Paint, Plant, Pound: Learning Through Creativity, Nature, and Collaboration
SEMARANG — Creativity took many forms at Karenina Agung Resort on September 18, 2026, as three German exchange students joined the ECO P3: Paint, Plant, Pound program facilitated by the International Office of Agung Putra University (APU). Bringing together art, gardening, nature, and group interaction, the activity offered a hands-on experience that moved participants from decorating pots to planting medicinal herbs and creating patterns from flowers found around the resort.
The program involved three German exchange students, student buddies, APU International Office staff, and members of the Karenina Agung Resort team. Rather than following a single activity, ECO P3 was designed as a sequence of experiences that allowed participants to create something, work with nature, and share their work with others.
Paint: Starting with Creativity
The day opened with a welcome session led by Reyga, who introduced the participants to the purpose and concept of ECO P3. Student buddies Nina and Aya then introduced TOGA (Tanaman Obat Keluarga), or family medicinal plants, including information about different types of plants and their uses.
With the introduction completed, participants began the first creative stage of the program by painting their planting pots. Guided by the activity team, they explored different designs while learning about the materials and techniques used to prepare the pots.
The painting session turned a simple gardening object into something personal. Each participant was given space to create their own design before moving on to the next stage of the activity.
“And I liked drawing the panda,” said Frederick playfully.
His playful panda design became part of the creative results produced during the painting session, showing how the activity allowed participants to bring their own interests and personalities into their work.
Plant: From Decoration to Growing
Under the guidance of Mr. Purwanto, a Karenina Agung Resort staff member and planting instructor, participants learned how to prepare soil and fertilizer before transferring TOGA seedlings into the pots. The process introduced the students to practical steps in planting while connecting the creative work from the morning with an environmental activity in the afternoon.
The introduction to TOGA also created a point of connection with the students' own experiences in Germany.
“In Germany, we also use medicinal plants as remedies for some illnesses, such as ginger and mint,” said Cara.
The experience then moved outdoors as participants explored the resort's garden to collect flowers for the final part of ECO P3. Guided by Zein, they selected flowers to be used as natural materials for the eco-pounding session.
Pound: Turning Nature into Art
The final activity transformed the flowers collected from the garden into visual patterns on white fabric. Through eco-pounding technique, participants arranged the flowers before pounding them onto the fabric, allowing their natural colours and forms to create unique impressions.
The activity encouraged participants to observe and use materials from their surroundings in a different way. What began as flowers growing in the garden became part of an individual handmade artwork.
Before the program concluded, the participants presented their finished works to the group. Each person briefly explained their choice of colours, patterns, and the simple meaning behind their design. The presentation provided a final opportunity to exchange ideas and appreciate the different interpretations produced throughout the activity.
Event Gallery
German exchange students decorate their planting pots during the Paint activity.
Participants work on their individual pot designs.
Final look of Pot Painting made by exchange students and student buddies.
Participants prepare soil and fertilizer before planting TOGA seedlings.
German exchange students plant TOGA seedlings into their decorated pots.
Participants arrange flowers on white fabric before creating their natural patterns.
Floral prints through the eco-pounding technique.
Participants present their finished works and share the meaning behind their chosen colours and patterns.
Written by: ANM, APU International Office
Agung Putra University