Cultural and Culinary Immersion Combined: Nigerian SN-GES 2025 Scholars Get Acquainted with West Java’s Tahu Sumedang While Attending Orientation at UIN SSC
Cirebon, September, 22nd 2025 — During the orientation period for Nigerian international students awarded the Syekh Nurjati Global e-Scholarship (SN-GES) 2025, the Global Engagement Team (GET) under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of the International Office and Partnership, personally provided tahu Sumedang a traditional Indonesian snack from West Java for the students to taste. The activity took place inside the International Office and Partnership Room on the 5th floor of the Siber Building at UIN SSC. The Nigerian students, consisting of Aliyu Masaudu (Islamic Communication and Broadcasting), Muhammad Bello Abbas (Sharia Accounting), Haruna Musa Balarabe (Sharia Economics), and Umar Abba (Qur’anic Studies and Tafsir), enthusiastically enjoyed the fried tofu accompanied by spicy green chilies. “By serving tahu Sumedang ourselves, we want our international students to feel the warmth and hospitality of Indonesia right from their first days here,” said Lala Bumela. According to the students, there is a distinctive flavor in Indonesian food that they had not experienced anywhere else.
Lala Bumela further explained that the culinary introduction was not simply about food but also about opening a window into Indonesian society and hospitality. He said, “Sharing traditional snacks such as tahu Sumedang allows our international students to taste a part of West Java’s daily life. Food is a universal language, and we believe it helps them feel welcomed and connected to our community.” This statement reflects UIN SSC’s broader commitment to blending cultural and academic orientation for its international students.
He highlighted that such initiatives are part of UIN SSC’s internationalization strategy. By integrating local culinary and cultural elements into the orientation program, the university seeks to provide its international students with a holistic experience that goes beyond classroom learning. “Introducing Indonesian culture through food, arts, and traditions creates a deeper understanding of the environment they are living and studying in,” Lala Bumela added.
The atmosphere in the room became warm and lively as the students tasted the tahu Sumedang while discussing their first impressions of Indonesia. They compared the spiciness to their own country’s cuisine and exchanged stories about typical Nigerian dishes. The GET members facilitated the conversation, making it an enjoyable intercultural exchange rather than just a tasting session.
In addition to the culinary activity, the orientation included briefings on academic programs, student support services, and intercultural workshops available at UIN SSC. The Nigerian scholars expressed their excitement about exploring Cirebon and West Java further, including its culinary heritage, historical sites, and vibrant student community. This combination of information and experience helped them feel more at home and prepared for their studies.
Concluding the event, Lala Bumela reiterated his appreciation for the Nigerian students’ enthusiasm and for the GET members who helped make the session successful. “This orientation is our way of showing that UIN SSC is not only a place to study but also a community to live and grow in,” he said. “We hope that through activities like this, our international students will carry positive impressions of Indonesia and build lasting friendships here.” The program reflects UIN SSC’s ongoing effort to create an inclusive, culturally rich academic environment for all of its students.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir