Suriname Ambassador to Indonesia, Mrs. Angelic Alihuzain del Castilho, said that she was very impressed by the Edu-Cultural International Festival, especially for Suriname students who are studying at UGM. This activity also provides opportunities for UGM students to be able to study abroad, including in Suriname.
"I hope that this activity is attractive to us all and that those who study here are also impressed. So, when you go home, you can build Suriname. Some of our students are still studying here, “Angelic said at the opening of Edu-Culture International Festival, Tuesday (13/10), at Grha Sabha Pramana.
She said that Suriname is a multicultural country with many ethnic-gorups, including from Indonesia, who are mostly Javanese. "There are still fried rice, Chinese food and Indian food there," she said.
Angelic said that until now there are only about a dozen people from Suriname having graduated from UGM. She hoped that this number can be increased to more than a hundred. Currently, there are two students from Suriname who study at UGM. One of them, Dasai Marciano, 30, is pursuing a Master Degree in the Department of Architecture. His ancestors were from Magelang and Magetan.
UGM Executive Secretary, Drs. Moerdiyanto Djoko, MA, who officially opened the Edu-Cultural International Festival, said that this activity was followed by 12 embassies and 16 educational institutions from various countries. Djoko Moerdiyanto said that this international festival was to mark the celebration of UGM’s 60th Anniversary. Festivals are held from 8-16 October 2009 at Grha Sabha Pramana.
From this event, the public can see and know the latest information about education and culture of various countries. Besides, visitors can also enjoy various cultural attractions, movies, and culinary dishes presented by UGM foreign students. "We hope that all these activities can unite all the participants and make them part of UGM big family," said Djoko Moerdiyanto.