IPB University Introduces Indonesian Customs and Culture to International Students
IPB University Postgraduate School (SPs) introduced Indonesian customs and culture to international students from the Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) scholarship program at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta (21/11). The KNB scholarship recipient students come from eight countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Yemen, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Sudan and Syria.
The KNB Scholarship is a scholarship program by the Directorate General of Higher Education (Ditjen Dikti) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This scholarship aims to improve the quality and international reputation of Indonesian higher education.
The KNB Scholarship is offered to foreign citizens from developing countries who have academic potential and are interested in studying at universities in Indonesia. IPB University is one of the many reputable universities (PT) in Indonesia that has received the mandate to run this program.
Rudi Irawan, SP, MSi as Head of Administration (KTU) SPs IPB University said that the KNB scholarship will contribute to the development of human resources (HR) in developing countries where foreign students come from. KNB program students in the first year are required to take part in the Indonesian language program as preparation for taking education at SPs IPB University,
“Apart from academic programs, KNB students are also given an introduction to Indonesian culture in the second year. “And, this year TMII was chosen so that they understand the cultures in Indonesia,” he said on a separate occasion.
He added that the information on customs and cultural patterns at TMII is a summary of the culture of 33 provinces in Indonesia in the form of miniature islands.
“At TMII, KNB students can learn in full, so they will gain wider experience and knowledge about Indonesia,” he added.
Meanwhile, Fatmasari Siregar, SP, MM, Chairman of the Subdivision of Public Relations, Cooperation and New Student Admissions (PMB) SPs IPB University said that the introduction of Indonesian culture is very important because it can be a medium for promoting Indonesian culture in the international realm.
She explained that foreign nationals from the KNB program would certainly contribute to positive dynamics and cross-cultural interactions between the Indonesian academic community and international students.
“With this KNB program, one of the ways we can improve the quality of education and the ranking of universities in the world university rankings,” she explained. (HBL/Rz) (IAAS/AMR)
