UNAIR NEWS 鈥 东京热 (UNAIR), through Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), recently organized the Airlangga Cultural Immersion program. Held under the theme 鈥淓xploring Javanese Heritage and Community Innovation,鈥 the two-day event took place in Tawangmangu, Central Java, on May 23鈥24, 2026. The program was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive learning experience that blended cultural engagement, natural exploration, and community-based innovation.
Known for its cool climate, Tawangmangu was chosen as the program site to offer participants direct exposure to Indonesian culture and local traditions. The initiative brought together international students enrolled in UNAIR鈥檚 AMERTA Program and recipients of The Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS).
Celebration of diversity
The program involved not only UNAIR鈥檚 international students but also participants from various universities across Surabaya. The diverse cultural backgrounds of the participants fostered a collaborative and interactive atmosphere throughout the event. In addition to learning about Javanese culture, participants had the opportunity to expand their international networks while deepening their cross-cultural understanding.
During the first day of the program, participants visited Rumah Atsiri Indonesia, an educational and wellness destination recognized for its expertise in essential oils. The visit featured a variety of learning activities, including the Aromatic Garden Tour, a session on essential oil distillation, and an interactive Aromatic Workshop.
Through these experiences, participants explored the cultivation of aromatic plants, learned about essential oil extraction techniques, and practiced creating aromatherapy products firsthand. The activities offered a deeper understanding of Indonesia鈥檚 herbal and essential oil sectors through experiential learning.
Memorable experiences
The second day featured a Jeep Adventure through the Tawangmangu area, including visits to Curug Putri waterfall and the strawberry plantations of Cemoro Sewu aboard off-road vehicles. Combining rugged routes with picturesque mountain landscapes, the excursion provided participants with an exciting and memorable outdoor experience. The shared adventure also helped strengthen camaraderie among attendees.
In addition to cultural and recreational activities, the program incorporated a project-based learning framework to enrich participants鈥 understanding of the subjects explored throughout the immersion experience. Participants were assigned academic and creative projects, including research papers, reflective reports, and inspirational video productions.
The projects centered on themes such as sustainability, local culture, essential oil production, and the social impact of community initiatives in Tawangmangu. This approach encouraged participants to examine their experiences through both scholarly analysis and creative expression.
By integrating education, culture, nature, and international collaboration, the Airlangga Cultural Immersion program delivered a meaningful cross-cultural learning experience. The initiative also underscored AGE鈥檚 commitment to expanding global engagement while showcasing Indonesia鈥檚 rich cultural heritage and local potential to international students.
Author: Airlangga Global Engagement
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
