Student exchange programs are transformative experiences, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and exchanging diverse perspectives.
An example is the Merdeka Student Exchange (PMM) Nusantara Module, an integral component of the national Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (Freedom to Learn, Independent Campus) initiative, which enables students to immerse themselves in different universities across Indonesia.
Aza Khiatun Nisa, a UGM Philosophy student, enthusiastically participates in this program. Since the onset of September 2023, she has been engrossed in classes at Khairun University in Ternate.
Over a semester, Nisa has chosen to delve into three captivating programs within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences: Social Anthropology, History, and Indonesian Literature.
With four months already under her belt in the program, Nisa expresses gratitude for the enriching experiences from the PMM Nusantara Module. The program has provided her with a unique opportunity to understand the culture of North Maluku through its curriculum.
“I am very grateful to participate in the PMM Nusantara Module because I can directly learn about the culture of North Maluku, attend classes at a different campus, have foster parents, and make friends from all over Indonesia,” she enthused on Friday (Dec. 12).
Beyond classroom activities, Nisa delved into four Nusantara sub-modules, focusing on diversity, inspiration, and reflection. Guided by her mentor, she embarked on a journey to four sultanates: the Sultanate of Ternate, the Sultanate of Tidore, the Sultanate of Jailolo, and the Sultanate of Bacan.
“I visited these sultanates and explored the surrounding tourist attractions. This was very meaningful for me in understanding the contribution of the sultanates during the colonial period and learning about North Maluku’s potential from then until today,” she explained.
In exploring the Nusantara sub-modules, Nisa delved into community-based tourism, studying alongside the architects of Cengkeh Afo, a traditional culinary gem in Ternate. The final sub-module, reflection, involved attending traditional Ternate wedding ceremonies.
“Afterwards, the participants gathered and discussed, sharing new knowledge about traditional weddings in Ternate. Also, other PMM participants were invited to share wedding traditions in their respective regions,” she fondly recalled.
Going above and beyond, Nisa actively contributed to curatorial exhibitions funded by the 21st Cultural Heritage Conservation Center in Ternate. Eager for adventure, she represented inbound PMM students from Khairun University as a speaker on a talk show at RRI Pro 2 Ternate.
Additionally, Nisa was selected to lead a scientific writing workshop for students at Khairun University who received scholarships from Bank Indonesia.
Nisa’s experience in the PMM Nusantara Module in Ternate has sparked reflections on the issue of educational inequality between the western and eastern regions of Indonesia. In her view, disparities in teaching staff, students, classroom facilities, and academic service procedures demand immediate attention and rectification.
“After completing this program, I realize that the inequality in education related to access and motivation is indeed present and imbalanced. This condition is a crucial point for the government. Perhaps exchange programs can be one way for students to learn and observe this inequality and then work towards improvement,” she emphasized.
Author: B. Diah Listianingsih
Editor: Gusti
Photo: Aza Khiatun Nisa