Ciomas program promotes RI-Korea exchange

Theresia Sufa , The Jakarta Post - discover , Bogor | Thu, 08/14/2008 4:57 PM | Education

A group of 40 students from Seoul’s Hongik University (Hongdae) performed their country’s traditional dances at the Indonesian-Korean Cultural Festival, held on July 2 at the Ciomas subdistrict office.

The Korean students were in Bogor, West Java, for a 12-day visit, accompanied by professors Park San Jun and Kim Byung Seo.

Hongdae students perform with traditional drums at the festival, held at the Ciomas subdistrict office compound. The festival is part of their 12-day exchange program. (JP/Theresia Sufa)

Aside from the Korean traditional dances, the festival also featured traditional musical performances from Indonesia. One of these was presented by group of elementary school students from SDN Ciomas 1, who played the angklung, a bamboo percussive instrument originating in Java.

During the festival, a Hongdae student surprised and delighted the audience when he sang Ketahuan (Discovered), a song popularized by local pop band Matta.

The festival is part of an annual exchange program. Riyatmi, head of the organizing committee, said the program was initiated four years ago.

During their stay in Bogor, the exchange students stay with local families and participate in their hosts’ daily activities, such as fishing or preparing meals. They also teach at SMPN 1 Ciomas junior high and at two elementary schools, SDN 2 Ciomas and SDN Taman Pagelaran.

“The Korean students teach Indonesian students the Korean language and in return, learn the Indonesian language from the students,” Riyatmi said.

She added that the program had also benefited the Ciomas residents.

“The Korean students do not only deal pursue their field research here. They also help the local community in renovating several schools. Three schools have been renovated in the past four years (of the program),” she said.

The three schools that have benefited from this activity are SDN 6 Ciapus, SDN 2 Ciomas and SDN Taman Pagelaran, all elementary schools. This year, the Korean exchange delegation donated computers and set up a library at SMPN 1 Ciomas.

“Another advantage that we can take from this program is that we can promote tourism and culture as well. We can also promote handicrafts such as wayang golek (wooden puppet),” said Riyatmi.

Exchange student Lee So-young said that he had planned initially to visit Mongolia for his field experience, but then changed his mind.

“We want to know better about the life and traditions in Indonesia. Personally, I am amazed by the diversity of Indonesian cultures. My admiration grows bigger as I live with local people in Ciomas. They are friendly,” Lee said.

Lee’s exchange experience has not been limited to scholarly pursuits: The Korean student has discovered that he likes Sundanese cuisine.

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