As part of the celebration of the 357th Anniversary of Padang City, international students of Universitas Andalas had the opportunity to participate in two special events highlighting the city’s rich cultural and culinary heritage: Padang Bajamba on 7 August and Talks on Taste on 9 August 2026.

Their participation was part of the broader celebration of Padang’s cultural identity and gastronomic potential under the theme “Taste of Padang Experience: Road to Gastronomy City.” The events provided a meaningful platform for international students to engage with local traditions, communities, and culinary heritage while experiencing Padang beyond the classroom.

Experiencing the Spirit of Padang Bajamba

On 7 August, international students joined Padang Bajamba, a traditional Minangkabau communal dining experience that embodies togetherness, hospitality, and community.

Adding an international dimension to the celebration, the students wore traditional attire representing their respective countries and participated in the Bajamba feast alongside other guests and participants. Through this experience, they were able to directly engage with one of Minangkabau’s cherished traditions and appreciate the values of togetherness embedded within it.

The students also had the special opportunity to meet and take a memorable photograph with Fadly Amran, Mayor of Padang, during the celebration.

For the international students, Padang Bajamba was more than a communal meal. It was an opportunity to connect with the local community, experience Minangkabau traditions firsthand, and celebrate cultural diversity in the heart of Padang.

Discovering Padang Through Taste

The cultural experience continued on 9 August through Talks on Taste, a gastronomic event that explored the richness, identity, and potential of Padang’s culinary heritage.

The event was attended by Teuku Riefky Harsya, Minister of Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, and featured prominent Indonesian culinary figures, including Chef William Wongso, Chef Lord Adi, and Chef Uda Dian.

International students of Universitas Andalas participated as audience members and had the opportunity to experience Padang’s culinary creativity firsthand by tasting Nasi Goreng Rendang, prepared by the featured chefs and their team.

The experience offered the students a unique perspective on Indonesian gastronomy, demonstrating how traditional local flavors can be explored, reinterpreted, and introduced through contemporary culinary experiences.

For students coming from different parts of the world, tasting Nasi Goreng Rendang was also an opportunity to discover the distinctive flavors of West Sumatra and gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural stories embedded in Indonesian cuisine.

Through their participation in Padang Bajamba and Talks on Taste, international students of Universitas Andalas experienced Padang not only as a place of study, but also as a living cultural and gastronomic landscape.

These experiences reflect the importance of internationalization beyond the classroom. By engaging with local communities and experiencing Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage firsthand, international students are able to develop a deeper understanding of their host environment while contributing their own cultures and perspectives to the community.

For Universitas Andalas, cultural engagement is an integral part of creating an inclusive and globally connected university environment. Events such as these provide opportunities for students from different backgrounds to meet, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections through shared cultural experiences.

The International Office of Universitas Andalas extends its appreciation to the Government of Padang City for welcoming the university’s international students and providing opportunities for them to take part in the celebration of Padang’s cultural and culinary heritage.

The participation of international students in the 357th Anniversary celebrations reflects the spirit of a globally connected university, one where cultures meet, experiences are shared, and international communities become part of the local story.

Celebrating diversity. Sharing culture. Connecting the world through Padang.

Happy 357th Anniversary, Padang City!

As part of its commitment to advancing internationalization and ensuring the smooth implementation of academic activities involving foreign nationals, the International Office of Universitas Andalas organized a Socialization on Administrative Procedures, Visa Regulations, and Customs Requirements for International Academic Visitors. The program was designed to strengthen the University's institutional capacity in managing international academic activities while ensuring compliance with Indonesian immigration and customs regulations.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Aidinil Zetra, Secretary of Universitas Andalas, who highlighted the importance of understanding immigration and customs regulations in supporting the University's internationalization agenda. He emphasized that a thorough understanding of these regulatory requirements is essential for facilitating international collaborations and ensuring the successful implementation of academic programs involving overseas partners and visitors.

The program featured speakers from the Class I Immigration Office of Padang and the Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPPBC). Harry Setiawan, S.H., M.H. delivered a presentation on visa procedures and residence permits for foreign nationals participating in academic activities in Indonesia. His presentation covered the differences between visas and Limited Stay Permits (ITAS), visa categories commonly used for academic purposes, the e-Visa application process, and the legal obligations of foreign nationals during their stay in Indonesia.

The session continued with presentations by Budy Sentosa, S.E., M.M. and Arif Budiman, S.H., who outlined customs regulations relevant to international academic visitors. Their presentation addressed Customs Declaration requirements, regulations governing the importation of specific goods, and customs duty and excise exemptions for imported equipment and materials intended for scientific research and academic purposes.

Moderated by Dr. Rina Marnita, Head of the International Office, the event concluded with an interactive discussion and question-and-answer session. Participants included university directors, Vice Deans for Academic Affairs from various faculties, Academic Managers, and members of the EQUITY Team, all of whom play key roles in facilitating international academic programs and supporting international academic visitors.

Through this initiative, Universitas Andalas aims to enhance the capacity of its academic and administrative units in managing international academic activities in accordance with applicable regulations. By strengthening institutional understanding of administrative procedures, immigration requirements, and customs regulations, the University seeks to provide a seamless, compliant, and welcoming experience for international academic visitors while further advancing its global engagement and international partnerships.

The selection process for KNB Scholarship applicants at Universitas Andalas will soon begin!

Psychological Test
- May 19, 2026

Academic Interview
- May 20–22, 2026

Important Notes:
• All sessions will be conducted online
• Please check your email regularly
• Participants must attend according to the assigned schedule
• Stable internet connection is required
• Time schedule follows WIB (GMT+7)

We look forward to meeting talented future students from around the world

For further information:
io.unand.ac.id

On Thursday, May 7th, 2026, Universitas Andalas welcomed a visit from the Foreigners Supervision Team (TIMPORA) for a socialization session held at the Senate Meeting Room, 4th Floor of the Rectorate Building, Universitas Andalas. The session aimed to introduce the roles and functions of TIMPORA while providing international students with information regarding immigration regulations, as well as their rights and responsibilities during their stay in Indonesia.

The delegation was led by Mr. Zulmanur Arif as the representative of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration of West Sumatra, together with representatives from several related institutions, including the State Intelligence Agency of West Sumatra (BINDA), the National Narcotics Agency of West Sumatra Province (BNNP), the National and Political Unity Agency of West Sumatra Province (Kesbangpol), and the Intelligence and Security Directorate of West Sumatra Regional Police (Dirintelkam Polda Sumbar).

During the session, TIMPORA delivered information regarding bridging visas, the rights and obligations of international students, legal assistance for foreign nationals, regulations prohibiting international students from working in Indonesia, as well as awareness on the dangers and legal consequences of narcotics abuse in Indonesia.

The event was also attended by the Director of Student Affairs, the Head of the International Office, representatives from the Directorate of Education and Learning, and international students of Universitas Andalas. In her remarks, Dr. Rina Marnita AS, MA, Head of the International Office of Universitas Andalas, highlighted that internationalization plays an important role in the development of higher education institutions in Indonesia, including Universitas Andalas. She also emphasized the importance for universities to understand and comply with all regulations concerning foreign nationals and immigration matters in order to maintain a safe, orderly, and supportive academic environment.

Through this activity, international students are expected to gain a better understanding of Indonesian regulations while strengthening collaboration between Universitas Andalas and related institutions in supporting the supervision and services for international students on campus.

We are pleased to inform you that the application selection results for the Universitas Andalas International Scholarship 2026 have been officially released.

The list of applicants who have passed the administrative selection is available in the official announcement at the following link: bit.ly/AdmSelection2026

Applicants who have successfully passed the administrative stage will receive an official notification via email.

Applicants who have not received any email notification are considered not selected to proceed to the next stage.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in Universitas Andalas.