Komando ‘45 hosts an astrology-themed party to welcome new students

Komando ‘45 Welcoming Party in session

One by one, little boxes with identical purple virtual backgrounds flowed in the dyad of splashy hues into the Zoom meeting as Komando ‘45 committee members welcomed their returning and newest members with a chorus of hellos that was swiftly overtaken by lighthearted banter.

The biannual welcoming party of the university’s Indonesian student organisation on 9 April featured icebreaker games and activities, as well as a sharing session that drew approximately 40 attendees.

Tasya Assifa, an Indonesian student who relocated to Malaysia last month said,

“The games are just so much fun, especially the astronomer game, which was so engaging that my breakout room barely did anything as we spent the whole time talking and getting to know one another.”

“We created a group chat after the game, and I’m just glad to have made friends through this.”

A virtual welcome party is not a boring prospect for Komando ‘45.

Founded in 2012, the organisation’s name is an abbreviation for 'youths with the spirit of 1945,' a nod to the revolutionaries who pushed for Indonesia’s independence in 1945.

According to Yona Grace, president of Komando ‘45, the setting of the gathering is not a significant issue since the organisation’s primary objective is to foster a sense of community among students.

“Although we are in the neighbouring country, there are a few things that are different here, so through this welcoming party, we want them to feel at home even though they’re not home,” said Yona.

Several students have found the welcoming party to be more effective and helpful than the typical welcoming parties held by most student organisations due to the sharing session led by senior students.

Komando ‘45's Sharing Session

“They highlighted everything from halal restaurants to transportation, mosques, and even the sort of assignments we can expect from our field of study.”

“It was like a guide for me to explore Subang Jaya because I don’t know much about this place,” said committee member Tasya.

“Maybe because this event was conducted online, I felt like we couldn’t form personal connections with our new members,” said Yona.

“That is why we are excited to conduct on-campus events in the future because it will make them feel more connected to this community,” added Vanessa Williem, the club secretary.

“But the main objective of our event is to make new members feel at home so they don’t get homesick, and I believe we have accomplished that.”