Between the 14th and 22nd of February 2025, Universitas Ciputra partnered with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to realize the Colors of Culture, Uniting Creativity and Heritage program. Committee members from Universitas Ciputra International Community (UCIC) and students from Universitas Ciputra’s Visual Communication Design (VCD) major accompanied the Malaysian students on their trip to Indonesia. Throughout the experience, they had the opportunity to learn about Indonesian tradition, creativity, and artistic expression through painting a mural in the Old Town (Kota Lama) and exploring the wonders, both large and miniature, of the city of Surabaya.
Before the trip started proper, the UTM students attended an online session over Zoom on February 14th. They were introduced to the places they’d be exploring and the activities they’d be partaking in throughout their stay in Surabaya, involving UCIC, students and faculty from VCD, and UC’s Networking and Partnership (UC NNP) department. It was an opportunity for them to observe just a glance of what they’d be tasting in Indonesia, given that for many of them, it was their first time visiting the archipelago.
February 17th marked the first day of activities for the UTM students, and they began with a visit to UC’s grounds. They attended a brief introduction session to the program and a grand welcome lunch to celebrate their safe arrival in Surabaya. This was followed by a cluster of sessions hosted by VCD, including an information session about the mural they’d be painting in the Old Town, and a painting workshop in collaboration with Good Job Project. The first day ended with preparations for the mural proper, before the UTM students returned to their stay at the Arcadia Hotel.
On their second day, the UTM and VCD students finally arrived at the mural site in the Old Town. They held a short briefing before beginning their extensive artistic work until the early evening. The mural featured cultural icons and traditional landmarks from both Indonesia and Malaysia, representing the two nations’ close bond in a tapestry that celebrates their distinctions, commonalities, and strong camaraderie. To rest at the end, the UTM students proceeded to visit Zangrandi Ice Cream to enjoy dessert, followed by Alun-Alun Surabaya to experience more of Indonesia’s spirit. The day ended with a ride on the river at Kalimas Boat Tour, where they could admire the nighttime fairy lights of the city and the towering silhouette of Surabaya’s downtown.
Their third day began, once again, with diligent work on the mural–from the morning hours to the afternoon–between both VCD and UTM. The mural was finished early, and so the UTM students celebrated with a subsequent tour of the ancient De Javasche Bank, where they learned about obsolete Indonesian currencies and finance from the Dutch and Japanese colonial eras. The day was capped off with free time for the UTM students to roam around Pakuwon City Mall, where they were encouraged to visit the bazaar anticipating the release of the new Kung Fu Panda movie featuring treats, exciting premieres, and a colorful cast of tenants.
The fourth day consisted entirely of an exploratory tour across Surabaya. It began with a visit to Monkasel (Monumen Kapal Selam), or the Surabaya submarine monument, where the UTM students were able to explore its innards and marvel at the colonial era technology contained within. This was followed by a wild scavenger hunt across Tunjungan Street, where they were given an opportunity to explore the myriad stores and dining options there, showing off Surabaya’s bustling commerce and rich selection of shops. To end the day, they visited the popular Surabaya Kriya Gallery where a plethora of souvenirs were available for purchase.
On the fifth and final day, the UTM and VCD students came to visit the mural site once more, this time to attend the closing of the Colors of Culture program. They also provided testimonials about the experience, reflecting on their past week in Indonesia and the various ways it has changed them. When the ceremonies concluded, the UTM students proceeded to return to Universitas Ciputra and play traditional Indonesian games together, such as “Dakon” and “Ketapel to a bottle” before visiting UCIC’s flagship event, the PRISM edufair (Pathways Reaching Internationalism). As a final send-off, the program finished with a stop at Bu Rudy, where the UTM students bought souvenirs to bring back to Malaysia to commemorate their time here.
The Colors of Culture program came to a close, leaving behind more than just artwork—it left memories, friendships, and a meaningful cultural exchange between UTM and Universitas Ciputra. From painting the mural in the historic Old Town to sharing traditional games and local desserts, the week was a celebration of uniting creativity and heritage, just as the program was meant to do. As the students return to Malaysia, they take with them experiences that tell a story of both the warmth and uniqueness of the Indonesian people and Universitas Ciputra.