Surabaya– Taman Bungkul was abuzz with excitement as the Car Free Day event unfolded, bringing together the vibrant community of Surabaya and international students from Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (Unusa) and Genus’ Volunteer (9/6). The event, organized by the Global Engagement office of Unusa, aimed to introduce Indonesian street food to the international students while promoting cultural exchange.
Stalls lined the pathways of Taman Bungkul, offering a wide array of Indonesian street foods such as satay, nasi goreng, bakso, and es cendol. The international students eagerly sampled these local delicacies, guided by the enthusiastic Genus volunteers who shared insights into the cultural significance and ingredients of each dish.
Wiwik Afridah, the head of Global Engagement at Unusa, expressed his delight at the turnout and the success of the event. “Our goal is to create meaningful cultural exchanges and to give our international students a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture. Food is a universal language, and what better way to introduce them to Indonesia than through our rich and diverse culinary heritage?”
The event also featured cultural performances by citizen, including traditional dance and music, which captivated the audience and provided a glimpse into Indonesia’s artistic traditions. Participants had the opportunity to join in some of the performances, adding to the interactive and immersive experience.
International students, hailing from Timor Leste and Philippines, shared their excitement and appreciation for the event. Vandy from Philipines said, “This is an incredible experience. The food is amazing, and I love learning about the different flavors and traditions. The volunteers have been so welcoming and informative.”
The Car Free Day event at Taman Bungkul not only highlighted the culinary richness of Indonesia but also underscored the importance of community and environmental sustainability. With no cars allowed, participants enjoyed a pollution-free environment, promoting the benefits of a cleaner and healthier lifestyle.
Genus, looks forward to organizing more such events in the future, continuing their mission of promoting global harmony and cultural exchange.(nrl/admin)