As part of the FED-AIR 2025 program, students from Federation University, Australia, and Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia, explored the intersection of culture and communication in health promotion. This initiative underscored the importance of integrating traditional arts and modern media to enhance public health awareness and engagement.

The day commenced with a mesmerizing traditional dance performance by the Arutala Traditional Dance Club, a student-led organization from Universitas Airlangga dedicated to preserving and promoting Indonesian cultural heritage. Their performance was more than just an artistic display; it served as a storytelling medium that embodied values of unity, wellness, and community resilience. By experiencing these cultural expressions firsthand, students gained insights into how traditional arts can be utilized to convey important health messages, especially in local communities where cultural identity plays a crucial role in daily life.

Following the dance performance, Federation University students participated in an interactive discussion session to explore the role of communication in health promotion. They reflected on how traditional art forms, such as dance and storytelling, have been used to spread health awareness in different societies, drawing comparisons between Indonesia and Australia. The discussion fostered critical thinking on how cultural elements can be integrated into modern health communication strategies to make them more effective and relatable.

The learning experience continued with a visit to Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), where students gained firsthand insights into health communication strategies through media. RRI, as one of Indonesia’s most influential public broadcasting institutions, played a vital role in disseminating health information to diverse audiences. During the visit, students engaged in discussions with media professionals on how radio and other communication platforms are used to promote public health campaigns, debunk misinformation, and encourage behavioral change. They also observed how RRI integrates traditional narratives with modern broadcasting techniques to make health information more relatable and accessible.

This session provided valuable lessons on the synergy between culture, education, and media in health promotion. By combining traditional performing arts, academic discussions, and mass communication strategies, public health initiatives can reach wider audiences, making essential information more engaging and impactful. FED-AIR 2025 emphasized the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global health challenges, reinforcing the commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and Goal 4 (Quality Education) through innovative approaches to health communication.