KOTA SAMARAHAN: Nineteen Diploma in Tourism Management students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak broadened their regional tourism knowledge through an academic visit to Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia, strengthening cross-border learning and cultural appreciation.
The June 30 programme, involving Semester Four students and lecturer Nurafiqah Mohamad Musa, fulfilled the HTT353 Tour Planning and Guiding course requirement while providing practical exposure to Indonesia’s tourism and hospitality industry.
According to a press statement issued by UiTM Sarawak today (July 13), the highlight of the programme was an academic visit to NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic.
“The visit provided students with valuable hands-on experience, meaningful academic exchanges and greater exposure to one of Indonesia’s leading tourism and hospitality institutions,” it said.
Students participated in cultural exchange activities by performing traditional Sarawak dances, showcasing ethnic costumes and introducing the state’s geography, multicultural communities, heritage, cuisine and distinctive local dialects to their Indonesian counterparts.
“The Sarawak delegation also shared authentic kek lapis with students and lecturers at the polytechnic, while interactive presentations highlighted the history, significance and uniqueness of traditional attire representing several ethnic communities,” it said.
In return, NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic introduced participants to Indonesia’s cultural heritage through angklung performances, allowing UiTM students to experience playing the traditional bamboo musical instrument during an engaging session.
The exchange reached a lively climax when students from both institutions sang and danced together to the popular folk song “Rasa Sayang”, fostering stronger friendships and cultural understanding between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Participants were later taken on a guided tour of NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic’s campus, exploring hospitality, culinary and tourism management laboratories designed to provide industry-oriented education through practical learning experiences.
It added that the academic visit reflected its commitment to producing globally competent tourism graduates by combining classroom knowledge with international exposure, cultural appreciation and meaningful engagement with regional educational institutions.
