CULTURAL DIPLOMACY STRATEGY THROUGH PAPUAN TRADITIONAL DANCE USING TABOLA BALE SONG AT UPHSD CALAMBA

STRATEGI DIPLOMASI KEBUDAYAAN MELALUI TARI TRADISIONAL PAPUAN MENGGUNAKAN LAGU TABOLA BALE DI UPHSD CALAMBA

Abstract

The cultural diplomacy activity implemented through the From Indonesia to Perpetual: A Journey of Learning and Culture program at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Calamba, Philippines, is noteworthy because it introduces Papuan traditional dance as a medium of cultural diplomacy. This study aims to describe the implementation of a cultural diplomacy strategy through the introduction of Papuan traditional dance using the song Tabola Bale as a supporting learning medium and to examine students’ responses and appreciation toward Indonesian culture. This study employed a descriptive qualitative approach. The research was conducted at UPHSD Calamba, Philippines, with data collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana data analysis technique. The findings indicate that the cultural diplomacy strategy was implemented through three stages based on Milton C. Cummings’ concept: exchange of ideas, exchange of information, and exchange of art and other aspects of culture. The program generated positive student responses and fostered appreciation of Indonesian culture through active participation, cultural interaction, and dance practice. This study contributes to the field of dance education by demonstrating that traditional dance can serve as an effective medium for cultural diplomacy, cultural preservation, and cross-cultural learning in an international educational setting.