USK Hosts Aceh Culture and Heritage Summer Camp 2025
Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) successfully organized the Summer School on Culture and Heritage 2025, a two-week program held from 29 November to 12 December 2025. The program involved 20 participants, consisting of international students from Thaksin University, Thailand, and students from Universitas Syiah Kuala. This initiative was supported by the World Class University (WCU) Program of USK through the equity funding, as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen internationalization and global engagement.
Carrying the theme Culture and Heritage, the program was designed to introduce Aceh’s rich culture, history, and local wisdom through a combination of academic activities and hands-on learning experiences. The series of activities included short lectures, interactive discussions, and visits to various historical sites, conducted both online and on-site.
Throughout the program, participants visited several iconic destinations in Aceh, such as the Aceh Tsunami Museum, PLTD Apung, the “Boat on the House,” Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Dekranasda Aceh Besar, Aceh Museum, Gunongan, and Lampuuk Beach. These visits provided participants with contextual insights into Aceh’s history—particularly the 2004 tsunami—while also showcasing the region’s cultural richness and natural beauty.
In addition to cultural and historical exploration, participants took part in a series of short workshops focusing on Aceh’s culinary heritage. The activities included hands-on sessions in preparing traditional Acehnese dishes such as Nasi Ketan and Kuah Peungat, tasting oriental cuisine, and creating traditional Sirih decorations at the Faculty of Culinary Arts of USK. Participants also had the opportunity to cook iconic Acehnese foods, including Mie Aceh and Boh Rom Rom, at the Office of International Affairs (OIA) of USK.
The opening ceremony of the Summer Camp Culture and Heritage 2025 was officially held at the Adnan Ganto Hall, Universitas Syiah Kuala Library, on 1 November 2025. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Muzailin Affan, the Chairman of Office of International Affairs (OIA) of USK. In his welcoming remarks he expressed his appreciation and warm welcome to all participants, both international and local students. He also emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant throughout the program, noting that Aceh was still experiencing post-disaster conditions that had not yet fully stabilized. In this context, he encouraged participants to support one another and to keep the affected communities in their thoughts and prayers.
At the closing ceremony, the summer camp was officially concluded by Prof. Dr. drh. Muslim Akmal, M.P., Head of the University Reputation Division. In his closing remarks, he emphasized the role of international cultural programs in enhancing USK’s global reputation and fostering meaningful cross-cultural understanding among students.
Through the Summer School on Culture and Heritage 2025, Universitas Syiah Kuala reaffirms its role as a global learning hub that promotes cultural values, historical awareness, and diversity. The program serves as a platform to introduce Aceh’s cultural heritage to the international community through education and cultural exchange.
The Summer School is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting culturally grounded education and the preservation of cultural heritage. In addition, the program contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering inclusive intercultural dialogue, strengthening international partnerships, and enhancing USK’s global visibility while promoting Aceh’s cultural heritage on the international stage.
