SDGs 1: Basic service | SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 4: Education for sustainability | SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth | SDGs 8: Development oriented policy | SDG 10: Reduced inequality | SDGs 10: Development assistance | SDGs 10: Education | SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities | SDGs 12: Efficient use of resources

Dr. Realisa Darathea Masardi was invited as a speaker by the Community Studies Unit (USIK) of Parahyangan Catholic University to discuss transnational migration. The discussion, which addressed the handling of refugees in Indonesia, was conducted via Zoom meeting on March 27, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Participants included not only students from Unpar but also anthropology students from UGM, as well as researchers and migration activists in Indonesia. This migration study was discussed because it has become a growing global issue, with numbers increasing each year.

Dr. Realisa explained refugees by referring to The 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines a refugee as someone unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to factors such as persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. She also noted that the causes of refugee situations have expanded to include extreme climate change, conflict, and economic crises.

Dr. Realisa, affectionately known as Mbak Lisa, discussed the findings of her dissertation research on refugee issues and her encounters with refugees in Jabodetabek, Medan, and Bogor. While discussing refugees, she also shared insights from her brief research on the Rohingya. According to her, since the 1990s, Indonesia has served as a transit point for asylum seekers before they set sail for Australia. However, in 2013, Australia implemented Operation Sovereign Borders, resulting in refugees facing waiting periods of 4-11 years.

Dr. Realisa also discussed Indonesian regulations on refugees and asylum seekers, specifically Presidential Regulation No. 125 of 2016 concerning the handling of refugees from abroad. This regulation only covers discovery, shelter, security, immigration supervision, and funding. It does not mention the rights and access afforded to refugees. The regulation outlines three durable solutions: voluntary repatriation, deportation, and resettlement. Local integration is not an option, which makes it difficult for refugees to sustain themselves, relying on assistance from relatives.

The discussion proceeded very well, touching on topics such as community empowerment of refugees through opening online stores managed by their community, educational scholarships provided by various universities to refugees, and experiences of the refugees, among others.

SDG 4: Quality education | SDGs 4: Access to education | SDGs 4: Education | SDGs 4: Education for sustainability 

Universitas Gadjah Mada has made achievements in the Program Kompetisi Kampus Merdeka (PKKM) organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture Research and Technology, Directorate General of Higher Education Research and Technology. UGM study programs that successfully received PKKM funding for the First Year 2024 were Chemistry, Food Technology and Agricultural Products and Agronomy. In this Second Year, the Cultural Anthropology Study Program was the only study program from Universitas Gadjah Mada that was again successful in qualifying to continue the programs that had been carried out in the First Year PKKM 2023. 

The Directorate of Institutions determines 169 study programs / MBKMISS as candidates for the Program Kompetisi Kampus Merdeka Assistance for the Second Year of Fiscal Year 2024. Study program/ISS-MBKM data can be seen in the attachment to the letter sent by the Directorate of Institutions to the Head of Higher Education on the attached list. Then they also congratulated the study programs /ISS-MBKM from the selected universities to continue the second year of PKKM.

Due to the partial blocking of the 2024 PKKM budget by the Directorate General of Budget at the Finance Ministry of the Republic of Indonesia, the effective implementation of the Second Year PKKM Fiscal Year 2024 is estimated to be for 5 (five) months. Previously, the Cultural Anthropology study program in the first year received DIKTI funds amounting to 1,339,964,000. In the second year, data verification is still being carried out for each study program that passes. We congratulate the Cultural Anthropology study program which is part of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences for its achievement in obtaining PKKM Funding in 2024. Hopefully it can develop sustainable innovations for the people of Indonesia.

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.