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

I am a big fan of Chinese pop music since 2016. I always put Chinese songs on my daily playlist. Some of Chinese musicians inspired me to learn more about life through their creations, although I do not speak the language. Then, from that fondness, I started to learn Mandarin by myself through YouTube or some Chinese learning websites. Sometimes, I watch Chinese TV shows or other pop culture products as well for stimulating my listening skill of that language. As time passed by, I knew that I started to fall in love with China and put it into the number one dream country list of mine.

I have never thought that writing about something that was really familiar for me -and definitely something I love the most-, would deliver me to a whole package of 'gift' named "Write to China" with new bundles of knowledge, joy, experience, and of course family.

The First Rendezvous

Only several hours before catching the flight to China, Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta became the place where I met new people --who later became family- from Write to China essay competition winners and committee from Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI). I had no expectation at that time, but I was surprised by those people. The 19 other students I met that night were very friendly and fun. That moment also became the first time we knew our persons in charge; Kak Zhifa, Kak Ray, Kak Laras and Kak Andika from FPCI. They told us what to prepare both mentally and physically during the trip. We were also told about culture shock we might feel and how to deal with it. Then, in the next morning, we were heading to the airport.

We met James for the first time at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. He was the one who would be the leader of Chinese committee during our trip in Fujian Provice. He gave us the schedule for the next one week while being on the way to Royal Victoria Hotel, our first rendezvous. I still remember that moment when we met each other for the first time, then had a very warm conversation. 

I and 4 other Indonesian friends became one team with 5 Minnan Normal University students. Then, at the welcoming dinner, we sat on the round table, met the big groups, and introduce ourselves to all the people there. The first rendezvous was very memorable, but all the things started to be more fun since we knew deeply and personally on the trip.

Fujian Province Trip

During seven days trip in China, we visited some universities, such as Xiamen University, Jimei University, Minnan Normal University and Sanming University. The 20 Chinese friends who participated in this programme came from these four universities. We also visited some big corporations, community office, nature and heritage sites that located in different cities of Fujian Province.

Xiamen University was the first university we visited, and it was actually one of the best university in Fujian Province, even in China. We were welcomed by the professors and staffs, and had discussion with them about the university. We got the same warm welcome from Jimei University, Minnan Normal University and Sanming University. 

The students who came from each University took us to stroll around the campus and guided us there. Those universities also prepared some kinds of performance for us, and mostly about Chinese culture. One thing that made me surprised was the performers. They were not only consists of Chinese students, but also international students. Then, I thought that these four universities were very open to international students, and gave them opportunities to associate and learn together with Chinese students.

Beside the discussions and campus tour, we were treated to enjoy the leisure part of university life. We enjoyed the beautiful sceneries around Xiamen University and some of us got chance to took a photo in front of the phenomenal 我爱你再见 (Pinyin : Wo Ai Ni Zaijian, English : 'I Love You, Good Bye') wall. We were also invited to see the beautiful city view around Jimei University from 23rd floor. Then, all of us learned how to make traditional Chinese paper cut art from a master of Chinese paper cut art at Minnan Normal University. It was different from Sanming University that gave us chance to enjoyed many kinds of student creations' in fashion, handycrafts, and so on almost in every corner of university. All these universities also had large sports fields. It means, university also considered the physical needs of the students.

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.

 Jakarta, was the second city that we visited. We spent more than 2 days in Jakarta, because we had to visit many important places, such as embassy, university and offices in this capital of Indonesia. We visited Monas, Indonesian Presidential Staff Office, Indonesian Parliamentary Office, the two great start-up companies; Bukalapak and Traveloka, University of Indonesia, and Gelora Bung Karno. We had some fun learning time there. We also attended two special events related to Indonesia-China relationship. 

The first one was a dinner in Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, and the second one was LRT (Light Rail Transit) project of Indonesia-China cooperation. Another great session in Jakarta was the leadership talk with Dr. Dino Patti Djalal. It was an honor for all the delegates to be able to join the discussion. He was our role model in the terms of leadership, youth empowerment, and of course international diplomacy.   

The next day, we visited Semarang. We went to the government office excatly after arriving to the city. Actually, I have just known that Fujian Province was the sister province of Central Java. They have had cooperation in many fields to develop both provinces. We also visited Lawang Sewu, one of historical and phenomenal building in Semarang. Lawang Sewu, literally means 'A Thousand Door'. Then, we visited Sam Poo Kong temple to see one of Chinese cultural temple in town that influenced by Zheng He, a Muslim explorer from China.

 We only had about half day to spent in Semarang. Then, we were heading to Yogyakarta. Everyone might have the same opinion that Yogyakarta was a lovely city. The people, the ambience, the culture, and everything there were very memorable. We visited two universities in Yogyakarta; Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). At night, we had dinner at Prambanan Temple area and watched the Ramayana Ballet Performance. The Ballet Performance was very great. It told us about the legend love story of Rama-Shinta.

On the next morning, we were heading to Makassar. I have never been to this city before. Then, I enjoyed this city very much. On the first day, we went to Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar. We visited the Chinese corner and had lecturing session about national security of China there. One of our favorite when we were in Universitas Hasanuddin was the food and beverage. 

All of Indonesian and Chinese students agreed that those dishes and drinks had unique and good taste. Then, we also visited Rammang-Rammang on the next day. It was very hot day indeed, but we were so excited to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Rammang-Rammang that located around karst mountain. We had to cross the river by taking small boat with 5-8 persons in every boat.

The last moment, was the heartwarming one. After having lunch together, some of us went on the stage to give several performance. We also exchanged gifts with each other. Some of us cried at that moment, because we became very close to each other during the trip. The committee from FPCI also showed us a highlight video of our trip during in Indonesia. We enjoyed the trip, the brotherhood, the learning-knowing-understanding each other process very much. But that day, we had to realized that we should return to our 'normal' life very soon.

There were many spesific things that could not be written here about trip in China and Indonesia. I think, this trip has helped us to see the 'real' China and Indonesia from the new perspective. Both China and Indonesia has its own advantages and flaws, but these countries are trying to develop, cooperate, and help each other with those perfect imperfections. I hope Indonesia and China could collaborate and cooperate in more various fields in the future. It could be started from the relations in person, business, or governmental matters for creating better life for every citizens.

Personal Thoughts

Personally, I was really glad and grateful to be able to visit China and several cities in Indonesia with full team of 'Write to China' from both countries. Although the trip has ended, I still could not believe that visiting my 'number one dream country' for the first time would be this special. It was a 'gift' from God through FPCI and Chinese Embassy in Indonesia. I did not made it alone, since my new friendly and fun family were there with me. If only the committee didn't arrange a whole package of busy schedule, I thought I could not have good sleep every night because of too happy and too excited.

Thank you FPCI,

Thank you Chinese Embassy in Indonesia,

Thank you all the team and friends.