EduAsiaNews, Surabaya – UNAIR’s Faculty of Vocational Studies Reinforces Its Position as a Global Education Destination Rich in Cultural Values
The Faculty of Vocational Studies at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) once again showcased its role as a hub for global education and cultural exchange through a part-time student inbound program held on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The faculty welcomed students from France, offering a unique curriculum that combines language proficiency with local wisdom in maintaining physical wellness. The program was conducted under the guidance of experts from the D-IV Traditional Medicine study program, who demonstrated traditional massage techniques and the preparation of body scrubs (lulur).
“This activity is not merely an academic visit. It is a strategic initiative to introduce our national identity. We provide learning experiences ranging from deepening knowledge of the Indonesian language to traditional wellness arts, which are a hallmark of our local wisdom,” said Prof. Dian Yulie Reindrawati, SSos, MM, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Studies.
Introduction to Indonesian Language for Health Terms
During the program, Angkita Wasito Kirana, SHum, MHum, a lecturer in the D-III English Study Program at the Faculty of Vocational Studies, provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of Indonesian language usage in health contexts. This session, delivered through a presentation titled Cultural Context of Indonesian Traditional Remedies, aimed to offer students insights into the connection between local cultural values and traditional health practices in Indonesia.
Through this approach, participants not only learned technical terminology but also gained an understanding of the philosophy and ethics underlying the use of traditional herbal remedies in Indonesia. Mastery of both language and cultural context served as a strong foundation before engaging directly in subsequent practical sessions.
Introduction to Jamu, Traditional Massage Demonstrations, and Body Scrub Practice
After the theoretical session, the program continued with hands-on experiences in traditional massage techniques. Experts Myrna Adianti, SSi, MKes, PhD, Dwi Setiani Sumardiko, SKep, Ns, Si, and Edith Frederika Puruhito, SKM, MSc demonstrated massage methods designed to provide maximum relaxation. This session offered inbound students a new perspective on how Indonesian healthcare integrates art and comfort into wellness practices.
The exploration of traditional health continued with an in-depth introduction to external and internal body care. Following the massage session, the team explained the benefits of lulur for skin health and demonstrated its preparation. Participants were encouraged to understand how natural ingredients from Indonesia can be transformed into effective health and beauty treatments.
To complete this authentic experience, participants were also served traditional herbal drinks, including turmeric tamarind (kunyit asam) and beras kencur. Beyond tasting, the experts provided detailed explanations of the composition and philosophy behind each ingredient.
The program concluded with an interactive discussion and the awarding of certificates as a token of appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by students from Université de Limoges. By integrating linguistic theory with practical wellness sessions, the inbound program aims to serve as a catalyst for broader international collaboration while strengthening UNAIR’s position as an institution that preserves local heritage amid the currents of global modernization.
