International Office Unisba – The Collaborative Visit and Mobility Program from the National University of Singapore (NUS) to Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) is an initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between universities in implementing global values through inbound activities.
On the first day, the International Office of Universitas Islam Bandung, accompanied by Unisba Global Inspired Society (U-GIS) as the committee that organized the program, picked up participants at the Whoosh station in Padalarang, Bandung, Indonesia.
A total of 16 participants and 4 mentors from NUS safely arrived in Padalarang, Bandung, with a pleasant welcome. U-GIS buddies distributed participant name tags and checked the list of names for them to enter the pickup car, then headed to Bandung City.
Upon arrival in Bandung City, participants were welcomed by the U-GIS liaison officer, who was ready to accompany them for the next 3 days. In a few minutes, bonding began with a warm conversation between the participants, who were buddies, and U-GIS, the Liaison Officer, which made them familiar with each other.
The journey continued to the first destination, that is Saung Angklung Udjo. Before watching the performance, participants enjoyed a lunch menu of Sundanese dishes at Dapoer Angklung Udjo, which included soto ayam, grilled gurame, and mie kocok.
The participants also tried traditional es potong as a dessert. While enjoying the food, the conversation between buddies continued to sweeten the atmosphere of the afternoon mingle.
After lunch, the activity continued with a performance by Saung Angklung Udjo, which presented an excellent art performance showcasing the charm of Sundanese culture, featuring angklung instrument performances, Wayang Golek, Indonesian medley dances, and regional song performances by Saung Udjo artists.
“I was very much intrigued by how the different angklungs made different notes, and when played together, would create mesmerising harmonies. The dances where the children come up to the audience and bring us to the stage to join them were also super fun! I indeed hesitated at first, but it just kept getting better,, Said Mai as one of the participants.
“Saung Angklung Experience was really fun, especially the dance segment that was very amazing. Through the dance I felt unified because everyone was supporting each other, just having fun, embracing Indonesia’s beautiful culture” – Kye talked about his experience while joining Saung Angklung Performance.
The performance wrapped up mesmerizingly in the evening, and after which the activity continued with dinner at the Kapulaga restaurant.
Participants enjoyed typical Sudanese dishes, ranging from sate ayam, nasi liwet, and nasi timbel to ayam penyet, as well as desserts like es cincau.
A valuable experience is expected to strengthen cultural immersion in Indonesia as part of the objectives for the collaborative visit program.
“Fun! because we had a lot of activities, wholesome because all the people here are really friendly to us, and lastly I’m happy because everyday was fun and everyone was happy” – Sam said about his whole experience of the program.
With a full stomach and a happy heart, the introduction and cultural immersion activities on the first day of the visitation were completed.
