Surabaya – The lively and enthusiastic atmosphere at the Art Laboratory of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (Unusa) during the visit of eight students from the 4th Brave! Program Program highlights the significance of cultural exchange in higher education.
Students from Timor Leste, the Philippines, and Thailand have the unique opportunity to play the angklung, a traditional Indonesian musical instrument. This cross-cultural interaction not only create a rich cultural experience but also strengthen the bonds of friendship between nations. Their enthusiasm for learning the angklung demonstrates the universal appeal of traditional music, capable of uniting people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
This visit, beyond just an academic program, is part of Unusa’s initiative to build cultural bridges among ASEAN countries. Through direct engagement with traditional arts, the students are encouraged to experience and appreciate cultural diversity—an essential value in today’s globalized world. The experience not only broaden their knowledge of Indonesia but also deepen their awareness of the importance of preserving and respecting their own cultural heritage.
A lecturer from Unusa’s Elementary School Teacher Education Program (PGSD), who supervises the activity, patiently explains the history and technique of playing the angklung to the students. They are invited to try playing a few simple songs, guided directly by the lecturer.
“This activity is very beneficial for international students to gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, particularly through traditional music. It also serves as a great way to strengthen relationships between students from different ASEAN countries,” said one of the lecturers who led the session.
The 4th Brave! students thoroughly enjoy their experience. Shernalyn, one of the students from the Philippines, expresses her excitement about learning such a unique instrument as the angklung. “This is my first time playing the angklung, and I’m really impressed by the beautiful sound it produces. I’ll definitely share this experience with my friends back in the Philippines,” she said.
Through this activities, it is hoped that cultural ties among ASEAN students will grow stronger, and that they will gain a deeper understanding of the richness and beauty of Indonesian arts and culture. Unusa remains committed to supporting cultural exchange programs that broaden the horizons of both local and international students. (nrl/humas)