IPB-Directorate of International Education Hosts Farewell Party for Inbound Students of the 2023/2024 Spring Semester

As the 2023/2024 spring semester comes to an end, the Directorate of International Education of IPB University organized a memorable Farewell Party for its inbound students on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Kampung Wisata Cinangneng, Bogor, West Java. The event, themed “Pulang Kampoeng,” aimed to provide the international students with a rich experience of Indonesia’s natural beauty and traditional village life.

The farewell party brought together inbound students from various countries, including Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Canada. These students were treated to an immersive experience, playing traditional musical instruments and singing local songs that deepened their connection to the rural ambiance. The highlight of the event was the opportunity for the students to learn and play Sundanese instruments, such as the angklung and gamelan, while singing traditional Sundanese songs.

Inbound students learned to play the angklung

In addition to the musical experience, the students gained hands-on knowledge of traditional local agriculture by exploring the herbal plant gardens (Toga—tanaman obat keluarga) and visiting the fruit and vegetable gardens of local residents in a nearby village. They also participated in the traditional ‘tandur’ (tanam mundur) rice planting method, which involves planting by moving backward in the paddy fields. These activities provided the students with a unique insight into Indonesian farming practices, allowing them to connect with the land in a meaningful way, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will cherish forever.

Tandur: Indonesia’s traditional rice planting method.

Another memorable activity at Kampung Wisata Cinangneng was bathing water buffaloes and playing in the river. For many of the students, this was their first time engaging in such activities, which added to the joy and excitement of the day. These experiences were particularly special as they allowed the students to bond over shared new experiences, making the farewell event even more meaningful.

The students also had the chance to express their creativity by painting on traditional farmer’s hats (caping) and crafting art pieces like small puppets made from cassava leaves and stems. These activities not only fostered creativity but also provided a tangible souvenir of their time in Indonesia.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to the inbound students, recognizing their participation in the exchange program at IPB University. This heartfelt farewell not only marked the end of their academic journey at IPB but also celebrated the cultural exchange and lasting memories created during their stay.

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