10 US Students Come To Riau To Learn Culture, Regional Secretary: Welcome, This Is Kampar Regency, A Religious And Traditional Country

Kampar Regional Secretary Yusri (left) when receiving a visit from a number of US students. (ANTARA/Netty M)

RIAU - A total of 14 Americans, 10 of whom are students, came to Kampar Regency, Riau Province, to learn about local customs and culture.

Regional Secretary for Kampar Regency, Yusri Msi, said that the arrival of the group of Americans will last for several days in his area starting Wednesday, June 15.

When they come to Kampar, they are introduced to local customs including Sekapur betel and Setepak Pinang, Basiacuong and eat with the three-legged Badulang.

Yusri explained that these are some parts of the adat that are closely held by the people of Kampar Regency.

"This indicates that we are all the same, regardless of ethnicity, race or religion, we are all the same. They are our brothers, in the customary language of betel back to the hilt, areca nut back to the tampuk," said Secretary of Regional Yusri in Bangkinang, quoted from Antara, Thursday, June 16. .

The students who came were from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. They came specifically to Kampar to make friends and learn about the customs and culture of the district which borders Pekanbaru City.

"We welcome you to Bangkinang, Kampar Regency, hopefully students can see firsthand the customs that exist in Kampar Regency. Hopefully while in Kampar you will be comfortable and memorable. This is Kampar Regency, a religious, traditional and cultured country," said Yusri.

Currently, perhaps only American citizens have come to Kampar. It is hoped that later there will be more Dutch or Japanese people who want to go to Kampar Regency.

"This is like the betel that was eaten in the slap earlier, hopefully (they) will return to Kampar again," he said.

According to him, this is the beginning of the revival of tourist visits to Kampar Regency, and a milestone for local customs.

"Hopefully others can also spearhead tourist visits to Kampar," he said.

Meanwhile, the leader of the American Student group Shane Hussey expressed his deep gratitude to the Kampar Regency Government and the Kampar District Attorney for facilitating his visit to learn about the culture.

"With the betel that is offered, we are considered brothers. We will learn many things about Kampar culture, recognize Kampar culinary and community culture, the Kampar people are very good, we remember and spread this kindness in the United States," said Shane Hussey who is fluent in Indonesian and has lived in Indonesia for more than 20 years.