CHIJ Primary's Medan Cultural Immersion Journey 2025

From 22-25 April 2025, our students embarked on an enriching four-day cultural immersion trip to Medan, Indonesia. Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport, they were warmly welcomed with a traditional Batak ceremony, their first taste of North Sumatran hospitality.

At Kalam Kudus Primary School, our students were once again greeted with traditional Batak dances and music, setting the stage for two days of meaningful cultural exchange. They participated in collaborative lessons, from traditional craft-making to local cooking demonstrations, fostering friendships with their Indonesian peers.

The journey continued with hands-on experiences at various cultural sites. After an eye-opening visit to the Rahmat International Wildlife Museum & Gallery where students learned about wildlife conservation, they tried their hands at rice planting in the verdant rice fields, learned about sustainable farming at the hydroponic gardens, and enjoyed berry picking at the fruit plantation. A scenic cruise on Lake Toba led them to the Batak Cultural Village, where they discovered the rich heritage of the indigenous Batak people.

Throughout the trip, we saw them grow in ways that words can hardly capture. They were reflective, thoughtful, and always willing to learn. After each debrief session, it was clear how much they were taking in — and even more special was watching them make a conscious effort to change, to do better, and to support one another.

They stepped out of their comfort zones with courage, looked out for each other, and found ways to complement one another's strengths and needs. They showed kindness in small, quiet moments and resilience when things got a little tough. It was beautiful to watch new friendships form and existing ones deepen.

This immersion experience has undoubtedly planted seeds of cultural appreciation and personal growth that will continue to flourish in our students' hearts.