The Faculty of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again been entrusted as the host for a series of activities within the School for International Training (SIT) Study Abroad Indonesia program, which took place from February 24 to 28, 2025. This program was attended by seven students from the United States who came to explore the theme “Arts, Religion, and Social Change.” Their presence at the Faculty of Philosophy, UGM, was part of a four-month program running from February 4 to May 19, 2025.
During their five-day stay at the Faculty of Philosophy, the SIT Study Abroad students participated in various academic and cultural activities. They engaged in gamelan practice sessions, attended lectures on religions in Indonesia as well as on Pancasila as the state ideology, and took part in discussions with UGM students comparing religious life in Indonesia and the United States. Through these activities, the participants gained a deeper understanding of religious diversity and the role of Pancasila in Indonesia’s social life.
The Academic Director of SIT Study Abroad Indonesia, Yudhistira Kazuhiro Budiono, MA, expressed his appreciation to the Faculty of Philosophy, UGM, for the collaboration. “SIT Study Abroad is a program that emphasizes experiential learning. We believe that every place is a place for learning. Thank you to the Faculty of Philosophy, UGM, for welcoming us,” he said.
He added that this opportunity provided valuable experiences for participants to directly observe student life in Yogyakarta and interact with local students. “We hope this program offers meaningful learning experiences and valuable moments,” Kazu remarked.
Meanwhile, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Iva Ariani, S.S., M.Hum., expressed her gratitude for the continued trust in the Faculty of Philosophy, UGM. “Thank you for maintaining this collaboration with the Faculty of Philosophy,” she said.
Iva also emphasized that the Faculty of Philosophy, UGM, is the only philosophy faculty at a state university in Indonesia, with in-depth studies on religion, culture, and social life. “This is the right place to host the SIT program because we have extensive studies on religion, culture, and social life. Enjoy your time here,” she added.
With the various experiences gained during this program, it is hoped that the SIT Study Abroad students will bring new insights about Indonesia’s cultural and religious diversity back to their home country. The Faculty of Philosophy, UGM, remains committed to being part of international collaborations that foster knowledge exchange and cross-cultural understanding.