Cirebon Cultural Workshop: International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon Welcomes SN-GES 2025 Awardees on the First Day of Orientation
Cirebon, 11 September 2025 – On the first day of the Syekh Nurjati Global Excellent Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025 orientation, International Office of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon held a Cirebon Culture Workshop right after the inauguration ceremony. The session featured Syarifuddin, S.S., Head of the Communication Team at the Protocol and Communication Division of the Cirebon City Secretariat, as the main speaker. Carrying the theme “A Gentle Glimpse into the History and Culture of Cirebon”, Syarifuddin delivered a comprehensive introduction to Cirebon’s history, culture, and local wisdom, with the purpose to create the valuable insights for international students into the environment where they will study and live.
The workshop was attended by the International Office (IO) team of UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, led by IO director, Lala Bumela Sudimantara, Ph.D., accompanied by Ivo Yanuar Dinasta, S.S., M.Appling (IO secretary) and Gina Amalia Sholihah, S.Sos. (staff). Their presence emphasized the university’s commitment to guiding international students from the very first day of orientation. This session was also fully supported by the Global Engagement Team (GET), ensuring smooth and interactive activities.
SN-GES 2025 awardees from diverse countries participated enthusiastically, including Arif Yeekajik (Thailand), Tasneem Wado (Thailand), Babou Seck (Senegal), Hamdi Mujeb Thabet Sharaf (Yemen), Jadene Querod Zainal (Philippines), Maja Asleah Lindongoan Salisipan (Philippines), Nadja Querod Cabuayo (Philippines), Paojia Cabuayo Sucatan (Philippines), and four Nigerian students who joined the session online due to immigration and political challenges in their home country.
The presentation began with an overview of Cirebon’s geography. Syarifuddin explained that UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon is located on the north coast of West Java, Indonesia. Within West Java, Cirebon is divided into two administrative areas: Cirebon City, led by a mayor, and Cirebon Regency, led by a regent. Understanding this structure, he noted, is crucial to grasping the dynamics of local governance and society.
From a sociocultural perspective, Cirebon stands as a unique space of acculturation, shaped by the interaction of three main ethnic groups: Javanese, Sundanese, and Chinese. This blend produces rich traditions expressed in language, arts, and daily life. According to Syarifuddin, such diversity makes Cirebon an important meeting point of civilizations in the Indonesian archipelago, highly relevant for international students to explore.
The session also highlighted the history of Islam in Cirebon, closely tied to the identity of the university. The name UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati derives from Syekh Nurjati, the teacher of Sunan Gunung Jati (Syarif Hidayatullah), a prominent figure in the spread of Islam across West Java. Sunan Gunung Jati’s cultural and spiritual approach helped establish a new Islamic civilization in Cirebon. His legacy can still be seen in the four royal palaces (keraton): Kesepuhan, Kanoman, Kacirebonan, and Kaprabonan, each carrying unique historical, political, and spiritual significance.
Syarifuddin then introduced participants to Cirebon’s artistic and cultural products. Among the most renowned is the Mega Mendung batik, symbolizing patience, calmness, and broad-mindedness through its distinctive cloud motif. He also highlighted the mask dance (tari topeng), where each mask represents specific characters and emotions, functioning not only as entertainment but also as a medium of psychological and spiritual reflection.
The culinary traditions of Cirebon were also showcased, including dishes such as empal gentong, tahu gejrot, and nasi jamblang. These cuisines reflect the city’s history as a trading hub enriched by various cultural influences. For international students, such culinary introductions provide a deeper understanding of local society through flavors and dining traditions.
Interestingly, Syarifuddin concluded his session with a discussion on social etiquette in Indonesia, particularly the use of honorifics. He explained that greetings and address terms such as bapak, ibu, mas, and mbak are essential in showing respect. Non-verbal gestures—like lowering the head, shaking hands with a slight bow, and maintaining a friendly facial expression—also play a key role in everyday communication. This cultural workshop offered international students not only static knowledge of Cirebon but also practical cultural insights. The holistic introduction could help the SN-GES 2025 awardees to begin their academic journey with a meaningful understanding of the social and cultural landscape they are now part of.
Author: Salsabilla