized by the Indonesian Student Association at the University of Washington (ISAUW), a committed group of over 46 students who dedicate their time, skills, and creativity to ensure its success. Each year, ISAUW creates an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment where members can apply their talents in specialized teams, contributing to the planning and execution of this flagship cultural festival.
These teams include Event Organizing, Design, Creativity Management, Inventory Management, Sponsorship, Treasury, Fundraising, Marketing & Communication, Documentation, and Web Development. Each group plays an essential role in the overall success of Keraton 2025, with students learning to work collaboratively while managing complex tasks under real-world conditions. For example, the Design team creates compelling visuals for marketing materials, the Sponsorship team builds relationships with local and national organizations to secure funding, and the Treasury team oversees budgeting and financial management. Through these roles, students gain invaluable experience in teamwork, leadership, and professional communication, as well as specialized skills that enhance their career readiness.
Preparation for Keraton 2025 begins in the fall, with ISAUW members dedicating months of effort to organizing this large-scale event. Members work across departments, pooling their knowledge and ideas to bring together performances, food booths, cultural exhibits, and interactive activities. This extensive planning process equips students with transferable skills such as event management, time management, and problem-solving. By the time the festival takes place, these students have not only contributed to a meaningful cultural experience but also grown personally and professionally through hands-on involvement.
In addition to the contributions of ISAUW officers, Keraton 2025 welcomes broader participation through volunteer opportunities. We are actively recruiting students to assist with cooking, registration, and event support roles. These volunteer positions are designed to provide participants an engaging and enriching experience, allowing them to build new skills while supporting a high-profile cultural event. Cooking volunteers will collaborate with our fundraising team to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes, gaining hands-on culinary experience while learning about the cultural significance of food as a unifying force. Meanwhile, registration volunteers will manage event logistics such as guest check-ins and crowd flow, building valuable skills in operations management, customer service, and communication.
Keraton 2025 also provides a platform for students to engage in applied research and creative storytelling. Through the Documentation team, students will learn the art of capturing cultural events through photography, videography, and narrative writing. In contrast, the Marketing & Communication team crafts compelling social media campaigns to engage audiences and promote the festival. Additionally, the Web Development team allows tech-savvy students to contribute their coding and design expertise, creating and maintaining Keraton’s digital presence.
Beyond the immediate professional skills gained, involvement in Keraton fosters a sense of community, cultural appreciation, and global citizenship among students. Working on a project of this scale allows participants to build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and community leaders while contributing to preserving and celebrating Indonesia’s heritage. This experience also challenges students to think creatively, adapt to changing circumstances, and develop solutions to complex problems, further preparing them for future endeavors.
By participating in Keraton 2025, students contribute to the success of an iconic cultural event and enhance their personal and professional growth. The opportunity to participate in a high-impact, student-driven project equips them with the skills, confidence, and cultural understanding needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized world. Whether they are ISAUW officers leading specialized teams or volunteers supporting key activities, all participants play a vital role in creating an unforgettable experience for the UW community and beyond.
Keraton 2025’s commitment to student involvement reflects its broader mission of fostering leadership, cultural exchange, and community engagement. This student-led event empowers participants to take ownership of their contributions, build lasting connections, and leave a meaningful legacy on campus. In doing so, Keraton celebrates Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and cultivates the next generation of globally minded leaders.