Wuxi, Jiangsu — As part of a student exchange program, Indonesian students currently studying at Wuxi Institute of Technology (WXIT) in China had the opportunity to participate in a Chinese calligraphy workshop held at the International Building on campus. This event was part of a series of cultural activities designed to introduce international students, including those from Indonesia, to the deeper aspects of Chinese culture. The calligraphy workshop was attended by 30 international students, including two Indonesian students from the Master of Sharia Economics (MES) Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Economics and Business (FEBI), UIN Sunan Kalijaga, who were highly enthusiastic about learning this traditional Chinese art form.
Wu Guoya, a member of the Jiangsu Provincial Landscape Painting Research Association, served as the main instructor for the event, guiding participants through the history of Chinese calligraphy and the basic techniques of writing Chinese characters using a brush. "Chinese calligraphy is not just about the art of writing; it is also about peace and the philosophy of life. Every brushstroke carries profound meaning," said Wu Guoya. Through this workshop, we hope the students can gain a deeper understanding of the values embedded in Chinese culture.
The event garnered high enthusiasm from the international students present, including participants from Tanzania, Congo, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Mongolia. The students also had the chance to engage in hands-on practice, where they learned to write several simple characters using traditional Chinese brushes and ink. Some of the characters taught included "Happiness" (幸福), "Hope" (希望), and "Peace" (和平), which are universal and positive symbols in Chinese culture.
MES student Muhammad Rafiuddin expressed his admiration for the art of Chinese calligraphy. "This is an extraordinary new experience. Learning Chinese calligraphy has opened my eyes to the depth of cultural values that have been passed down for thousands of years," said Rafi. Meanwhile, Nesha Rizky Ashari, another participant, shared that practicing Chinese calligraphy taught her to appreciate time and precision. "Through calligraphy, I’ve learned to be more patient and to value the process. Each stroke is not just about the final result but also the journey and the meaning it carries. Additionally, we didn’t just paint on paper but also created art on fans," said Nesha.
The workshop concluded with a group photo featuring the instructor, lecturers, and the creative works produced by the international students, who had eagerly learned and crafted their pieces. The diverse calligraphy works became symbols of friendship and cultural exchange among students from various backgrounds. As a token of appreciation for their participation, all attendees were allowed to take home their creations, along with souvenirs provided by the organizers. These mementos will serve as cherished keepsakes for the students participating in the exchange program in China.
This calligraphy activity served as a means for international students, particularly those from Indonesia, to better understand and appreciate Chinese culture. The organizing committee hopes that this program will not only enrich the participants' experiences but also strengthen international relations, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Indonesia and China through art and culture. [NRA]