From Singapore to Surabaya, a cross-cultural friendship continues to blossom in the spirit of collaboration and compassion. Over the course of three meaningful days, from 27 to 29 October 2025, students from Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School visited Petra Junior High School, engaging in a variety of activities alongside Petra students from across all Petra junior high schools. Their itinerary included visits to Alam Sari Petra Surabaya Urban Farm Lab, Petra 1 Junior High School, and Petra Acitya Junior High School, with each moment strengthening the bond between the two schools. More than just a visit, this exchange was a living testament to a long-standing partnership rooted in shared Christian values and a commitment to meaningful education.

Day One: Exploring Surabaya’s Heritage

Upon arrival at Juanda Airport, the Kuo Chuan delegation was warmly welcomed by their Petra buddies at the Submarine Monument (Monkasel) on Jalan Pemuda, Surabaya. Here, they were introduced to one of the city’s iconic landmarks, rich in historical significance. The monument, formerly KRI Pasopati 410, played a role in Indonesia’s military efforts to liberate West Irian from Dutch control in the 1960s. After exploring the submarine museum, the group enjoyed lunch together at a local restaurant on Jalan Kusuma Bangsa.

Re-energised and ready for more, the students continued their journey to Surabaya Old Town, once a bustling centre of trade and activity. Today, the area still stands with its heritage buildings and nostalgic charm. At 3 p.m., the city tour concluded, but the Kuo Chuan students and their teachers extended their afternoon with a stroll along Jalan Tunjungan and a visit to Hotel Majapahit, now a popular spot among Surabaya’s youth. Meanwhile, the Petra buddies returned to school before heading home.

Day Two: Culture, Creativity, and Connection

The second day’s activities were centred at Petra Acitya Junior High School, where Petra buddies accompanied the Kuo Chuan students in a batik workshop, practising the jumputan (tie-dye) technique under the guidance of Mr Edo. This was followed by an opening ceremony, with heartfelt messages shared by student and teacher representatives from both PPPK Petra and Kuo Chuan.

The day unfolded with a series of engaging sessions. In the music class, students learned to play the angklung under Mr Bintang’s direction. During the cooking class, Miss Maria introduced them to traditional Indonesian snacks, which they later enjoyed together. In the dance class, Miss Agnes taught them traditional Indonesian dances—an energetic and joyful experience. While students immersed themselves in these cultural activities, teachers from both schools participated in a sharing session in the conference room.

At 1 p.m., the students took a lunch break in the school canteen before diving into the next session: physical activities featuring traditional Indonesian games. Guided by PE teachers, the students played together in the sports hall, filling the space with laughter, teamwork, and cheerful energy. As with the previous day, the activities concluded at 3 p.m., and the students returned to their hotel or homes to rest.

Day Three: Nature, Creativity, and Farewell

The final day of the programme took place at two locations: Alam Sari Petra Urban Farm Lab and Petra 1 Junior High School. By 8 a.m., students had gathered at Alam Sari Petra for an outdoor learning session, creatively designed as a Scavenger Hunt and Eco Printing activity. During the Scavenger Hunt, students completed fun challenges to identify specific plants and learn about their benefits. Along the way, they interacted with animals such as chickens, birds, fish, and rabbits—making the experience both educational and enjoyable. In the Eco Printing session, students created eco-friendly artwork using leaves and flowers, learning about sustainability and traditional batik-inspired techniques.

Afterwards, the group moved to Petra 1 Junior High School, where they enjoyed lunch in the school canteen and took part in a school tour. The programme concluded with a closing ceremony and a heartfelt gift exchange. The Kuo Chuan delegation expressed their sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality they received in Surabaya, especially from the Petra community. In return, Petra was honoured to host their long-time friends from Singapore and looks forward to continuing this meaningful partnership in the years to come. This memorable visit from Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School to SMP Kristen Petra Surabaya unfolded beautifully over three days, leaving behind a trail of joyful moments and lasting friendships. It was a meaningful exchange that not only strengthened the bond between the two schools, but also created cherished memories for everyone involved.