Phasiree Thanasin, with serious determination, skillfully moved the canting to apply hot wax along the batik pattern of floral motifs. Despite her fingers still being unaccustomed to handling the canting, this Thailand native persevered, completing her batik work with precision.
Creating traditional batik is no easy task, requiring high accuracy and perseverance, especially for Phasiree Thanasin, who was completely new to the technique.
She is one of the participants in the Global Summer Week (GSW) 2024, attending a field trip to Wukirsari Village on Thursday (Jul. 18) organized by the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM).
This field trip was attended by 30 international students from various countries and 56 Indonesian students, who were spread across ten field trip locations at Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in Sleman, Bantul, Kulon Progo, and Gunungkidul Regencies.
The trip allowed students to learn firsthand about social entrepreneurship practiced by Indonesian communities, particularly in the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY).
Phasiree Thanasin, a student from Chiang Mai University, took full advantage of the opportunity to explore social entrepreneurship in Indonesia, particularly in Wukirsari Village, Sleman Regency, DIY.
“Wukirsari is a craft village, and here I can reflect a lot on the culture of Chiang Mai and Thailand, as Chiang Mai is the heart of crafts in Thailand. We have many craft villages similar to these craft tourism spots,” she explained.
She noted many similarities and differences in culture and entrepreneurship between the two countries. Indonesia is known for its community spirit of mutual cooperation, which is also present in Thai society.
“In Thailand, people try to do something similar to mutual cooperation, like the entire village working together,” she said.
Phasiree Thanasin shared that this was her first time visiting and directly interacting with the Indonesian community. She felt an extraordinary cultural experience through the GSW 2024 activities and learned more about social entrepreneurship in Indonesia.
“Through the GSW activities, I can learn a lot more directly about Indonesia,” she said.
Desiree Chooi Huien, a student from Nanyang Technological University, shared a similar sentiment. The Singapore native found the GSW 2024 a fascinating journey and experience.
He explained, “I gained hands-on experience in foundations and villages to learn more about how entrepreneurship works in Indonesia.”
The field visit broadened his perspective on how Indonesian communities blend nature with business and use their resources. People build businesses to advance themselves and their communities.
“Learning from the seniors in this village has greatly enriched my knowledge,” he said.
Desiree Chooi Huien noted that Singapore does not have many natural resources like Indonesia. When he observed the various aspects of Wukirsari Village, everything was done naturally and grounded.
“Unlike in Singapore, where everything moves very fast, the culture and traditions in Wukirsari Village are strong and integral to the community,” he said.
GSW 2024 is an annual event organized by FEB UGM since 2014. It includes various activities such as executive talks, lectures, field visits, social entrepreneurship projects, and cultural activities.
In 2024, GSW carries the theme “Sustainable Futures: Igniting Change through Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation.” The event, held over 11 days from July 15–25, 2024, was attended by 30 international students from various countries and 56 students from several Indonesian universities.
Interview: Mahendra Hermawan S
Author: FEB UGM/Kurnia Ekaptiningrum