SDGs 4: Quality Education

Banda Neira has become a trending destination, drawing the attention from both local and international visitors. For Sherina, an Archaeology student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, wo conducted her Community Service Program (KKN) on the island, Banda Neira is not just a tourist spot but a personal heaven. Belgica Fort, one of its popular icons, holds a special place in her heart. Sherina is fascinated by the fact that every arranged stone on the island holds a story and a mystery from the past waiting to be unraveled. Sherina said, “Many people do not know much about this fort, or they only know it from the backside of the one thousand rupiah banknote, without detailed explanations. What was the fort used for in the past? What were the functions of each room? What is the significance of its five sides? Was it for surveillance or other purposes?”

As an archaeology enthusiast, Sherina discovered various tangible and intangible remains in Banda Neira, particularly within the fort. She also engaged in discussions with the rector of Banda Neira University who shared their interest in historical remains. Interestingly, the historical remains spread across Banda Neira span various eras, as she mentioned, “Banda Neira is full of colonial remains, and as a person who is interested in colonial heritage, Banda Neira is like a heaven. However, the remains there are not limited to the colonial era as I visited a museum called ‘Rumah Budaya,’ where I found artefacts from the prehistoric era, such as thorns and fish bones.”

Sherina’s journey was beyond textbooks and classroom, delving into the secrets of history and the intricacies of Banda Neira. In the end, Sherina’s adventure in Banda Neira reflected the profound impact of hands-on experiences in fostering a deeper appreciation for history and cultural heritage. Through this writing, she invited fellow students to explore untouched territories and preserve the history embedded in our cultural heritage.

Photo 1: Banda Neira

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities

Community Service is an essential component of higher education in Indonesia, especially at Universitas Gadjah Mada. Khansa Avissa, an English Literature student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, from mid-December to early February, conducted KKN-PPM in Malaringgi Village, Laonti District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi where she dedicated to serve the community through an English language teaching program. This initiative came from the realization of the lack of English language knowledge and understanding among the community, especially children, while the need for English proficiency is increasng in the realms of education and employment.

Avissa’s program focused on teaching English at local schools. She acknowledged that a strong understanding of the English language is one of the key factors in the success of children in this globalization era. Through small and interactive classes, she assisted the children in Malaringgi Village in learning the basics of the English language.

They welcomed the program with enthusiasm. Children who initially had limitations in English knowledge now show significant improvement. Avissa did not only act as a teacher but also as a motivator, shaping their confidence to communicate and express themselves with English vocabulary.

The importance of English proficiency extends beyond the realm of education; it is also a highly important skills in the workforce. Avissa hopes that with this program, the children will be prepared to face future challenges. This initiative served as a tool to improve their quality of life and open access to various opportunities.

What has been done by Avissa reflects the role of students in bringing positive change to various layers of society. With her passion and dedication, she proves that students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM are not only committed to academic improvement but also play an active role in creating positive impacts in society. This program did not only provide English language knowledge but also brought a hope and inspiration to the children of Malaringgi Village as the future generation.

In preparation for the implementation of Posbindu PTM activities, HPU FIB UGM held training activities for Posbindu cadres. This activity was carried out over two days. On the first day, Monday 6th of February 2024, material provision about Posbindu was held in the Multimedia Room of Margono Building, 2nd Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. The event opened promptly at 8 am and continued with the Pre test. Furthermore, the delivery of material related to the introduction of HPU, introduction to Posbindu PTM, assessment of risk factors for PTM, assessment of nutritional status and nutritional education, measurements at Posbindu, recording and reporting at Posbindu, consultation on examination results and education at table 5, safety at Posbindu, and first aid in an accident. After being provided with some of these materials, participants took the post test.

The second day’s event was held the following day, it was Wednesday, 7th of February 2024 in Courtroom 1 of Poerbatjaraka Building, 1st Floor,  Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University at 8 am until 12.15 pm. Because on the first day the participants were presented with basic material regarding Posbindu and so on, on the second day the participants were encouraged to practice. The Posbindu training participants carried out the Posbindu table 5 simulations and exercises with enthusiasm and passion, then immediately carried out the second post test to see the progress they had made as Posbindu cadres after receiving the material and training during the two-day event.

This event received cooperation and assistance from Mr./Mrs. UGM HPU Team. Head of HPU UGM, Prof. Dra. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, M.Sc., PhD, had the opportunity to directly accompany the training participants as a speaker regarding examination activities in posbindu and health check practices (measuring blood pressure and taking blood samples to check cholesterol, sugar and uric acid levels). He received a direct invitation from the Deputy Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources, namely Mr. Suray Agung Nugroho, M.A., Ph.D. The Posbindu cadre training was attended by staff from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. The targets of Posbindu services are all staff, both lecturers and teaching staff in the faculty environment.

SDGs 4: “Quality Education”

Vina Aulia, a Cultural Anthropology student from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada had the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at the University of Naples “L’Orientale” for one semester through the Erasmus+ program. This program, initiated by the European Union, provides funding for students, educators, and higher education institutions to develop international cooperation, enhance educational quality, and promote intercultural understanding.

Living far away from Indonesia was a new experience for her, especially as it was her first time traveling to a country with a culture vastly different from Indonesia. Through this article, she aims to share her amazing student exchange experience in a country often referred to as the Land of Pizza and Gelato.

In the first few weeks, she experienced culture shock due to various customs and different cultures. In Indonesia, rice is easily found, unlike in Italy, where bread, pasta, and pizza are the staple food. Rice is hardly found, and its prices are expensive. One of Napoli’s famous dishes is Pizza Margherita. Interestingly, the three main components of this pizza, namely tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil leaves, symbolize the Italian flag’s colors of red, white, and green. Additionally, this food is associated with the symbolic identity of the unity of Italy.

Talking about seasons, she had to adapt to the temperature differences compared to her life in Indonesia. When she arrived in February, Italy was still in winter. Although not as cold as in other northern Italian cities, she found it quite freezing. In the morning, the temperature could drop to 5 degrees Celsius, requiring Vina to layer her clothing every day.

For many, Napoli is often associated with being a dirty, poor city with high crime rates. However, living there for an extended period made her realize that Napoli also serves unique aspects rarely found in other cities. The friendly locals with their distinctive high-pitched intonation, authentic pizza Margherita, narrow streets adorned with Napoli football club ornaments, the ever-present Mount Vesuvius, and the ancient architecture left her in awe. The unique blend of European and Mediterranean cultures even earned Napoli recognition as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

While accustomed to living in a predominantly Muslim country, Vina experienced life as a minority in Napoli, where the majority of the population is Christian-Catholic. She learned that Napoli has at least 500 churches from over centuries, with mosques being scarce, and small prayer rooms mostly visited by immigrants from Bangladesh or India. Despite being a Muslim minority, she never faced discrimination. On the contrary, locals often praised her for wearing a hijab and having an exotic Asian appearance. She also built friendships with many Indonesian priests and nuns serving in Napoli, considering them as part of her extended family.

Another remarkable experience that left a lasting impression on her was Napoli’s local football club celebration culture, known as “scudetto,” a celebration for Italian football clubs winning the Serie A trophy. Last year, Napoli emerged victorious after 33 years. Attending the scudetto celebration with her Indonesian friends, she witnessed not only the joy of the Napoli community but also an indescribable atmosphere of happiness and emotion. From children to the elderly, everyone celebrated the scudetto with joy. That night, the entire city of Napoli felt warm with happiness, and full decorated by red-flaming fireworks and sparklers.

Living in Italy became one of the most precious experiences in her life. She also had the opportunity to visit various other European countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Austria. In terms of tourism, Europe provided many benefits to students, such as discounted train tickets and free tickets to museums and historical sites. Living in Europe taught her to appreciate the cultural differences and diverse characteristics of people. She learned new perspectives from friends originating from different countries. The initial culture shock allowed her to better understand the importance of cultural adaptation for survival. Vina is grateful for this unforgettable experience and hopes that readers will also have the same opportunity.

Long distance travel from Surabaya to Yogyakarta apparently did not prevent them from continuing to show their enthusiasm when listening, watching, and discussing everything about the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University on Wednesday, February 7th 2024. Starting from the quiz session to the question and answer session, they were very enthusiastic about fighting to be appointed. The questions they asked were insightful and very varied, some asked about scholarships, the registration system, and the activities they would do if they were the students here. These high school students have had an interest in the social sector from the start, seeing from the major they take which is social studies, many of them dream of continuing their education at this faculty. The majors they wanted were very diverse, there were tourism, archaeology, Korean language and culture, Japanese literature, and others.

One of the teacher representatives who gave the opening speech repeatedly expressed his gratitude and thanks for the warm welcome they received, and hoped that in the future they would produce many superior generations who were able to compete and were worthy of being part of Gadjah Mada University student. Two other teachers who were also in the group were very humble enough to take the time to shake hands and joke around for a while before leaving the room. Apart from warm greetings, they also gave souvenirs and large parcels in the form of typical Surabaya souvenirs which they brought from far away. After having a light chat before going back, a group photo session was held. This visit ended with a very pleasant impression. The students and accompanying teachers continued their visit by going around to see the environment in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences while occasionally capturing the moment with their cell phone cameras.