Photo from instagram.com/nongkrongfest
In discussions about Indonesian diaspora, they are often seen as ‘assets’ that contribute to Indonesian economy. But they are also doing more than that – they are also developing and contributing to the directions and growth of Indonesian cultures around the world as well as in Indonesia itself. And in Melbourne, a group of Indonesian diaspora communities are reimagining what it means to celebrate their cultural identity through art, food, and the simple act of nongkrong (hanging out).
What does it mean to maintain connections to Indonesia while building new communities in Australia? How can festivals become sites of both cultural celebration and critical dialogue? And what roles do art and creative practice play in helping diaspora communities navigate their layered identities?
In this episode, Tito Ambyo talks with Moira Tirtha, co-founder of Melbourne’s Nongkrong Festival and a researcher studying Indonesian creative diaspora. Together they explore how the festival has evolved from a simple gathering among friends to become an important space for cultural dialogue and community building. Through their conversation, we learn about the complexities of Indonesian-Australian identity and how cultural events can create meaningful connections across communities.
Moira is both an academic researcher and cultural producer, bringing unique insights into how festivals can serve as sites of research and cultural expression. Her work examines how Indonesian creative diaspora contribute to both their adopted homes and homeland, moving beyond traditional economic measures to explore cultural and social impacts.
In 2025, the Talking Indonesia podcast is co-hosted by Tito Ambyo from RMIT, Dr Jemma Purdey from the Australia-Indonesia Centre, Dr Jacqui Baker from Murdoch University and Dr Elisabeth Kramer from the University of New South Wales.