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As part of the 2025 World Friends Korea-ICT Volunteering Program (WFK-ICT), students from Kyungpook National University (KNU), South Korea, and the Department of Information Technology (JTI), Politeknik Negeri Jember (POLIJE), Indonesia, took part in a cultural and educational trip to Kawah Ijen, one of East Java’s most iconic natural landmarks.
The activity was designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural environment surrounding Bondowoso. By experiencing local attractions, the students not only strengthened their academic and volunteer program but also enhanced cross-cultural awareness and appreciation of Indonesia’s rich heritage.
Kawah Ijen, located within the Ijen Crater Nature Park (TWA Kawah Ijen), is famous for its stunning blue fire phenomenon, sulfur mining activities, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. The visit offered students a chance to witness firsthand the natural beauty of Bondowoso, while also reflecting on the relationship between technology, community development, and environmental preservation.
Wearing raincoats to anticipate the cool night temperatures and mountain weather, the joint team of KNU and POLIJE students set off on a trekking journey from Paltuding basecamp. Along the way, they interacted with local guides and learned about the daily lives of sulfur miners, gaining valuable insights into the challenges faced by the local community.
For many of the Korean students, this was their first time visiting a volcanic site in Indonesia. They expressed admiration not only for the natural beauty but also for the resilience of local communities who depend on the mountain for their livelihood. Indonesian students, in turn, shared cultural perspectives and stories about East Java’s traditions, making the experience more meaningful.
According to the program organizers, this activity served as a bonding opportunity between participants from both universities. Working side by side in their ICT volunteering projects, the students also built stronger connections by exploring local attractions together. These cultural exchanges reflect the broader goal of the WFK-ICT Program: to foster global cooperation through education, innovation, and shared experiences.
The trip to Kawah Ijen is part of the extracurricular agenda of the WFK-ICT Program 2025, complementing the main projects in smart city development, traffic safety, waste management, and AI-driven solutions. By including cultural immersion, the program ensures that participants leave with not only technical achievements but also unforgettable experiences of Indonesia’s natural and cultural treasures.
The visit concluded with group photos at the Kawah Ijen entrance gate, symbolizing unity, teamwork, and the spirit of international collaboration. For both KNU and POLIJE students, the journey to Kawah Ijen became a memorable highlight of their time in Bondowoso, reinforcing the idea that education and cultural understanding go hand in hand.