The curtains have closed on the third batch of the Merdeka Student Exchange Program (PMM) at UGM.
Amidst a tapestry of diverse stories, a noteworthy narrative emerges from two PMM groups, Malioboro and Parangkusumo, who immersed themselves in the rich experiences of the Nusantara module activities.
In the program’s final week’s closing chapter, all participants visited foster children at the Kesejahteraan Tuna Netra Islam Foundation (YAKETUNIS).
This encounter served as the pinnacle of the entire Nusantara module activities, embodying the values of social contribution under the theme “Sharing and Caring in Diversity.”
Dinar Nugroho Pratomo, the Malioboro group’s academic guide, highlighted the activity’s intent—to furnish students with direct experiences, thereby enriching their social understanding.
The event provided a platform for students to extend love and support to the foster children at YAKETUNIS, offering items like Muslim clothing, essential household provisions, groceries, and Braille books to bolster the student’s educational journey.
Moreover, students shared tales and experiences from their PMM activities in Yogyakarta, offering the foster children a glimpse into the local culture.
This PMM cohort had previously engaged in 16 Nusantara module activities that underscored values such as diversity, inspiration, and reflection, encompassing meaningful social contributions.
Diyah Utami Kusumaning Putri, the academic guide for the Parangkusumo group, elucidated that the Nusantara module is a meticulously curated series of activities to foster a holistic understanding of diversity, inspiration, reflection, and social contributions. These activities are thoughtfully designed through sequential and iterative guidance.
“The objective is to acquaint participants with the wealth of Nusantara culture, spanning diverse groups, tribes, races, religions, and beliefs. This exposure fosters an understanding and appreciation of the significance of tolerance and diversity through myriad activities,” she expounded.
The Nusantara module’s initiation involved diversity-centric activities through entertaining games in Wisdom Park UGM. The cultural heritage of Yogyakarta was also introduced, aiming to instill a sense of tolerance among various ethnic and religious communities—a tangible expression of diversity.
This cultural immersion unfolded through visits to the Yogyakarta Palace, Taman Sari, the Ulen Sentanu Museum, and the Prambanan Temple.
To encapsulate the essence of inspiration derived from the Nusantara module, students delved into learning about the socio-economic backdrop of the community in Yogyakarta, with a particular focus on batik fabric as a pivotal economic commodity.
The educational odyssey included a visit to the Yogyakarta Batik Museum. Inspiration-driven activities also unfolded at the Alam Gamplong Studio, where students honed their photography skills.
PMM participants actively engaged in the Innovation Talk at the Youth Festival, a part of the Social Innovation Week hosted at Jogja City Mall. This platform offered students a unique opportunity to glean inspiration from influential figures such as GKR Mangkubumi, Dr. Didik Mukrianto, and GKR Hayu.
The discussions ranged from social innovation through village transformation to the vital role of youth organizations in social entrepreneurship and the corporate sector’s contribution to fostering the social innovation ecosystem.
Muhammad Rishan, hailing from Hasnur Polytechnic, Banjarmasin, voiced his pride in being part of PMM at UGM. The Nusantara module activities became a crucible of new experiences and knowledge for him. Rishan attended interdisciplinary lectures outside his field of study, fostering a familial sense during the Nusantara module activities.
“I have gained a new family that values every difference and makes diversity an intriguing facet for us to remember and embrace together. Beyond that, I’ve garnered invaluable life lessons, unforgettable memories, and skill development, equipping me to confront life’s challenges with confidence in the future,” he enthused.
Author: Listi
Editor: Ika