"Understanding China-Indonesia; Exploring Culture, Exchanging Ideas"

We were impressed by everything we had seen in these four universities. From all the universities we visited during China trip, I concluded that students in Chinese universities were encouraged to explore and enrich their potentials to the ultimate level during their study, both in scientific and non-scientific activities. And universities, gave them the space to express their hobbies.  

Then, we also visited two big corporations, such as San'an Optoelectronics and Netdragon. San'an Optoelectronics was known as the largest and earliest-established industrialized production base for the bright LED epitaxial wafers and chips in China, while Netdragon was known as the leading innovator and a creative force in China's online gaming and mobile internet industries. We saw how impressive the technology that developed by China. Many things were created and developed to help people solve their problems. 

Moreover, when we were in Netdragon. They allowed us to try some interactive games. Visiting these corporations gave me new experience and inspiration. I believe those were just what we had seen in Fujian Province, and actually we still could find many great companies in another part of China that were creating various innovation in technology.

We also went to nature and historical sites. They were really beautiful. The first one was Gulangyu Island in Xiamen that we visited on the first day. We were impressed by the beauty of this island, that surrounded by 白城 (Pinyin : Baicheng, English : White City) beach. It was one of popular tourism destination in Xiamen. We used Xiamen Ferry to across the strait, then we strolled around the island, watched the puppet show, visited Shuzhuang Garden and some museums there. 

The second one was Tulou, one of UNESCO World Heritage Site that located in Zhangzhou City, Fujian. Tulou, literally means 'earthen buildings'. Tulou is a cluster of Hakka's rural dwellings that built between 12th and 20th centuries. It has a strong Chinese traditional taste in architecture. Around the dwellings, there were many beautiful sceneries and some of shops in Chinese style.  

One of the most impressive part was visiting Fuzhou. We went to Fuzhou from Sanming by high speed train. It was indeed high speed. From Sanming North Station to Fuzhou Station (more than 200kms) took only less than 2 hours in total. I thought that China were doing everything totally. In terms of infrastructure, bullet train considered as one of most important thing and developed as proper as possible. It made people easier in traveling, since mobilization was one of their crucial needs nowadays.

We visited Fuzhou Mosque on the next day. This Mosque showed that Islam in China was still considered and respected. It grew in line with the life in society. We also had discussion with Imam of Fuzhou Mosque about Islam development in China, especially in Fuzhou. Then, Fujian Provincial Museum was another place that we visited in that city. There were many historical things and stories about Fujian Province there. One of the most impressive thing was the tombstones with Arabic inscription from Quanzhou Dynasty. Some of Al-Qu'ran verses were written there. Very impressive!

Panda World was the place that we visited too in Fuzhou. It was my -and maybe most of us- first time to see Panda in real life. Previously, we just could see Panda from TV or internet. We also visited You+ community. It was an office for youth under 35 to find their passion in an entrepreneurship community. It was very inspiring and empowering. I think, Indonesia -especially in my region- should have more kinds of community like You+ to help the youth socialize with everyone who has the same passion with them.

Indonesia Trip

I didn't feel that my excitement was diminished after coming back to the country. Actually, that excitement even increased because it was the time for me -and other Indonesian friends- to be a good host for our Chinese friends. We would like to show the beauty of Indonesia, since we would be visiting various cities located in five different province in this country.

After arriving in Jakarta, the first city that we visited in Indonesia was Bandung. We went to Bandung from Jakarta by bus. It was very fun journey. We visited Asia Africa Conference Museum. I had never seen a great history of many countries conference that summarized in a big Museum. In Bandung, the most fun thing in my opinion was visiting Saung Angklung Udjo. I thought that nobody felt unhappy when we visited that place. Personally, as an Indonesian, I was amazed by those artsy music and performances. I wish all the Chinese friends felt the same at that time. Saung Angklung Udjo also had interactive performance with audiences in playing Angklung and dancing. It made the ambience more fun and warmer.