As part of the Pelita MUPAT program with the theme “From the East to the West,” Muhammadiyah 4 Elementary School organized a virtual cultural exchange named “Apa Kabar Tetanggaku?” (How are you, my neighbor?), bringing together students from Muhammadiyah 4 Elementary School in Malang, Indonesia, and Trafalgar Primary School in Australia.
Miss Zakki, the english teacher of MUPAT and the event’s host, opened the event with a cheerful “Selamat pagi semuanya! Apa kabar?!” The students from both Muhammadiyah 4 Elementary School and Trafalgar Primary School warmly replied, “selamat pagi Miss Zakki!”
The Enthusiastic Presentations
With a bright smile, Miss Zakki continued, “Today is a special day because we get to share the unique cultures of Indonesia and Australia. Through Apa Kabar Tetanggaku, we will get to understand each other better.”
The students from Muhammadiyah 4 Elementary School shared their experiences of cultural shock in Indonesia. They proudly introduced various regional greetings, the etiquette of using the right hand for respectful gestures, and the tradition of “air kobokan,” which is used to wash hands before and after meals.
Likewise, the students from Trafalgar Primary School shared their cultural shock experiences from Australia. They enthusiastically introduced famous landmarks, unique wildlife, popular sports, and Vegemite, a well-known spread in Australia. The Trafalgar students even demonstrated how to prepare toast with Vegemite and butter.
The primary aim of this activity was not only to strengthen the friendship between the two schools but also to introduce the Indonesian language to Australian students. Throughout the event, Miss Zakki and the students from Muhammadiyah 4 proudly incorporated Indonesian words into their speeches. The success of the exchange was evident through the immense interest shown by both parties. At the end of the gathering, the students pledged to maintain a close friendship between the two schools.
