International Office Unisba – Imagine arriving in a new country and being welcomed with warm smiles, flavorful Sundanese cuisine, and the enchanting harmony of angklung melodies. That was the unforgettable beginning for 16 students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) as they stepped into Bandung City. In no time, barriers melted away, conversations flowed freely, and Indonesian culture began to weave its magic into every moment they crafted.
The Collaborative Visit and Mobility Program between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Universitas Islam Bandung (UNISBA) aims to strengthen the relationship between universities by implementing global values through inbound activities.
On the first day (16th of May 2025), 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 as a community from the International Office of Universitas Islam Bandung also plays an important role as a companion during the event, which is called Buddies. So, after their arrival, 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 Buddies who were assigned as liaison officers. They were ready to accompany them for the next 3 days. In a few minutes, bonding began with a warm conversation between the participants and U-GIS, the Liaison Officer, which helped them become familiar with each other.
The journey continued to the first destination, that is Saung Angklung Udjo. Before watching the performance, participants tasted the Sundanese dishes as a lunch menu at Dapoer Angklung Udjo, ranging from 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 by watching the Saung Angklung Udjo performance, which offered an outstanding art performance with the charm of Sundanese culture, such as the angklung instruments performance, Wayang Golek Performance, 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 concluded with a captivating finale in the evening, followed by a delightful 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.
Following the delightful dinner at Kapulaga restaurant, Dhya Salma as one of the U-GIS Liaison Officers shared her thoughts on the first day’s experience, reflecting on the connection built between participants and the warmth of cultural exchange, “I was excited for the first day. I met NUS friends for the first time, they were kind and friendly, and I got to learn about the learning system there and various activities they have. We also went to Saung Angklung Udjo which is one of my favorite activities. I can learn more about Indonesian music, dance, drama, and even the instruments. I got the opportunity to play angklung and dance together with everyone. It was a great experience for me!”
This meaningful experience is anticipated to deepen the participants’ cultural immersion in Indonesia, aligning with the goals of 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 satisfied appetites and joyful spirits, the first day of the visitation filled with introductions and cultural immersion, came to a close.
