IPB University Graduate School Introduces Indonesian Customs and Culture to International Students

The Graduate School (SPs) of IPB University introduced Indonesian customs and culture to international students from the Developing Country Partnership (KNB) scholarship program. This activity was carried out in Bali including in Penglipuran Traditional Village, Alas Harum Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Melasti Beach, Luhur Uluwatu Temple and Kuta Beach (7-9/7).

This activity was attended by 9 students from 8 countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Yamen, Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, Sudan and Syria.

The Developing Country Partnership or as known as KNB is a scholarship program by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). It aims to improve the quality and international reputation of Indonesian higher education.

The Developing Country Partnership (KNB) scholarships are offered to foreign nationals from developing countries who have academic potential and have an interest in studying at universities in Indonesia. IPB University is one of the reputable universities in Indonesia that has been mandated to run this program.

Rudi Irawan, SP, MSi as Head of Administration of SPs IPB University said that this Developing Country Partnership (KNB) scholarship will contribute to the development of human resources (HR) in developing countries where foreign students come from. The Developing Country Partnership KNB students in the first year are required to take part in the Indonesian language program as a provision for attending education at Graduate School (SPs) IPB University.

“In addition to the academic program, Developing Country Partnership or (KNB) students are also given an introduction to Indonesian culture in the second year and this year, Bali was chosen so that they understand one of the cultures in Indonesia,” he said.

He added that the information on customs and cultural patterns in Bali was very complete. Students of the Developing Country Partnership (KNB) program are very enthusiastic about learning and understanding the culture and customs that are still very strongly preserved by local residents.

“The purpose of choosing Bali is for Developing Country Partnership or KNB students to gain experience and knowledge directly and interact with local residents to facilitate the use of Indonesian,” he added.

Meanwhile, Fatmasari Siregar, SP, MM, Head of Subdivision of Public Relations, Cooperation and New Student Admission (PMB) of SPs IPB University said that the introduction of Indonesian culture is very important. This, she said, can be a medium for promoting Indonesian culture in the international realm.

“Students of the Developing Country Partnership or KNB program will certainly contribute to the positive dynamics and cross-cultural interactions between the Indonesian academic community and international students,” she explained. (HBL/Rz) (IAAS/HLF)