UNAIR NEWS – UNAIR hosts students from Federation University Australia. They were invited to explore flavors, touch, and ancestral history through the “Javanese Traditional Massage” workshop and the “Sinom & Lumpur Surga” cooking class. Bringing a traditional atmosphere, the Faculty of Vocational Studies welcomed the Federation University students again on Tuesday, February 14, 2026, by introducing the distinctive flavors of Indonesian spices through a glass of kunir asem in the morning. The aroma of turmeric and the refreshing sour taste provided a new sensory experience for the Federation University students during the International Student Mobility FED-Air program. The activity was organized by the World University Association Communication Development (WUACD).
Not only focusing on taste, the Faculty of Vocational Studies also provided a hands-on experience through the “Javanese Traditional Massage” workshop. The workshop was delivered by professional instructor Edith Frederika Puruhito SKM MSc. During the session, Federation University students were introduced to the history and various types of traditional treatments that have developed in countries such as China, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Learning basic massage techniques
In addition to the presentation, participants in the workshop were also introduced to several basic massage techniques, such as effleurage, tapotement, kneading, and others, in preparation for the following hands-on session. Furthermore, some Federation University students tried one of the traditional Chinese diagnostic methods, namely pulse palpation. This technique is one of the eight traditional Chinese examinations demonstrated by students of the Traditional Medicine study program. Through this method, therapists can identify health issues based on the speed, strength, and depth of the pulse.
Emma, a Federation University student, expressed her interest in the method. “It’s like magic to know my anxiety just from palpating the pulse!” she said. Following the material session, the next agenda was a hands-on practice supervised by practitioner Myrna Adianti SSi MKes PhD. Federation University students were introduced to traditional Javanese massage techniques from head to toe, ergonomic positioning during massage, and the use of skin-safe oils.
New experience
The two-hour hands-on practice session provided a calming and memorable experience for students of Federation University. After attending the workshop session, they joined the cooking class Sinom & Lumpur Surga to refresh themselves during the afternoon break. In the session, Federation University students learned to prepare the traditional herbal drink Sinom and traditional dessert Lumpur Surga.
The activity was guided by nutrition lecturers Dwi Setiani Sumardiko SKep Ns MSi and Dr Iif Hanifah Nurrosyidah SFarm Apt Mfarm. During the cooking class, participants were divided into two groups consisting of Federation University students and students from the Faculty of Vocational Studies of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). The class took place in the practical laboratory of the D-IV Traditional Medicine Study Program, equipped with adequate tools and facilities. The process of preparing Sinom began with preparing, measuring, and boiling the ingredients, which participants carried out enthusiastically. After the Sinom was ready to be served, participants continued by making another traditional dessert, Lumpur Surga.
The sweet taste and creamy texture made the dessert a perfect companion to a glass of Sinom. The series of activities concluded with the presentation of souvenirs as appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by the Federation University students throughout the program. The hands-on experience in exploring Indonesia’s traditional heritage is expected to provide valuable insight in viewing healthcare from a broader and more collaborative perspective.
Author: Public Relations of Faculty of Vocational Studies
