Cultural Immersion

One of the most unforgettable parts of my SEA Teacher journey was the opportunity to immerse myself in Indonesia’s vibrant culture. Beyond the classroom, I was able to explore Jakarta and its surrounding places, each visit giving me a deeper appreciation of the country’s traditions, history, and way of life.

Our immersion began with visits to two of Jakarta’s most iconic landmarks-the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia, and the Church of Our Lady of Assumption, a church standing just across from it. Witnessing how two different religions coexist side by side was inspiring, a reminder of harmony and respect that I carried with me throughout my stay.

Istiqlal Mosque

Church of Our Lady of Assumption

A visit to the National Monument (Monas) gave me a glimpse of Indonesia’s rich history and struggles for independence. Standing tall at the center of Merdeka Square, the monument symbolizes the country’s resilience and unity.

Another highlight was the National Museum, also known as Museum Nasional or the “Elephant Building.” Inside, we discovered Indonesia’s vast history and cultural heritage—from ancient statues, traditional artifacts, to exhibits showcasing the diversity of the Indonesian archipelago. It was like traveling through time and understanding the soul of the nation.

Monumen Nasional

National Museum

We also explored Sarinah Mall, one of the iconic shopping destinations in Jakarta. It showcased modern Indonesian fashion, local crafts, and global brands. Walking inside felt like seeing a blend of tradition and modernity in one space, making it both a shopping and cultural experience.

We spent a day at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), a cultural park that beautifully represented Indonesia’s provinces through traditional houses, museums, and performances. It was a one-stop destination to experience the country’s diversity without leaving Jakarta.

Sarinah Mall

Taman Mini

Since our stay coincided with Holy Week, we were also able to participate in the Visita Iglesia tradition. It was a beautiful spiritual experience, visiting seven different Catholic churches across Jakarta while reflecting on the Stations of the Cross.

St. Theresia, Menteng – Stations 1 & 2
Christ the King, Pejompongan – Stations 3 & 4
St. Stephen, Cilandak – Stations 5 & 6
St. John the Evangelist, Blok B – Stations 7 & 8
St. Mary the Virgin Queen, Blok Q – Stations 9 & 10
St. Anthony of Padua, Bidaracina – Stations 11 & 12
St. Francis of Assisi, Tebet – Stations 13 & 14

Visita Iglesia

Another highlight of our immersion was our trip to Dufan (Dunia Fantasi), Jakarta’s most famous amusement park located in Ancol Dreamland. Here, we enjoyed thrilling rides, cultural shows, and attractions that showcased both modern entertainment and Indonesian themes. It was a fun way to relax, bond with fellow SEA Teachers, and experience the lighter side of Jakarta’s culture.