Gearing Up for Inauguration: UIN SSC’s GET and Ma’had Team Accompany International Students in Batik Shopping Experience
Cirebon, September, 2024 — Under the supervision of Lala Bumela, Ph.D. Director of the International Office and Partnership at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC), members of the Global Engagement Team (GET)—a group of student representatives under the International Office—initiated a cultural experience to support international students ahead of their Inauguration Day. Recognizing the importance of cultural integration, the GET members took it upon themselves to introduce international students to one of Indonesia’s most iconic traditions: batik. “Our goal is to ensure that internationalization grows from local roots,” said Lala Bumela, Ph.D. “By letting students directly experience cultural precision—like choosing batik with symbolic value—we help them engage with Indonesia not just as guests, but as participants in its living culture.” The initiative was spearheaded by Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir from GET, in collaboration with the Ma’had Team composed of Akbar Maulana Yusuf, Hamdan Abdus Syukur, and Agni Farhil Muharam. Five international students—Baby Farhana Lumaguinding Tunggay, Raquema Bonggoan Moten, Aleenor Sharif, Tony Samula Guiaman, and Prince Adzhar Dauran—were warmly welcomed into this meaningful journey into Indonesian tradition.
The activity involved accompanying the international students to various batik shops and traditional markets in Cirebon, allowing them to explore, learn about, and select their kebaya and batik attire for the upcoming university inauguration ceremony. The event itself may have started with the simple need to purchase appropriate clothing, but it soon evolved into a deeper experience of cultural appreciation and identity exploration. “This is not about dressing up for a photo. It’s about stepping into the deeper meaning of batik, of knowing the stories behind the patterns,” said Muhammad Azkiya. With careful assistance, the students learned how the choice of fabric, motif, and even color communicates respect and cultural understanding in Indonesian society. From the intricate kawung to the majestic mega mendung, the students were guided to make thoughtful choices that reflected both elegance and cultural appropriateness.
The Ma’had Team enriched the outing by offering insightful explanations of various batik motifs and their symbolic meanings—many of which are tied to Javanese philosophy, spirituality, and traditional values. Patterns like parang, often associated with strength and determination, or truntum, which symbolizes everlasting love and mentorship, were introduced to the students not as mere aesthetic choices, but as forms of storytelling. This narrative approach sparked curiosity. “This is my first time seeing how culture lives in everyday things,” said Baby Farhana. “Wearing batik makes me feel like I’m part of something beautiful and timeless.” For many of the students, it was their first encounter with a form of wearable culture that is not only beautiful, but also sacred and historically layered. Their questions went beyond the surface, showing genuine engagement and respect for the cultural values being shared.
Beyond the cultural learning, the day was filled with joyful interaction, shared laughter, and an atmosphere of mutual learning. The students were not only observing—they were actively participating. They spoke with local artisans, practiced their Indonesian greetings, and asked for advice on matching kebaya colors and styles. Several tried on outfits with the help of GET and Ma’had team members, turning fitting rooms into moments of celebration. “They walked into those shops as students,” said Hamdan Abdus Syukur, “but they walked out with dignity and pride.” The trip, though informal, served as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the idea that integration happens not only through lectures or formal programs, but also through human connection and everyday experiences.
Although the initiative was not part of an official institutional event, it reflected the spirit and vision of the International Office. “Our philosophy is clear: local precision leads to global inclusion,” said Lala Bumela, Ph.D. in his concluding remarks. “We want these students to carry a piece of Indonesia wherever they go—not just in memory, but in the identity they build here. And that starts with the details—like the batik they wear, the people they meet, and the stories they live.” He emphasized the importance of student-led initiatives like this, which add authenticity and flexibility to the internationalization efforts of the university. For UIN SSC, fostering cultural closeness is not limited to formal events—it is embedded in everyday encounters that leave a lasting impression.
Now, as Inauguration Day approaches, the students walk forward not just with attire that fits the ceremony, but with stories stitched into every thread of what they wear. The kebaya and batik they chose are no longer just garments—they are tokens of welcome, gestures of respect, and emblems of their integration into Indonesian life. “I’ve never felt so seen and welcomed in a new country,” said Aleenor Sharif. “This batik isn’t just a costume. It’s a symbol that I’m part of something much larger—and now, part of Indonesia too.” The experience stands as a testament to how student-led cultural efforts—no matter how simple—can make internationalization feel truly human, sincere, and unforgettable.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir