The International Office (IO) of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), recently organized a cultural event titled International Student Cultural Activity on Saturday (December 1) at Citra Alam Riverside. This activity was designed for international students studying at FTUI, including those participating in exchange programs, visiting students, and full-time students.
The event allowed international students to learn more about Indonesian traditions and culture while enjoying the country’s rich natural beauty. Additionally, they engaged with and enjoyed Indonesian cultural education. The activity was attended by international students and several local FTUI students who were ready to assist and interact throughout the event.
“This activity is expected to serve as an important bridge for international students at FTUI to learn more about Indonesian culture and build strong connections among participants. Through this program, we hope international students feel welcomed and comfortable in FTUI’s academic environment and carry this valuable experience back to their home countries. May this togetherness strengthen cross-cultural connections in the future,” explained Fadhilah Muslim, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., DIC, Head of FTUI’s International Office.
The event featured three exciting activities. First, participants learned about the general history of batik and practised creating hand-drawn batik using traditional tools. They also had the opportunity to play the traditional musical instrument angklung, and in this session, they even performed the popular song Laskar Pelangi.
The event concluded with lively games. Participants were divided into two groups to play games like tug-of-war and water transfer. These activities were entertaining, fostered teamwork, and strengthened bonds among participants. They were also a fun way to unwind from academic stress.
Takuma Hattori, a visiting student from Chiba University, was thrilled to participate in the activity. He said, “Learning about the culture was a great experience. I enjoyed making batik. I made friends here and had a lot of fun!”
Catharina Coco Hansen, an exchange student from the University of Southern Denmark, shared her thoughts: “The combination of creativity, teamwork, and music made me feel relaxed and motivated. It was the perfect balance of fun and learning. Furthermore, I found today very meaningful as it allowed me to connect with others while discovering aspects of local culture in a fun way!”
The event concluded with a group photo session, during which each participant showcased the batik they had created. The photo was a memento, capturing the camaraderie and delightful experiences gained during the activity.
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Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
