From 2 to 10 September 2025, the “Kolej Rahman Putra Goes to Surabaya” program successfully took place in Desa Wonokitri, Tosari, Kabupaten Pasuruan, East Java. This initiative was a collaborative effort between two partners in World University Association of Community Development (WUACD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universitas Airlangga.

The program culminated in a warm closing event, the Cultural Night, designed to showcase Indonesian and Malaysian cultures and celebrate friendship between the nations. Held in a simply decorated room adorned with batik fabrics, the event offered a welcoming and culturally rich experience for all participants.

The evening opened with traditional dances performed by students from Tosari 2 Junior High School Satu Atap. They proudly represented their school and the Desa Wonokitri community. This was followed by traditional performances from the Student Executive Board of Universitas Airlangga. Wearing colorful wrap, they moved gracefully, showcasing the elegance and harmony.

Students from Kolej Rahman Putra, a residential college of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, also participated in Cultural Night as a performer for Malaysian culture to foster mutual cultural appreciation between both nations. On that evening, they showcased a fashion show and performed a skit. The fashion show featured traditional Malaysian attire with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Men wore Baju Melayu, a traditional long-sleeved shirt with a high-structured collar, paired with cap, sarong, and green men’s muslim shirt, while women donned Baju Kurung Berbagi, a traditional women’s attire known for its modest silhouette and flowing lines with a headscarf, conveying a strong sense of Islamic identity. This attire reflects the participants’ identity in Malaysia, where Islam is the dominant religion. Cheongsam presented with a modern touch embodied Chinese elegance, while Iban Wearing and Kadazan Dusun, traditional attire of the Iban ethnic group from Sarawak and the Kadazan Dusun from Sabah. With their intricate gold patterns, embodied the values and cultural stories of their communities. Skits then unfolded, offering humorous and meaningful insights into daily life, with performers engaging in dialogue and expressive acting.

Leading to the final showcase of Kolej Rahman Putra Goes to Surabaya, excitement and unity in the room deepened as students from Indonesia and Malaysia spontaneously joined in a lively flash mob. They laughed, moved energetically in circles, clapped in rhythm, and encouraged one another, turning the performance into a shared celebration that highlighted friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

As the “Kolej Rahman Putra Goes to Surabaya” program concluded, Kolej Rahman Putra UTM presented a token of appreciation to Universitas Airlangga. The award recognized the successful completion of the cross-cultural program and reaffirmed both institutions’ commitment to ongoing collaboration and partnership.

More than mere performances, the showcasing of both Indonesian and Malaysian cultures provided students from both nations with an opportunity to learn from one another and to appreciate the beauty of diversity. Each dance, costume, and story reflected friendship, empathy, and curiosity that transcended borders. Through these shared experiences, culture demonstrated its power to bridge differences and transform them into genuine moments of connection and understanding. These interactions exemplified the collaboration between Indonesian and Malaysian students, embodying the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, and illustrating how cooperation can serve as a bridge to enhance productivity, efficiency, and collective problem-solving.