The UGM’s Faculty of Philosophy (Philosophy UGM) once again hosted the School for International Training (SIT) Study Abroad Indonesia program from Feb. 24 to 28, 2025. Seven American students attended the program, which featured the theme Arts, Religion, and Social Change.
Their visit to Philosophy UGM was part of a four-month program running from Feb. 4 to May 19, 2025.
During their five days at Philosophy UGM, the SIT Study Abroad students participated in various academic and cultural activities.
These included gamelan practice sessions, lectures on religions in Indonesia, Pancasila as the state ideology, and discussions with UGM students about the comparison of religious life in Indonesia and the United States.
Through these activities, the participants gained a deeper understanding of religious diversity and the role of Pancasila in Indonesia’s social life.
Yudhistira Kazuhiro Budiono, Academic Director of SIT Study Abroad Indonesia, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration with Philosophy UGM.
“SIT Study Abroad is a program that brings learning through experience. We believe every place is a learning space. We appreciate Philosophy UGM for opening its doors to us,” he said on Sunday, Mar. 2, 2025.
He added that the program provided valuable experiences for the participants, allowing them to observe student life in Yogyakarta and interact with local students.
“We hope this program offers meaningful learning experiences and moments for the participants,” Budiono said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Iva Ariani, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni at Philosophy UGM, expressed her gratitude for the continued trust placed in Philosophy UGM.
“Thank you to SIT for continuing to trust this collaboration with our faculty,” she stated.
Dr. Ariani also highlighted that Philosophy UGM is the only philosophy faculty at a public university in Indonesia that has in-depth studies on religion, culture, and social life.
“This is the perfect place to host the SIT program because we have extensive studies on religion, culture, and social life. Enjoy your time here,” she added.
With the various experiences gained during the program, it is hoped that the SIT Study Abroad students will bring new insights into Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity back to their home country.
Philosophy UGM remains committed to being part of international collaborations that support the exchange of knowledge and cross-cultural understanding.
Author: Philosophy UGM/Gloria
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographer: UGM Faculty of Philosophy