Yogyakarta, 08/05/2025 – Amidst the vibrant melodies of bowed strings and profound harmonies, a deeply meaningful cultural event unfolded in “Mini Concert #18: Romansa Svara (Romance of Sound)”. This classical music performance by the Gadjah Mada Chamber Orchestra (GMCO) was held on Thursday, 8 May 2025 at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. In the elegant atmosphere that enveloped the stage that evening, one figure stood out: Oh Yeonju, a student from South Korea currently studying Indonesian at INCULS, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada.  

More than just a guest or spectator, Oh Yeonju took part as a member of the orchestra, playing the violin with passion and dedication. Alongside young musicians from across Universitas Gadjah Mada and Indonesia, she performed expressive compositions in a concert that showcased not only musical beauty but also reflected a profound cultural encounter.  

Oh Yeonju’s participation in this concert embodied the spirit of inclusivity and cross-border learning. In this collaborative artistic space, differences in background were not barriers but bridges connecting hearts and minds. Music, as a universal language, brought together individual uniqueness in a harmonious unity, creating a learning ecosystem that touched both intellect and emotion.  

“Romansa Svara” was not merely an aesthetic experience but also carried important values of cooperation, mutual respect, and growth in diversity. This was a stage where international friendships were woven naturally, not through diplomatic discussions but through notes flowing in perfect rhythm.  

Oh Yeonju’s story on the GMCO stage served as a reminder that true education extends beyond the classroom. It thrives in interaction, in the courage to try new things, and in openness to embracing differences. UGM, through platforms like GMCO and INCULS, continues to foster inspiring spaces for both local and international students to collectively shape a more harmonious, empathetic, and meaningful world.  

Amidst the thunderous applause that night which resonated as more than just musical appreciation there was a clear message: art can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering hope for a more harmonious world. And among the performers, a South Korean student became part of this beautiful story, a vital note in the symphony of togetherness known as “Romansa Svara”.  

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 15/05/2025 – INCULS (Indonesia Culture and Language Services) is not only an institution dedicated to teaching Indonesian to foreign speakers but also serves as a strategic platform in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The experience of Rifan Shinji, a 2020 graduate of Japanese Language and Culture, as a tutor at INCULS demonstrates how inclusive and adaptive educational approaches can foster quality education. By prioritizing the needs of international students from diverse backgrounds such as Monash University students who prefer casual conversations or Ritsumeikan University students interested in traditional music, Rifan applies contextual learning methods. For example, UNSW students are taken to museums to understand Indonesian politics, while Kokushikan University students engage directly with local communities to learn about customs. This approach not only strengthens linguistic comprehension but also builds cross-cultural skills, aligning with national principles of education for sustainable development and multiculturalism.

Additionally, INCULS contributes to reducing inequality by implementing principles of equality in learning. Rifan emphasizes that all students are treated fairly without favoritism, even though challenges such as mood differences or language barriers often arise. To address these, tutors use personal approaches, such as sharing meals with students or utilizing translation technology to ensure effective material delivery. However, the fact that all current INCULS tutors are male also highlights potential room for improvement in gender equality, which could be a focus for future development.  

On another note, INCULS plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Indonesian culture. Through language teaching, tutors also introduce the richness of Indonesian culture, from traditional music to local customs. Rifan gives examples of how Ritsumeikan students are interested in learning gamelan, while HUFS students are more enthusiastic about discussing Indonesian pop music. This dissemination of cultural knowledge not only enriches the perspectives of international students but also strengthens Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy on the global stage. The impact is multiplicative, as these students will carry their understanding of Indonesia back to their home countries, creating a broader cultural network.  

To support this strategic role, Rifan suggests the need for infrastructure development at INCULS, such as constructing a dedicated Indonesian language teaching building. Adequate facilities would allow the institution to enhance teaching capacity and reach more foreign learners. By maintaining teaching quality and expanding collaborative networks, INCULS can continue to be a pioneer in Indonesian language education while contributing to sustainable development. Through a holistic approach combining education, culture, and inclusivity, INCULS proves that language teaching is not merely knowledge transfer but also an investment in global peace and progress.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]