Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in partnership with Ritsumeikan University (RU) from Japan, launched its inaugural collaborative project on February 12–16, 2024, known as the Ritsumeikan University–Global Fieldwork Program (GFP).
This program, centered on the theme of “Introduction to Indonesian Social and Cultural Studies,” signifies the beginning of a student collaboration initiative between UGM and RU.
Participants delve into a week-long immersive program at UGM featuring campus tours, lectures, fieldwork expeditions, discussions with UGM student organizations, site visits, and final presentations.
The primary aim of this program is to foster cross-cultural collaboration among students from both universities and provide RU students with an enriching overseas experience in Indonesia.
The cohort comprises 20 students from RU, guided by 1 RU supervisor, alongside 14 UGM students. Together, they engage in collaborative discussions with 3 UGM student organizations and attend lectures delivered by 4 UGM faculty members.
Deputy Director of Partnership and Global Initiatives at UGM, Dr. Wiratni, extended a warm welcome to the RU supervisor and students, emphasizing the value of their participation in this pioneering initiative.
“Through this pilot program, we hope participants from RU and UGM will gain new insights while thoroughly enjoying their brief time here in Yogyakarta,” Dr. Wiratni remarked during the program’s opening ceremony on Monday (Feb. 12).
On the first day of the program, participants were invited to embark on a vibrant exploration of the UGM campus and introductory lectures on UGM, Indonesia, and Yogyakarta delivered by Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini from the Office of International Affairs and Dr. Ahmad Munjid and Dr. Agus Suwignyo from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.
Following the introduction, the students were enthralled by a hands-on session and discussion about the traditional gamelan instrument with UGM students from KAMASTAWA (Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Association), fostering a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
The second-day lecture featured Dr. I Made Andi Arsana, who shed light on Bali and Hinduism. This was followed by insights into Balinese dances and Hinduism shared by UGM’s Balinese Dance and Hindu Dharma student units. Additionally, participants were invited to experience the intricate movements of Balinese dance firsthand.
Following the enriching lecture sessions over the first two days, participants embarked on fieldwork expeditions on Feb. 13 and 14, exploring the myriad attractions of Yogyakarta in groups. The destinations included iconic landmarks such as Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Taman Sari Castle, Malioboro, and other notable tourist places.
The team also visited the UGM Agrotechnology Innovation Center in Berbah, engaging in hands-on activities focused on traditional drink-making and waste management on Feb. 15.
The program concluded with final presentations by the students, which ranged from comparative analyses of traffic challenges between Yogyakarta and Osaka to innovative solutions to mitigate pollution levels in Yogyakarta and explorations of the distinct culinary characteristics of Japan and Indonesia.
Dr. Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, Head of the Office of International Affairs, expressed her hope that the program would leave a lasting impression on RU students, deepening their understanding of Indonesia, particularly Yogyakarta.
Author: UGM Office of International Affairs