Harmony among civilization by Darmasiswa

among Civilization

â&#x20AC;ŚBeautiful in its diversity, multiplicity and varietyâ&#x20AC;Ś

Ministry of Education and Culture Republic of Indonesia 2013

CONTENTS

1. Forewords from Head of Bureau for Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Culture. ...........................................................................................ii 2. Remarks

from

Deputy

Coordinator of Education

and

Religion,

Ministry for People's Welfare Indonesia. .................................................................................iii 3. Darmasiswa Testimony in Brief ................................................................................................v 4. Introduction ..............................................................................................................................vi 5. Testimony..................................................................................................................................1 - 449

FOREWORDS Government of the Republic of Indonesia through Ministry of Education and Culture has offered Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship Program since 1974. Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship program is a non-degree scholarship program for foreign students to study Bahasa Indonesia, Arts and Cultures in Indonesian Universities. For years, this scholarship program has attracted thousands of foreign students form Europe, America, Australia, Asia, and even Africa to apply. Until the academic year of 2012/2013, there are 4673 Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship Program Alumni from 87 countries around the world who have studied in Indonesian Universities. This scholarship will be one of main gates for foreign students who would like to study Bahasa Indonesia, arts and culture deeper as well as learn about the social and cultural life in Indonesia. Indonesia is a rich country where various religions, tribes, cultures, languages and arts live peacefully side by side for hundreds of years as the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Besides, Darmasiswa Scholarship Program can be utilized to be the tools and means in unifying differences among nations to create world civilization, “One for All, All for One”. Ministry of Education and Culture gratitudely publishes a testimonial book entitled “Harmony Among Civilization” from Darmasiswa Alumni in the academic year of 2012/2013 to remember their journey during studying in Indonesia. This testimonial book is intended to Darmasiswa Participants, Host Universities, Indonesian Representatives abroad and Foreign Country representatives in Jakarta. We all hope that the participants can understand more about the rich and diversity of Indonesia and they can be Indonesian ambassadors in their home country. Head of Bureau for Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Culture

Ananto Kusuma Seta ii

Remarks Deputy Coordinator of Education and Religion Ministry for People's Welfare Indonesia Assalamualaikum Wr, Wb Peace be upon us,

Indonesia as the country of the world's largest muslim population has managed to lay the foundations of democracy and implement it well. Its diversity of peoples, cultures, and religions has been the choice of Indonesia, embodied in the 1945 State Constitution and Indonesia State Basis, the Pancasila Inter-religious relations entwined with in a good and harmonic way, starting from the family level to the level of religious leaders. The tangible manifestation of religious tolerance, we can see, first, the success of the organizing of the MTQ (Musabaqoh Tilawatil Quran/Quran Recitation Competition) and Pesparawi (Pesta Paduan Suara Gerejawi/Church Choir Competition) in 2012 held in Ambon and Kendari in which the majority of the population are Christians and Muslims, public enthusiasm was so high as well. Second, since our ancestor, it is not a strange if in a family or in a neigborhood having different religious backgrounds. Likewise, places of worship, such as Mosque in Palangkaraya standing side by side a Church. In Ciamis, Mosque, Churche and Confucianism Temple are also standing side by side. In kampung sawah, Pondok Melati sub-districy, Bekasi, there are Pentecostal Church and Pasundan Church bordering to a Mosque and Islamic boarding schools of the Fisabililah Foundations (YASFI). In Central Jakarta, Cathedral Church is standing crossing with Istiqlal Mosque. This All has been testifying to the living in tolerance in Indonesia since long ago. The diversities and differences are inevitable, instead it becomes the strength of Indonesia. Unfortunately, the examples of life in harmonious society have not been widely covered in the media, both domestically and internationally. Negative coverage has been more attractive to the mass media. For that I welcome Ministry of Education and Culture which summing up foreign studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; testimony during their study in Indonesia. Each year, there are 600-700 iii

students awarded Darmasiswa scholarship for 6 months to 1 year to studi Bahasa Indonesia, arts and cultures. They live side by side with Indonesian students and people at various Universities throughout Indonesia. The testimonial book is expected to give an idea of living in harmony in Indonesia. Thus, this book can also be source of information to the world through the Global Forum participants United Nation Alliances (UNAOC) which will be held on 29-30 August 2014 in Bali. Hopefully, similar efforts can be done each year, to continually build the image of Indonesia in the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seeing is believingâ&#x20AC;? and it is correct if Indonesia becomes an example of living in multiethnicity and tolerance. Wassalamualaikum Wr. Wb Peace be upon us

DARMASISWA TESTIMONY IN BRIEF

The collection of testimony from Darmasiswa scholarship program participants in the Academic Year of 2012/2013 was carried out simultaneously to 59 universities of Darmasiswa scholarship program providers. It results that from 59 higher education institutions and 700 participating students, only 40 higher education institutions submitted the testimony and there were 132 participants from 42 countries submitting their testimony. However, this low submitting rate was because most participants have ended the 6-month-program and some of them were taking breaks. The recapitulation of higher education institutions and the country of origin of participants submitting the testimony attached. The collection was conducted to testify Indonesia in the context of the diversity of languages, arts, cultures, ethnics and religions, from foreignersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, i.e. Darmasiswa Participants, point of view. This collection can also be used as a tool of effective cultural diplomacy by Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well. The purpose of this testimony is to measure and determine the efficiency and effectiveness of the benefits of the scholarship provided for foreign students from the government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Darmasiswa RI scholarship program. This testimony is as well to measure of the success of the scholarship. The Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship Program is one of reciprocal cooperations towards the overseas scholarships given to Indonesia. Ministries/Institutions can make use this testimonial book as one of the soft asset of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in international events. The adjacent international event in 2014 is that Indonesia will be the host of the 6th United Nation Alliances of Civilization ( UNAOC ) meeting which theme is "Harmony among Civilization". The meeting is coordinated by Coordinating Ministry for People's Welfare (Kemenkokesra) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) . This book consists of the forewords from Deputy for Education and Religion Coordination (Menkokesra) and the Head of Bureau for Planning and International Cooperation, Table of Contents, Introduction and Testimony from participants of Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship Program in the academic year of 2012/2013. v

INTRODUCTION A. Background Indonesia is a great country having immense diversity in which international public has not realized its immense diversity yet. The government of the Republic of Indonesia through several ministries attempts to introduce the diversity as our soft power diplomacy to the world. This diversity is our core competencies and competitive advantages to be winner in global competition. Besides, we can make use those competencies and advantages as one of our components of strategic management to attain voices and recognition from other countries in international forums.

The government of the republic of Indonesia has made several attempts on introducing and promoting our diversity to the world in which some of the undergone attempts have shown lack of success. Sometimes, while doing our attempts, Indonesia was challenged by some distorting issues which sometimes led the international public to take it negatively.

Several efforts have been undertaken by the government to build public image such as by sending our envoys abroad. On the other hand, the government also tries to gain recognition from international community on the existence and legality of our culture in order not to be claimed by other countries.

Considering the undertaken efforts in doing so, it is important for the Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship Program to support the government in education and cultural field. Ministry of Education and culture through the Darmasiswa Program play significant role in making use of this program which participants are foreign students who study in several host universities in Indonesia. This program is to foster the interest in Indonesian language, arts, and cultures.

This program is Indonesia greatest soft assest in diplomacy. It shows the core competencies and competitive advantage as well as the strategic management of the government of the Republic vi

of Indonesia revealed by the Darmasiswa Participants. Their testimony will help our diplomacy in attaining voices in international forums.Bureau for Planning and International Cooperation, Ministry of Education and Culture, in cooperation with Coordinating Ministry for People’s Walfare and Darmasiswa Host Universities proudly presents Testimonial Book from Darmasiswa Indonesian Scholarship Program Participants academic year of 2012/2013 entitled “HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION” This testimonial book contains the testimonial from Darmasiswa Participants about the harmony living in diversities of tribes, religions, languages, arts, and cultures in Indonesia. This book will perform great advantage in our diplomatic relations or in international forums.

B. Purpose This book is published to objectively and comprehensively give information about Indonesia through education about language, arts, and cultures via Darmasiswa Scholarship Program. This collection is intended to share to the world about the diversity in tribes, religions and nature as well. Moreover, this book can also strength our diplomatic and politic relations with others. This testimonial book is as well a proof of Indonesia’s participation in UNESCO.

C. Legal Basis 1. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 17 of 2003 on State Finance; 2. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 1 of 2004 on State Treasury; 3. Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 15 of 2004 on Audit Management and State Financial Accountability; 4. Government Regulation No. 21 of 2004 concerning the Work and Budget Arrangement of State Ministries/Institutions; 5. Government Regulation No. 48 of 2008, Concerning Education Funding, Article 27, 28, and 29;

vii

6. Presidential Regulation Number 10 of 1961 concerning the Granting Darmasarjana, Darmasiswa and Darmatamu to scholars, students, officials and students of Foreign Country; 7. Minister of Finance Regulation No. 134/PMK.06/2005 concerning the Payment Guidelines in the Implementation of the State Budget; 8. Minister of Finance Regulation No. 01/PMK.2/2009, Concerning the General Cost Standards for the Fiscal Year of 2010 ; 9. "The 5th United Nations Alliances of Civilization (UNAOC) Global Forum 2013" Meeting in Vienna , Austria ; 10. "The 6th United Nation Alliances of Civilization (UNAOC) Global Forum 2013" Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. D. Objective This book is presented to the country member of international forums such as of members of the UNAOC forum, ASEAN, ASEAN Summit, ASEAN + 3, APEC, WTO, EAS, SEAMEO, OIC, Colombo Plan, NAM (Non-Aligned Movement), the United Nations. E. Expected results The publication of this book will hopefully provide a better understanding and information about Indonesia. Moreover, it can be used as a tool for the Government of Indonesia in diplomacy for seeking and obtaining support and recognition from The country member of international forums mentioned above. F. Scope The Publishing of "HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION" is an information about the activities of Darmasiswa RI Scholarship program participants who are learning Language, Arts and Cultures of Indonesia or other scientific fields as well in higher education institutions. The testimonial is packaged in the form of paper and a CD (Compact Disk). Bureau for Planning and International Cooperation Ministry of Education and Culture viii

Name

: Divine Grace Ballares

Country

: The Phillipines

Place of Study : Medan State University

“Towards Harmony among the Civilization” Before I say something about my viewpoint regarding the diversity, religion and culture in the place where I study.Let me share first my idea and judgement about this theme “Towards Harmony among the Civilization”. The main point of this theme is all about aiming peace and unity among different nation. Which is I believe thatis the primarily desire of every nation.

The

different agenda and goals to reach this process points out to one accord “Harmony “. Let me define first what I understand the meaning of harmony. Harmony is when people are all getting along together regardless of what their culture, religion, status and etc. In the world we are living, a thousands of civilization that has been passing it thru in our different generation. As the different civilization occurs history repeat itself. A story of war against nation and disunity of some other countries. The question and issues is kept on going up until now.Billions of people asking when will this issues end. One of the richest countries faces its own dilemma as well. Either that country belongs to higher class or lower classes of economic status it has its own

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

problem. It only shows that any nations or countries are not perfect. It has its own limitation and shortcomings. I am deeply grateful that there are goals that there could be a possible unity and harmonious relationship regardless of our culture and religion. My point of view as a recipient of Darmasiswa scholarship I see that this is a good way to experience what is life outside my own culture. Living in Indonesia for almost 1 year and 8 months, I see that in every country or cities and communities has its own unique characteristic, culture, beliefs and ideals. A typical life in here is a daily encounter living in Medan where I notice Christians, Islam, Buddhist and Hindus respect each other. They have its own set of standards on what they believed and perceived about God and their way of living. And as I face and deal different types of people from different “suku”. I’m learning how to understand and show respect and love them as my friends. It is good and how pleasant it is when people work together regardless of whatever status, beliefs and culture theybelong. There are some cases I noticed that there are still discrimination and unfair treatment when they knew you’re a Christian or a Buddhist or a Hindu or Muslim. As a foreigner living in this place I’m so much grateful to God for the opportunity to learn a new culture with different diversity here in Indonesia. So thankful to this program of Darmasiswa because it opens a gateway to built a harmonious relationship among the people in here. And also on how the people in here also built a good relationship with us as foreigners. I may say it is not 100% good all the time because in life we live in and civilization way back then has its own imperfection.That’s why every government create set of standard and rules which a society or community must abide and follow. In order each civilization will grow and change for better. So many lesson learned how can I really built a good harmonious relationship with the people whether in here or I’m with a different nationalities. I will describe religion and culture in here it has has a very strong factor.It is the primary source of their strength and influence as an individuals. It even

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

influences their ideals and thinking. In the campus where I study there are scenarios Batak’s and Muslims has its own lifestyle/culture and it depends on what tribes they belong. They respect each opinion and beliefs but at some point there some superficiality on this matter. There are differences such as I would hear students negative or positive comments from the other “ suku”, which I believe it’s normal. In our University there are no local Chinese or local Indians (they compromise a minor population in here) that are studying in the campus. And I wonder why only Muslims and Christians. In here the community of Chinese has its own schools a very exclusive one. I just think as a foreigner in this place there are many ways to build a harmonious relationship within or outside the campus.It will always start inevery individual. To be honest I rarely see Indonesian making friends with Indo-Chinese and Indo- Indians. And vice versa as well Indo-Chinese/Indo-Indian doesn’t make friends with Indonesians who are Christian and Muslim. I don’t know in some other cases but this what I notice. And I wonder why? Harmonious relationship is indeed essential to every mankind in whatever diversity: colour, status religion and culture we belong. There must be a series of fair treatment and a balance environment. As a foreigner I am now aware with its cultural differences and even language barrier. So I have to learn their language so I can understand and communicate with them properly. And it’s still on the process for a better understanding and adjustment.For civilization makes up society and when the society or community works together with love and respect there will be a wonderful impact for the civilization. Most of all with a pure intentionthat each community/individualswill be there to help each other.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Habibah Sama

Country

: Thailand

Place of Study : Medan State University

Harmony among Civilization (In Medan North Sumatra Island)

First of all, I would like to say a millions thanks to Indonesian government and Bereau of Planning and International Cooperation Ministry of Education and Culture that provide me a good Indonesian scholarship program. This is a good chance for me to learn Indonesia Language and Culture. It is nearly one year that I have been staying at Universitas Negeri Medan Sumatera Utara Indonesia, I have face with many experiences that I had never face it before and I can say that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wonderful experience for me in my lifeeven though, sometimes I had face with a bitter thing. This is the first time for me to spend my life in outside the country. As I have learned and known that Indonesia is a wealthy country in many things such as the total of land area which there is around 5,193,250 km2 and the land area almost cover with the island moreover, there is the biggest island in the world that include both a small and a big island over 18,000 island. There are around 245.500.000 population withseveralof group or ethnics, which are more than 1,000 ethnics of people

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

with over 500 different spoken languages that use to communicate between people in the group. The entire above is totally different from my country over than three to fourfold.And most of them are living on the island and at the edge of the sea, and surrounding the forest area. Medan is the capital city of the North Sumatra province in Indonesia. It is located on the northern coast, and it is the fourth largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, and it is also be the largest island in Indonesia after Java. The population of Medan it is highly visible with the large number of Chinese, who are very active in the business sector and most of them speak Hokkien language more than Indonesia language. In addition Medan city is full of several group or ethnics (ethnics in Indonesia language called suku) of people, there areMalay or Melayu, Javanese (is original java ethnic come from Java to live in Medan for working or some business), Bataknese which are including six groups of people that is BatakToba, Batak Karo, Batak Mandailing, Batak Pakpak, Batak Simalungun and Batak Angkola, Acehnese. Every ethnic have it specific selfness and primitive art, traditional customs and cultures, which had been performed since in the past until now. In each ethnic also have various religion that depend on their believable but almost like the rest of another part in Indonesia which is primarily Muslim or Islam religion. Thetwo-thirds are Christian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; either Catholic or Protestant that considered by most of the Bataknese. And follow by Hindu, Buddha, and Khonghusu. Beside of the religion above that they considered or believe, they also believe in Animism, Dynamism, Monotheism, Henotheism, and Polytheism for saving or protect themselves far from badness and darkness. The most important thing they are so proud of their ethnic and strict in following or do all the activities.In each ethnic group have their own spoken and written language to use in communicate among the people in their group but they also use the formal Bahasa Indonesia too because of Bahasa Indonesia is the official language for all Indonesian people.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

The several of ethnics and the different among religion, traditional cultures and customs do not make people in Medan have a conflict between ethnic moreover, they are also unity and respect each other ethnic too.Now I feel that my heart is fall in love with Indonesian people because most of them are friendly and have a good relation with people and I also think that I am really be infatuated or interested in several of Indonesia ethnic groupand every ethnics spoken language. If I have any chances to come back Medan Indonesia I will immediately and surely receive it. Finally, I really want to say I like Medan, admire Sumatera, love Indonesia and interested in culture of Indonesia.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Nguyễn Hoàng Anh Thơ

County

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Medan State University

Harmony Among Civilization Medan City is one of the big cities in Indonesia, it’s located in north of the Sumatera island. Because Medan is the city center, Medan is where to live of many ethnic major in Indonesia such as Jawa, Melayu, Minangkabau, Aceh people.But the majority of people living here is ethnic Batak including ethnic Batak Toba , Batak Pakpak, Batak Simalungun, Batak Mandailing , Batak Karo. This ethnic groups live and work study together, along with the lifestyle of each individual ethnic groups, they bring for Medan city a diverse culture. Batak Toba people is called people have character rude,, their language is a bit coarse, inflexible. But actually and follow me have been seen, I have been communicated with them, they truly are free spoken persons, sporting, they don’t mince their word but they are honest by nature, helpful, good natured. They uuare friendly, they like to be friend with many other people. They don’t like save jealous and resent indignantly in their soul, if have a problem, trouble, they will resolve immediately although, they have big argue, to vituperate, but it just is word not detest.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Along time ago, they are ethnic that have culture special, special faith is called “Malim” religious, they worship their God “ Debata” , when Kristen not yet enter to Batak region. They also have the specific value culture in community of Batak people, for example, they have individual language, individual writing, their vocabulary total not the same as any other ethnics and tone of this language very strong, not suitable to speak deliberately, this is also the reason that batak people were called ethnic group have character rude, coarse and we can tell them apart with other ethnic through manner, words. This is total opposite with Jawa people, in the process communicated, jawa people

very flexibel, sweet, their words

graceful, moderate, easy to heard. Until now, Batak people still use their mother language. Batak people very dignify ethical behaviour, in their family, regulations, and rites with members to carry out very obvious, they are severe with one’s children.Batak people to value son, it is imperative to have a son to maintain the continuity of a family line. They very to value education, learning of their children, though parents don’t study children of them will be learned anyhow, condition difficult, children dense, family is poor. Batak people work hard so much and they are person very stuff, have will, brave. Now, have many batak people have importan role in social. Moreover, they are believed ethnic have art spiritual and the artist is very high. They have a special music, the lyrics in their music refers to all aspects of life about love, mother, father, friend.., and is more typical is tradition dance "tor tor".Currently Samosir Island located between Toba Lake volcano-lake was dubbed the largest world gathering place for residents of Batak-is where much remains of historical, traditional and cultural characteristics of the ethnic Batak . For Malayu people, they are very religious, so in every program, every event like weddings, funerals, there must be lectures about

religion, their religious

beliefs.Most impressive about them is they are very polite, courteous, for older people, their vocative Force as a specific way to show respect.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

As the Batak tribe, Jawa people hard work, hard and don't afraid difficult, the daughter, Jawa women often help life their families

with field

work on the own field or fields rent to others, particularly, they are saving, they are not waste of money for something with expensive a bit, or even just a good meal for them, follow their opinion just to live in easy circumstances, they are need to save money and ready for the moment they fall into difficulties. in social interaction, as compared to the above, the Jawa people when communicating much more gentle than the Batak people. Because contact and learn more about the Batak people than other ethnic groups , my knowledge about the culture of other peoples also some limitations should just write a little about what I saw and felt about the people living on this Medan city or even more broadly on the northern island of Sumatera. Not only multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, Medan also where multi religious belief as itself the country Indonesia. As a large city, most major ethnic concentrate here , all religions in Indonesia seems to be here, but mostly dense appearance of the Muslim and Christian worshipers. The mosques and churches are everywhere, there are mosques in schools and there are private schools for Muslim believers, the most famous mosques is "Masjid Raya". Muslims pray several times a day, about 5 times, for women can sit at home and pray, but to men, forced them go to masjid and they often perform fasting called "puasa "they do not eat all day just eat at the sunset. Besides of that , the works of the Catholic Church is also more significantly, mainly churches of Protestantism, there is no statue of Jesus, a celebration of their meetings are usually lively song and dance bustle, people that following Protestant here, mostly Batak. In here, there are neighborhood reserved for Hindus with the worshiping their god. Finally, can't don't mention Buddhist, temples are also scattered throughout the city of Medan, but most people who follow Buddhism here mostly Chinese â&#x20AC;&#x153; Tionghoaâ&#x20AC;?, they have a very important role for economy in this

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

area, they are mostly traders, business, and they are very devout Buddhist , they are regularly go to temple to worship and glass offerings. It's all experience and feeling of me during learned the Indonesian language at the Medan city, about the personality and life of the people here and I'm really excited about the diversity of cultural , their lifestyle.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Nguyễn Quỳnh Chi

County

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Medan State University

Harmony among civilization My name is Nguyễn Quỳnh Chi, now I’m a student at Univesitas Negeri Medan (Unimed) in Medan city, Indonesia. Before I study at Unimed, I studying at the Indonesia Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hồ Chí Minh city. Because of that reason, I already got a great chance to come here, study and research about this beautiful country with many new friends from everywhere in the world. Medan city, where I live, is a third big city in Indonesia. It’s the crowd city but don’t make you feel stuffy, not too much noisy but very eventful. Style of life in here isn’t very fast to make you feel tired to catch it. In my opinion, this city have something the same as my city, where I was born and grown up in Việt Nam. A lot of people who I have met, they are very friendly, helpful and easy to talk with them and still now I have already believed it yet. I remember some helpful “angkot” driver ( like the bus in Việt Nam) who don’t neeed my money for paying, because they said that I’m a student, who want to study about Indonesia so they’re very happy and told me this money is a gift for me or they

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

directed me carefully when I have a litte trouble with streets in here. Moreover the childs pick up bottles, plastics or garbages on the street to earn money for their life but sometime they come my home and give me some candies or snackes. I was really impressed with my new girl friend in Indonesia Culture class, she always invites our to come her house and make our a chance to meet with another people in her town. She usually brings our some food which traditional Indonesia food was cooked by her mom too. And actually I value “mie balap” seller at the pack my university too, he and her wife are old but don’t have child so they love our just like their child and sometime they bring our to go out to traveling around Medan city, have dinner. Not only the people of Medan city are friendly, I already have a chance to visit Banda-Aceh city, where happened the big tsunami in 2004, and the people in here are friendly too. They are really calm, but they are very ardour to help our when we nees some “becak” ( like xíchlô in việt Nam), they always come quickly in anytime when we call, they don’t care too much about price, they usually bring our to come place where the food is good and the price is cheap. Or when we came Sabang – the one of many islands in Banda Aceh city, the manager hotel and driver are very friendly and easy to like. Although sometime, I meet someone make me feel so sad but I know that in anywhere on the world have good people and bad people. When I meet some bad people but I can learn more about the life. I remember that fruit seller at the gate in unimed said to me :” Don’t only bring the good of Medan to come back your hometown, you have to bring the bad too. Because it’s your experience. Actually I was amazed about Indonesia language in here because their language is really very varierty, I used to study Indonesia language in Việt Nam but when I come here I feel foreign, I’m confused when I heard Indonesia people talk by their ethnic language. They have popular language but they don’t forget their ethnic language. It’s so valuely and respectfully. Because of that reason, it created the unique of beauty language in Indonesia culture.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

And the most excited in here that the first time I can contact with Islam religion that almost don’t exist in Việt Nam ( occupied 0,075%) . I was soak in many amazing . The Islam women always go out with their “jilbad” . It’s the tallith that was muffled to cover their neck, hair and they wear the disreet clothe. I was really attracted by their beauty . Desreet but very fully beautiful. I have joined in Islam class, It attract me very much, I went to class, study hardly and so excited, I asked my friends about some problem in this class too and so lucky for me because I stay with one Islam girl from Thailand. One day, they have to “sholat” ( like pray ) 5 times : start from 5 a.m – 6 a.m, 0.30 p.m – 2 p.m , 3.45 p.m – 5.40 p.m , 6.30 p.m – 7.30 p.m and the last time is 7.40 p.m – 4 a.m . When the “sholat” time come, don’t have to say but have people in “Mesjid” ( the place where they pray ) who opened the Arab prayer songs, the men will come to the “Mesjid” and the women just “sholat” in house. I was amazing because of the Islam people law, the men can marry incident to 4 wifes but their life have to fair with all his wifes, nobody can get more another wife. If I have a another chance, I want to come back Indonesia and study more than about this religion. Beside of studing, I have a little time to traveling somewhere in Medan city, the ones of them is Toba lake, where is in the list of 10 the most beautiful lakes in the world . The surface of lake in the morning likes the blue emerald , then in the afternoon , its color is changes to lighter color, clearly and when the evening already come, the sky is darker, the surface of lake is changed to become violet, color of sunset. This place was famous like the paradise of Southeast of Asia. When you come Toba lake, you don’t foget to visit Samosir island and Tuktuk village. They located in between Toba lake, where was still storing many special characteristic and traditional characteristic of Batak ethnic, for example : some house with the hunchly roof like the boat, people who live in here still wear the traditional cloth such as : wear scarf “xarong” on their head or wear scarf “ulos” on their left shoulder.. and so on. If you don’t visit Toba lake, yes alright you don’t come to Medan and Sumatera island. You will be regret .

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Then you can visit in Tangkahan or Bukit Lawang, the place is still wild and really naturally. You can stay in the junge with monkey or hotel was made from woods and some traditional Indonesia foods. If you want to hide the hot of Medan city, you have to go to Berastagi, in the early morning and evening, the village is covered by fog in Medan suburban, you have to try the feeling when you come in the immense strowbery garden , the stretch flower garden in the edge of streets so beautiful. And if you feel excited and want to study about Islam religion, you can visited “Masjid Raya” – the famous place of cathedral Islam in Medan city. Or palace “ Istana Maimoon “ where the king used to live for along time ago. If I remind about tourism so I can forgot about special foods in Indonesia, in my friends opinions’ Medan is called “ the paradise of food in Indonesia “ . If you like chili, you can eat Aceh noodle , if you like broiled foods you can try “sate Padang” ( made from meat such as: chicken, cow .. was broiled and “lontong” – the cake made from rice ). Or if you like a bit sweet and acid , you can try “ikan lele asam manis” ( catle fish ) or “ayam asam manis” ( chicken ). You can eat gado-gado , urap or pacel if you like vegetable, that food have vegetable was mixed with peanut sauce . If you need something a bit hot and like soup you have to try “bakso” . Oh Ì you are crazy fan of fried foods, Medan is the best choice in Indonesia, you have : “tahuisi goring” ( fried tofu with vegetable) , “piscok – pisang chocolate “ ( fried bananas with chocolate) , “bahwan “ ( fried vegetable ) … and so on. But my favourite is “ayampenyet “ made from chicken was mixed with special spices and then chicken was fried until crispy , we eat it wish sauce from tomato mixed chili. I just can to say “ awesome, greatful ” . Beside of this, I can’t forgot about a kind of hot drinking : “bandrek” made from ginger mixed with tea, but the different is the clean tasty of ginger, it stagnate in your mouth for along time, it ‘s so good for your pharynx. In natives opinions, this drinking is very good for your health. But still have ice drinking such as: escampur, esjagung , sop buah … so on to help you don’t worry about hot days.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

As my story already told you that is my Medan, is Indonesia in my heart, my feeling. I have started loving this place, people who stay in here. I hope that I can have another chance to come Medan again, one more time to meet my Indonesia friends who sticked with me, help me during the time I stay and study in here . One more time to visit the tour place where I have gone, eat the special foods I have eaten and make feel its taste when I remember. Finally, I just want to say : â&#x20AC;&#x153; I love Medan , hello my second hometownâ&#x20AC;?

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Alix Provansal

Country

: French

Place of Study : Andalas University

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION

I first in Indonesia in September 2012, in West Sumatra, to study one year as a Darmasiswa student in UniversitasAndalas, Padang City. This city is located in the heart of the Minangkabau area. There, everything was new to me: new culture, new habits, new religion, new language, new way of living. Discovering all this new â&#x20AC;&#x153;worldâ&#x20AC;? throught the year has been a real delight, even if sometimes it was not easy to adapt my European state of mind to some of the local rules and traditions. Minangkabau culture is very different from other Indonesia local cultures. The biggest difference comes from the fact Minangkabau society is ruled by matrilineal traditions principles. It is the largest matrilineal society in the world. In few words, it means that women own everything, land, immovable, and movable property, passing them down from mother to daughter, which at first sight can appear to be in contradiction with Islamic religion, but Minang people perfectly know how to reconcile both traditions and religion. Religion in Padang is very present and important for the population, and punctuates the daily life, starting early in the morning with the voice of every

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mosque. Indeed, the area is almost 100% muslim. However, I would qualify Islam which is practiced in Padang and its surroundings as very moderate and tolerant, compared to other parts of Indonesia or to other countries, and therefore not constraining for non-Muslims people who live there, especially for women. For example, Minang women themselves are not forced to cover their hair, so neither do the tourists As a woman myself, I have never felt bad judgements because I was wearing short-sleaves t-shirts (due to the very hot weather): people here seem to be understanding as far as we respect them, their traditions, by not wearing provocation clothes. Most of the people I have met here were smiling and very welcoming people. Some of them, in my neighborhood were even considering me as their own daughter, bringing me food, inviting me to their family events, looking after my place when I was out of town, etc. I really appreciated this and fell secured, even if sometimes my privacy was not fully respected, and as for many French persons, privacy is an important component of daily life. As still few western tourist come to Padang, being a white person(a â&#x20AC;&#x153;buleâ&#x20AC;? in Indonesia Language) provoked in general very warm and enthusiastic reactions from the population that I met every day in the streets, in the markets or any other place. This is a really nice feeling. But being a Bule in Padang can also be tiring sometimes, as you quickly become the center of the attention and you are constanly approached by people who want to greet you, talk to you, ask you question, etc, which makes impossible having a walk just with your own thoughts In addition, Padang and its inhabitants have their own language: BahasaMinang They are very proud of it and use it more than Bahasa Indonesia Furthermore, not everybody can speak Bahasa Indonesia, most of the time depending on the level of education, which can sometimes make communication complicated for foreigners A few misunderstandings occurred during my stay in Padang, due to language, which led most of the time to funny situations, without any bad consequences. As Minang language is not that far from Indonesian

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Language, it has been a good opportunity to start learning it as well, to be able to better understand and better communicated with my neighbor, or with local vendors. Food in Padang is also an important component of the local culture and is well known in the whole country, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Warung Padangâ&#x20AC;? which can be found in every big city of Indonesia The food is most of time very spicy, which can ber sometimes difficult for foreign people to eat. But once we are getting used to chili, it is a real delight To conclude, spending one year as Darmasiswa student in Padang has been a wonderful and very experience from a human poin of view Learning Indonesian language and discovering the culture at the same time was very interesting. I had an amazing time. Thank you for this oppurtuinity which was offered to me.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Petra Zist

Country

: Slovenia

Place of Study : Andalas University

The Beauty of Diversity Harmony Among Civilization

Padang is ibukota, mother city or capital of West Sumatera, where Minangkabau people constitute majority of population. They speak Minangkabau language, are Muslims and are unique for their matrilineal system, where property and land are passed from mother to daughter. They are also well known as traders, and you can find them in almost every bigger city throughout Indonesia, where they are famous for its food specialities and Rumah Makan Padang. The number of those who reside outside Sumbar (Sumatera Barat or West Sumatera) is almost as high as those who live there. Minangkabau are quite homogenous (although remarkable differences exist within the group too) and dominant ethnic group of this province. Howevere, there are some minorities present also â&#x20AC;&#x201C; few Chinese who reside in a chilled-out area of Padang, China town, and religious minorities of Protestant and Chatolic Christians who are offered to gather in churches among the Church street (Jalan Gereja). But Minangkabau have been subjected to many different influences throughout the history. Before penetration of Islam into Minangkabau society in

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

the 16th century, animism has been an important component of Minangkabau culture and did not completely extinguish after that period, namely, Minangkabau adat derives from it. Until the rise of the Padri movement late in the 18thcentury, Islamic pratices such as prayers, fasting and fasting and attendance at mosques had been weakly observed in Minangkabau highlands.Padri War or Minangkabau war was fought from 1803 until 1837 in West Sumatera between two rival Muslim faction. The Padri were inspired by the Wahhabi movement in Mecca, and wanted to impose sharia in Minangkabau, sought to eliminate societal problems such as tobacco and opium smoking, gambling and general anarchy by ensuring the tenets of the Koran were strictly observed. They started to suppress what they saw as unislamic customs that is tradition or adat. Adat, as customary law is called in Indonesia, includes indigenous, pre-islamic religious practices and social traditions in locan custom The Padri movement sougth to purify the culture of tradition and beliefs. All Minangkabaucustomes allegedly in conflict with the Koran, such as syncretic folk beliefs, cockfighting and Minangkabau matrilineal traditions, were to be abolished. Although the Padri were eventually defeated by the Dutch, during this period the relationship between adat and religion was formulated as religious leaders united with the traditional elders to oppose the Dutch. Islam was added to the Minangkabau traditions at that time. Previously adat was said to be based upon appropriateness and propriety, but this was changed so adat was more strongly based upon Islamic precepts. With the Minangkabau highland being the heartland of their culture, and with Islam likely entering the region from coast it is said that ‘custom descended, religion ascended’ (adat manurun, syarak mandaki). Today, however, adat and religion are seen as complementary if not the same, which is expressed in a saying: “Adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi kitabullah (ABS-SBK)” which means that adat fits to the religious law and religious law fits to Al-Qur’an, the holy book. Or as the simpler Minangkabau saying goes, “To be Minangkabau is to be

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Muslim.” Lets now take a look at the example of cohabitation between adat and Islam.

Matrilineal system and the position of women in Minangkabau.

I mentioned that Minangkabau know matrilineal system in which descent as well as inheritance of property, like homes, rice paddies and the like, is traced through mother and maternal ancestors. Husband moves into his wife’s home, nearly all decisions require consensus between men and woman, and significantly, girls are treasured Because kinship is based on a descendant line of mother, children of Minangkabau also will join mother’sextenced family In Minangkabau this extended family is called saparuikand inhabits one RumahGadang, whereas father is considered as a honorable guest in this extended family, which is called with designation sumandoGirl’s clan is much respected in Minangkabau. In addition to be inheritor, Minangkabau is also respected like every mother which bears, nurture and provide early education for her children. Even though in Minangkabau a boy is not an heir, men have important position as leader and clan protector. Minangkabau is the world’s largest matrilineal societies with a population of nearly 8 million people and its own traditional complex of customs or adat. Besides that, they are practitioners and strong dedicators to Islam, which is “supposedly patrilineal” and may be known for its tendency to favor men and boys. Among non-Indonesian feminist writers, for instance, there is a long standing fascination with the matrilineal practices of the Minangkabau of West Sumatera, which is regared by most Indonesians as strongly Islamic area but which departs from strict Islamic legal laws in relation to inheritance (Blackburn 2008:5). Important function of Minangkabau woman is the position of “Bundo Kanduang”, who is the personification of the Minangkabau ethnic group and a nickname for a Minangkabau woman who leads the family, woman leader in Minangkabau woman, told me about her frustrations with discriminative

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

behavior of Muslim men from other countries, whom she was not used on such an irrespective treatment from other Muslim men.

Unique Minangkabau Mosque

Very remarkable case of how Minangkabauadat is proudly inscribing into Islam, is Masjid Raya Sumatera Barat (West Sumatera Grand Mosque) or also known as Masjid Mahligai Minang. Although it is still under construction, it is already the largest mosque in West Sumatera and one of the largest in Indonesia. It is not only remarkable for its size but also for its architecture and Minangkabau modern style. Until I saw it, my common perception about mosques was that they have to have cupola and are rather concave. But this grand mosque is rather convex as it follows Minangkabau shape of the roof that is characteristic of famous Minangkabau house RumahGadang, beside that it uses Minang carving calligraphy on the outer wall. The roofline of traditional houses in West Sumatera, called RumahGadang (in Minangkabau language big house), curve upward in the middle and end in points, in imitation of the water buffalo’s upward-curving horns. Like RumahGadang, according to Minangkabau tradition, the roof shape was meant to mimic the horns of buffalo. Buffalo has had an important position in Minangkabau culture. Already name Minangkabau exists solely due to buffalo, whereas “menang” means winning and “kabau” or “kerbau” means buffalo. It supposedly derives from the legend about the ancient contest between Javanese, who were represented by a huge buffalo, and Minangkabau, who choose an unweaned calf. In the fight between the animals (they choose animals to avoid victims among people), little and weaker Minangkabau calf won because he was thirsty and wanted to drink bigger buffalo’s milk, and doing this, killed a bigger buffalo with the knife that was tight to his snout. Today, the water buffalo figures prominently in Minangkabau myth culture, dressing styles, and architecture.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

These examples show that the Minangkabau culture has an innate flexibility to adapt to a changing world and the moral of Minagkabau story is that accommodating differences can preserve the world.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Joanna Tercjak

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : ISI Padangpanjang

Understanding and Cooperation between Nations, Culture and Religion. A Challenge of Living in a Global Village from a View of a Foreigner in Indonesia.

„We live in a global village” – what does this so often quoted phrase actually mean in our everyday life? Not only that in every drugstore in Indonesia we can buy “Paris Hilton” or “Justin Bieber” perfume, that parents all around the world can equip their child’s bedroom, wardrobe and a school bag with “Hello Kitty” or “Angry Birds” items, or that drinking Coca-Cola and eating at MacDonald’s is associated with a certain lifestyle nearly everywhere from USA to China. Not even only that most of us go online on a daily basis, own smartphones, watch the same Hollywood movies or support famous football clubs no matter what time of day or night their matches happen to be on TV in our time zone. It means that due to complex economic and communication reasons we all coexist and depend on each other. Clothes for recognized

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

European fashion stores are sewed in factories in Indonesia, people around the world drive Japanese, American and German cars, parts for electronic devices as well as popular brandsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; footwear are produced in China and Taiwan. The crisis of 2008 in American real estate industry strongly affected finances of European countries as well as production in Asian factories. A media scandal involving freedom of speech and religious feelings of some groups in Denmark or France may shake crowds in Middle East. Communicating through Facebook facilitates civilians to overturn governments. Speeding industrialization in almost every area of production brings irreversible changes to climate of our planet. The question is not to judge the phenomenon of globalization either as good or bad; it is simply a fact. Nevertheless, there is no other way to reduce dangers it brings along, avoid its traps and ensure ourselves a decent life within it than by understanding, cooperation and caring about each other, no matter which corner of this globalized world we happen to live in. *** A vast conference room of Aryaduta Hotel in Jakarta contained a couple of hundreds fresh Darmasiswa students, as fresh as they could be while jetlagged and quite exhausted by integration practices overnight. A representative of Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture read a long list of participating countries to loud and enthusiastic cheers of the young audience. Even though I have lived and worked in a pretty multicultural environment before, I realized that place was probably the most international spot on Earth. Have any of us seen before so many people from so many different countries gathered in one hall, from Sweden to Japan, from Canada to Nepal, from Peru to Madagascar? And all of us were there and willing to take the rare opportunity to not only spend a year in Indonesia, learning about its culture, but also to make international friendships and by that to exchange our knowledge and perspectives on life. It is hard to think of any better way to understand the world we live in and to build bridges between its most distant ends than by direct encounters of people from different backgrounds, proving ourselves there are

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

experiences and values we all share, even if we are mainly shaped by our local environment. Nations were invented, as it seems, to ensure safety of people occupying a certain geographical area as well as to secure their businesses. Nowadays, when states form international camps of military power and in majority prefer a complex political game over plundering one another, when economy is in hands of worldwide corporations, when people move from place to place for jobs and â&#x20AC;&#x153;better futureâ&#x20AC;?, when we can reach another continent within a few hours, and when many of us locate ourselves mentally in a broader geographical area than just one country, nationality is one of the points on an identity checklist providing a feeling of something solid and constant in our chaotic, mobile lives. It is our mother tongue, our relation to history, our cultural heritage, even our favorite home-made dishes. By sharing these we enable each other to participate in the heritage of humankind, cherish its treasures, compare views on reality and acquire skills and knowledge which may come in handy at any moment in this uncertain world. Moreover, the international exchange of values and information may give us power to resist violation of the rights of individuals by extreme political forces, to protect minorities or less developed regions from the dictate of political and economic lobbies of the armed and wealthy, and to build more sustainable future for the generations after us. The spread of such practices as fair trade, sustainable development with ecological approach or creating political pressure in the struggle for human rights cannot be done without exchanging knowledge and experiences. Although colonialism as such is a history now, we should not underestimate the processes of post-colonialism, where single groups of interest as well as whole communities continue to take advantage of others thanks to economical disproportions. There is still a big deal of work to be done, and a world peace is not a matter of fact, but a constant effort in progress. Step one to these long-term goals is to make connections between individuals of different nations, which will result in caring for one another and facilitate collaboration

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

between the masses of common people to balance the effects of a game played by few “big fishes”. *** When I went to my first dance class at ISI Padangpanjang, I felt embarrassed by a request of local students to show them a traditional dance from my country. Not because I was shy to perform, but because I do not know any! Week after week, attending classes and cultural events at my school, as well as visiting interesting sites around the province of West Sumatra or travelling East of the island, I was collecting evidence that kids in Indonesia know their culture in and out, they live and breathe the heritage of their ethnicity as well as possess a decent knowledge of the culture of other ethnic groups composing the young and diverse Indonesian nation. To build a relative unity without forgetting the diversity within a territory such as the Indonesian archipelago is by no doubt a rare and uneasy accomplishment. Yet, the folk culture(s) with its (or their) traditions dating centuries, or maybe even millennia, seem to be a living organism, something still in progress, open to new possibilities as much as having great influence on shaping local pop culture. Coming from Europe, where only recently folk culture, local traditions or diversity of regions have been thought of seriously, I tend to think of it as a long lost legacy if not of something long dead and stuffed, belonging to a museum. And in the same time I wish I had a connection with my own heritage even half as close as those Indonesian kids. On the other hand there is a worldwide tendency for fascination with so called “Western culture” or “Western lifestyle” (which does not necessarily originally belong to all Western countries seen from the perspective of Far East). In the light of such phenomenon the value of cultural exchange on international scale is to avoid the monopoly of one culture over others, to promote diversity in opposition to homogenization, to protect and appreciate the significance of local heritage, and most of all to learn from each other. Let us not put the beauty and experience of what generations have produced all over the world in a dusty museum or an abandoned heritage park, somewhere on the edge of a flat and

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boring landscape where we could no longer tell which latitude we happen to land in. *** “What’s your religion?” – this is just one of a series of personal questions in a standard “getting to know each other” conversation with an average Indonesian person. First time around it came as a shock. Where I come from people do not ask you that, and certainly not within the first 10 minutes from the moment they met you. Soon I discovered it was just as innocent question as any other and there was no need to be so touchy about religion. In this majorly Muslim country being something “different” does not seem to be an issue, even being non-religious like myself (at least when you are a foreigner, as Indonesians often tend to give us kind of a special treatment). Moving from place to place around this huge country, it is easy to notice there are communities, cities, even whole regions or islands of Christians, Hindu, Buddhists, who participate in the social life and public matters just as anyone else. In definitely Muslim West Sumatra there is no problem to find a Christian church, just as to find a mosque in Hindu Bali. In big cities the religious and ethnic mix is an obvious quality of the demographic landscape. Even if some minorities may feel marginalized in some areas of social or political life, or religious tolerance is not an obvious thing to every individual, still the relative peace on religious ground in this country seems to be quite an achievement. How many countries, where one religion dominates over others by 80% can also shine such example? Through the history of mankind the problem of religion has been one of the most common reasons or excuses for war conflicts and ethnic antagonisms. Unfortunately, it is still a valid threat all over our planet. An important danger factor associated with it is stereotyping. In certain places Christians are seen as impure infidels, or in the best case – as arrogant and naïve ATMs on two legs. Judged by media images, Muslims in the West are often seen as hardly adapting, greedy shop owners if not bearded living bombs. Hindu and Buddhist beliefs seem to be not more than exotic fairytales, their cults and teachings being

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

flattened by pop culture. The only way to get out from this vicious circle is by taking the effort to actually get to know each other by listening to each other. By that we could not only discover how much of the same human values we share, but also learn from each other by exchanging the wisdom of spiritual teachings and – most of all – to coexist in a society, where a matter of how (and if at all) one worships is no longer a ground for bloodshed. *** The Darmasiswa Program run by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Republic of Indonesia is unfortunately one of very few opportunities of this kind for young people from all over the world to not only live and study in an exotic environment, but also to learn the significance of tolerance for diversity by direct contact with other young people like themselves, both local and foreign. I wish I could help my Indonesian friends, as well as those from other developing countries, when they ask me about similar possibilities in Europe. And I am sorry to admit their odds for being allowed to study and live where I come from are unfairly limited. I wish one’s chances where not dependent on their passport or bank account statement. I wish people were not judged by stereotypes associated with the place they were born in, but by what values they represent as individuals. No-one likes to be called names based on the color of their skin or someone’s wrong idea of their beliefs, or treated accordingly to someone’s assumptions about their culture, social position or economic status. In this area there is still a lot to be done everywhere, including Indonesia as much as Europe. It is up to institutions in charge of education and culture to create space and circumstances for international, intercultural exchange, as well as to shape the mentality of local people to open up and embrace the beauty of diversity. It is also up to us, common citizens, to show the will to learn from each other, to make the effort to understand one another, and to press for cooperation between the members of our global village.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Mihalache Georgiana

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : ISI Padangpanjang

Understanding and Cooperating between Nations, Culture and Religion

Humans have the capacity to engage prospectively in reciprocal interactions. Commonly, reciprocal interactions are divided into direct and indirect reciprocity. In direct reciprocity, a receiver of help returns the favour directly towards the donor at a later point in time. In humans many different control mechanisms, such as reward, punishment, ostracism, reputation building, etc, work to maintain and stabilize cooperation, ensuring that partners behave cooperatively and cheaters are kept under control. That is it my point of view about cooperation. The cooperation between people is based on empathy and promotes the friendship. I based on this thing when I applied for this scholarship, I have been impressed by the plethora of nations involved in this project and I was impressed by the natural beauty of state.In my time spent in Indonesia I had the opportunity to live in a different way from what I was used to my country. I had the chance to live in the same yard with an Indonesian family which helped me to practice bahasa indonesia but also to discover new specific manners of local

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

culture. It was a mutual experience in which they also observed the differences between us people from everywhere. Throughout my stay in Indonesia I experienced a lot of emotional moments and I was confronted with a number of situations that made me consider this year to be my stage in which I start to open my eyes and exceed my limits and also it helped me to have more self-confidence. Cooperation is easy as long as you succeed to communicate with people in their own language, but situations arise when the others exceed your limits and invade your own personal space, a thing that makes you feel angry and you become reserved towards what is around you. This are timely situations and we from Europa have another vision about this matter, we allow people time to think showing respect towards the other in this way (an important element in keeping a relationship). For all that we further receive smiles from people on the street and also they felt happy to see us. From a religious perspective there are major differences between Christianity and Islamic religion but there are rules that anyone can respect of mere politeness and respect for the others. To respect certain rules of conduct behavior and attire I find this natural if you want to show understanding and acceptance towards others.I appreciate the opening of Indonesian culture because they care about the Christian holidays and give us the freedom to celebrate their important days in our religion.Acceptance of differences is the key of a good communication and cooperation on the long term. Of course if this acceptance is mutually performed. Once in this world different from that that you use to have at home you are predisposed to a lot of factors more or less liked but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to give up, with trust and with the help of the others you will succeed to adapt to this new world and way of living. A personal example regarding adaptation is the fact that I have managed to find a rental house outside of town, in the countryside and this thing pleased me a lot because here I found the peace that I was looking

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

for, here I managed to focus for what I want to learn and what I want to discover in this country. I have met a welcoming family here with whom we mutually helped each other, we changed some culinary recipes, they understood that we can communicate only a few words in bahasa but over time practicing every day I learned more of bahasa indonesia and surprisingly some words in bahasa minang. About cooperating with the university, the teachers have shown understanding and for a few months we had some classes of bahasa indonesia so that we can manage to speak with the ceramics teacher. But an inconvenience for us in the beginning was that very few people spoke English which made things more difficult for us in the course. I had followed the ceramics class and the teacher provided for us a specific activity room and also for encouraging us he presented some of his work and pictures of other’s creations. Unfortunately haven’t succeded to communicate very much with the other students from the university maybe because of the big differences but I think that an impediment was also that I didn’t know very well to speak bahasa indonesia and they didn’t know very well english. Cooperating with the other darmasiwa participants was a good omen, we succeeded to establish relations of friendship with different people from different corners of the world and we found out some of their stories about culture and way of living in the country of origin. Likewise in our small journey through Indonesia they helped us to visit the town they lived in and of course they told us different tips for what else should we visit in that area.

every student came from other parts of the world, I had to face a different new world but I was opened and I had pacience with myself so that helped me to skip the changes and to create my own style of living here gathering elements from my life back home and elements from indonesian’s style of living. It was a succes. I adapted pretty fast to the way of living, to the food and the atmosphere from this country even if is faster than the one from my country. For starters I

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

had some trouble with the food, maybe because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know the variety of dishes from Indonesia but slowly I have discovered a lot of meals that includes this nice combination of vegetables, meat and rice which I like the most. The culture attracted me very much in this part of Indonesia, the Minangkabau culture I notice that is very appreciated in the other parts of Indonesia. The dance, the way of cooking food, the way of serving food it is very new for me and I have been very happy to see that I am going to experience all of that. The Darmasiswa scholarship offers me the chance to live an unique experience regarding cooperation and understanding between people from other countries, when there are also cultural differences and differences of religious nature. From my point of view I have achieved lots of benefits because of this year full of various experiences, I am feeling much stronger and mature and also I have learned a lot from the others that I meet. Regarding my cohabitation in this environment, I consider that it was benefic in a while I had funny stories and happenings but less pleasant perhaps because these rather large differences between the people of Europe would say and people from Asia. In the end all this preparations, the organisation of this program and involvement of the Indonesian people for making this happen and also a successful program brings benefits to us, the participants. I think that everyone had something to learn about the others and themselves by coming and studying here. It is a big step in life to succeed to adapt to another nation, religion, culture. For me, it was definitely a great experience and I will never regret it. Soon I am leaving home but I am taking with me such wonderful memories spent in this country. I wish to travel more and discover more of Indonesia and its culture but i am glad that in the end it was a wonderful experience.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name Country

：Huang Qi dan Li Lirong : PR China

Place of Study : Sriwijaya University

Harmony Civilization of Palembang People With the passage of time, I have been in Sriwijaya University, Palembang City to study for eight months. As a foreigner, the life of learning in Sriwijaya University, Palembang is a very amazing trip. For me, Palembang is a charming city, its long history, the variety of religious beliefs, and even the way of people’s life. All of them attracted me to choose here. As we all know, Palembang is the capital city of the South Sumatra province in Indonesia. It is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, and has a history of being a capital of a Maritime Empire. Located on the Musi River banks on the east coast of southern Sumatra island, it has an area of 400.61 square kilometers, and the population is 1,441,500 which including indigenous Palembang (royal descent) and other minorities. 92% of people believe in Islam, the rest of the residents, believe in Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism and so on. Regardless of the different races and different beliefs, the live of all Palembang people relying on Musi River. When we mentioned traveling in Palembang, what you must do is taking a sampan tour of the Musi River. Palembang is divided into two halves, north and south, which runs through the famous Musi River. There have a bridge standing on the quiet Musi River named Ampera, which is said the punishment of Japan’s defeat. For Palembang, Ampera not only meaning the tool to connect two sides of the river, but even the symbol

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

the pride of Palembang city. In the both sides of the river, there are many huts built on the water which supported by pillars. This is a traditional house of Palembang, the front of the house is the Musi River and behind the house is dry soil. It is said that this type of house is built by early Chinese immigrants. Sitting on the motorcycle sampan, greeted by water and the fragment of people’s living. In here, have someone cooking water what bailed directly out of the river with bucket, and some wash slate in the river, or even have someone sat in front of the house to pour water on himself for shower. In there the children with sweet smile are fisihing overside. How much a funny and harmonious picture. But you will find that is so different of two sides of river. Across the huts have a busy port, people is busying with unloaded cargo. At the same time, the fisherman is leisurely fishing in the middle of the river, and also somebody is selling diesel on the sampan. With enjoy the cool wind blowing in the face, and occasionally spilled water in the body, make the whole body completely forget the city fast rhythm. Ecept the Musi River, the fruit market which already 60 years old is worth to be carried. The market is next to the ferry of taking the motorized sampan. The oringinal simpel street is decorated by banana, coconut, mango, eggplant and so on. For me, the most intersting thing is the sheep also joined in bustling, looking for food in the pile of coconut shell, and like enjoying his life. And last, when you come to Palembang city, you can’t miss with tasting Pempek, and don’t forget buy Songket cloth. In a short, multi-ethnic and multireligious coexistence, poses Palembang city of cultural diversity, the characteristics of its language, customs, folk houses, food, art and so on all has the different ethnic and religious features. Long history and a variety of cultural fusion to Palembang left many cultural monuments, form a unique tourism landscape. That is a beautiful and simple Palembang City. In here Sriwijaya University like a paradise where we learn Indonesian, where the teachers are very patient to teach us to learn Indonesian. The culture here is enriched our school life. The

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

people here are kind, warm, so we are in a foreign country still feel warm. We are very honored to be students of this scholarship, I think, in Palembang one year of study life will become a beautiful memory.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Nguyen Ngoc Trinh

Country

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Sriwijaya University

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION My name’s Nguyen Ngoc Trinh, I come from Vietnam. I’m studying in university of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh city. I study in faculty of Oriental Studies, my major is Southeast Asia Studies, Indonesia class. Indonesia Study gives me many opportunities to study abroad to improve knowledge and abilities, so I am very interested. Thanks to my own efforts, I had passed the interview and was chosen to study in Unsri, the National University in Palembang, Indonesia for 1 year. I’ve had chance to learn more deeply about this beautiful country which has religious, cultural, artistic unique and so many famous tourism location. Palembang where I live is the capital of the South Sumatra province in Indonesia. Palembang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, and has a history of being a capital of a maritime empire. Located on the Musi river banks on the east coast southern Sumatra island, it has an area of 400.61 square kilometers and a population of 1,441,500. Palembang is the second-lagest city in Sumatra after Medan and the seventh-largest city in Indonesia. Palembang has attracted attention of international, Palembang became the host city of the Sea Games XXVI in 2011. Coming to Palembang we know about many location of tourist as:

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

“sungai Musi” the river about 750 km along the river which divides the city into two parts, namely Palembang Seberang Ulu and Ilir opposite is the longest river in Sumatra. Since the first or the Musi River has become the economic lifeblood and the city of Palembang in South Sumatra Province. Along the banks of the river there are many attractions like the Ampera Bridge, Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaraddin II, museum of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, Kemarau Island, 16 Ilir Market, home Raft, beach Good yellow, AI Manawar Mosque… Ampera Bridge is a magnificent bridge which crossed over 1177 meters above the Musi river that connects the area and Seberang Ulu, Seberang Ilir Palembang is a city icon. The bridge was built in 1962 and was built using the spoils of Japanese experts. Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Palembang which is located in downtown is the largest mosque South Sumatra with a capacity of 15000 pilgrims. Museum of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II is located near the Ampera bridge and saving some of historical of Palembang. Kemarau Island is the place to worship with many legends, very mysterious and sacred, the Buddist who adore Buddha very respect this sacred place. When the temple ceremony comes, Kemarau island becomes very crowded with so many peoples. Coming with 16 Ilir market where traditional market in Palembang sells all kinds of items and affordable. Visitors can buy gifts bring back for their families, friends. This year Palembang is building the big project Citra Grand city, expand development the modern city and entertainment parks, Water Park bring happy for everybody. Since ancient times, Palembang has been a cosmopolitan port city which absorbs neighboring, as well as foreign, cultures and influences. The influences and cultures of coastal Malay, inland Minangkabau, Javanese, Indian, Chinese and Arab has created a rich Palembang culture. Throughout its history, Palembang has attracted many immigrants from the other islands makes this city becomes a multicultural. Although today the city had lost its function as the major port city in the archipelago, the remmants of its heyday still evident in its culture. Most of its population was then adopted the culture of coastal Malays

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

and Javanese. We can see this by using the language of the people in here, they blend a variety of language that doesn’t bring own unique origin and become more doped. Also the Javanese knight and noble honorific titles, such as Raden Mas or Raden Ayu is used by Palembang nobles, the remnant of Palembang Sultanate courtly culture. The tombs of the Islamic heritage was not different in form and style with Islamic tombs in Java. About religion which Palembang known as the first area of speading Islam. Outside Islamic also includes other religions such as: Buddha, Catholic, Protestant, Confucius. The brother religious spirit is reflected in the equality and unity of the people in here. Palembang makes the best conditions for their residents that they can develop their own religious worship. That is reflected in the construction of the Masjid, kelenteng, pura, kuil, gereja. Moreover, the people have the right to organize their worship in the festive occasions. Talking about the art of Palembang is shown in : Kesenian Dul Muluk (traditional drama performances Palembang), traditional dances such as Gending Sriwijaya, Tanggai and Tapak Tiga dances are usually held in wedding reception or performed to welcome and honor the guests, regional songs such as Dek Sangke, Cuk Mak Ilang, Pempek Lenjer and Ridang Kemambang. Inside these of that I glad to learn about Dek Sangke dance. Traditional house of Palembang is Limas house and house Raft, ornamental boat festival and competition in the river Musi bidar. Palembang also holds a variety of festivals every year, among them, “Sriwijaya Festival”, held in June to commemorate Palembang’s anniversary, Bidar and Ornametal Boat Festival celebrate Independence Day, Musi River Triboatton and various festivals commemorating the Islamic New Year, Month of Ramadan and New year’s Day. Beside culture and art, Palembang is also famous for its cuisine called Pempek Palembang. It is the fishcake served in sweet and sour sauce called kuah cuka. Another Palembang signature dishes are tekwan, model, mie celor, laksan and lakso and also pindang patin (pangasius in sweet and sour soup).

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Education is being developed in Palembang, many university were built. One of the famous university in Palembang is Sriwijaya university where I had the privilege for learning. University of Sriwijaya is currently ranked 15th Best University in Indonesia version of Webometrics January 2010. For the Sumatran region, Sriwijaya University ranked first, followed by the University of Lampung (Unila), North Sumatra University (USU) and the University of Riau (UNRI). Moreover the people live in Palembang very friendly, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to help you when you need their helping. I still remember the first time I came to Palembang, I felt so strange, sheepishly, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anything at all. The teachers were very enthusiastic to help us, prepared good place for us, took us going shopping, visited school, in free time the teachers took us going around city and invited us coming to their home for cooking and attended the party. These siblings of students stay with us in mes very friendly, they help me to solve the difficult questions, correct exercises for me. When I feel down or sad they appease me, look after me like the big family. Thanks to my teachers and my friends here, I felt like I was encouraged comforting very much, and then I can get totally spiritual for school, trying all my best make my learning get more advanced. Beside the school time, the school made conditions for us to spend time for visiting, exploring Indonesia. when I finished the first semester, I had two months for holiday. In that time, I travelled to Jawa. I went to Surabaya and visited Bromo mountain, I continued my journey to Bali to visited Kuta, Tanah Lot. Then I came to Lombok to relaxed in Gilitrawangan, in here I could see the coral, turtles inside the blue sea. The end of my journey I came to Yogyakarta where is known the tourist of city with the famous architecture in the world such as Prambanan, Borobudur. I had a nice long time with my friends in this beautiful country, that are such nice memories that I will never forget. Its only more than two months that I have to come back Viet Nam. In this short time I will try my best to complete studying here and I will enlist the best possible opportunity to get the tour for visiting in this lovely Sumatra Island. For

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

that when I return Viet Nam wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t contrite and nostalgia. If I have a chance to coming Indonesia again , I will try my best to get that a good chance and I will be lived with Indonesia as this time one more again, with the place where I have worked closely with many wonderful memories and full dear.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Leone Bainivanua

Country

: Fiji

Place of Study : University of Indonesia

Harmony among Civilization

Cultural and religious diversity has for a long time been a matter of life reality within the Indonesian societies and their educational systems. Dealing with this diversity has not always implied shaping and developing attitudes of tolerance, respect and understanding towards others. Tolerance is widely regarded as an indispensable commonly shared value for assuring the cohesion of plural societies. The field of education is crucial if future generations are to develop strategies for living together in a context of religious and cultural diversity, where attitudes of tolerance, respect, openness and readiness to learn from difference are honored. Most people in western countries are under the impression that Indonesia is purely Islamic and hub of terrorists. But, what most of these people do not see in the cultural and religious diversity of this beautiful nation and how much we can learn from the people of Indonesia and their attitude in preserving their culture. In recent times, Indonesia had to cope with acts such as the Bali bomb and the Marriot hotel incident, which caused a negative effect for the economy, tourism industries and the people of Indonesia. Looking at the pure Islamic values, these acts are against the Muslim

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

religion and the people of Indonesia do not agree with it. Here people are open to every culture, religion and nationality, and foreigners who have visited this piece of paradise know very well what I am expressing. Not only can we experience the religion of Islam here, we also have the chance to learn about the different tradition, customs and culture within the wide spread provinces of Indonesia. Historically, immigration from India, China, Portugal, Arabia and the Netherlands has been the major contributor to the diversity in religion and culture within the country.

Even though Indonesia is the world's most

populous Muslim majority country, other religions are guaranteed freedom of religion. Minority, foreigner and even Indonesian national can practice whatever religious faith they choose with complete freedom and peace. The government of Indonesian highlighted major religious celebration as a national holiday like the Balinese Hindus can celebrate Nyepi. Descendant of Chinese here in Indonesia can celebrate Chinese New Year in the most festive and peaceful way. Christians celebrate Easter, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in festive spirit. This signifies the unity, peace and togetherness among the people of Indonesia and minority that choose this beautiful national as their new home away from home. The cultural and religious diversity of this country has most certainly shaped the nation as a whole. It has deeply influence the people of Indonesia to pursue goals of harmonious living through their culture.During my study at the University of Indonesia, I depicted religious diversity as a pacemaker for an adequate understanding of multiculturalism and of the equitable coexistence of different cultural and religion. The acceptance of other nationality, ethnic group, religious faith and culture within the campus symbolized the unique acceptance of cultural and religious diversity that is taught within the educational curriculum of the Indonesia government and the university itself. Apart from the learning just about Indonesian language, we also have a chance to witness for ourselves the cultural aspects of Indonesia

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

through the well structured programs that enable us to understand the unique beauty of Indonesia which is exposed through its culture and religion. It also enables us to change our mind set towards Indonesia and right the wrong information that have been distributed by the media around the world. This opportunity has allowed us to experience Indonesian vast culture, tradition and religion and recreate positive image that beneath these large archipelago with more the 13,000 island, lays a nation that is defined by its culture and religious aspect. Not only did we promote our culture here but to also promote Indonesia in our country. The people here choose to preserve their culture for the younger generation that is rapidly expose to modern civilization while some country are losing them. With scholarship program such as this, it has helped me as a student to understand more about the roots of Indonesia language, culture and religious which produces harmonious leaving among other ethnics with different culture. I learned that our culture and religion is what defines us and tells the world where we are from. It interprets our values and obligation as to what we aim to achieve in this life. It reveals the characters of a person and it also shapes the nation. Without mutual knowledge there can be no mutual understanding; without understanding, there can be no trust and respect; without trust, there can be no peace, only the danger of conflict. This means we have to be willing and able to familiarize ourselves with the way people of other cultures think and perceive the world around them, but without losing our own standpoint in the process. When we see the cultural and religious diversity that exists today, I feel that we must defend it, because otherwise we are going to live in a society with a single model, the Anglo-American model.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Li Lin

Country

: PR China

Place of Study : University of Indonesia

Such A Beautiful Place, Such A Beautiful Day

Maybe it’s not the most beautiful place in the world. But when the first day I came here, I have to admit that it’s a beautiful day. And after several months I live in here, I have to admit that it’s beautiful place. And I am honor to get the opportunity to living in here. That’s the place where I spent my 9 months studying Indonesian language and culture, Depok. Before I came here , I was wondering whether the people there will be friendly? Whether I can get used to the life live in there? But when I came here, the reality comfort me. The people here are so friendly and I begin to like way of living here. There is one thing that can show the harmony of here or harmony of Islam. That is you can see many cats when you get down the street and the cats aren’t afraid of people. In China, my country, almost you couldn’t see any animal that aren’t afraid of people. And I have to admit that it’s not a good thing in my coutry. Indonesia has suffered separatist threats, ethnic and religious conflicts, and Islamic insurgencies.

But Indonesian overcame these challenges. And

instead of failing, Indonesian have thrived. Religion plays a big and in some cases

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

growing role in the socio-political dynamics inside countries and is a factor in civil and cross-border conflict, conflict resolution and peace building. Recognizing how religion affects overall prospects for an alliance among civilizations, IPS has created a religion news site focusing on how religion impacts the world, from daily life to geo-politics. Indonesia have instead fortified our national identity through three successful, peaceful national elections.In Indonesia, elementary students are taught about respecting religious traditions. Exam questions ask Muslim students what they should do if their Christian neighbors invite them to celebrate Christmas. We are probably the only country in the world where each religious holidays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Islamic, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist - are designated as national holidays, even though Hindus and Buddhists account only 2.4 per cent of our population. Through education, we have sought to ensure that tolerance and respect for religious freedom becomes part of our transgenerational DNA. Because of the harmony among the religious and the cultue, this can be an amazing century where hope prevails over fear, where brotherhood of man reigns supreme, where human progress conquers ignorance. It can be a Century that not only brings us into a new millennium, but also elevates the bonds of humanity to greater heights. I like the way of living here, I like the people and culture here!

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Stefania Piscitelli

Country

: Italy

Place of Study : University of Indonesia

Harmony Among Civilization

My name is Stefania Piscitelli from Nocera Inferiore, Southern Italy. I have got Darmasiswa scholarship to stay in Indonesia for a year with Regular Program. I have got the great possibility to study in one of the best indonesian university, Universitas Indonesia in Depok, not far from Jakarta City. I already got a Bachelor Degree S1 in "Languages and cultures in comparison" in February 2011 at Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Orientale University of Naples in Italy, after studying three years Indonesian and English language. I have been in Indonesia for about nine months because of scholarship Darmasiswa for a year. I have already finished studying at BIPA 3 that has made me improve my Indonesian language skills and interface me more with Indonesian culture too. I really have a strong interest about this country and I would like to enrich my personal cultural baggage staying here personally more and more. Staying and studying in Indonesia has been giving me the possibility to deepen and understand better about what I have studied in my books in Italy about Indonesia. The first Indonesian President, Sukarno, read the unilateral declaration of

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

independence on 17 August 1945. Indonesia and his first President Sukarno had to deal with a very difficult reality and devastated situation due to the recent Dutch and Japanese occupation. Then Sukarno tried to improve the situation of the Country with a guided Democracy trying to strenghten military and political forces, this is the reason why Indonesian people still pay respect to their first Presiden. The respect for the first Presiden and remember what He did for the Country in the past is something important in Indoneisa, so Indonesian people really remember their past and their story. This does not happen in my country. From Indonesian freedom President Sukarno talked about the importance of the word "unity" in Indonesia, there is also a common national motto in Indonesia "bhinneka tunggal ika", this sentence is in old Javanese language translated as "Unity in the Diversity" and this sentence is inscribed in the indonesian symbol, Garuda. Bhinneka tunggal ika really represents Indonesian way of life based on respect for the others. Indonesia is a pluralistic society, in addition to cultural o ethnic groups, people of Indonesia are made up different cultures territorial areas which is a meeting of different cultures or ethnic groups that exist in the area. Every ethnic group developed a different cultural identity during the centuries, influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese and European sources too. With a population of over 200 million people who live in the great amount of islands in Indonesia, living in territories with varying geographic conditions and way of life too. But the diversity of way of life, food, religion, culture and language too do not represent a problem for Indonesian people because the diversity does not represent something dangerous. Staying in Indonesia make me understand that concept of unity is really in the mind and heart of Indonesian people and there is a very big tolerance that maybe there is not in other countries. There are over 300 distinct native ethnic groups in Indonesia with over 500 languages and dialects that mix. The Indonesian government has officially six religions, Islam, Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Indonesia is not an Islamic state but it is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most populous Muslim majority nation. The presence of these different religions does

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

not represent a problem because Indonesian people with different cultures and religions gather all together and there is no violence in the name of this difference. I have many Indonesian friends who are Muslim but they have no problems to gather with me,for example, that come from a different country and I have a different culture. I have Indonesian friends who are Muslims, other who are Protestant and others who are Buddist but they go out all together and enjoy life in Indonesia with no problems and not thinking about difference between them especially in big city like Jakarta where I most spend my time living in here. They do not feel to be different. Maybe in Indonesia there are not no many European people, especially in little places like Depok and there people often show to be surprised to see â&#x20AC;&#x153;Buleâ&#x20AC;? over there. In Indonesia, I think especially in little city, there is a very good harmony between people and more countries should take example from Indonesian people. I really hope to stay more and more in Indonesia to study and work a day because I really like the human aspects in here and I would like to be part of this Harmony between Indonesian

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

people.

Name

: Fatou Bintou Diatta

Country

: Senegal

Place of Study : Jakarta State University

ESSAY Hello my name is Fatou Bintou DIATTA. I am from Senegal. I got a scholarship for one year in Darmasiswa’s program to learn Indonesian language in the “UniversitasNegeri Jakarta”. It is a great pleasure that I share my experience in Indonesia. At first it was very difficult to communicate with people in the city who laughed all the time and some do not approach me in public transport and shopping centers as if they were afraid of me but allowed me to look strangely.But I understand they did not have an open mind why they behaved like that. At least I met nice person, with whom I spent a good time. About my study, I have had excellent qualified professors and very patient also. Through writing, listening, reading, speaking and grammar, they allowed us to improve our communication in the Indonesian language. They also taught us a lot about the Indonesian culture from food, clothing and behavior.In this program, I had the chance to meet other people from different nationalities as Slovakia, Germany, Turkey, Korea, Uzbekistan and learn their cultures. Coming in Indonesia I had in mind with this program I was going to discover plenty of attractions with other participants which was not the case. We have just been to

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Bogor the last and only time we came out of Jakarta with our professors and a second time in KotaTua Jakarta. But fortunately our teachers help us and ensure all the time to our well-being to make the most enjoy of our stay. When I have free time I go shopping, wandering the city to discover new mall. What shocked me the most in this country is the number of smokers, car and motorcycle. The traffic jams are striking even in tolls. At 5:00 p.m. restaurants line the sidewalks and almost all Indonesian majorities eating outside. I love the variety of foods and eat healthy, not too much oil, lots of vegetables; they do not eat much red meat rather than chicken or fish. I take part in two marriage parties through which I discovered a lot of Indonesian culture, the religious ceremony to the reception. But what I love most in the Indonesian marriage is keeping married looks like a king and queen, beautiful clothes and make-up also. I also noticed the same with the number of Muslim majority here are other religions like Catholic, Buddhist and Hindu practice freely. Every religious festival is observed, is respected in the practices of the religion and becomes a holiday. There really is plenty to say about Indonesia, the experience here. All I can say is that I thank the Indonesian Government for letting me through this scholarship to discover some of the country as true in one year I could not find any of Indonesia but I am happy from the little I got. I am not ready to forget this amazing experience of my life. â&#x20AC;&#x153;DASHYAT, INDONESIA LUAR BIASAâ&#x20AC;?

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Laura Tonka

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : Jakarta State University

My Experiences My name is Laura Tonka. I am from Slovakia. I came here to learn the indonesian language, and the colture of this country. I am living in Jakarta, i got to the Universitas Negeri Jakara- UNJ. The first semester was difficult, because i never learned indonesian before. But the teachers were patient with us. I like the classes, because besides the language, we are learning about the culture as well. Every our teacher is a nice and kind person, they are always helping us if we need it, and the main thing, that they support us in learning this new language. We participated in two trip. The firs was in Jakarta, in Kota Tua. We visited four museums, and that part of the city reminds me Europe because of the architecture. The second trip was to Bogor in a cultural village Sindang Barang. There we learned how to plant rice, how to play on the tradicional instrument angklung and how to catch fish with hands. It was fun, everyone was satisfied. We had fun with our teachers, we have a really good relationship with every of them. I really like to live here, this time was too short for me and i hope one day i will come back to Indonesia, to visit all of my friends here, because i am sure i found here life-long friends. I met here with a culture wich is completely

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

different from the European. I learned a lots of things about this new culture, i met a lots of interesting people, different lifestyle, different thinking of the people and much more. This is a wonderful experience for me. Now i see things differently, and after living in Jakarta for one year, nothing is surprising to me. Jakarta can be the strangest city for the foreigners, full of contradictions and crazy drivers, but this is what i love in this crazy, beautiful city.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Bella Khatamova

Country

: Uzbekistan

Place of Study : Atma Jaya Jakarta University

In Jakarta First things come to your mind when you hear about Indonesia are archipelago, megapolis, Bali island, tropics, rain. But you will be so surprised when you find out how rich this country with the cultural and historical heritage. Each of these islands has its special charm. In order to see with your own eyes the diversity of this great country, to feel this mysterious atmosphere and to be part of this life, you have to visit the places here. Indonesia is a gigantic crossroad of languages, religions and languages. Only in Indonesia you can feel some epochs at the same time. Until today, historical rites and rituals have remained. In some islands you can even meet tribes whose languages have not been studied yet by scientists. Meanwhile, the capital of Indonesia - Jakarta is the modern metropolis. After 8 months being in Jakarta: Jakarta is the city of contrasts. You can feel life, it flows on roads like blood through the veins, but so different from all sides: the poor and the rich, on expensive cars and cheap motorbikes, luxury skyscrapers and run-down slums. What impressed me in first days - it is the insane amount of mopeds on the road

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

or to be more precise they are everywhere! It is because that is necessary for survival in a big city. There is a peculiar culture of driving in Jakarta. Drivers of moped can pass road of any sizes, full of cars, street sellers and pedestrians without disturbing anyone. And the most amazing thing in this case -

quarrels and insults. Only on Sunday from 6 a.m till 11 a.m you can enjoy silence of Jakarta. "Car free day" - the main streets of Jakarta are closed to all motor vehicles. Another very important thing that I noticed is the culture towards one's neighbour. All life is based on principle of "gotong-royong" - intersection assistance. Despite the diversity of cultures and ethnicity, the local population still has one thing in common - friendliness. In general, Indonesia belongs to one of the nations in South-East Asia in which the people are very tolerant towards foreigners. From small children to adults are turning to the guests "Hallo Mister". And there is no matter if you are a man or woman. Another habit is "Basa-basi" showing good manners and respect. Even strangers on the street asking you : "Mau ke mana?", "Dari mana?", or "Beli apa?. Also I was surprised with some kind of professions: First, "Ojek” drivers get you anywhere in Jakarta. Second, "Jockey" - people of all ages are on the road in rush hour, becoming passangers for a sum of fee. They help car drivers to enter the streets with 3 in 1 rule, which obliged 3 people in a car for a certain period of time during rush hour. The third is "Pengamen” - street musicians. Also, when rain starts - there are “Ojek Payung”, usually children with umbrellas for rent. "Kota tua" - old town square is an area in Jakarta where the original cultures of Indonesia are still preserved. In the area, you can find imposing buildings which were built in different times and each represents different culture. Some museums located in this square show the wealth of cultures of Indonesia from all sides. Indonesia, a country with several religions, has an amazing variety of religions. Although Islam is the dominant religion, people are tolerant to others’ religions. It is evident from the Catholic Cathedral of XIX

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

century which is located in front of the Great Istiqlal mosque. Islam gives a special flavor to the country. In order to describe Indonesia and convey its spirit and appeal, you can spend thousands of words, epithets, and fill hundreds of pages, but all in all, you can fit them into one short phrase that could not be more relevant, that is "Unity in Diversity". This phrase is the worthy motto of the state, in which more than thirteen thousand islands that is surrounded by the water of two oceans in this world.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Maria Auxiliadora Morales Morales

Country

: Ecuador

Place of Study : STP Sahid Jakarta

KNOWING A NEW CULTURE Indonesia has been blessed with a hundreds of distinct native ethnic and linguistic groups that attract tourist from the farthest of the world. This culture has A long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple

foreign influenced

religions,

including

Hinduism,

Buddhism,

Confucianism, Islam and Christianity, all strong in the major trading cities. Despite the influences of foreign culture, some remote Indonesian regions still preserve uniquely indigenous culture and still practicing their ethnic rituals, customs and wearing traditional clothes. One thing that make impress as a foreigner is how proud indonesia culture they are. Because they prefer to wear Batik clothes, even is a blouse, dress, skirt. They wear this like a formal dress or casual dress in the job or in the schools every Friday. For me is a new experience to learn and wear my own batik in Jakarta specially at school in Sahid and in my training; this kind of things which are part of indonesia culture make you feel already part and identify with their culture ,another thing that I learn itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the motifs in Batik, it represented each province of indonesia.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Now adays waxing Batik by hand became a small factory which is getting expanding everywhere in Indonesia, but the most known and prestigious city becasue of a good BATIK is SOLO, this city is popular culture of Indonesia, It is also popularly known among Indonesian ethnicities that the people of Solo are known for their politeness, well behave, refined, careful and often speak very softly.I have the opoortunity to visited solo few months ago to learn a little bit about how can we make batik by hand-made and justicated why is much expensive that other ones. Firstable BATIK is an art by hand crafted product that has long been a speciality of the island Java, they have different ways to do it, as resist technique on cotton weavings or using wax and a indo blue vat for dye and the other way is stamping wax patterns onto the cloth and pilling dyed out hot water to take out the wax. How to start? Batik as we know has been and stiil being made with various techniques, beside of hand-waxed kind, batik tulis, there is a stamp-waxed variety, batik cap. The artistc ability traces the pattern into the cloth We have to design by paper as an artist ability, its not easy, but with practices you can do it. My mentor Marcus, who is teacher of arts in Solo has so much patience. Molten wax is carefully drawn onto the cambric using a special tool, the canting tulis we have to use te wax on the pattern without any mistake, you should take carefully canting and relax a little bit your hand otherwise it wont be nice paint , the main thing its you have to be patience, characteristic from javanese woman. Brusing dye directly onto the cloth When you finish, you have to decide what color you are going to put in your work or your cloth and painted it carefully each part of your drawn. Pull dyed cloth out of hot water to take out the wax

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

It’s almost done and the last step is let it dry and finally it’s ready to put this Batik in the local marketplace and presented in neat packages. All of these kind of experiences that I have learn in each part of this country like solo and Jakarta is just one part of a biodiversity that belongs this culture, buy the way I am still learning from the people who is around me, that now I called them, my friends, a good friends. I hope to come back one day and continue discovering this wonderfull country. It was a very pleasure to learn a really interesting culture and their friendly people, something that I won’t find it easier in other place, Thank you very much for gave me this unforggetable and unic experience in your country.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Sylvain Menard

Country

: Canada

Place of Study : STP Sahid Jakarta

One of the first things I noticed when I arrived in Jakarta was the huge number of different cultures living together in one city. Jakarta has a population of over 10 million people and yet most of those people are not originally from Jakarta. They come from all over Indonesia; and with over 100 different ethnic groups, this makes a lot of diversity. I always wondered how could all those people live peacefully in such a small perimeter. Not only they have different culture but they also have different religion and different language. Even after 8 months in Jakarta, after meeting with a lot of different people, some from West Java, some from East Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, NTT, etc. I still learn something new everyday about Indonesia. Not only I had to adapt to Indonesian cultures, but I also had to adopt to the culture of my friends from Darmasiswa. Spending almost all my time with them, it is important to understand each other and appreciate diversity. What I’ve come to understand through these months here is that there is no “better” culture, only different culture, with their bad and good things. I think with patience and understanding we can truly appreciate any culture. Of course over this period me and my Darmasiswa friends encountered challenges and difficulties but I think it is necessary and it is one of the objectives of the program. Its when you encounter difficulties but I think it is necessary and it is one of the objectives of the

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

program. It is when you encounter difficulties that you can truly learn and get better as a person. I have to say that I had a wonderful time here in Jakarta, learned many things and grew as person. I arrived here 8 months ago alone and now I will leave Indonesia leaving very good friends and family behind. Thank you Indonesia for this wonderful program, Thank you also STP Sahid for accepting us in your school. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your culture with the rest of the world.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Veronica Aracely Jimenez Sanchez

Country

: Ecuador

Place of Study : STP Sahid Jakarta

Indonesian Culture

Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation, a beautiful country, where we can find several cultures, religions, traditions and many food flavors and pretty tourist places; each province has its own language, religions and history. Jakarta is a larger city where we can find people not only from Java island, if not rather of all the provinces, and other countries living together for different reasons studies, job an others, and all of them sharing their customs and traditions, fighting for the same goals and working as a team, regardless of Unlike beliefs that have, keeping a line of respect for each one, and the warmth of the people makes everyone welcome in this beautiful city and country. One of the things that I can mention as one of my best experiences in Indonesia is the interaction with Sahid students, because I can found people from different provinces, each one with own customs, and religions (Muslims, Christians, Catholicism, Protestants and others), and I had the opportunities to learn a little bit for them. I would like to mention also, the art in Indonesia is a very important factor and the people try to keep, for

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

example I can say I had the opportunity to visit Kota Tua (old city), and I talk

a person who manages a group of music, traditional musical

instruments from Bandung that are made with bamboo, the interesting thing is the group is integrated for the children of the community, because they want to preserve their culture and show to other people, those kind of performances itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only inside of Indonesia also in other countries. Finally I can say Indonesia is a country of charm, where I could found good friends, know wonderful places, enjoy a delicious meal and appreciate the natural beauty and architectural it has. This opportunity has been a great experience that contributed positively in my life.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Ahama Machae

Country

: Thailand

Place of Study : Padjajaran University

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harmony among civilizationâ&#x20AC;? Budaya dan Agama di Indonesia

Indonesia adalah negara yang berpenduduk terpadat ke lima di dunia. Negara ini memiliki 17.508 buah pulau walaupun. hanya 6000 dari pulau-pulau ini yang berpenghuni. Penduduk Indonesia terdiri dari banyak suku, seperti suku Bali, suku Jawa, suku Dayak dan sebagainya. Setiap suku di Indonesia memiliki adat budaya dan kebiasaan tersendiri. Setiap suku memiliki berbagai festival dan ritual yang berbeda-beda yang di rayakan setiap tahun dan merupakan hal yang menarik bagi para pengunjung dari seluruh dunia. Setelah saya tiba di Indonesia saya sangat suka dan merasa gembira sekali karena di Indonesia adalah satu negara yang saya ingin kunjungi. waktu saya sudah sampai di bandara sukarno hattaa. Saya lihat suasananya sangat indah dan lihat buminya subur sekali dan saya merasa senang hati. Saya lihat orang Indonesia. Oh ya wajahnya hampir sama dengan negara saya(Thailand) dan makanan juga hampir sama tetapi saya merasa makanan di Thailand itu lebih enak. Itu pikir saya pertama kali tetapi saya akan mencoba makan makanan yang lain yang ada di Indonesia ketika saya tinggal disini.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Ketika orientasi di Jakarta. Saya merasa tertarik sekali. Karena terhadab acara itu saya bisa bertemu dengan teman-teman yang berbagai negara. Selain itu dapat mengenal orang-orang dari berbagai negara dan saya juga mau mengenal dengan mereka ada yang dari AsiaTenggara, Asia, Afrika, Eropa, Papua dan sebagainya. Dan acara ini saya dapat tahu tentang apa yang ada di Indonesia itu. Selain saya dapat informasi dari Petugas darmasiswa di acara itu. Mereka berbicara tentang

bagaimana kebudayaan kesenian keagamaan sukubangsa

tradisi di Indonesia. Saya belajar bahasa Indonesia di Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) yang terletak di Kota Bandung. Disini udaranya dingin dan saya sangat suka tinggal di bandung. Disinilah saya dapat tahu tentang ilmu bahasa, tarian, kesenian, kebudayaan

yang

ada

Indonesia.

Saya

kuliah

hari

seninâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;jumat

pembelajarannya sangat keras sekali setiap hari tiga jam. Dan disini juga saya dapat mengenal teman dari berbagai negara yaitu Cina , Loas, Combodia, Korea, Jepang, Colombia, Irak, Azerbaijan, Madagaska, Francis, Konggo, Viatnam, dan lain-lain. Saya kuliah disini dengan merasa senang dan gembira karena tidak ada perbedaan yang pintar bahasa Indonesia. Dan dosen juga yang mengajarkan kami dia sangat pintar. Saya suka sama dosen dan petugas semuanya. Dan disini bukan hanya ada belajar di dalam kelas saja. Tetapi ada belajar di luar kelas yaitu KKL(kuliah kerja Lapangan), Kami mengunjungi beberapa tempat wisata dan pabrik-pabrik septerti pabrik golok, pabrik dodol, pabrik batik, pabrik kerupuk, pabrik sutera dan mengunjungi kampung daerah seperti kampong Naga , kampung Ciwiday dan kota Garut, Dan tempat wisata seperti Gunung berapi, Kawah putih, Tanbkuban Parahu, kebun teh, kebun strawberry, Gedung Sate dan sebagainya. Dan satu lagi saya tahu tentang berbagai macam tarian yang ada di Indonesia dan juga khas di daerah tempat saya tinggal yaitu di bandung-jawa barat , saya juga menari tarian khas bandung dalam acara Asia-Afrika. saya kira tarian itu sangat lucu karana saya menari salah akan tetapi merasa senang walaupun salah dan jadi satu pengalaman bagi saya. Disinilah saya akan dapat pengalaman dan dapat melihat perbedaan bahasa dan agama yang ada di

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

bandung. Menurut opini saya "Kebudayaan yang ada di Bandung bisa dilihat dari masyarakatnya baik itu habit, makanan, tarian dan lain-lain. Contohnya dalam penggunaan bahasa daerahnya apakah masyarakat lebih dominan menggunakan bahasa sunda sebagai bahasa sehari-hari ataukah bahasa gaul yang digunakan,Angklung Saung Ujo juga bisa dilihat sebagai tolak ukur budaya, misalkan apakah Angklung sebagai alat musik tradisional juga sudah dipakai oleh sekolah- sekolah yang ada di kota Bandung tetapi tidak hanya alat musik Angklung ada juga Kecapi alat musik yang dipetik jika akan memainkannya, Kemudian budaya etika berprilaku (habit) masyarakat Bandung seperti apa dalam keseharian,Agama yang mayoritas dianut oleh masyarakat di kota Bandung adalah Islam,lainnya Kristen,Hindu dan Budha.Agama Islam sebagai agama mayoritas di kota Bandung yang dikenal sebagi kota santri (kota yang agamis), Banyak tokoh- tokoh Islam yang menjadi "Icon" di kota Bandung sebagi public figure juga sangat memiliki kharisma bagi masyarakat Bandung pada umumnya sehingga masyarakat pun menjadi terwarnai kehidupan agamanya .Agama sebagai pengatur dan pengkontrol habit manusia termasuk juga mengkontrol budaya,apakah budaya ini baik atau tidak,jika budaya itu baik menurut agama maka akan di kenalkan kepada masyarakat ataupun turis mancanegara,namun jika budaya bersifat syirik atau klenik maka diharamkan oleh agama,dan Agama berhak untuk menolak budaya yang menyesatkan. Dan Kebudayaan merupakan peninggalan bersejarah yang merupakan harmonisasi dari peninggalan nenek moyang. Agama tidak bisa dipisahkan dari budaya. Kebudayaan merupakan Icon bagi sebuah daerah ataupun negara. Saya mengucapkan terima kasih kepada kementrian yang mengadakan program darmasiswa dan yang memilih saya dalam acara ini. Karena dengan program ini yang dapat saya mengenal Indonesia dan dapat

pengalaman.

Selama satu tahun ini memberikan saya pengetahuan tentang kebudayaan, kesenian, keagamaan, bahasa, tradisi, makanan dan sebagainya yang ada di

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Indonesia. Saya berharap setelah selesai program darmasiswa saya akan kembali lagi untuk mengunjungi di Indonesia. Insya-allah

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Aleksandra Szelagowska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : Padjadjaran University

Bekerja Diantara Harmoni dan Peradaban Jika sebelumnya saya belajar bahasa, budaya, sejarah, tradidisi adat dan agama di Indonesia. Maka saya akan merasakan dan berfikir sebagaimana orang Indonesia melakukan. Dan jika saya tinggal di Indonesia untuk waktu yang lebih lama, saya akan terbiasa dengan kehidupan di Indonesia dan saya akan mengenal lebih banyak hal di Indonesia dan itu akan memberikan saya kesimpulan tentang bagaimana hidup di Indonesia. Dengan adanya program Darmasiswa sangat membantu kepada siswa untuk mengenal budaya dari Indonesia dan juga dari Negara lain. Dikarenakan banyak pelajar dari Negara lain. Dikarenakan bsnyak pelajar dari Negara lain yang ikut di Program Darmasiswa. Program. Denganprogram Darmasiswa para pelajar dari Negara lain dapat mengenal pelajar Indonesia dikarenakan semua pelajar belajar di satu lingkungan. Dengan program Darmasiswa para pelajardapat dengan mudah berkomunikasi dengan orang-orang Indonesia, baik yang bertemu di tempat perbelanjaan, tempat wisata dan di dalam transportasi. Dengan program Darmasiswa orang-orang setempat atau orang Indonesia dapat mengenal orang-orang dari Negara lain yang mungkin belum pernah mereka lihat

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

sebelumnya. Dan mereka juga dapat dengan mudah berkenalan dan berbicara dengan para siswa dari Luar Negeri. Saya sebagai orang yang tinggal dinegara yang sebagian besarnya beragama Kristen. Saya sangat menghargai orang yang berbeda agama. Dikarenakan didalam pemikiran, saya percaya bahwa semua orang percaya kepada Tuhan. Sebagai manusia kita tidak bisa memilih dimana kita dilahirkan dan siapa orang tua kita dikarenakan Tuhan telah menggariskan hidup kita. Setiap orang yang dilahirkan kedunia ini akan sangat dipengaruhi oleh budaya, agama dan lingkungan yang akan membentuk kepribadian. Oleh karena itu, Program Darmasiswa sangat membantu para siswa mengenal dan mengerti bermacam kepercayaan yang ada di dunia yang akan membuka pikiran lih luas tentang bermacam-macam agama. Sebelum datang ke Indonesia, saya memiliki banyak keraguan dalam diri saya. Ini dikarenakan bahwa Indonesia adalah Negara dengan populasi yang besar dan mayoritas penduduknya beragama Islam Dan dari beragai informasi yang say abaca dan lihat di media, pemikiran saya akan Indonesia belum jelas. Akan tetapi saya datang ke Indonesia dan mengikuti Program Darmasiswa, karea untuk mengenal budaya di Indonesia dan juga untuk membuktikan kepada diri saya untuk bisa mengerti dan melihat kehidupan di Indonesia secara langsung. Pada saat pertama saya tinggal di Indonesia sangat mudah. Sejak pertama datang ke Kota dimana saya belajar, saya baru mendapat kesulitan. Jika tidak dibantu teman-teman yang belajar ditempat saya belajar, maka kehidupan saya disini akan menjadi lebih sulit. Dan ini memberikansuatu pemikiran kepada saya bahwa tema-teman disini sangatlah perhatian. Akan tetapi didalam hati kecil saya, ada suatu permasalahan berkaan dengan kurangnya informasi yang saya dapatkan dari Universitas berkenaan dengan tanggung jawab untuk mengurus para pelajar Darmasiswa. Saya telah sangat berharap untuk mendapatkan perhatian dan bantuan sejak pertama kali saya datang ke Indonesia, dikarenakan kehidupan di Indonesia adalah baru untuk saya. Selama saya mengikuti program Darmasiswa, saya berkomunikasi dengan beberapa orang di Universitas yang lain

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

dan juga mengikuti beberapa acara yang dibuat oleh Universitas mereka. Saya mendapatkan banyak pertolongan dari mereka. Jadi dari semua pengalaman yang saya dapatkan, kita tidak harus malu untuk meminta pertolongan kapan dan dimanapun atau hidup kita disini akan lebih sulit. Akhirnya, saya ingin mengaris bawahi bahwa darimanapun kita berasal atau apapun takdir kita, kita harus mengerti akan perbedaan yang kita miliki dan tidak membuat perbedaan menjadi suatu masalhdi kehidupan.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Dum La

Country

: Cambodia

Place of Study : Padjajaran University

Budaya dan Agama di Indonesia

Sebelum datang ke Indonesia saya sudah belajar tentang bahasa Indonesia sekitar tujuh bulan di KBRI Phnom Penh Kamboja. Saya sudah tahu sedikit tentang bahasa Indonesia dan budayanya. Beberapa kali saya pernah menonton film Indonesia. Akan tetapi saya belum mengerti tentang bahasa, budaya dan agama di Indonesia. Oleh sebab itu saya sangat ingin datang ke Indonesia. Saya sangat senang ketika mengetahui bahwa saya lulus program darmasiswa. Dari program ini saya akan ke Indonesia dan saya akan belajar langsung di negara Indonesia tentang bahasa dan budaya. Setelah saya tiba di Indonesia saya melihat wajah-wajah orang Indonesia hampir sama dengan orang Kamboja. Akan tetapi banyak juga hal yang berbeda dengan Kamboja. Contohnya tentang makanan. Banyak makanan yang di Indonesia saya rasa tidak cocok untuk saya makan, karena makanannya banyak yang rasa pedas, dan menggunakan santan kelapa. Makanan di Kamboja rasa makanannya biasanya asam dan tidak banyak makanan yang menggunakan santan kelapa. Oleh karena itu saya merasa ingin pulang kembali. Akan tetapi

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

karena saya ingin sekali belajar tentang Indonesia baik itu bahasa, budaya, dan sebagainya, sehingga membuat saya merasa tidak ingin pulang kembali. Orientasi di Jakarta pada tanggal 7-8 September 2012 membuat saya lebih tertarik lagi di Indonesia. Karena di acara itu saya bertemu dengan temanteman dari berbagai macam negara. Saya dapat mengenal banyak teman yang sama-sama ingin belajar tentang Indonesia. Pada acara ini dijelaskan sedikit tentang gambaran Indonesia. Bagaimana tentang hokum, kepolisian, budaya, dan sebagainya. Saya belajar di Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung. Pertama sekali dilakukan tes berbahasa Indonesia untuk menentukan saya bisa belajar di kelas berapa. Saya memulai belajar di kelas dua. Di sini diajarkan tentang sastra, budaya Indonesia. Saya mengetahui lebih banyak tentang budaya sunda karena saya tinggal di Bandung. Saya mengetahui tentang orang-orang, makanan, tempat wisata, keadaan lalu lintas, agama, tradisi Indonesia khususnya orang sunda. Orang sunda semuanya ramah dan sering bertanya mau pergi kemana. Saya juga tahu beberapa kata-kata khas sunda seperti punteun, parantos tuang, mangga.

Saya pernah berkesempatan ikut menari dalam

sebuah acara di gedung Asia Afrika dengan mempertunjukkan tarian sunda. Saya sangat kesusahan mengikutinya akan tetapi saya senang bisa belajar tarian sunda. Seni di Indonesia juga sangat beragam. Baik itu dari alat musik tradisional. Misalnya angklung, rebab, kecapi, suling bambu, gong, gamelan. Alat musik tradisional khusunya sunda kebanyakan dibuat dari bambu. Seni pertunjukan lain seperti wayang golek, tarian jaipong, tarian topeng, tarian tor-tor dan lain-lain. Saya juga mengunjungi tempat wisata di Bandung dengan teman-teman darmasiswa dan program lain. Saya mengunjungi Kawah Putih, Ciwidey, kebun teh, strawberry di Lembang, Gunung Tangkuban perahu, Air terjun Maribaya, Dago pakar, kampung Naga dan kota Garut. Saya juga mengunjungi candi Borobudur yang merupakan peninggalan budaya dari nenek moyang bangsa Indonesia. Saya juga mengunjungi wisata pantai di Jogjakarta. Saya sangat tertarik karena tempat-tempat wisata tersebut memiliki ciri khas tersendiri di

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

setiap tempat. Makanan Indonesia yang paling saya sukai adalah gado-gado. Keadaan lalu lintas di kota Bandung lebih macet daripada di Kamboja. Saya juga pernah menghadiri acara pernikahan suku sunda. Tradisinya berbeda dengan budaya saya di Kamboja baik dari segi pakaian, tata cara, makanan, dan sebagainya. Saya juga mempunyai teman-teman orang Indonesia yang berasal dari suku-suku yang berbeda-beda. Ada yang berasal dari Batak, Jawa, Sunda, Bali, Kalimantan, Jambi, Jakarta, Jogja, Solo, dan Papua. Budaya Indonesia sangat banyak. Dapat dilihat dari suku-sukunya. Dari beberapa orang yang berasal dari suku-suku yang berbeda ini memiliki karakter yang berbeda juga. Saya juga mengenal beberapa teman dari agama yang berbeda. Di Indonesia memiliki agama yang berbeda-beda baik dari agama Islam, Kristen, Katolik, Budha, Hindu, Kong Hu Cu. Selama di Indonesia saya masih jarang melihat masalah-masalah tentang agama. Mayoritas di Indonesia beragama Islam berbeda dengan negara saya yang mayoritas beragama Budha. Saya melihat banyak perbedaan tentang pakaian, tempat ibadah, dan karakter orangnya. Selama saya tinggal di Indonesia hampir setahun ini, saya sangat senang dan banyak mengetahui tentang bahasa, budaya, karakter orang-orang, tempat wisata, makanan, agama, tradisi, suku-suku Indonesia. Selain itu selama tinggal di Indonesia saya mengenal beberapa teman mahasiswa asing lainnya. Mereka yang berasal dari Kongo, Cina, Korea, Jepang, Thailand, Laos, Kenya, Ajerbaijan, Vietnam, Myanmar, dan Madagaskar. Saya sangat berterima kasih kepada pemerintah Indonesia melalui program darmasiswa. Karena melalui program ini saya mendapakatkan pengalaman yang berharga, ilmu, kehidupan di luar negeri dan banyak hal tentang bahasa, budaya, suku-suku, agama, makanan, tempat wisata, tradisi yang ada di Indonesia. Saya berharap

setelah selesai mengikuti program

darmasiswa akan kembali lagi ke Indonesia. Karena masih banyak budaya, tempat-tempat di Indonesia yang belum saya ketahui dan kunjungi.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Joshua Sidney Stenberg

Country

: Canada

Place of Study : STSI Bandung

Indonesia, Microcosm of the World While studying theatre at STSI Bandung, it has been my privilege to make friends with people of Bugis, Javanese, Batak, Minangkabau, Dayak, Madurese, Minahasa, Acehnese, Chinese, Indian and Arab heritage: and all of them were Indonesians. Through this immersion, I understood how many different peoples, cultures, traditions could be Indonesian, and how this panoply of diverse elements came together as a unity. I met people who were born in conservative Baduy communities, others who were steeped in the heritage of Riau or Bali. Over these months, I have travelled to only three islands, but met people from half a dozen more. Yet STSI is in Bandung: and naturally, the rich and ancient culture of Sunda predominated. Friends invited me for excursions to their homes in Sukabumi or Tasikmalaya, in Garut or Cirebon. Working with a glass of canteen coffee at my side, I spent many hours listening to the karawitan ensembles and the hard rock bands practicing, heard set designers explain their concepts, listened to one student correcting the other’s flute technique, heard the tape players of the artists late into the night playing Iwan Fals or Pop Sunda or gamelan or “Separuh Aku.” Artists passed through from Jakarta and Surabaya, adapting Japanese plays of Greek mythology or bringing new adaptations of wayangs. When I was finished working, and didn’t have class, there were always more pupuhs being practiced, jaipongan or topeng dances being performed,

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

costumes being tailored, coffee or bandrek being drunk, or PERSIB games being watched on the canteen TV. For all its national and regional character, the campus was open to the world: theatre students produced Chekhov and Ibsen and Genet as well as N Riantiarno, Putu Wijaya and Arifin C Noer. Students were being taught according international thinking on dramaturgy, aesthetics, the role and definition of art. The result was a wonderful oleo of the contemporary and the traditional, the regional, the national, and the traditional. I have spent many years studying Chinese, and in Bandung’s Chinese community I found a case in point for the incredible fecundity of Indonesian society. Over my scholarship period, I saw a Chinese couple perform the early Pop Sunda song “Euis,” a Chinese angklung ensemble playing “Indonesia Raya,” the Cap Go Meh festival being opened by the mayor, watched by thousands, and led by Sundanese sisingaan and jaipongan performers. I learnt a Sundanese song with a Chinese choir, met Chinese individuals who were Buddhist, Catholic, Christian and Muslim, learnt about Rear Admiral John Lie, the revolutionary and national hero of Indonesia, and learnt about the social activities of organisations such as the Dana Sosial Priangan. I met individuals like the inspiring Soeria Disastra, who writes poetry in Chinese and Indonesian, and translates one from the other. It was a lesson to me how the Chinese of Bandung can express themselves both as one-hundred percent Indonesians, while having the freedom to honour elements of their ancient Chinese culture. During the semester break, a trip to Kalimantan Barat let me experience a whole different kind of diversity. The Hakka population of Singkawang organises an enormous Lantern Festival every year, including a parade of mediums representing Dayak and Chinese local spirits. The crowd is a festive mix of Malays, Javanese, Madurese, as well as the local Hakka and Dayaks. It was a different world from the large-city Sunda-majority Paris von Java I had experienced so far!

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

A later trip took me to the small towns of Mojokerto and Jombang, where I saw wayang potehi, puppetry that arrived from China’s Fujian province in the colonial period. The stories told are traditional Chinese legends, but the performances are in Indonesian, and the puppeteers are ethnically Javanese. I went with a troupe into the villages around Mojokerto, where the performances were hugely attended, and accompanied by lion dancing, ludruk, and reog dancing. It was just one of many examples of the synergy I saw. In Jombang, I met the Balinese artist Putu Sutawijaya, who has been making a series of potehi paintings. In Yogyakarta, there was an art exhibit of the oldest potehi puppets that are known. One weekend in Jakarta, at the Gedung Kesenian Indonesian, I saw N Riantiarno’s production of Sampek Engtay, another example of a Chinese legend that has been a part of Indonesian culture for over a hundred years. The production borrowed from the comic theatres of Java, from keroncong, from Western (and even country!) music. It attracted sold out crowds throughout its run. These open expressions of Chinese culture, show how Indonesia is more and more aware of its diverse origins, and how its reality increasingly mirrors its national motto: Unity in Diversity. Not only unity, though, and more than just harmony: Strength in Diversity. That was also the wise insight of Abdurrahman Wahid, Indonesia’s 4th president of RI, and a visionary leader whose legacy is an inspiration for multiculturalism and for a worldly, dialogic Islam in Indonesia. He saw that acknowledging the Chinese element in Indonesian culture and society was both morally just, and socially advisable. History has proved him right, and Indonesia now proudly integrates the heritage of China alongside all the other peoples who the winds of history have brought to its fertile archipelago. I, too, am from a successfully multiethnic country: Canada. But our multiculturalism has much to do with contemporary immigration, while Indonesia’s unity and diversity draws on millennia of dialogue and interaction between the many cultures of its rich archipelago, as well as centuries of arrivals from Asia, Arabia and Europe. As a country that takes prides in its diversity, and

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

where Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, Hindus and Buddhists live in peace, Indonesia can play a leading role in the global dialogue between cultures. We live in a time where great civilisations internationally are at odds with each other and filled with mistrust. Indonesia, with its experience of beautiful diversity and harmonious interaction, can lead the way on the global stage. That is why the Darmasiswa programme is so important, and why the experience proved such a valuable personal experience. When I finish my PhD and return to my own country, I will be able to rely on personal experiences and interactions rather than only book learning. Nothing promotes harmony at an international level more than the close connections between individuals. Indonesia is a nation rich in oral literature and performance culture; merely reading texts cannot give a sense of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eclectic delights and profound spiritual experiences. Darmasiswa provides an opportunity no other programme can match, the opportunity by learning from masters in world-class educational institutions while absorbing language and culture from the learning and performing environment. The Darmasiswa institution shows the openness of Indonesia to the world, and its self-confidence as the home of one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great cultures, comprised of unique regional cultures. It is a shame that few countries have a similar system of international cultural scholarship administration. But then, few countries have as much to contribute to, indeed to teach, the international community as Indonesia does. But a year is only enough for a foundation. There is much I look forward to exploring: from the boat-burning festival in Bagansiapiapi to the distinct cultures of Papua; from the football stadium to the kampung; from the kraton to the apartment block, Indonesia as a country is in (slightly) smaller scale, a replica of the richness and diversity of the earth itself, of its peoples, religions, languages and customs. No one person will ever know everything about it; and as a consequence, it is the perfect object for a lifetime of study. Personally, I look forward to returning again, as a traveller or a researcher, to work or to teach or

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

to study or to visit, but sure always to find old friends and make new ones, and to let myself be surprised by a country that is ever-new and always ancient. With a full and grateful heart, I can say in all sincerity: Hiduplah Indonesia Raya!

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Rosita Konrad

Country

: Austria

Place of Study : STSI Bandung

My Indonesian Experience These last nine months I have been staying in Bandung, Indonesia, as a student of the dance department in STSI Bandung. Recently I have been asked to give an account of Indonesia’s cultural unity and diversity. As a student of traditional Indonesian dances I got a taste of the country’s rich cultural flavors. However, for me it is hard to speak about Indonesian cultures as a whole because indeed there is so much variation. Such a vast country with more than two hundred million citizens is bound to have differences in its cultural practices. Also, I only have experienced life in certain parts of Indonesia. Most of the time I have been staying in cities in West Java, mainly Bandung and Jakarta, and so far I have had little experience of village life. While I did go to a few villages for a couple of days, I feel that my stay has been too short to form an accurate picture. Yet, as incomplete as it may be, I intend to give my personal view of cultural unity and diversity in Indonesia. Indonesia’s state motto, unity in diversity, already suggests that Indonesia comprises many different people with individual background and heritage who aim to live together in harmony. To me, harmony involves mutual respect,

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

tolerance and consideration. I first turn to consider cultural variation in Indonesia. To give an example I briefly turn to my field of study, traditional Indonesian dances. As a student at STSI I have watched and learned dances from various different regions and places, such as, for instance, Bali and Cirebon. In their nature these dances are quite different regarding to movement, music, the level of energy involved and their general expression. The Bali dances I learned (Sekar Jagat and Baris) involve what I like to call a certain element of electricity in their movements and specific way of using oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes. The Cirebon mask dances, however, do not only use masks to depict certain characters, but also vary in their pace according to the character and generally take a long time with a few repetitions. While these dances are quite different in their makeup, they do have in common in that they use a gamelan orchestra (although they frequently follow a different tonality system as well as use different materials in the build-up of the orchestra). This is to give an example of two of the sometimes different natures that Indonesia comprises. While to me there is tangible cultural variation among Indonesians, I have come to feel that there are certain traits that support a harmonious together. To be more precise, to me Indonesians seem to have a humane approach to each other. This, for example, becomes visible to me in their culture of frequently being friendly to strangers. For example, in Indonesia people generally are open for questions and free conversation with people they do not know on the public transport, are happy to help, and sometimes also invite one to their own home. This stands in contrast to my own Eastern Austrian culture where it is more difficult to get to know strangers as people in that region are generally more reserved and often value privacy not only in their home but even when moving around in public space. In other words, in Indonesia people seem to put greater emphasis on the collective than on the individual. To give another example, in West Java it seems to be important for Indonesians to be with other people, and they make sure that you are not lonely and left behind. Also, I have come to notice that if someone exclaims that they are not happy with a certain decision,

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

suggestion or situation, everybody will look for a solution that is acceptable to everyone. In short, there seems to be care for the people as a whole, and people are also often willing to adapt to the needs of others up to a certain extent. Yet it has to be said that my personal experience sometimes deviates from this seemingly harmonious whole. While I also have experienced the care and consideration of Indonesians, I sometimes have been treated like an alien in Indonesia. For instance, I have been photographed and filmed by total strangers as if I was a renowned celebrity, I have been charged special prices, and I have sometimes been followed or thought out by people because of my European looks and origin. Admittedly, this special treatment betimes brings benefits as well, but sometimes it can be too much and can create a feeling of alienation. To sum up, I have experienced unity and diversity as well as alienation in Indonesia, a rich country that I still cherish despite occasional difficulties. Apparently, there is a good basis for living up to Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ideal of living unity in diversity, yet it also seems to need further work and consideration.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Agneieszka Mazur

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : Indonesian University of Education

I have obtained Darmasiswa scholarship program in Bandung at Indonesia University of Education (UPI). After a few months in here, I can truly recommend this university without any hestitation. The most part of my opinion is based on the teachers; their attitude towards students and their teaching skills and a really good organization of study. I could not forget to mention about my friends from all over the world that gave me an additional cultural and also educational experience. Firstly, I want to emphasize that our teachers are really competitive and creative. They always offer a helping hand and try to explain everything in detail. I have learnt much from them. Our lesson of Bahasa Indonesia were very interesting on sufficient level in accordance with our knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia ( each of us has learnt Indonesian language before). Many lesson were about Budaya Indonesia that leads to valuable conversation about differences betweeb our cultures, customs and views. And what is hugely important, right now I know more not only about Indonesia, but also different countries such as Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, or Uzbekistan. Thanks to my friends from different countries and my teachers I have re-educating myself. To my mind, this scholarship gave me opportunity to understand and experience the mixture of cultures.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

During this academic year I had a possibility to learn traditional Indonesian dances such as Saman or Merak. In addition to this, I also played on Gamelan and Angklung. Twice a week I was truly part of Budaya Indonesia. And I feel so grateful to our teacher who was so patient when our motion are far away from perfection. What is more, we had a few tours that were organized by UPI. We were on Tea Plantation and waterfall Maribaya. On the second trip we went to Batik Centre where everyone could make a batik in his own! We saw the whole process of making batik. Amzing! The third trip was to Jakarta, to Taman Mini and the last one to Taman Safariin Bogor. We also participated in Asia – Africa conference. Many people, many nationalities, the fusion of traditional clothes, music, and dances. I really enjoy studying in Bandung. In the Sundanese centre of culture. I’m fascinated by not only their ethnic dresses -

Batik, but their

traditional music, language, writing, and ancient histories and myths. All in all, there are no boundaries between us and the Scholarship people from all over the world meet in the same place – Indonesia. In the place that is rich in variety of local cultures that respect one another. And that is the huge lesson for us. We have to respect every culture. We have to learn about it and try to experience it, ss every Indonesian here, in this country full of many different tribes, languages and cultures.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Katarzyna Styszynska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : Indonesian University of Education

One year in Indonesia! One year in Indonesia! Finally, my dream came true! What was my first impression of a city where I studied? Oh my! Let’s say, “a little bit crowded, a little bit noisy, a little bit scary”. My application was accepted by University of Education (UPI) in Bandung. Although I only chose the city where I wanted to study, I feel really lucky I got this University, although the other university in Bandung is more famous and a kind of a prestige

one. On my university I met a lot of nice and friendly

people, not only students, but also university staff that was really helpful and tried to make my stay here as much comfortable as it could be. And, what is more, I was lucky to study with people who also have already learned Indonesian language in their countries, so we did not have to start from the beginning. What about guru? The best one! What more can I say? Really welleducated person, very friendly and funny, and what is of vital importance, very open-minded. The classes were really interesting, also with elements about Indonesian culture. Beside of Indonesian language classes, I could also participate in cultural lessons – playing angklung or dancing traditional dance. I had lots of free time and decided to chose both. So I had an opportunity to try to play a traditional instruments, like angklung and gamelan

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

and learn how to dance Saman and Merak. It was kind of a funny experience for me, to see me dancing Merak, which I think, is not really a kind of a dance for European people, especially tall ones. Surely, it is more for Indonesian girls that are smaller and look more graceful while dancing it. So I have to admit, that I more like to watch Merak dance instead of dancing it! But, I was really glad, that I could learn Saman dance, as I think, it is one of the most unique traditional dance in Indonesia, maybe in the world too! What about angklung? I could not be more surprised while hearing the power of the sound of such a simple instrument! Beside of classes that I already mentioned, we also had trips organized by university to some places with other international students. So, we went to The Tea Plantation, where we could see the process of making black tea, then to a beautiful Waterfall Cimahi, where we had to examine our body condition by walking up and down the “never ending” stairs (), we could also try doing batik in The Factory of Batik, see all Indonesia in one place as we went to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in Jakarta and learn about Indonesian history in Museum Purna Bhakti Pertiwi. We also participated in Conference Asia-Africa where we could admire loads of traditional performances and in Culture’s Day, where we had a chance to promote our country among students of UPI. All these events, all these organization, atmosphere and people in University of Education made my stay here more interesting, giving me a chance to become part of their society. It gave me a chance to become more familiar with Indonesian culture and not only Indonesian, because Darmasiswa Programme is not only about getting to know Indonesia but also getting to know all other countries, as it brings people from all over the world to that one, beautiful place, Indonesia, and gives them opportunity to learn about the world. And thank You for that!

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Khong Ly Quan

Country

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Indonesian University of Education

Dear Darmasiswa! First of all, let me introduce you myself. My name is Quan, my nickname is wanti. I come from Vietnam. I would like to take this opportunity to send my gratefully acknowledgements to Darmasiswa program that has been giving me opportunity to visit this beautiful country. Also, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teachers in UPI. Secondly, I have learned Indonesia language for 4 years up to now. The first time when I arrived in Indonesia, I was like a fish out of water. I couldn’t speak fluently Indonesian as I thought. Everything was extremely strange to me before I started my study in UPI. After nearly a year, I felt really lucky in here because my teachers were very enthusiastic. I have learned a lot of things from them, especially, Indonesian language and culture. Moreover, they helped us a lot tostabilize our life. Therefore, we are more and more familiar from my point of view. The most special thing, I will never forget, is my Indonesian teacher. First time I met her I was amazed and felt a little uncomfortable because she said very quickly and everyone couldn’t figure out what she said. She said it was the way to teach her student. Her birdsong was very interesting to me at each time she taught. Every day she told us all things around her. However, this course is about Indonesian language, I couldn’t fully understand her story at all. I have improved gradually my ability in

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

studying through each lesson from her. It should say that my skills in Indonesian are pushed up considerably after two semesters. She taught me a lot of things such as life in here, activities of people, everyday language, way to cook and so on. Especially she helped us to find hospital each time I got an illness and to get rare books as we need. I feel so happy to have a teacher as her with all of my respects. It is Ibu Mamay. With the respect I would like to thank Darmasiswa program. Thanks to the program that I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful country.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Kim Sun Joo

Country

: South Korea

Place of Study : Indonesian University of Education

Harmony University

When I first came to Indonesia I felt like “GOD, do you think am I used to be living here? I don’t think so…”because everything was different. The weather, food, life style, religion and even language except that we are Asian. So I can say that almost 3 months I really had a hard time. The time I came here was in August so that means winter is coming in Korea. However I was in Indonesia so my body was not used to be enduring this dry season and even in my “Kos” there was no air conditioner. When I think of that time now, no I don’t want to think of it. Also, the food was problem. The food didn’t fit on me so every time I eat food I always had to take medicine. And because the sound from Masjid at 4 am sometimes I couldn’t sleep well. And Indonesian friends always asked me a lot of things like “How old are you?”, “Do you have a boyfriend?, “Why are you not married yet till now?” Everything was strange and unfamiliar with me. But as time goes by, I fell in love with Indonesia. I traveled a lot with Indonesian friends and I realized that the reason they asked a lot was they felt like we are close

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

together. It was one of expressing their interests to others. And the weather also have attractiveness for me in some ways. In the morning and night I could feel fresh air. And the funny thing is that I can eat every kind of Indonesian food now. I didn’t know that I like to eat the “Sundanesse” food so much. The more I lived in Indonesia the more I could understand. And also I met other friends in my class from Vietnam, French, Thailand and Poland. We became close together in here, Indonesia using in Indonesian language. Even though we were form each other country but Indonesia gave chance to

make us harmony. We studied

together,

traveled together and played traditional Indonesian music together. Now I’m so happy to come here as a student of “Darmasiswa Program”. Because of this program I could have such a priceless experience in Indonesia and learned a lot about Indonesia. And even more, I could know other country’s culture, language and people. This “Darmasiswa Program” was the place for learning about “Harmony University” for me.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Borbala Keszmarki

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : Pasundan University

The Beauty of Diversity

In my opinion travelling is the only experience that you pay for it and makes you richer. My mother is a field surveyor engineer, she took me everywhere, when I was a kid, and we travelled abroad since I was very little, because she thought it is important to see the world. So she encouraged me to get my own experiences as well. First time I have been in my life alone in abroad for longer time it was a voluntary workcamp in the middle of France in 2001. We been about 20 people from all different countries from Europe, spending the summer together, building a natural park, organizing programs for the local youth, cooking together everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national food, learning about each other and from each other a lot. I was seventeen years old, young, curious for the world and i thought i m the luckiest person to experience the beauty of the diversity of nations. This was the first eye opening experience for me, how much part of the world i do not know, how much things, different way of thinking exist on our globe that i need to explore. And the best way if you have a common language, however I was speaking French, but English is the language that I believe if you

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

speak you gain much more. After this voluntary project I took part many of others, organized and lead some in Hungary also, since Europe I travelled almost everywhere, made friendships from all over Europe, so I started to feel I want to who from the globe even more and more. I started to work and live on my own money since I m 21 to ensure myself the freedom and possibility to travel wherever I want to go. But in the meantime I started a Doctoral School and I choose as my topic, Multiculturalism, because my main interest in History is different identity background thought of nations. When I was checking the scholarships to France I accidently found one interestingly eye-catching scholarship to Indonesia. Ohh, I started to think, where is Indonesia exactly on the map? Wow, even on the map it looks amazing, thousands of islands, surrounded tropical ocean, komodo dragon, orangutan, jungle, papua deserted tribes, wow, wow, wow, I need to get this scholarship. So I applied with a huge expectation, with plans how I m going to insert this year to my doctoral studies. But unfortunately I did not get the scholarship. I was really upset, that second year I applied again and unluckily I was not a successful candidate again. What could I do, I started to invest more energy in my professional life, and forget about the scholarship. Than i started to grow and grow carrier aspect, started to think which car I should buy and maybe I should change my apartment for a bigger one, so I need more and more money, but I just realized on what happened with my dreams, I forgot about it… My original aim with earning money was exploring the world. How could I forgot this. Than I felt extremely empty, to become the victim of customizing civilization, so I decided I will travel in next year in Asia, having a sabbatical year, and applied again for third time to Darmasiswa scholarship to Indonesia. In the motivation letter I have been brutally honest. “ I want to have a sabbatical year, I would like to travel all around Indonesia, getting know the culture, through learning the language”. And Abracadabra, I won. I won the scholarship to spend one year in Indonesia studying Indonesian language and culture in Bandung. Or thinking in

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

the background, back of my mind; I won on a ticket to change my life, turn back to the routs learn about people, explore, explore, explore…. To be honest if in that time I won the lottery, I would come to Indonesia as well, so I felt again the same feeling, I don’t mind money I am the luckiest person of the world!!! Of course my family felt differently and most of my friend as well, in their eyes going to the third world, “doing nothing”, give up carrier, seemed the most stupid thing at the age almost 30. Well, maybe this decision is not for everyone, but for me it was the best, I can tell this for sure after finishing staying one year in Indonesia. So let’s go back one year in time, last summer I spent my time on Internet, getting familiar with Indonesia, where the hell is the city of Bandung, where my University is going to be, what kind of clothes I need, what kind of vaccination I need to go, how the people look like in that part of the earth..., etc.Plenty, plenty of questions running crazy in my mind. Excitement and fear growing in my heart in the same time, like: - I am too old to be a student again, how is to be a single woman in a super muslim area, how I can adopt my way of thinking, do I going to find friends, how the Indonesian people going to look at the Hungarian giant girl with 176 cm, I hate rice, what am I going to eat????????????????????????????????????????????????????????. Than accidently happened that two guys who I know also got the same scholarship, so we decided get rid of our fears is the best to go before the school starts and have some “pre-exploring” trip in Sumatra. When we were waiting in Doha international airport I was watching passing the people, white, black, yellow, chocolate, cappuccino skin, all type of faces, races, clothes, from the entire world. I was checking how the Asians look like, who can be Indonesian? Jesus Christ how the Asian people can make a difference between themselves. Later I got know for Asians the Bules – white people look like the same as well. I needed couple of month, that my mind could recognize the different features of faces. When we landed in Jakarta, however we came from the summer, the big humidity hit us, like a punch. Than we catch a taxi and find an accommodation

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

for three of us in the middle of the night in Jakarta Jalan Jaksa backbacker quarter. We were 2 guys 1 girl, we were ready with the cover story that one of my friend is my husband, the other one is my brother to get permission to stay in one room for the night, which is absolutely normal in Europe, but huge scandal in Indonesia. That night we went for a walk, it was a terribly warm, middle of Augustus, we were watching the people eating in street warungs, no hygiene, no fridge for the food, no normal washing the dishes, some rats crossing the legs of eating people, we were disgusted, and thought who can be as crazy to eat such a place…butsurprisingly in two-three weeks we had no problem with eating street food. So slowly we got lost of the natural beauties of Sumatra, meet more and more local people and got amazed how is possible all locals always non-stop smiling. I read a survey that Indonesian people are considering themselves as the most happy people of the world, and the heart attack rate is extremely down, so I decided I need to learn the “magic technique”. I consider after one year, the secret of Indonesians “take it easy”. In Europe we are always running, in Indonesia I never saw a person to run after a bus, or be in hurry. Time does not matter. Off course if you make yourself nervous for time it does not help, but if you accept that the bus goes, when there are enough people, no order, you can have a cigarette, have some chat with the locals, nice black coffee, and simply without rush you can enjoy more your life. After Sumatra I got addicted to travelling in Indonesia, to explore more and more place, to get know different cultures. Indonesia has amazing variety of cultures, dances, music, history background of people. Getting know, even have a good overview of it in one year is almost impossible. There are plenty of languages, Bahasa Indonesia is just a unification, a help to understand Indonesian people with themselves, but through learning language travelling got much more easier. Speaking with locals always made all my trip unique, and staying in Jawa it is almost impossibly difficult without language. It was a great

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

experience to get an insight of Indonesian University, however European standards are a little bit different. But this was part of getting know of way of thinking Indonesia, the systems, the teachers, and it was specially interesting to watch how different nationalities adjusting to Indonesian culture. Everybody has ups and downs, heating and loving Indonesia in the same time. Asian nations can adjust more, I think one of the biggest difficulties for Europeans is that Indonesian does not know of the meaning and existence of confrontation. For example if you ask something they never ever will say –I do not know. For example: - Where is this street, do you know? – Yes, Yes,… So where is it? … - Yes, Yes,… They just say yes for everything, and than making trouble of course. Well, there are plenty of other difficulties, like accept the life standards, the waste all around, the mandi, interesting habits and so on. But you need to get rid of all the “bad” stuff and start to enjoy living like Indonesians. The sentence everywhere is true – If you are in Rome, act like Rome people. Maybe I wrote now not just good things, seems maybe negative, but the rats, cockroaches, dhyeria, high fever, get lost on the street, spending days on buses, crazy drivers,crazy traffic all around, all annoying things, that can happen, are all part of the experience. If you face challenges, you are going to appreciate more the results. The diversity of things beside your own culture on the beginning makes you dizzy, that is the cultural shock, that is absolutely normal. But than you will find your favorite dish from the one thousand different one, you will find the smiling ibu on your street who is inviting you to her house, you will buy a motor bike and enjoy the freedom of riding. Or you will watch a sunset from Lembang, having a coffee in Puculot, and explore all the hidden secrets of your city. You will get know amazing people with amazing stories, you will see deeper the mixture of strong believe of ghost and healers, and Muslim religion. And many many amazing, interesting thing, which is explorable just through living in a country. So after all, we all fall in love with Indonesia, some of us got Indonesian boyfriend, girlfriend, some of us would like to stay in Indonesia forever, or a little

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

bit more long. For me, one year was enough, but the question is what we can take home from Indonesia. For me the most amazing thing was learning about different cultures, nations. The diversity is huge in between Toraja, Batak, Dayak, and so on people in Indonesia. I realized I could more easily get friends with Chatolic people or less muslim person, I realized how much the freedom is important for me, but I can have the respect and acceptance of other religions. We all got new friends, we will see how long the new friendship going to lost. I m looking forward to being with my family, but Indonesia the beauty of diversity is changed my life. I will try to live my life in Hungary as I did in Indonesia – “Take it easy and keep spirit! – Santai dan Semangat!

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

Name

: Danai Karnava

Country

: Greece

Place of Study : Pasundan University

The world we are living consists of many different countries, each one having different people with different cultures, different way of thinking, different customs. All of these people have managed through all years to live all together in harmony by accepting each other. I grew up in a European country, Greece, where except Greek people, there are many foreigners that come there either for work or for better circumstances of living. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realized yet in what multicultural country I was living till I went to the capital of Greece, Athens, for studying. In my University there were mainly Greek students but outside of University and especially in the centre of Athens, you could meet many people from other countries that came to Greece for a better life. It was the first time I saw so many people, with different religions and cultures to live in my country in a very balanced way among the other Greeks. On my fourth year of studies I decided to do the ERASMUS program in Spain for 6 months, so that I could also have the opportunity to live in a different country and study a different language. At my University there were people from many different countries such as Polish, French, Italian. Living in a new country, it was a completely new experience. I had to learn the language, get used to the customs there and of course make new friends, people with completely different background. But after just one month I could totally manage this new experience as I understood that we all had the same goals, the same experiences at this age,

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we wanted to learn about other cultures and we just managed till the end of the semester to enjoy our time to the maximum, like we were all from the same country. After coming back to Greece, I applied for another program which is called Ship for World Youth, an International exchange program organized by the Japanese Government and The United Nations University. In this program the participation of different countries was huge. There were Japan, Canada, Brazil, Sweden, Marocco, Mauritius, Bahrain, UAE, India, Kenya, Tonga, Australia, Greece. Main goals of this program were the cultural exchange, the promotion of international understanding and friendship, the cultivation of the spirit of international cooperation and the competence to practice it, the development of leadership skills in various area of international society. We all spend two months on a ship, travelling together, presenting our countries, discussing about global issues, offering solutions. It was the best example of harmony in civilization as we could live all in a balanced life for a small period of time and learn so much one from the other. After some years, I was selected to participate in the Darmasiswa scholarship in Indonesia for one year. It was the biggest period in my life that I had to live away from my home and live in a completely different country in Asia. Every part of Indonesia is a completely different culture. Although it is one and whole country, in each part they speak their own language, they have different type of music and in most cases different religion although they are all Indonesians. I am living in Bandung, where sundanese culture and language is common. When I started travelling at east part of Jawa, I realized that people speak Javanese and when I went to Bali Balinese, where their religion was hindu. Recently I visited Sulwesi and Toraja, where the majority of people are Christians. Although this diversity, people have learnt to respect and accept each other, they are trying not to offend or bother any part of their lives and they live all together without any problems. So did I, as I was living in the country and I had to adjust to the new circumstances. It was very impressing the fact that in Indonesia people from other countries are more than accepted. People are

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friendly, they want to know about the other countries, feel very proud when you speak their language and are willing to help you. I felt more than welcome in this country, although I come from a totally different culture and I really felt accepted as I am. With that background in mind, when I consider the concept of harmony in the context of humans, their societies, and the environment I have a particular understanding of the concept. It refers to all people living together peacefully without exploitation of one person by another, each able to reach his or her full human potential, in a society in which everyone has their basic material and nonmaterial needs satisfied, feels secure, safe, happy, and fulfilled as human beings. After all my experiences, I have realized that we are all human beings, living in the same world, sharing the same needs, having the same thoughts, needing each other and no color, religion or flag can create any obstacle in harmony as long as we accept each other as it is.

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Name

: Dayana Parvanova

Country

: Austria

Place of Study : Pasundan University

Unity in Diversity, or the Harmony of Civilazations

Terima Kasih, Hatur Nuhun, Matur Nuwun, Matur Suksema, Tampiaseh, Amanai, Sakalangkong… All the colors of the world inscribed in a phrase! From all the corners of the world, every year, about 700 students come to Indonesia – the country of diversity – to study both the language and the culture – bahasa dan budaya Indonesia. After one year of intensive communication, deep relations, and vigorous exchange, these students return back to their homes and tell their stories about “a unique, life-time experience” in a country they have never even thought of visiting one day. Each moment, each image, each emotion that they share presents the diversity of both their origins and their destination. These multiple paths, although interweaving like the steams flowing from the top of the mountain to finally meet in the deep waters of the ocean, have lead each of them to a single distinctive perception of this place on earth. To put their stories together is like to build a temple – a temple with many different rooms with different size, arrangement, and furnishing. These rooms do not only vary according to the subjective preferences or capabilities of their creator, but also according to the resources available at his or her site. Indonesia – this unique constellation of smaller and bigger islands, this inimitable place on earth – offers all prerequisites to meet the variety these

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international students bring to the country each year. Coming from an international environment these students encounter at least as large a variety as they bring along in their backpack. Indonesia – a puzzle of stories, images, sites, and events; a temple of cultures, beliefs, values, and mindsets; a book of sounds, signs, words, and phrases – becomes their second, third, forth (…) home, as each of them – and indeed, each of us – will meet at least one element reminiscent of the place we’ve known since our birth. Or is it this steadycentre of the earth, where all streams come together to re-establish the variety of this world. A young man from Indonesia used to say to me: “We are beautiful in our differences!” This particularly holds true for Indonesia. The beauty of this country lies in its diversity of places, faces, of speech, and ideas, of beliefs, and cultural values. Despite the fact that similar ideas, perceptions and world views bring people together, differences is what actually enriches human interactions and broadens people’s horizons. Indeed, the main challenge is not to identify what is similar, but to incorporate what is different, and make it the most essential characteristic. Indonesia is one of the countries that have made the genuine attempt to understand and convey diversity through religious tolerance and social justice. The concept of the unity in diversity is rooted in the country’s history and inscribed on its pillars – its people and their constitution.Indeed, diversity is Indonesia’s most precious asset. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – a rather unfamiliar phrase for the international students who first arrived in Indonesia several months ago. Curious to find out the meaning of these words, they asked their professor at university what does the phrase actually stand for. Amused by the question, their professor would answer: “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, this is our heritage.” “Our heritage?” thought the students, intrigued by the answer. In fact, the phrase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika literally constitutes a heritage which dates back to the legendary rule of the Majapahit Empire in 14th century Java. Today,the phrase can be translated as “Unity in Diversity” and embodiesone of the early efforts to reconcile difference within the region. A national dictum today, unity in diversity is not only part of

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the Indonesian national symbol, the Garuda Pancasila, but is imprinted the minds of each primary school student in Indonesia. To live with each other in harmony – this would be their first and foremost mission, their main road and ultimate objective in life. Ever since, diversity has been a central element in the region of SouthEast Asia, and yet, Indonesia proves an example for how different paths can lead to one destination. The county is not only the dwelling of a large variety of flora and fauna, but also the home of millions of people adhering to different cultures, traditions, beliefs, and lifestyles. Ever since the first encounters, these people have come to realize that harmony can only exist in the profound understanding of difference and the sheer celebration of diversity. They chose to make diversity their strength and expressed this virtue in songs and poems, throughletters and symbols. Later, and yet long before international geo-political organisations, such as the European Union (EU) or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Indonesia is member today, realized the benefits of living in harmony within diversity, the Indonesian state grasped the idea and notion of “unity in diversity” and converted this idea into the central philosophy of Pancasila.And, as Maya Angelou, a remarkable woman, a poet and educator,who stands on the opposite side of the globe, where “civilizations” meet to create yet another world – the new world–, says: “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” Indonesia is beautiful – beautiful in its diversity, in its multiplicity, in its variety! Its most valuable asset, the harmony within diversity, which has been preserved throughout the centuries, from times of disruption to times of peace, shall be passed on from generation to generation. This is the heritage of humanity – the harmony of civilization! No more, and no less – the most basic and yet essential lesson in life is to learn to live together with all our differences and similarities. The challenge is indeed to transcend these two, on the first side, opposite poles, to not be captured in the middle, in between sides and parties, but to live beyond and above. Harmony begins inside us! Only when we realize

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that we are different within, we realize that we are beautiful within, and this beauty is our strength â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our strength to absorb the world, put it into a nutshell and into our pocket! The harmony among civilizations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it starts with us, right here, right now! (Bandung, Indonesia; May 14th, 2013)

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Name

: Nguyen Tri Duc

Country

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Pasundan University

My name is Nguyễn Trí Đức, from Vietnam. I’m student of University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ho Chi Minh city. I applied the Darmasiswa 20122013 program to come to Indonesia and studied about Indonesian language and culture at University of Pasundan, Bandung city. This article below talks about my experiences and my feeling about the beauty and the diversity of Indonesia. First of all, I tell you about the place that I lived there for 1 year, that’s Bandung, West Jawa province. West Jawa is the region that inhabited by Sundanese ethnic, the second most populous ethnic in Indonesia (the most populous is Jawa ethnic). Bandung is the capital of West Java province in Indonesia, the country's third largest city, and second largest metropolitan area in Indonesia. Located 768 metres above sea level, approximately 140 km south east of Jakarta, Bandung has cooler temperatures year-round than most other Indonesian cities. The Dutch colonials first established tea plantations around the mountains in the eighteenth century. Era before, there are so many flower plantation and tea plantation, what’s the reason why Bandung is called Kota Kembang (Flower city), these plantations still remain until now. Bandung gradually developed itself into a resort city for plantation owners. Luxurious hotels, restaurants, cafes and European boutiques were opened, since then the city was nicknamed Paris van Jawa (Dutch: "The Paris of Java"). The characteristics of Sundanese and West Jawa are Angklung music instrument and Jaipongan dance. Angklung is a popular music instrument in

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Sundanese area (West Jawa), this music instrument is made from bamboo and the sound is made when being shaked. In old time, Angklung was used in religious ritual, was the medium mean to invite Dewi Sri (goddess of rice and prosperity) descended and fertilized for plants. And Jaipongan dance was created by a Sundanese artist in 1960’s with the purpose of creating a kind of music and dance that distilled from the diversity of traditional folk art of

Nusantara

(Indonesian archipelago), especially West Jawa. Jaipongan, Angklung are the beauty and the pride of Sundanese; Bandung is the beauty of West Jawa. But they are just a few among thousands of beauties of Indonesia, there are more than 200 ethnics in Indonesia with different cultures, different beauties and different languages. They inhabite in different region but not staying just around their own region but they exchange their culture in peaceful throughout hundreds of years. Gradually, Indonesian cultures become diverse and harmonious and “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (old Jawanese language) means “Unity in Diversity”, it’s also the Motto of Republic of Indonesia. In November 2012, I went to Yogyakarta, Central Jawa, where Jawanese people inhabite (Jawanese live in Central and East Jawa). This place is not only the old capital of Indonesia but also the culture center of Jawanese. Jogjakarta is a unique specific region of Indonesia, under the rule of monarchy, still has Sultan (the title of Islam kings). You can find the diversity and harmony of Indonesia culture here, in Jogjakarta. The beauty of different cultures along Indonesia gather harmonious in Jogjakarta, to prove the reason why Jogjakarta is called Culture Center of Indonesia. Around the countryside of the city, there are Hinduism temples complex, they’re heritages of ancient kingdoms. I had chance to visit 2 symbols of Yogyakarta are the Prambanan temple complex of Hindu and Borobudur temple of Buddhist. My happiness was to get chance to visit the biggest Buddhism temple of the world, Borobudur. The name Borobudur in old Sankrit language means “The Buddhist temple locates on the hill”, the temple was built in 9th century, under

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the Buddhist kingdom Sailendra. The biggest Buddhist Temple in the most populous Islamic-majority country of the World, that is so strange and fantastic, right? I felt the happiness deep inside my heart, this joy couldn’t be explained by words, I felt peaceful when coming to the place of Buddha. I enjoy life in Jogjakarta, it’s peaceful, not being developed so fast and so noisy like Bandung and Jakarta. Jogjakarta is very hot and the climate is similar to the south of Vietnam, maybe that’s the reason makes me like Jogjakarta, and if compare to other places maybe I like living here the most. In April 2013, I had chance arrived to Malang, this is a highland city in east Jawa, the weather here is quite cool and similar to Bandung. I was so lucky to have chance to enjoy the dawn on volcano Bromo, enjoy the vastness of savanna, visited Hinduism at the foothill of the volcano crater. I’d never seen such a wonderful and gigantic scene like that before. My mood and feeling changed step by step when seeing the beauty here. Only directly see what I saw and you can imagine what I felt about natural landscape here, just like a heaven. Indonesia is not only diverse in nature, climate but also in religion, ethnic and culture. Each region has different ethnic, different culture. They live and mutual acculturate each other, gradually that make Indonesian culture more and more diverse. Diverse in nature, in culture and also in religion life. There are so many religions in Indonesia but rarly occure conflict between them, they live in peace and harmony. Although Indonesia is country with more than 90% population is Islam but other religions still exist and be recognized as official religions, they are Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, Hindu and Confucius. My impression about Indonesian peole is they are so kind, honest, friendly and hospitable. Each Indonesian people have their own religion. I believe that people live honestly thanks to religion. I think Islam is very wonderful, Islam help people live in a good way, stay away from evil. Religions in general and Isalam in particular play a important role in Indonesian people’s life.

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Just more than 2 months later, I have to come back to Vietnam to complete my studying. Because of not going to many places so I still havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t felt completely the beauty of the diversity and the harmony of culture and religion here. But hope that one day Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get opportunity to come back to Indonesia to discover this country one more time, I believe that my destiny tie to this country, hope that day is not so far.

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Name

: Yaseen Sadulla

Country

: South Africa

Place of Study : Pasundan University

What better way to explore harmony in civilization than to speak from experience, Here I will speak about my own experiences of the harmony in civilization. As an English/Afrikaans speaking South African with roots in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, I am no stranger to diversity and in turn had to find harmony in my own identity first, before i could find harmony in civilization I grew up in an almost nomadic lifestyle, financial circumstances kept us moving from one house to the next. Because of South Africa’s racial separation policies in the past, many areas we moved to still had a majority population of a specific race, from living in communities of cape malay and Indian people, to living amongst Afrikaners (people of dutch origin) this accidental anthropological upbringing allowed me to appreciate all the cultures that I came across, living in a newly free South Africa allowed us to finally discover and appreciate our own diversity, and also to start our journey of living in harmony At the age of 17 I was accepted to study film and media at the University of Cape Town, this was the first time I would leave my Johannesburg home to live on my own. Upon my arrival at UCT I quickly realized that this university was unlike other universities in the country, it embodied the term “diversity” being the best university in Africa it had many students from every corner of the world, I had quickly made friends from many countries, mostly African countries such

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as, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Mauritius but also from other places such as England, Ireland, America and Japan. Some people I will never forget because they possessed a uniquely diverse ancestry like myself, Like Zaira, a British girl with roots in Pakistan that was now living in South Africa, or Jay, a Japanese citizen with American and British parents now living in South Africa. Living with people from completely different backgrounds allowed me to not only learn from them, but also to embrace them as fellow citizens of the world. After two years studying at UCT, I was forced to stop my studies due to financial issues, My mother decided to move to Cape Town and I moved to her house, I now lived in the heart of Cape Town and it was as if I was finally opening my eyes to see this city and her beautifully diverse people, from the white Afrikaner people, to the black people who were mostly from the Xhosa tribe, to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Colouredâ&#x20AC;? people. Even though we are a vividly diverse people, living harmoniously can sometimes be a challenge due to our past. However there were times we lived in complete harmony Sophiatown in Johannesburg, and District Six in Cape Town, were two areas that completely embraced diversity and managed to sustain a harmonious state among all peoples who lived there, these places granted South Africans the basic freedoms to interact with fellow South Africans, something so basic and natural was forbidden. People lived all together, black, white, indian, coloured. Mulim christian and jew. These areas were destroyed by the racist government, and people were relocated, district six, a majority coloured area, was also completely destroyed Coloured is a term to describe any person who is not black or white, I would be described as a coloured person, Coloured describes race but not culture, the coloured community alone is beautifully diverse, it is a community of mixed cultures and religions, it incorporates cultures of indigenous Khoisan tribes, Xhosa/bantu tribes, Malay people (people who spoke melayu ) and Indian people, and its people adhere to various religions, Islam and Christianity being the majorities, with Rastafari and Hindu people being the minorities. We

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managed to live in complete harmony in the days of District Six, It was in the end, completely taken away. Our basic right was removed I am a coloured, a Cape Malay Coloured, a mixed race person, however my grandmother never agreed with those terms, whenever I would say that we were “coloured”, she would say “we are not coloured, we are javanese” In the year 2009, after a year of not studying, a friend of mine told me that he received a scholarship to study in Indonesia, it was the Darmasiswa scholarship, I congratulated my friend and as soon as I reached home I searched the internet for more information on the scholarship, I found out that the Indonesian consulate was just a ten minute drive away from my house at the time, I decided to visit the consulate in order to apply for the scholarship. On my arrival at the consulate, I noticed the most beautiful Indonesian artworks dressing the walls, wooden sculptures of great precision, and straight ahead was a full set gamelan, I spoke to a lady named Ibu Erry, who gave me all the information I needed, I applied to study traditional music, a decision influenced by admiring the gamelan I had seen earlier, and a few months later I received confirmation, I would be going to Bandung in West Java I was given a quick course in Bahasa Indonesia about a month before my departure, my teacher, Pak Eko, would give lessons every week about a different tribe in Indonesia. A few days before I left, I went to the consulate to collect my visa, one of the workers at the embassy named Pak Asep handed me a few pages and said “even though you’re learning Indonesian, you might need this if you live in Bandung” I arrived in Jakarta on the 5th of August 2010 and the next day I was on my way to Bandung, I was provided with good accommodation and spent a week alone since it was a new building and the other students had not arrived yet. This week was a bit strange, not having anyone to talk to, I decided to explore, eventually ending up at an internet café aka warnet. Someone approached me and asked “are you yaaseen” his name was Ucok, my South African friend who was in bandung the year before had described me to ucok and made him aware

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that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be coming. Ucok was my first Indonesian friend and to this day we remain friends, he made me aware of this diversity in Indonesia and the pancasila, which is a testament taken by all indonesians to live in harmony. I was still a bit ignorant about the vast amount of tribes and languages in indonesia, Ucok was an intelligent yet stubborn individual, he was Melayu, we would share information about our cultures, he was the person I asked if I needed to know about something, we spoke about the similarities of our cultures as I was searching for information on how I had come to have such a distinct culture, I was also intrigued about how Indonesia lived harmoniously for so many years, a basic right that South Africans only achieved in the year 1994 After a few weeks in bandung I fell in love, it was an instant love, she sang to me in tones I had never heard before and her voice was accompanied by the rich sound of strings, I fell in love with a 60cm piece of bamboo, a traditional sundanese flute, I was completely attracted to the sound. I made it my mission to learn to somehow play this instrument, even if it was just one or two melodies, she attracted me to a new culture, the sundanese culture, the music like kacapi suling, the puppetry aka wayang golek, the dances and language, I remembered pak asep handing me a few pages back in Cape Town, he had written some sundanese words with their translations. I quickly learnt them, and after my Indonesian was fairly good, I started using the few sunda words pak asep had taught me. Little did I know that those few words would help me a lot a few years later, in March 2013 I travelled to a place called Pameungpeuk to see some of the beautiful beaches in West Java, there were not many tourists, and had I not been inspired to learn some sundanese by Pak Asep, I would probably not have been able to communicate in Pameungpeuk because many people do not speak indonesian The love of language culture and 60cm pieces of bamboo did not stop in West Java though, while in Bali I found a man playing a Balinese flute, a different tone, beautiful, but could still not replace my first love, I met a another man

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there, Ambara was his name , he sculpted the most precise imagery in any medium, he was preparing for a procession in the streets, and was making a huge statue called ogoh ogoh, it was strikingly beautiful but terrifying as well. In 2010 /2011 I found myself travelling to many places in java, one of the most memorable places was Karimun Jawa, an archipelago of small islands off the coast of Java, I remember walking to the top of a small hill, there was a sacred burial site of a religious man, the man explained the history, I tried my best but could not understand his Indonesianâ&#x20AC;Ś after listening closely I realized he was not speaking Indonesian but Javanese. I strangely understood what he was trying to say. I looked at the burial site, it reminded me of the ones Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen at the Tana Baru cemetery in Cape Town, and also of the burial site of syeikh yussuf in Macassar a few kilometers out of Cape Town. I realized that while we are so diverse in this world, we are like a beaded necklace, one long beaded necklace, even though each bead is a different colour or shape, they are all connected by the same piece of string representing harmony, we are all connected in some way or another, to me , finding our connections and similarities and respecting our differences is the essence of the beauty of diversity and living in harmony. Much like South Africa, Indonesia has a beautiful diversity of cultures, languages, landscapes and religions , this diversity in Indonesia is not only beautiful, but to me it is invaluable and of great importance, as my culture has its roots spread to different parts of Indonesia, Madura, Java, Sumatera, Sulawesi, Sumbawa, Maluku. What makes Indonesia different from South Africa is that cultures in Indonesia are respected and beautifully preserved, and I would hope that it stays that way, South Africa has been so westernized and brainwashed that our traditional cultures are slowly being lost or replaced. In my case, the case of the Cape Malay people, nobody speaks melayu anymore, The youth are forgetting or have already forgotten their origins and culture, they let go, claiming that culture is not important, to them I say, come to Indonesia

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Name

: Hatim Mohamed Elhassan Khalil

Country

: Sudan

Place of Study : UNIKOM

People in Indonesia are some of the friendliest, most pleasant people you'll ever encounter, that if you gain the trust of Indonesian people, they may be willing to open doors for you that you never imagined could exist, I always find myself in touch with Indonesian people while I’m walking and waiting for something like food or in any line always smiling and wondering (why you choose Indonesia , so now you living here how you feel….???) most of them wondering I came this long distance from Sudan (with high cost expenses) how you find the food, you like it !! Most of them asking to join them to do something (visiting their village, their family home or even their rent room). When I came to Indonesia I faced language problem (miss communication) with Indonesian people because most of them just understanding Bahasa Indonesia, and I speak Arabic (mother tong) with English (as second language) and they are not realizing that i can’t understand bahasa Indonesia and keep talking, as foreigner I can’t understand what they mean because it’s different for me (sentence composition) is totally different and they talking fast, till I start realizing words and meaning of necessary sentence I need to use usually. The language is really a problem but they are patient to explain to me what they mean. Now I have no problem with language I can speak bahasa Indonesia a little bit.

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Religious or racial intolerance are concepts that are not understood here. Most people (86%) are Muslim (alhamdullah), the remaining 14% are Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist and Hindu. Whichever of these religions you practice, you'll find that you're accepted and respected by everyone else. People will often refer to you by the color of your skin (the black guy, that pink guy, etc.), which seems odd at first but usually carries no derogatory intentions. The acceptance and respect afforded to anyone of different religion or race is something the rest of the world needs to learn from Indonesia. As Muslim I found them more welcoming me and happy. At (Unikom) I attend the international class with other foreignerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, lecturers teach our class by English language and they cared to make us get the information as well as they can. My provider Mr. Bodi always meets me with a smile and he is very good and helpful to me and the other students. p.s : we been informed just yesterday to write this.. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I make it simple. Thank you Indonesia.

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Name

: Miguel Angel Cano Santizo

Country

: Spain

Place of Study : STSI Telkom

“Harmony Among Civilization”

Nine months ago I landed in Indonesia. During the past five years I had Lived and worked in five countries from different continents, however it was my first time in an Asian country. Somehow I felt it would be a very special and valuable experience… and I was right. I believe there are two different ways of living in a foreign country; one is what I call “the observer”, meaning about the visitors who live in a country experiencing everything from outside as visiting a museum or attending a performance. They get to know a superficial part of the local culture that often matches preciceived stereotypes. The other way is “the foreign local”. Individuals from this group start living from the first moment of their arrival as if they were meant to be born there. Eat where locals eat, hang out where locals do and try to adapt themselves in order to live as much as possible as one of the locals. Myself, I have always belonged to the second group and in Indonesia it was not going to be different. I must admit at the beginning I had a bit of the cultural shock effect, especially regarding the timing. In the Western countries, we always need to have an exact date and time in order to arrange meetings, to know for sure when

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things are happening. However, in Indonesia, time works differently and it takes some time to understand it, but once you do it, you get a valuable lesson. Very soon I started enjoying all the new experiences that the Indonesian culture had to offer me. First thing that we, bules, experiences when we come to Indonesia, it’s the unbelievable local kindness, everything works with smiles. I started to live in a Kos with an Indonesian family and I made great Indonesian friends the first week. It was amazing to realize how proud everybody was while helping me to find out their culture. Later on, I have gotten to know my ex-pats living in bandung. They all have in common that they came for a while and few years later, they are still here. What happened? They were all amazed from the first moment by the kindness of Indonesian, by the worriless society that remains peacefully in calm regardless the situation. Stress just seems to don’t be a part of the Indonesian dictionary, and that, coming from western countries, it’s something extremely valuable since stress represents a barrier that stops you from enjoying life. Furthermore, another

great characteristic

from

the Indonesian

civilization, it’s the way that different religions and ethnicities live together in peace, harmony and understanding. It’s just amazing having the chance of experiencing so many different traditions and cultural expressions together, as well as realizing how everybody is proud of their own way of understanding life while respecting at the same time others’ beliefs and manners. Having the chance of living here means just a perfect tolerance training, where you get to understand that we are all the same and all different at the same time, and that’s exactly what makes life beautiful and interesting. To sum up, I believe living in Indonesia is a complete, unique and priceless experiences that will change me forever. Not only I will bring back with me amazing pictures and adventures, great friends and unbelieavable memories, but what’s more, this will always mean a key stage on my human learning and development and I will always be grateful to you, Indonesia, for it.

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Name

: Chen Ying

Country

: China

Place of Study : STMIK IKMI Cirebon

Indonesia Culture Indonesia is known as the "jade" rounded the equator, as country across the equator, it one 8: lateral length of the equator, the land of Indonesia was also become a "thousand island country", with more than 18000 islands scattered like a string of bright jade in Indonesia on the equator. Look from the western to the eastern Papua Sumatra, Indonesia's culture can be said to be the species is numerous, all the world. Because in Indonesia there are national, so even if Indonesia don't like China has a ancient civilization, but also like Chinese 56 nationalities, each nation has its own unique culture and art. In addition in the gallery of history, because different religious legacy of culture in different periods, makes this miraculous land full of legendary culture breath. Plus Indonesia people's innate sense of art, and the beautiful natural scenery infinite creativity brings to the Indonesian people, makes Indonesia culture more diversified, more rich and colorful. It can be said that every Indonesian born even half of the artist, in addition to a deep genetic, disseminated for a long time in Indonesia in this art omnipresent cultural giants, more or less can be infected. Even not traditional dances, traditional instrument or any traditional art of contemporary young people, when hum songs, or wobbling can than ordinary Chinese people is a good and full of artistic feeling.

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Just contact to the Indonesian culture just from books data acquisition, can feel the Indonesia's culture does diversity, for some have never even heard of wonders is amazing. Such as the most basic Indonesian hand pilaf and rinse with water after using the toilet without toilet paper culture has enough to make people amazed. Mosque in Ramadan, in addition to Bali Indonesia all three in the morning every day of all sorts of strange funeral chant or Indonesia makes people want to feel myself. Cast in the Islamic New Year last year, after the end of Ramadan Muslim gathered to celebrate the eid al-fitr, we came to Indonesia. Feeling the Indonesian people here how to strictly carry out fast, and realize the Indonesian friends don't even for chewing gum and smoking during Ramadan religious beliefs. Ever heard Indonesia friends say so one of his own experience: during the period of fasting, due to the class the classmate break wind affect other classmates breath the dirty air, which made the teacher angry. Although is indecent, religion is not strong man like me is hard to accept and understand, but also reflect on this land, religious culture has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Although arrived in Indonesia, my schedule is only limited in Java, and Bali, but I go to different places, different places also can feel the different cultural differences, but also achieve mastery through a comprehensive study. Apart from Bali, Indonesia 98% Muslim names on the other islands, here has a strong islamic colour is not surprising, but from the Hindu have tread on this land also makes Indonesia still has strong Hindu color, many Indonesian art and culture or culture is closely related with India, for example the famous prevention play is based on Indian epic, the ramayana and the mahabharata ", and also retained a Hindu temple in Indonesia, one of the most famous of the deep south class LAN temple is also as a cultural heritage are controlled by the Indonesian people admired. So instead of Islam as the sole most residents Hindu Bali, is naturally linked with other land in Indonesia.

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As Indonesia's traditional art, the most famous is Wayang, Batik, Angglung and Gamelan music instrument and so on. Besides Indonesia dance types, in a wide range of types of music, more number of numerous close traditional story. Is perhaps best known for Bali, on such a beautiful island there are touching art, actually otherwise, in each region in Indonesia are booming with the local culture and art. Take the city of my life (well, as a city, its culture is not only in the city. As a cultural center it receive the surrounding areas, while the perimeter of the area and connected with other regions, constitute a cultural diversity and interlocking system of big culture. Brunei has its traditional dance well masked dances and traditional buddy, cloud patterns, and the king Sultan Gunung Jati's story is widely spread here, masked dances also has its historical origin. In this section, in addition to dance masked dances are still there are other kinds of characteristics. In this s, of course, there have a large number of young people choose study of modern art, play band, the traditional culture should be faced with the danger of disappearing, but it's worth is amazing, is not the case here. In the well of three in the palace, organizers are still a large number of scholars to learn local tradition art, tuition fee is quite cheap, the public class one 20 RMB less than a month, and also take an active part in a lot of young people, and many proud of good at traditional dance. Every month or festival was held in the palace, one is to let local people more aware of their traditional art, let their traditional art development more broadly, 2 it is to learn dance or music college, to the stage, can grow up faster. Optional in I saw the picture is, art and culture like air floating in the air, as everyone knows that, let alone the culture of daily life. In Indonesia, of course, is also booming in other parts of the traditional culture, the collision of different cultures also brought from time to time communication and improvement. This is the Chinese culture is different. Although there is no cultural history of several thousand years, but Indonesia also let the world sees their pursuit of culture and enthusiasm.

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Name

: Khodiyo Thesa

Country

: Thailand

Place of Study : STIMIK IKMI Cirebon

DIVERSITY INDONESIA

Is that crossed the minds of foreigners about the Republic of Indonesia? Some surveys show that the diversity of Indonesia was the first to occur to them. Indonesia is a form of the Republic. part which is important in the diversity of Indonesia namely diversity languages, diversity cultural, diversity tribal, and diversity of Religion their. Indonesia is famous as a country prosperous and fertile, studying in Indonesia is very exciting because I get knowledge not only in the classroom, but I also get to learn about the culture of that area different. Indonesian culture is not just one but so many and varied, we can learn anywhere. I was one of the foreign students who have the opportunity to learn the language and culture of Indonesia in Indonesia because I got a scholarship from the program Darmasiswa. Opportunity that I got here, I learned Indonesia language I also introduced Cirebon and Sunda language. and turns in the Indonesian state has so many regional language until my friend did not know and did not understand the language even though he's another area of Indonesia.

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every language that is useful, such as Indonesian (National Language), Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese, Batak, Minangkabau, Bugis, Aceh, Bali, and others. According to the sources that I get are 742 local languages in Indonesia, but according to the Head of Development and Language Development in 2012 there were only 546 in number Regional Languages in Indonesia. this is what we can see on the diversity of languages that exist in Indonesia each area and will place different language and style of speech. it all depends on where the person lived. Actually culture-culture that exist in Indonesia it is very interesting, because in every regions has a culture and different art and diverse, and here's which makes Indonesia very attractive for me. I want once learn about the all the cultures who exist in each region that exist in Indonesia but maybe all of it not be could me do because time and opportunities who limited, so that I not could learn it all the except cultures who exist in Cirebon like "" Tari Topeng ". Traditional Mask Dance Babakan is typical of Cirebon in West Java. Babakan mask is a dance drama. The art consists of five rounds, each round lasting about for an hour. in this story, there are five figures mask Babakan each character appears in a single round. All the characters played by the same dancer, the mastermind behind the mask. The first character is the character banners are very smooth as a newborn baby. Both figures are Samba or Pamindo which means men who like tease, Third figure is Tumenggung figure illustrates the strong man and impersonal mature, Fourth People are Kelana this figure into a symbol of evil and greedy king, and the fifth character is a symbol Rumyang this character return young properties in old age. This culture is one that I learned during my stay in Cirebon. One more thing that I learned about the culture that exists in the Batik Cirebon Regional Trusmi, Batik Katura. there I was guided to by Mr. Katura batik motif itself. I love to learn batik Katura that focus on the arts that became typical of Cirebon. and what I know about the culture of batik in Indonesia is not only in Cirebon but also found in various regions in Indonesia such as Bandung Batik, Solo Batik, Batik Semarang, Yogyakarta Batik, Batik Pekalongan, and others.

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Indonesia's population is very numerous, and they are spread throughout the region and into the tribes. There are more than 300 ethnic groups in Indonesia or exactly 1,340 tribes in sensues BPS in 2010. Java tribe is the largest ethnic group in Indonesia that number reaches 41% of the total population. Javanese people gathered mostly in Java, but millions of people have been trending transmigration and scattered islands in the archipelago. Sundanese, ethnic Malays, and Madurese tribe is the next largest ethnic group in this country. there are also some isolated tribes or their tribal often called it there on the island of Borneo and New Guinea, and they have a small population of just hundreds of people. When speaking about religion in Indonesia, Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. Although only 88% of the population are Muslims. According to the 2010 census, 87.18% of the population of Indonesia is 237 641 326 Muslims, 6.96% Protestant, 2.9% Catholic, 1.69% Hindu, 0.72% Buddhist, 0.05% Kong Hu Cu, 0.13% other religions, and 0.38% missed or were not asked. It is the religious diversity in Indonesia, we can learn what is in Indonesia. All the knowledge we learn here will be giving out a lot of benefits for us and also not lose if Jita has a chance to stay in the State of Indonesia. Especially if Assean will come in 2015, Indonesia is one country that became a central place for the whole country Assean to come and look for-benefit principles in Indonesia.

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Name

: Tiutina Dzhamilia

Country

: Ukraine

Place of Study : Diponegoro University

Understanding And Cooperating Between Nations, Cultures, Religions

Understanding and acceptance of the diversity of cultures is a necessary component of the worldview of modern person. It is culture that makes people, living in a certain space become a nation. The concept of culture includes religion, science, education, morality and behavior of the people of the state. The concept of culture as an integrated system includes its other elements. This - the architecture and painting, poetry, dance. Nation includes not only human generation, but also the country's cultural heritage. For better understanding we need to get acquainted with the culture. This is especially important for young people - people who are changing the present and building the future. Young people are called to absorb the achievements of world culture, knowledge of language and history of the country and the world community. Without this, progress is impossible. In today's world of globalization, it not only develops the diversity of cultures, but also makes it easier to access them. You can easily obtain information about them, and it's not just about the culture of the big nations, but also small, unique in

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its characteristics and uniqueness - in language, architecture, morality, in the spiritual realm, and even life expectancy. In the study on the basis of social progress is mutual understanding of cultures, their enrichment as an engine of progress. And no matter what we understand by the concept of culture, there can be no imposition of uniformity. Phenomena such as democracy and progress are universal values. However, the ways of their implementation varied for each country and civilization. The concept of progress has different values in different civilizations. Do not impose any people that approach. People are different, and this is the wealth of the modern world. The fact that there are still differences between nations and civilizations

is is normal. We

need to develop cross-cultural

understanding. That it is the main and probably the only correct approach towards the prosperity of the human community. In my opinion, the program Darmasisva is an excellent example of the practical implementation of the dialogue of cultures and civilizations. We were given the opportunity to become directly involved in the process of mutual understanding and cooperation between people of different nationalities, cultures, religions, races and continents. Nothing teaches respect for other cultures than acquaintance with something completely new. We met with the Indonesian language, with great traditions and holidays, the theater wayang kulit, a traditional dance and with the local cuisine. It was a unique experience that will forever remain in our memory. Also it was a wonderful experience to overcome our prejudices and biases against members of other cultures. It's no secret that for many Europeans, Asia, in particular South-East, is unknown, mysterious, and sometimes even dangerous region. However, many of our fears and worries proved unfounded. We came into a modern and developed country, inhabited by friendly and always willing to help people. Of course, we are faced with difficulties and misunderstanding caused by our different cultural background, but in the end we were able to come to an understanding.

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For me, a great discovery was that Indonesia combines traditionalism, conservative thinking and morals, as well as extreme religiosity with technological progress, with the popularity of western mass culture and also with tolerance and desire for democratic change in society. A practical example of international understanding and co-operation for us was a tropical course organized by UNDIP. The course was dedicated to the problem of sustainable development of coastal region in Karimunjawa Islands. During this course we met with local community, learned about their lifestyle, habits and traditions and of course enjoyed the amazing tropical nature.

It was a great experience for us and also a great

opportunity to give something back to the country that was so kind and welcoming to us. We shared our ideas about improving the situation in the coastal region, to rise up the level of living conditions for the local community, to increase the number of tourists but at the same time to preserve the natural treasures of Karimunjawa. This program has become more than just an opportunity to study Indonesian language and culture. This allowed us some time to become a part of this country.

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Name

: Yuka Sugiyama

Country

: Japan

Place of Study : Diponegoro University

Intercultural Understanding I have my friends not only in Japan but also in other countries. I talk with them a lot. Sometimes it is hard to understand each other, but it is possible. I am in Indonesian to study. I meet Indonesian people and I meet many students from other countries like Thailand, Argentina, Ukraine, Germany, Vietnam, and so on. Language is important as a communication tool, but they cannot speak the Indonesian language. At first, I cannot communicate with them because of my poor English. I am afraid that my poor English causes misunderstanding. It makes me hesitate to talk to them. Actually there are many differences even between us Japanese. The Japanese language has a proverb; ten people, ten colours, which means every person has own cultures and customs. As for me the meaning of “understanding” is to know and to accept differences. What should I do to understand and get along with them? The first step to understand others is to know about their countries. It is necessary to know about their cultures and customs. When I meet someone new, I usually categories him or her through the “stereotypes”. Stereotype

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means standardize image including prejudice and bias. This image mainly based on occupation, nation, gender, race and so on. People judge by this image. It is true that the sterotype become a cause of discrimination. The function of categorizing into stereotype is to avoid misunderstanding and friction, not to judge and understand people personally. I use stereotype to avoid problems of misunderstanding and to make smooth communication. It is important to accept people personally after categorizing them first. Understanding my friend who think things through religion I have a friend who thinks things through her religion. I could not understand her because I do not have any religious way of thinking. When we talked about many things I found that she has different opinion from me. But I have to accept her opinions, because they are natural for her. If I defused her opinion I might hurt her. It is important to know her way of thinking and admit it as one opinion. If I were a member of a family who believe in religion, I am sure that I would have a way of thinking like her. Religion is fundamental to her life and important to her. After I found this, I could see her own personality The difference between Asian and European way of thinking Asian donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get anger easily. When they are angry, the anger will last long. On the other hand, Europeans get angry easily, but the feeling will not last long, and they will return to normal in a second. This European attitude makes us Asians confused. When we nod, we Asian think it yes, but they think it no response. I was once told to respond with words. On the other hand, European get angry easily, but the feeling will not last long, and they will return to normal in a second. This European attitude makes us Asian confused. When we nod, we Asians think it yes, but they think it no response. I was once told to respond with words. In the west saying is important and they do not put so much attention to facial expressions or gestures. This is because Europe has many races, saying may be the basic way of communication. Judging from these two examples I have experienced, categorized stereotype is for characters people get from the circumstances around them, not

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for characters people get from the circumstances around them, not for characters they get from their birth. This is very important step to understand others. Real understanding means to know and accept both characters they have.

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Name

: Lucia Martakova

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : State University of Semarang

My Experience In Indonesia. When I heard for the first time about Darmasiswa program few years ago I said to myself that at some point I will definitely try to apply for it and last year when, I came back from travelling around Southeast Asia( I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t manage to get to Indonesia that time) I decided to apply. Friend of mine was on Darmasiswa few years ago I guess one of the first Darmasiswa students from Slovakia in Indonesia and she was talking so amazing stories that already that time I was sure that i will come to Indonesia either in the same way with Darmasiswa program or at least for travelling. So last January I applied for one year program and as subject of my studies I chose Seni Rupa(Handicrafts). I think it is really great opportunity to learn something more about traditional art, about different ways of production, design. It was very difficult to choose one of the universities, there were possibilities for study handicrafts in many cites but finally i decided to apply for one year in Unnes in Semarang. This was my first choice. And I was accepted. It is always kind of challenge to come to the completely different country with different way of life, different religion, different language, different culture...different almost everything..

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Thanks to help from Indonesian embassy in Bratislava I arranged everything what I needed for Darmasiswa from Switzerland where I worked at that time and at the beginning of September I arrived to Jakarta. That was my first direct touch with Indonesia. First impression? Veeeery very hot. Later I found out that this hot will be around me during whole stay and after short time i used to this kind of weather and now I think I don’t even notice it anymore. There were very confusing information about our arrival (maybe there will be somebody to pick up us maybe not maybe there will be accommodation maybe not) but at the end everything was arranged and from the airport we were taken to the guesthouse where we stayed for the first night met with some more Darmasiswa students there and next day moved to the bigger hotel in center of Jakarta for the orientation meeting, First days are probably always the most difficult days because everything is new you don’t understand even a word when you walk on the street, people look different as well... everything new but also everything looks so exciting. Most of the time I don’t have any expectations before arriving to the new place and I prefer to wait what will come when I get to the place. So same was with Indonesia. I knew few facts about this country (of course I saw many documentary movies, read few blogs of travellers..) and probably same like everybody else Bali was one point that was for me always connected with Indonesia. It is kind of sad that many people don’t know anything else about Indonesia, they know just Bali or in the worst case they don’t even know that Bali is part of this country. But that was not my case. So after little orientation info that we got in Jakarta everybody went to the different university. My flight ticket was in the direction to Semarang. Picked up by our coordinator and briefed about our

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schedule first semester classes of batik, ceramic, traditional dance and bahasa Indonesia. Classes were during 4 days and we really appreciated a lot of activities those were arranged especially at the beginning of the school year by university and some people connected with university. I think my biggest fear was how I can find accommodation so fast in completely new city (big city). There was accommodation arranged for the first 3 days by university and after we should be able to find our own. It is always great to have help at the beginning we got it from the ex-Darmasiswa student who was still for few days in Semarang at that time and she together with her Indonesian friend helped us all find really great place where we stay till now. One of the first thing I learnt after few days well I think I could say after few hours being in Indonesia that sentence „Time is elastic“ is not just sentence but it really fit in this country. Coming from Europe where especially in the bigger cities everything runs so fast people moving fast eating fast working, working and running from place to place it was kind of interesting to see how it Works in the completely different conditions. Where people don’t look so stressed, they don’t look like they are all the time in hurry and the sentence „Time is Money“... I wouldn’t say it is appropriate to use it here. It took me time but I used to this thing with time. How before I couldn’t imagine that I wouldn’t be somewhere on the time but here I learnt to make compromise between my way and Indonesian. So now I am not 10-15 min on the place before meeting like I used to but I am not coming as well late. I am there on time. Different country means also different mentality. People see things in the different way and they understand different things. There were some situations especially at the beginning when I couldn’t understand their reaction but with time it changed in many cases. When you coming to the new country the best way how to learn about

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new place is always with local people. I am lucky one because place where I stay is house shared with another Darmasiswa student but also with a local people. And seeing them in different situations how they react how they act, teaches me a lot. It is different to live in the city center and in the little village like we do and at the beginning I couldn’t imagine it to be so far from everything but now I am more than happy that we stayed here. It was very interesting to become a part of the local community in this way. For the first the way how community behave inside is just incredible for us. In our western countries people go to work spend a lot of time with colleagues, friends but in the moment when they come back home the only thing is to come, close door and enjoy your privacy. Here it sounds maybe little strange but privacy is word that mean too much. Of course in some level it does but people in one community they know about each other almost everything, they know where they go, when they go there, with who, they keep open door all the time, coming to visit each other anytime, they don’t need to have invitation, they help each other anytime they need, they take care of children (not just their but also the others). It was funny to see how everybody kept open door all the time on the houses and we as we used to in our countries we always closed and locked when we were leaving. It changed with time. It changed a lot. Now whenever we are at home door is open as well. It is not only about opening door it is also about opening our minds to new things and different way of life. At the beginning we were like new elements in this community strangers with white skin, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair , speaking strange languages and the only word we could recognize on the street was „Bule“. Somehow i didn’t feel offended by this word most of the time it was just automatic reaction of the people when they saw us. And again with time here in our little community people

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stopped to call us bule and we started to be called by our names (very nice feeling it was like we were really accepted by the locals â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although our names were many times mixed it was great to hear them). So learning about people directly from the people. Studies at the university.. We were 11 for the half of the year and 7 of us we stayed for the whole year. Because we have different backgrounds, our university decided to fit program for us according needs of all of us. I think most of us we applied for handicrafts so we got handicrafts but also some classes of Bahasa Indonesia to be able to understand and communicate in daily situations. For me I focused on batik as that was the thing I really wanted to learn. Not just how to make it but also all that behind. I got opportunity to see Solo museum of batik, Pekalongan, Batik in Joggja, Semarang...Try synthetic colors but also natural dyes. And one of the best things during the whole stay here in Indonesia (at least so far still have something around 2 months) was definitely 3 days stay recently in little batik center closed to Semarang with natural dyes, I could learn directly on the place while producing real batik (big thanks to our teacher of batik she right person on the right place). During these last 8 months I had chance to attend different events, different occasions. In Slovakia I have been during my 29years life maybe on three weddings and here in Indonesia in 8 months I managed more than that. I knew already before that Indonesia is huge country and in different parts people use different language there are different cultures, different traditional clothes, and different motives. Comparing our wedding with Indonesian â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well it would be probably impossible. There are few things common in both: there is bride and groom, there is always food but the way how everything is happening is so different. Already the way how people date here. How different is the way how man sees woman and opposite. One of the really nice

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experiences with wedding I had while I was discovering small villages around Semarang with friend of mine and we even didn’t know how and when we got to small village where preparation for the wedding was and it was just incredible. They invited us to the house we spoke to the bride, saw how the preparations went. They invited us for wedding next day. These people were people who have never seen us „bule „before but the way how open they were was just amazing. Here in Indonesia for wedding coming people who are close to the family or family friends, neighbors, and sometimes also we strangers. It is interesting that even during occasions like this people are so open. In our countries you would find on wedding really only closest family friends or members and most of the time people have as small wedding as possible. Well I think I could write here about many different situations. But all of them definitely helped me understand how people live, think, spend their time, why they react how they react, why they behave in the way they do... To learn from the local people you need to be able to understand at least basic to be able to communicate with them to be able to ask what you want. This basic I got at the university and later I got chance to improve while travelling around during our break between semesters. Darmasiswa program is a good way how to connect things that you learn and later using them in daily life. For almost whole two months of holidays I traveled only in Sumatra I decided to take it easy and give more time to one place than just run from place to place. When people told me that in Sumatra I will find different people, and different culture I didn’t believe that it could be really so different but it was. And I bet with each place it would be same, with each Island as well so much different. During these two months I could really use everything what I learnt when it comes to language, knowledge about culture, I could really understand some

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situations about which I just read before. Maybe many people would say that Darmasiswa program is a good opportunity to travel around Indonesia. Yeah that is definitely true but how easier it is if you have some knowledge already not just from language so you can really talk to people (because you have leant already something) and not just walk and smile when they ask you something (because you don’t understand) but also knowledge about traditions, habits, religion (it was really useful to have our social culture class). While staying in house with local people in Semarang I learnt also that there is something like „oleh oleh“ whenever you travel somewhere you bring something to your friends or family. So I did. In the first semester batik that we produced on our lessons I took with me for travelling and later when I stayed with local people (most of the time in Sumatra) before I left I always left them one of my batik. Maybe it was not the best batik they ever saw but they always appreciated because was special, was made by me and just for them. Thanks to this program I could stay in Indonesia for one year, I could really learn about new culture, learn new language which I probably won’t have possibility to use too much in my country or at least not really often but still was more than worth to learn it, I could see how people live in different conditions, what does it mean to live in country which has so many religions and very strong Islamic country, I could try local food which I will definitely miss in my country, learn little of traditional dance and understand that I will never be able to move my head in the right direction and keep my fingers in the right position while dancing but tidak apa apa still it was great to try it and see how people who knows how to do it dance.. I could see many great places around Indonesia( still so many to see that even few years in this country wouldn’t be enough), I tried to learn more about culture from locals, from the cultural events, festivals, Wayang performances(

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I managed to stay in Wayang orang only twice completely till the end but..). I learnt batik what was the main aim of my studies here, I know I am still only at the beginning when it comes to batik production but one more reason to come and learn it more. The most important thing is that I could open my mind to all these new things and I could experience it on my own. All my closest people, family, friends waiting for me at home learnt with me all these new things as well from talking together about my experience, from watching my pictures... During this one year of Darmasiswa program I could experience so much. This program was for me the way how I could come to the different country, which for me definitely doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t mean to go, travel and see all touristic places only, actually many times I missed some of them. For me last year was about gaining new knowledge, skills, experience. And in many ways it was about people. People I met, people I talked to, people who crossed my roads. All the great stories I heard from them all the new experience I got, all the new things I tried and learnt... That is what is really worth. And now take all that to my country and try to open mind of the other people there.. Well try to inspire people and maybe try to show them that there are also different ways of life.. In Indonesia.... everything is possible...

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Name

: Paulina Matuszewska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : State University of Semarang

In academic year 2012/2013 I was participating 1-year Darmasiswa program at State University Semarang (UNNES) with a focus on traditional Indonesian arts. I was attending several classes connected with art (batik, Javanese dance, ceramic, ukir), Indonesian social culture (particularly focused on Javanese culture), which were maintained simultaneously with the course of Indonesian language (above all including grammar, speaking and reading). I am sure that one year spent in Indonesia was for me unforgettable life experience and it will definitely have real influence on my future. During this period I learnt a lot not only about culture of this country, but also enhance my personal and intercultural skills and competences. Besides my regular duties, I was also involved in various activities out of the university. One of them was voluntary social service. I was teaching English at public schools, in the village where I lived and occasionally also in places I visited, while travelling. My students were mostly children, but I had also an opportunity to work with youths and adults. Teaching was not only invaluable experience for my professional realization and perfect way to study Bahasa Indonesia, but it also helped me to develop my social and civic competences. By working with local people I improved my communication skills and deepen my knowledge about Indonesian culture and society. It also allowed me to improve my

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knowledge about creative non-formal education as well as intensified my keen interest in that area. I was sharing a house with Indonesian family, what gave me a great opportunity to get to know this culture deeply from within. Living in the Javanese village allowed me to assimilate with local people and become a part of their micro society. I had a possibility to assist them in everyday activities and learn about their habits and traditions. Interaction with them was very nice from the beginning, in spite of the fact that I did not have any language skills at this time. Thanks to the natural kindness of those people and their curiosity about me as a foreigner, in a very short time we were able to communicate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; starting from nonverbal communication, through short dialogues, to regular exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. It helped me to learn some basis of Indonesian language in a natural way, finally being able to express my needs and feelings, describe experiences and share opinions related to areas of most immediate relevance. For one year spent in Semarang my hosts were supporting me like a second family, while some local people from my closest surrounding became my really good friends and I hope that I will keep in touch with them even when I am back in my country. On the weekends, when there were no classes at the university, I had time to attend many cultural events, as well as travel around Central Java and explore amazing nature and unique culture of this area. During the long winter holidays I had also an opportunity to go out from the island and visit few places on Bali, South Sulawesi and Kalimantan. That experience made me aware about the complexity of Indonesian culture and helped me to understand it much better. During this time I improved my Indonesian language skills getting to the level, which allows me to use it in social purposes and deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling. I had a possibility to learn about the ethnic traditions coming from different cultural backgrounds, meet the people from various tribes, talk with them and observe their everyday habits. Communicating with them was an amazing experience for me not only as a tourist, but also as a

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human – it made me more open-minded and increased my awareness about many significant issues connected with life in modern Indonesia. Staying in Indonesia was mostly connected with wonderful experiences, but sometimes it was also challenging. I had to learn how to live in totally new life conditions, including many different aspects. I had to get used to new social rules, change some of my habits and in some spheres even the way of thinking. It was also dealing with very simple everyday matters, like for example getting used to local spicy food, hot weather and different way of transportation. The process of adaptation was sometimes difficult, but thanks to that I developed my knowledge not only about Indonesian society but also about myself. It was enriching experience for my personality and perfect way to broaden my mind. Indonesia is an amazing country, full of cultural contrasts and natural beauty. People who I met here – so various because coming from different cultural backgrounds – were always incredibly friendly and helpful. Tasting Indonesian cultural heritage, the charm of its’ nature and meeting people made me realized about the complexity of the world on the social, cultural and geographical level. Because of its diversity – starting from culture, language, religion and ending on environmental differences – Indonesia seems to me as an imago mundi of the modern world: uncountable number of anthropological and sociological issues cumulated in one country, spread on thousands of islands. Before I had came here my knowledge about Indonesia was only theoretical – it was an based on books, pictures and movies. I had been interested in Indonesian culture for many years but just in here I realized that the image of it which I had in my mind was very superficial and stereotypical. During 9 months spent in here I have learnt much more than for few years studying in my country. I am convinced that living in here, having a possibility to study about Indonesia and gain an unique empiric experience was one of the most valuable opportunities in my life. I am sure that all of the experiences I gained while staying in Indonesia will have a real influence on my future life and professional realization. When I

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am back in Poland I am planning to start Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s studies in field of anthropology with the focus on South-Eastern Asia and write a thesis connected with Indonesian culture. At the same time I would like to create specific cultural program and events in my country that will promote Indonesia around my compatriots, including slideshows of pictures taken during my journey, lectures and practical batik workshop. I am planning also share my experience by publishing some articles from the blog which I was writing during the program. I hope this experience is just a beginning and introduction to Indonesian culture and I will have an opportunity to come back here one day and explore it much deeper.

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Name

: Marek Friedl

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : IKIP PGRI Semarang

Diversity, Religion of Indonesia that I Knew Till I Stayed Here for A Several Month

Indonesia is a country full of diversity home to numerous different ethnic groups, languages and religions more than any country in the world however a common language and the national motto of “Unity in Diversity” help to bind every islands and inhabitants together. The range of religions practiced in Indonesia is diverse although around 90 percent of all population identify themselves as being Muslim, and in think Indonesia is a largest diversity of anything cultural, religion. lifestyle ,architecture and so many there are 6 religions recognized by the governmental Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucianism and bapak – ibu boarding house that I rent and stayed they are Christian catholic they are very kind and friendly, every Sunday they must to the church for praying, singing and do some activity there sometime they been there 2 time per week on Sunday and I wonder every time that I want to hangout or just want to get out sightseeing they always asked me the same question like a” where do you want to go”, “are you already eat” or what activity that I do they want to know

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everything from me maybe they knew me more than I have to know myself but that’s good way or bad way is depend on situation and I believed that nobody asked you the question like this if you stay in Europe. That because they worried about me and they always care my safety that’s the good way and I’ll pressure that very kind to me that just a simply questions that everyone can ask but isn’t simply anymore if you stay abroad with stranger people . it’s fulfill by warm feeling and safe Indonesia has so many islands surround it and so many province that mean so many cultural landscape is also a diverse one, mixing both foreign and indigenous customs the number of ethnic groups at Indonesia such as: Javanese people ,Sudanese, Papua new kini people and Chinese here in my town surround by so many Chinese people in Semarang . it’s normally if you walk and heard some people speaks language that isn’t Indonesia language that because they still keep original language and always used it inside their lifestyle but it so sad because young people they didn’t care to keep it and used it anymore they chose to learn Indonesia language is helpful and important maybe because they thought that useless and it’s very hard to learned and isn’t important for contact with foreigner because almost foreignism knew only Indonesia language and I hope this rumors isn’t real because if it is real I’m very sad about this. People Indonesia they belief in one and only god, just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy guided by wisdom of deliberations among representatives and social justice for all the people of Indonesia and that’s the principles come from age-old traditions and said to define Indonesia nation hood Indonesia has so many traditional performing arts ,dance and so many diversity of arts but they still keep and take a look of all old traditional and that’s great thing let’s me give you an example “every one wore batik shirt for every ceremony times , working whatever activity for celebrated than they still keep wear it and I’m feeling proud and happy to see them proud to let another country know that batik is product from Indonesia not from another country and it originally by Indonesian from Indonesia”

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Name

: Michaela Balazova

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : UNIKA Soegijapratna Semarang

Diversity Of Cultures Life gives you chances, some people get many, and waste them, others, just one and make it worthy. Life gives you signs, but sometimes we are so distracted to observe them but they are always there and shown in mysterious ways. Sometimes with fear we follow them not being so sure of what is its purpose. Just a feeling pushing you to go somewhere, do somewhat. Life gives you values, trust, compassion, humbleness, kindness, respect, courage, often priceless compared with money which is now priority but the less important thing in the end. I saw a chance, and I took it, I saw the signs and I decided to follow, although I did not have much money. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve crossed the world and pursued a dream not sure about what I was going to find. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never thought that I was going to feel so comfortable so far away, many experiences, many people, cultures, everything different. But we are all the same in essence: dreamers, lovers, revolutionaries, travellers. Made of the same thing: flesh, bones, blood, tears.

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We all met in this part of the journey and we grew up, for better and gave hope and support between each other in good moments and in the not so good ones and this link goes beyond time and physic boundaries. In Indonesia I have changed and I see the world with different eyes, with optimistic ones despite all adversities. I found peace to some parts of my soul that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t notice they were empty. I found the magic in Indonesia and I know that I can dream with open eyes. What is behind all the changes? For me as an inhabitant of country which is culturally not various, the variety of cultures in Indonesia is amazing. It truly learned me a lot and enriched me. The cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity of Indonesia is famed around the world and accepted within Indonesia. Which I consider to be really inspiring. The national motto of 'Unity in Diversity' places diversity at the centre of the state. Recently in Europe 'multiculturalism' has been about migration and how minority groups, including Muslim minorities, should be accommodated. But in Indonesia the term has a foreign feel. In the Indonesian context, 'multiculturalism' is often said to be all about religion rather than culture. Moderate Muslims appreciate Indonesia's cultural and religious diversity, and peace among other religious groups. People in Europe might get inspired in this country how to create a multicultural discourse that not only advocates tolerance of difference but also encourages engaging with and learning about others. This particularly aims to enable minorities - of ethnicity, religious identity- to be accepted and to feel they belong in the diverse 'imagined community' of Indonesia. For me is also learning about Indonesian culture very inspiring- Indonesia has many aspects in its culture. Cultural aspects of Indonesia include the diligent people and variety in crafts and arts. Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geography has a large tie with reasons for Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great social diversity and variety in culture. Different regions on Indonesia have different connections with the outside world, affecting their openness to other further adapted countries and cultures.

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The people of Indonesia work very hard to make a living. Laborious work is often paid ill, sometimes less than a dollar a day. Vendors on the streets sell great creations such as artworks of clay or paints. For example, basketry is a fine art that requires knowledge or traditional weaving skills, but is sold very cheaply. Some people have amazing skills in such areas of the arts, but cannot afford to begin their business with the cost of supplies. The people of Indonesia have great ties with the arts. Indian cultured crafts such as baskets, paintings and clay-works are the careers of many locals. The extraordinary craft forms of the Indonesians cultures include exotic details put into their work. Traditional patterns and prints are often dyed into blankets and sheets. The results are beautifully exotic, rich and detailed fabrics. And so it is one of the many pleasures of living in Indonesia to have the opportunity to learn about and collect Indonesian arts and handicrafts. The diversity evident in Indonesia's 300 plus ethnic groups is reflected in the diversity of its art forms. Just as every ethnic group throughout the archipelago has its own language/dialect, cuisine, traditional dress and traditional homes and they have also developed their own textiles, ornaments, carvings and items for daily use and special celebrations. The rich cultural heritage of art and handicrafts is one of Indonesia's true national riches. Indonesian art forms can include designs traced back to early animistic beliefs, ancestor worship, Hindu or Buddhist influenced motifs brought by Indian traders, Chinese or Islamic symbols and beliefs. Foreign influence on Indonesian art forms was brought about by centuries of exposure to other cultures through trade. Immigrants from China, India, the Arab world and later Europe travelled to the archipelago in search of the unique spices grown in Indonesia. These traders settled and brought with them rich artistic traditions which influenced the development of local art. I am really happy to learn more about this amazing variety of cultures.

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Thanks Indonesia for being my home, my chance of being better, a part of my heart will stay here. It is an enriching experience to study here. Thanks for coming in the right moment to found my path.

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Name

: Huang Shiyun

Country

: PR China

Place of Study : Soedirman University

It is the first time that I have been to Indonesia. As a student of learning language Indonesia, Iwas eager to learn more about Indonesia, both its language and its culture. Because of that, no one how much happy I was when I received the chance of visiting Indonesia from program Darmasiswa RI which is applied by government Indonesia. So many thoughts about this country crowded into my mind before Iarrived in Indonesia.What is Indonesia like? What is people there like? You know although I have learned something about Indonesia from the books but it’s actually different when you come to the real place yourself. Theday I set foot on the land of Indonesia with my friends was 14th August 2012. It is almost the thing that happened one year ago but I still remember the smiling face of workers at the airport and their friendly “good morning”. Yes, it was a beautiful morning. Later Ienjoyed an amazing sunrise with an appreciating mood. “Hello, Indonesia!” One month later I was on the way to a city named Purwokerto. The university I studied in was Unsoed which is short for Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. That is my own way to Purwokerto. To be honest it is definitely a challenge for me, a 21-year-old student, to be lonely in a completely strange place. But in some way it really helps me with deeply feeling the atmosphere of this country as I get more chance to be in contact with Indonesia people without

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my friends being with me. The whispers followed me as I apparently seem different from the Indonesian people however they all smiled to me and tried their best to help whatever I asked. Purwokerto is a little city, maybe falls behind the big cities’ modern facilities but its environment is just so great. You can even meet with so many birds on the alleys. No noises resulted from the over much industries, no polluted air caused by the waste of industries and no blind busy of life. Such a harmonious city! Such lovely people!The sound of people talking and the sound of adzanfrom masjid combine to be a song of life. You can really feel the religious faith here.There are five times of adzan here, usually 4 o’clock in the morning, 12 o’clock at noon, 3 o’clock in the afternoon, 6 o’clock in the evening and 7 o’clock in the evening.What’s more, they are also called as sholat subuh, sholat duhzur, sholat ashar, sholat magrib dan sholat isya. As we all know, Indonesia is a country that requires its citizen to be responsibility of owning a belief of religion. In here almost 90% people believe in religion Islam. And there are also some people who believe in Christian, Buddhism and so on. Although so many different religion but obviously they do live harmonious and respect with each other on the aspect of their reliefs and their religious behaviors. That’s the charming of Indonesia. Since I study in Purwokerto, I lived in the home of a professor who has retired from Unsoed. His family are devout Muslim. Every week, Bapak and Ibu have fasting twice. Fasting means that eating nothing from six o’clock morning to six o’clock evening. That’s really a hard work for me who isn’t Muslim and hasn’t done this before. However, according to Bapak, fasting is what makes us healthier as eating nothing helps with expelling of toxin and moreover enhances our endurance. Endurance, I think it’s also some kind of spirit that encourages the Indonesia people overcome so many difficulties in life. Bapak follows the doctrines of Islam with his family strictly, no smoking, no drinking alcohol, no gambling and so on. It seems that religion gives them comfort that someone else like me can’t understand. They believe in the God so much. They think that prayer is the one of the most prominent weapon of human beings and we should

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make ourselves more approach the God. That is the religious spirit which has saved so many lives from sufferings.What’s more, the grandchild who is only seven years old has been taught to participate in Sholat too. Actually, in their opinion, this is also some kind of education, and important education. In their leisure time, they get more knowledge of Islam andaccept doctrinesby listening to the radio or watching TV. One more important thing is worth attention. As is known to all, Indonesia is a country that exits extreme disparity between the rich and the poor. However, they live relatively peaceful under such circumstances. Why? Of course answers can’t get rid of the power of religion. In here, the rich is responsible of helping the poor. There is also hari raya Idul Adha, an Islamic festival celebrated on 10 Zulhijah of Hijriah year. This festival requires Muslim who is more capable and richer help with the poor by giving away livestock. In a way it works as a way to eliminate the contradiction between the rich and the poor. This little city I lived in is also a place full of characteristics, not only its food culture but also its lifestyle.Every city Indonesia has its own special food while residents here prefer much to eat sweet and pungent food.The first time I came here, so many people introduce one kind of food called “mendoan” to me.And their lifestyle is so leisure. Almost in every house, no matter the house is grand or not, there are some potting, which is called as their own art, which makes their life more full of vigour and fun. And in the schoolyard, you can always meet with some students or undergraduates gathering sitting on the floor totalk about anything, the homework or some problems of life. So happy! That’s something that Iknow about the varieties of culture and the religion of Indonesia. Isincerely hope this will help some foreigners who haven’t visiting Indonesia or Purwokerto.

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Name

: Igor Dedkov

Country

: Russia

Place of Study : Yogyakarta State University

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harmony among diversityâ&#x20AC;?

I want to tell about my experience in Indonesia and how everything started for me. First time I came to Indonesia in 1996 with my family just for vacation and we really liked this place. It was just Bali of course, but we explored every corner of the Bali island. We really liked hindu culture and traditions and I still a big fan of old Bali. But lets go back my story. After that the next year we came in 1997 and we decided to see something more, so we have gone to Sumatra. We were amazed how big was the difference from Bali, but I liked everything what I saw there. In my memory the most amazing was Lake Toba. After that next year (1998) - Sulawesi, it was a great city Monado. Monado is full of Catholic people and we are shocked again how different Indonesia is. 1999 Kalimantan, Banjarmasin. It was one of the most great epic trips in my life. We had a trip to Dayak tribe somewhere deep in the jungle. We have gone through jungle around 3 days and going back by boat from the hill on the river for 1 day. Difference again. Now let me explain why I tell the prestory. As you can see, my childhood memories were filled with Indonesia culture and traditions. And for me Indonesia

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so close to my heart. My family is different just like Indonesia. My mother is muslim and my father is christian. And as you can see people in Indonesia can live peacefully sharing their religion and traditions between each other. For example: when there is ramadan in Indonesia, if it is in Bali, hindu people let the muslim people too celebrate this holiday. And at the same time when there is hindu biggest holidays and everything closed, and it must be silence everywhere, hindu people let the muslim people to listen the prayings from the Mosque. Respect - thats the rule number 1 in Indonesia. Applying to Darmasiswa scholarship was a happy accident for me. I really like to explore something new in my life and I have just back from China where I worked for a half year, so I was thinking already to go somewhere else to explore and to see something new. I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been in Indonesia for 13 years but the memories in my head could not stop to make me thinking to go here again. Accidently I met some indonesian students in Moscow and they told me that I can study indonesian language for free in the RI embassy. I have gone and after several lessons my teacher adviced me to apply for Darmasiswa. I applied and now I am here. For me, interesting both study and travel, but more travel of course. My personality is to explore places on the map. I like it. 1-st semester in Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta was great, BUT for me there was a huge problem. First of all I was ill every month and I could not understand why, because before coming to Indonesia I never had any disease for around 2 years! I think I had all of them, and finally only after 6 months in Indonesia I stopped getting any kind of problem. I am really sorry for people who thought that I am not into study in university. Some people who could see my personality, they could see my willing to study. So actually most of things that I studied was study at home by myself with dictionary and newspaper. 2-nd semester in UNY was shocking for me. It was a disappointing moment for me as I expected much more then in semester 1-st. And the problem is not that I have chosen not the right subject, the problem is that you must study like every other Indonesian guy in a huge classroom with all of the local

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people. It is difficult and I think I fail with this kind of situation. After coming several times to these classes I did not understand everything. And the problem is that you can’t ask a teacher for the sentence that you did not understand. There is 25-30 people who are willing to study the subject and they came not for listening stupid foreign questions about how to translate the sentence. It is a pity, but it happen to me. Anyway once a week we had a great study with great teacher Bu Beny. We study tata bahasa and I enjoy this class so much! The group is small and its only for foreigners, so I can always ask any question that I have. I am still trying to study Indonesian language by myself as hard as I can do it. Now I want to tell about life in Indonesia. It’s slowly. Yes, it is very slowly for eastern european people. We like to do everything fast and in time or even earlier and the Indonesia style is a little bit slow, but as I understood the Javanese people are the fastest people in Indonesia. They are really hard working! I live in Kaliurang street and it is full of people even at night. The reason why I have chosen this place is, because it is not far from university and in here you can find so many shops and restaurants. As I don’t have kitchen - restaurants are very important for me. The owner of the KOS (border house) is very kind and always helps me with anything that I need. Now I will tell the reason why I like Indonesia so much - it is people. I don’t know any nation who being so close to each other and so socialize. Sometimes you can see a lonely person somewhere with a phone in hands, but it does meant that he\she lonely, they just can’t live without phone, because they need to speak with each other every moment. I even heard that some Indonesian people going to shower with mobile phone, because they care about their friends and family. They always need to reply by SMS or call. Another thing is respect of religion. In Russia it is not popular to tell people about your religion, especially, if you are muslim. Here it is necessary to put your religion to your passport information. And you can’t be atheist. Religion is a must. I hope you enjoyed my story. I would

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like to thank Indonesian Ministry of Education for giving me this chance to study in Indonesia.

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Name

: Zoltan Paldi

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : Yogyakarta State University

Harmony in Diversity

For long years I had been dreaming about coming to Southeast-Asia. I felt that some unknown force is dragging me there, i did not even know, why. Especially to Indonesia, the most diverse nation in the ASEAN region. So I was very happy to be informed about the Darmasiswa Scholarship Programme. I did long preparations before actually coming to Indonesia, first I was reading books about the country, then I started browsing the internet about it, I found some interesting blogs, and I also contacted former Darmasiswa awardees from my country, Hungary, and asked them to share their personal experiences with me. I became more and more excited about Indonesia, so finally in the year of 2012 I applied for the scholarship through my embassy, and luckily received the opportunity to spend one year in Yogyakarta as the student of UNY, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (State University of Yogyakarta) and study Indonesian language and culture. Indonesia is a very diverse and colorful country, both ethnically and culturally, and this makes it a very interesting place to explore and dive under. Many foreigners come here as tourists to spend some weeks, sometimes even

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months and discover the wonders of this country, but us, Darmasiswa students we have the special privilege of staying here even longer and – with the help of our school and some local friends – have a deeper look into the matter from an insider’s point of view. At my university, in the first semester we got a decent amount of language classes, so after a couple of weeks we were already able to communicate in Bahasa Indonesia. Once in a week, they even provided us cultural classes, so that we could learn even more about the county’s diverse culture. My classmates were from all over the world, this came with the advantage of making new friends from Iraq, Vietnam, Madagascar, etc. These places are also really exotic for a simple Eastern-European like myself. In November 2012 UNY even organizes an event called ’Global Culture Fest’ in which we all participated, so we could also present our own culture to each other and to curious Indonesian students (and of course for all the other guests of the fetival). In May 2013, Fakultas Bahasa dan Sastra (Faculty of Language and Arts) celebreated the anniversary of its foundation, and threw a very nice event celebrating the cultural divesity of the world, especially Indonesia – here we had to opportunity to check out Balinese dances, Papuan traditional clothes, Jawanese gamelan, and a lot more. After already speaking some Bahasa Indonesia, I could travel on my own in the school breaks and on the weekends. Int he previous months I tried to explore as much as I can of Indonesia, and managed to gather lot of experience. I always tried to interact with the local people as much as possible, take part of their everyday life and of course I was glad to answer all their questions regarding me and my cultural heritage. I quickly learnt how proud are people here of their roots. They never miss to tell you, where they are originated from – Central Jawa, Sulawesi, Bali, Maluku – this is a very important detail in every small converstaion. But even though origin stands above all, people here seem to like whole Indonesia, and happily tell stories about all the far away parts of the country they know. Altough the Jawanese ethnic group is playing the leading role in forming Indonesia’s cultural

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profile, it is very worthwhile to check out some smaller, but equally beautiful tribe or community. The country is also very colorful in a linguistical point of view. Hundreds and hundreds of different dialects and languages are spoken throughout Indonesia, but Bahasa Indonesia is the main and official language. Even though there are some far away corners of this huge country, where still not many people speak it, still, it really pays of learning it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Indonesians are very pleased all the time when you try to communicate with them on their own official language! Of course they are even grateful to hear some simple expresions from you on their own language, like Jawanese, Balinese, Sasak, etc, but even only learning Bahasa Indonesia could take you far. It is really nice to be able to communicate with locals and getting a glimpse into their everyday life. So all in all, I think the Darmasiswa Scholarship Programme is a very unique opportunity for everybody who is intested in exploring this culturally very rich country. I would like to thank my embassy, the Darmasiswa coordinators and of course the co-workers of my university, UNY for helping me discovering diverse Indonesia!

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Name

: Liu Xiaoran

Country

: PR China

Place of Study : State University of Yogyakarta

Harmony among Diversity

Yogyakarta with its status as a special region lies in the Southern part of Central Java, in the heartland of Javanese culture. As the former capital and the center of several kingdoms in the past, this region and itspeople are very rich in a variety of cultures. It can be mentioned here that the cultural heritage in the past are the magnificent temples, the ruins of palaces and monasteries, the various kind of traditions cultural events, traditional folk performing arts, traditional ritual ceremonies, customs, traditional handicrafts, traditional architecture and other traditional activities. Most of them still exist and are coloring the daily activities of life and behavior of the local inhabitants, particularly the Javanese community with its traditional way of life and customs. Because of its richness in culture therefore Yogyakarta has been known for long as the cradle of the Javanese culture. Wonderful place to visit, you won't disappointed if you come here. So many places you can visit, I went to Prambanan and Borobodur temple the most famous temple in Yogyakarta, very beautiful. For Borobudur if u want take a

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picture in sunrise, you can hire a car and ask the driver to bring you to the hills or mountain at 1 am, and you can start to shot about 5 am. And the cost to enter Prambanan Temple for Indonesian Rp 30.000 and for foreigner Rp 170.000, but if you have KITAS you will charged Rp 30.000, and yet same like Borobudur for Indonesia Rp. 30.000 and foreigner Rp 190.000. And I to went Sri Gethuk Waterfall, it was awesome waterfall and there has 4 waterfalls which one of them has rainbow. Definitely you must visit Yogyakarta, feel, watch and enjoy it. Visiting Yogyakarta, you may not just buy and enjoy the marvelous batik artwork, but you have the opportunity to learn the technique of its production. The valuable opportunity packed in an interesting tour package with quite short duration and affordable cost will surely be fun. Batik patterns you can learn involve hand-made batik, printed batik and painted batik. Each place usually has its special batik pattern to teach. For one day course, it is usually divided into two sessions; you will learn all processes of batik making that generally consist of pattern making, cloth coloring, wax dying and drying. Gamelan is the music created by integrating voices of gong, kenong and other Javanese music instruments. Soft music that reflects the life harmony of Javanese people will soon greet and calm the soul down once someone is listening to it. Gamelan music instrument can now be enjoyed in various parts of the world, but Yogyakarta is the right place to enjoy it since you can enjoy the original version of gamelan. Yogyakarta is a place of the people with strong religious spirit. Most of the people are Moslems (91.2%). However, some other religions are also having their own followers, i.e. Protestants (3.5%), Roman Catholics (5.0%), Hindus (0.3%) Buddhists (0.1%). A strong tolerance between different religious followers is kept. I was studying at the Yogyakarta State University, which is a very good University. The foreign students in Yogyakarta State University in every class have some tutor. It's a good idea to help the foreign students, who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have

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Indonesian foundation. We had a lot of workshop in the last semester, we even went to the countryside for a culture camp. In the past one year, I had learned how to make batik, how to play gamelan, how to cook Indonesian food, and many other interesting things. I really love study in Yogyakarta State University.

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Name

: Zeng Mengchen

Country

: PR China

Place of Study : Yogyakarta State University

Harmony Among Diversity

Being a participant of 2012-2013 Darmasiswa Scholarship, I had a great opportunity to study Indonesia language and culture in Yogyakarta State University for one year. For me, a student from China, the experience learning and living in Yogyakarta, is unforgettable and helpful for my life. Before my studying here, I had never been to anotherforeign country. All the information I knew came from others or media. So the first thing I came across when I got to Yogyakarta, was culture shock. At that time, I thought everything around me was totally different, included peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces, their clothes, the style of buildings and so on. It was that time when I realized I had been in another country. I became to know I have entered a new world with a different cultural background, and I need to be patient and tried to adapt myself into living style in Yogya. In my opinion, the most different between my city and Yogyakarta, is that Yogyakarta is a Muslim city. Most of its population worships the Islam religion. I can see influence from Islam in every corner of the city. Women here usually put on a headgear which in Indonesian language is called Jilbab. Frankly speaking, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

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my first time to see Muslim. I also became to know that they pray to Allah five times a day and know about what they do every important day in Islam religion. Besides, eating habit in Indonesia is also different from my country. Here, people prefer fried and roasted food. Even though the staple food here is rice too, I still took a few months to fit myself to the Indonesian food. Although it’s quite different to live here from my country and Idid have struggled, I still can have a good relationship with my friends here and learn a lot. The key point is to be patient and respect each other. I had taken part into an activity held by UNY which named Culture Camp. It helped me a lot to learn each other and the local culture. In addition, especially, its theme, “the Beauty of Diversity”inspired me a lot to be more curious to know different culture. There are billions kinds of culture all over the world and each one has its own value and importance. When different culture comes together, we don’t need to figure out which one is more valuable or precious. What we need is to protect it from being injured or damaged. It’s our duty to do that, to protect the common heritage of human being. I treasure my staying here.Since I came here, I think I had broadened my horizons. With no doubt that this is a great chance for me to know the culture here and also the culture from the otherparticipant Darmasiswa Scholarship. We came across each other every single day, but the way we spend our time is different. We do have different background of culture, but we try to be friends and living together harmoniously.Behind this, mutual respect has played a very important role. We both understand the diversity between our cultural backgrounds. We don’t want to change others, but we try to figure out a good way to talk together, to work together and to live together. We don’t compare our culture and our way of life, but we share it with each other. Between us, diversity does exist, but the diversity also makes our world to be so colorful. Having a one-year study here, I have learned a lot in Indonesia language. Meanwhile, Ialso learned how to deal with my friends from anywhere and the most important thing is mutual respect. This is a wonderful journey to touch with

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so many types of men and culture. Simply, for me, this experience and time will not fade away, and will be one of the most precious memories in my life.

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Name

: Desponia Demertzi

Country

: Greece

Place of Study : ISI Yogyakarta

“HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION” Dear Sir/Madam, My name is Despoina – Penny Demertzi and I am writing this letterreport in order to express my intense and absolute appreciation and happiness for my participation in The Darmasiswa Program (particularly in the program of ISI Yogyakarta, Department of Performance Art), 2012-2013. The program itself, the lessons' speciality and plurality, the supportive – creative teachers, the

talented,

kind

and

warm-hearted

indonesian

classmates,

the

administration office of ISI Yogyakarta and particularly the everpresent support of the responsible person for international affairs and darmasiswa students, compose the hospitable and safe environment where I developed and enriched my skills in “performance art / dance and music (dance and gamelan: Karawitan)”. Harmony among Civilization? Coming from Greece, studying / residing in The Netherlands, studying in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, I got involved with various cultures, norms and realities. Personally, I perceive “Harmony among Civilization as Unity”. This Unity is a ground - incubator of continuous and constructive differences

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and conflicts which reflect a plural Identity and a fertile ground of harmonical symbiosis. It is about a Unity as an ongoing journey addressed by several Acts of Enrootedness from space to place, from Identity to identity. Coming to Indonesia, I tried to focus to my studies, to participate and honestly engage myself to the new Environment : to my neighborhood (Bantul, Jetis), to the Art Institution, to flea markets, to the Street, to the socio-cultural life of Yogyakarta and its “Manis”(sweet) Identity. This artisticosocial Environment unveils an Intercultural Garden, a Garden of Euphoria, where Creativity blooms and where The Spirituality and Humanism of the Archipelagos of Java, Indonesia are reflected. In my opinion, “Harmony among Civilization” hosts questions on the Concept of Space.”Harmony among Civilization” hosts The Poetics of Space (coexistence of traditional, modern and contemporary socioartistic spaces ). I perceive its actualization as a choreography of multicultural symmetrical and asymmetrical audiovisual stimuli which aspire to express a tinted - vibrated, Alive -NewGlobal from scratch identity; not an identity of leveling and neutralization or individuaization but an active – collective – inspiring one which respects the specialities of every culture, combines them and promises solutions, dreams and new horizons via creativity, via the interactive communication between Art and Everyday life. My artistic medium / asylum via which I exist and I create is bodily movement. My studies in Performance Art /Dance at ISI Yogyakarta helped me to enrich my skills in movement (new knowledge expressed via dance, sound, visuals and written diegesis). Harmony among Civilization? For me, the interweaving between the inner and outer movement creates a moral, physical, psychological, spiritual harmony and balance which are social applied. I do believe in the interactive communication between cultures, in their merging, in their dialogue. I express myself as a Global citizen - artist who respects the diversity and unity of cultures and by coming to Indonesia (via darmasiswa scholarship), I do participate in the creation of the identity of

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pedagogical

- intercultural art; an identity which respects, protects,

promotes human and social solidarity, peace and artistic freedom and fertility, change and humanistic development. I am so thankful for my participation in the Darmasiswa program of ISI Yogyakarta( Department of Performance Art), Java, Indonesia.I am very grateful for the initative of The Indonesian Government (application via Dutch Embassy) to make my dreams a reality, to support me and to offer me the chance to study in Indonesia via Darmasiswa Scholarship. I hope that The Indonesian Government will continue this program and will give this unique chance to new foreign students in order to reflect and share The Indonesian Art and Culture.

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Name

: Linda Kaplanova

Country

: Ceczh Republic

Place of Study : ISI Yogyakarta

Harmony among civilizations

When the harmony can come? When the hearts are open and mind clear.

Harmony among civilization is very big theme.

I’ll write about my

experiences and thoughts which arising in my mind since I arrived to Indonesia. Meeting people living in countries with different legacy is irreplaceable experiences which has a big influence on our lives. Meeting people open our eyes and hearts. We learn to be patient, open, selfless and observant person. Not always is easy to understand the behavior of other people. Is different if person from Czech comes to France or to Indonesia? France is still in Europe, we have similar culture and history. When i arrived to Indonesia I was full of expectation. Soon I was astonished and disappointed why always somebody is calling me on the street “Hello Mister?” Why the people always want to touch me? Why they pay here so much attention to “bule” even in a big city? I don’t know that feeling from Europe, when you are always in centre of attention. When this happen first it could be interesting but after a while it starts to be annoying. Other questions in my mind were… Why the people here put

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plastic garbage to the nature, to the river? And why they use so much plastic bags? Why they must go always everywhere on motorbike? Why they don’t care in which condition are they living? At the beginning I was in shock. What can help us to better understand to each other is not to expect anything from anybody, than we cannot be disappointed but surprise. Be always with open eyes. If we want better understand to the people living in different culture we must little bit settle down, quiet down, and look around us carefully. After we can see that here people live more together, more for each other. They are calm and they don’t need to talk much. They are empathetic. The family is basic. They help to each other more than I see in Europe. We bring something new to their lives and we get from them a lot to our live. Each culture has different background which influences our lives nowadays. That’s what is need to be understand. Harmony among civilizations is about harmony in ourself. If we have harmony inside us can share it among people among civilizations. We are learning this again and again, because of our big ego is difficult to keep harmony among civilizations…

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Name

: Ahmed Abdul Mahmoud Zehry

Country

: Egypt

Place of Study : Ahmad Dahlan University

Harmony among civilization The first principle of Indonesia's philosophical foundation, Pancasila, is "belief in the one and only God". A number of different religions are practiced in the country, and their collective influence on the country's political, economic and cultural life is significant. The Indonesian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. However, the government only recognizes six official religions (Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Khong Hu Chu.) Traditionally, Indonesia has been a nation of relative religious calm, peace and tolerance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; goals of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original founders. For the most part, they were successful in achieving these goals: despite the ethnic and religious diversity in Indonesia. Indonesia's society is divided into numerous ethnic groups and minorities also. The largest group is the Javanese then the Sundanese, followed by Madurese and coastal Malays, besides numerous small ethnic groups and minorities. As this multiethnic nation moved into its decades of independence, Indonesians were made aware--through education, television, cinema, print media, and national parks--of the diversity of their own society.

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Diversity means differences or variations or unlikeness. In our modern world, diversity plays an important role. In human context, diversity discusses the variety of cultures, languages, ethnic groups, physical features, socioeconomic backgrounds, opinions, religious beliefs, sexuality, gender identity or neurology. When Indonesians talk about their cultural differences with one another, one of the first words they use is adat (custom or tradition). This term adat is roughly translated as "custom" or "tradition," but its meaning has undergone a number of transformations in Indonesia. These ancestral customs may pertain to a wide range of activities: agricultural production, religious practices, marriage arrangements, legal practices, political succession, or artistic expressions. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Indonesians are Muslim, they maintain very different social identifications. For example, when Javanese try to explain the behavior of a Sundanese or a Balinese counterpart, they might say "because it is his adat." Differences in the ways ethnic groups practice Islam are often ascribed to adat. Each group may have slightly different patterns of observing religious holidays, attending the mosque, expressing respect, or burying the dead. Although adat in the sense of "custom" is often viewed as one of the deepest--even sacred--sources of consensus within an ethnic group, the word itself is actually of foreign derivation-- originally from Arabic language. The notion of adat came to take on a national significance in touristic settings such as Balinese artistic performances and in museum displays. As it can be seen in Taman Mini, a kind of ethnographic theme park located on the outskirts of Jakarta, seeks to display and interpret the cultural variation of Indonesia. The 100-hectare park is landscaped to look like the archipelago of Indonesia in miniature when viewed from an overhead tramway. There is a house for each province to represent the vernacular architecture of the region. The park provides visitors with a vivid and attractive model for how the Indonesian national motto-- Unity in Diversity, might be understood.

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In fact, instances of peaceful intergroup coexistence, such as the relationship between Christian Dayaks, Muslims and the minority Chinese population in Sanggau, can serve as positive examples of harmony in Indonesia. Sanggau is a remote town in the eastern part of Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province. In Sanggau, the Chinese – who identify themselves primarily as Catholics, Protestants or Confucians – built the Tri Dharma Temple. What is unique in its surroundings is that there is a mosque right beside the temple – yet their worshipers do not clash. No violence has ever taken place between the two groups. In fact, even during Ramadan, many Chinese restaurants and cafés remain open near the mosque without facing any violence. There is even a restaurant selling pork only 20 meters from the mosque. What we see in the market of the small remote town of Sanggau is a positive example of the religious tolerance characterized by the founding spirit of Indonesia. Although most inhabitants of Sanggau are probably not aware of US President Barack Obama’s speech in Egypt aimed at healing American rifts with the Muslim world, what they are practicing in their small neighborhood in Sanggau is reflective of what Obama stated: “So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, and who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity.” When Indonesians talk about their society in inclusive terms, they are more likely to use a word like budaya (culture) than adat. One speaks of kebudayaan Indonesia, the "culture of Indonesia," as something grand, and refers to traditions of refinement and high civilization. The dances, music, and literature of Java and Bali and the great monuments associated with religion are often described as examples of "culture" or "civilization" but not "custom." Diversity has become popular context heading beyond the concept of multiculturalism. This concept of diversity brought peace, understanding, tolerance and harmony. It created a sense of rich culture. Diverse ethnic backgrounds, languages, ideologies, religious beliefs or capacities shall enhance

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and enrich cultural perspectives. In Indonesia, diversity led to compassion, tolerance, non-violence, understanding and harmony.

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Name

: Fatimah Jehma

Country

: Thailand

Place of Study : Ahmad Dahlan University

Yogyakarta, The Charm Of Java

In the name of Allaah the most Gracious the most Merciful. All praise belong to Allaah the Raâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;bb of the world and peace and blessing be upon Muhammad, his family and his companion. My name is Fatimah Jehma. I come from Thailand and now I am studying Darmasiswa Program 2012/2013 at Ahmad Dahlan University, Yogyakarta. First of all, I would like to thank to Allaah who save our live until now and the one that I will not forget is thank to the Government of state of Indonesia those who give an opportunity to me which I can apply the scholarship of KLN program (Darmasiswa Program) and I were selected by the government of State of Indonesia that I can find any experiences in Indonesia. Now I am studying in Darmasiswa program so while I am studying here I can get many experiences here, I can learn and get a lot of experiences including social, Culture, Traveling and the most important is language. I feel love the culture and language of the State of Indonesia. If I am not selected in darmasiswa program, I will not know about the state of Indonesia and I will not love it as I love now.

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Yogyakarta, the charm of Java Yogyakarta is the center of government, with a rich history for thousands of years. Which fosters the Yogyakarta became a city of culture. Although the tide of globalization will lead crashed into modern culture here. Although the city is crowded with people, traffic congestion aSSnd graffiti on the walls all over the city, there are also a number of people trying to maintain indigenous cultures. Unique Yogyakarta to tell posterity. One of the skits, folk culture, is the pride of the people of Yogyakarta is Wayang Kulit or shadow puppet theater. Master of the shadow play in the south of Thailand. Wayang Kult is also assumed that the influence of shadow puppet skits came from India with Hindu missionaries on the island of Java. Initially, the wayang kulit as part of a religious ritual to summon ancestral spirits to be with puppets. But later modified to become a missionary to play through the play puppeteer tells the story of the Ramayana literature. It is said that in the age of war skits wayang kulit content has been modified into a tool of political communication. In the period before the radio, newspapers and television channels are not accessible to many people today. So skits wayang kulit has become an important channel to reach people in rural areas. And in current wayang kulit skits traditional culture is still often used to display the various fairs. Similar to that employed in a shadow play by the temple priests or different. The key is that the invaluable breath of this traditional game. Arts and crafts, not to mention would not have to come to Yogyakarta. There is batik. Many people may wonder when talking about the batik. Many countries in this area are all that batik their best quality. But when talking about the batik of Yogyakarta. Of course, the quality is second to none anyway. But what makes batik is different from the other. Pattern is unique enough. With the Yogyakarta have been long a center of Hindu religion for hundreds of years. It is enough to make the art of Hinduism rooted to the local art and culture can not be separated from the people here. If notice of a pattern or a picture of the arch carved in low relief at Prambanan temple is the largest Hindu Temple in Indonesia. Will find that this is

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a prototype that can be found on the patterned batik from here. Moreover, the popular color used to paint is blue, brown and white were also associated with Hinduism as well. There is a representation of the Hindu god Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa, though in today's printing technology with modern equipment. But the batik in Yogyakarta eye is still made by hand every step. Because the work has value and is worth more than the printed batik machine itself. Shopping batik in Yogyakarta at the Beringhardjo. City center, adjacent to Malioboro street. Here is filled with shops selling batik thousands of stores. Available to buy all of the cheap and the expensive. The backside of the zone Restaurant. Notably where there are stores that sell more than ten each croquette. Looks like a potato. Yellow and pink with white pile in front of the store. People here call this "Krupuk" or the fried cracker Thailand is well-known enough. Indonesians popular eating a cracker with the main dish. Most Thailand people eat a cracker as a snacks. People here eat a cracker a long time ago. And probably the first people to invent. It is said that during the period of Dutch rule here is to bring back to publicize the Netherlands until crackers are popular to the present as well. Currently, Indonesia has a wide selection of crackers in different flavors. The prawn crackers. Fish cracker. Crackers and nuts. Which is the main raw material for production. The starch and rice flour. It is said that every meal Indonesian krupuk not lack. To come to know the art and culture of Yogyakarta today. In fact, we see that the crackers are not just plain crackers. It is a symbol that reflects the strength of the existing culture. Although they had ruled the West for hundreds of year. And we have seen that not only is batik printed fabrics only. But as a reflection of religious faith and respect for nature. Just like that Wayang Kulit is not just a doll souvenirs for tourists only. It is an art, and broadcast nationally trained for several generations. Indonesia would like. With other countries. In the world today, with the culture of the other, but fortunately came to this country with a long history, so it is not a strong culture rooted in family and

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society. Which eventually became the major cost of the travel industry to Indonesia to grow steadily ahead of the tourism industry itself. Again, My sincerity thank to the Government of State of Indonesia that give me an opportunity to learn about Language and Culture of Indonesia which I can get many experiences here.. Million Thankssssssssssss..

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Name

: Pan Liuna

Country

: PR China

Place of Study : Ahmad Dahlan University

Harmony Among Civilization At the beginning, may I introduce myself? My name is Pan Liuna, university girl student who comes from China. Now I study here because of my specialty---Professional Chinese as a Foreign Language. Holding of curiosity, I came to Yogyakarta, Indonesia and study in University Ahmad Dahlan. I am so surprised when I live here with local people. When I was here, I was given a new name : Viona. Now I want to share my harmony among civilization I experience. First, I want to talk culture of wedding here. I was so lucky, had just arrived, I received a wedding invitation. Compared with the Chinese wedding, I be more like the wedding here. Why? Because from where I stand, I think Chinese people more and more fashionable, wedding in the form similar to the western. But the culture here still be kept by intact. The new married coiple will wear Jawa traditional dress and the national flower : jasmine. This flower is symbol of holiness. Generally bride worn on the head and groom put it around the neck like a necklace. The popular island of Java with an interesting marriage custom when the groom goes to the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home escorting the brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family put a silver plate in front of him. The intraday put a raw egg and groom to be

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barefoot in public broken foot. This is a bridegroom always love bride, even if the pieces is not a change of heart. Subsequently, the bride when water down on their knees and feet for the groom, gratitude and obedience. The bride’s parent will newlyweds with holy white cloth, parents walking in front of them. This symbolizes the parents are willing to deliver their daughter to the groom. Compared to the excitement of the wedding, the wedding here in here are more solemn. More important, each wedding has live music. Traditional music instruments for live music performance. And traditional musical is gamelan. This is a court musical instrument. This is the event seem more full of national characteristic. Although I only join a local wedding but the memories are still very deep. The second, I want to share my internship with you all here. I will soon be the end of the study in Yogjakarta.

Now, I’m internship in kindergarden in

countryside. Before I came here, I was afraid because I think I cannot adjust to myself in countryside. But everything is perfect beyond imagination. Every day I fill so good when I with Kindergarden children. There is special ceremony before Kindergarten children starts school. Every child will hold your hand and then touch their cheeks. I really enjoyed this moment. And after they enter the room they will pray together with their teacher. This period of time, I have the opportunity to learn local custom whrn I live with the local people. Most of them are Muslim, and they get up very early in the morning 3.00 a.m and start pray by sincere. And about 7.00 p.m they will do last pray. And people here are vey kind and they willing to learn about different culture from us. The third is about religion. In Indonesia most of people believe in Islam. There are some Christan and Chatolic. Islam is the main religion in Indonesia, Islamist are very particular about etiquette, acqitances meet, exchange greetings, recite the message read “may God bless you” and “please”, “thank you”, “I’m sorry” often linked to his mouth. Elegant, humility is a virtue of Muslim.

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About Yogyakartaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cultural and religious, I still need to learn a lot. And at the same time, I want to learn the culture of Indonesia at the other place. But in a word, Yogyakarta is a place where the people are kindest and politest I have ever met. And whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, Yogyakarta still keeps a strong culture like a old time. Oh by the way, the scenery here is very beautiful. If you are a travelloving people and have a string sense of curiosity please do come Yogyakarta, please do come Indonesia.

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Name

: Yahel CastaĂąeda Soto

Country

: Mexico

Place of Study : P4TK Yogyakarta

Harmony among Civilizations As a student DARMASISWA in Indonesia, I have had the opportunity to enrich my life with good and pleasurable experiences, which not only helped me in the educational, social, cultural, but also personally.Yogyakarta is a very lively city. It also has very interesting geography. Cultural aspects of Indonesia include the diligent people and variety in crafts and arts. Something that I like from this big city is its performing dancing, variety of colorful batik and its cultural heritage because its past includes magnificent temples, ruins of palaces, and monasteries. I am delighted to know all about it and take photos. Considering the many culturally important events that Indonesian performs annually, they are fairly religious and they hold significant sacred events throughout the year on which the families come together to enjoy themselves. In a speedy paced life, Indonesian appears to be more reluctant in attitude by the ways of getting things done. This is because of the fact that their societies are held together by family bonds, beliefs and tradition, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because this city is a place to learn and live with centuries of old history. It is a unique charm which captivates foreign students and people in general, where people

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never get bored, there are always activities and events to see and go. Something that I love from Indonesia is the friendliness and hospitality of the local people. They are always willing to support people with a big smile when someone asks information or needs help. Yogyakarta has wonderful temples, beautiful scenery, it has allowed me not only enjoy learning on my campus, but also in multicultural aspects. It is a vast place from various locations, and the ten months I have been here they have not been enough to visit them all. Indonesia reminds me of Mexico, specially the food like chili, the cultural diversity and traditions that enrich both countries. I do not regret coming here and being part of the unique generations of this program, which certainly true for all who come away from our home and country, when we return immemorial memories will live forever in us of this country that welcomed us and we opened their doors to be part of it. Now I am a person with other beliefs and habits of this country that is certainly in Mexico I will share them with family and friends. If I had the opportunity to come and study again in this country, I would some brilliant I certainly do. Thanks for your solidarity Indonesia

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Name

: Adam Gic

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

Harmony among civilization in ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta

Harmony means unity, peace, and friendship. Harmony leads to consonance, conformity, correspondence, and consistency. In music harmony suggest a combination of sounds from voices or musical instruments. Harmony is the blending of simultaneous sounds of different pitch or quality, making chords: harmony in part singing; harmony between violins and horns. Melody is the rhythmical combination of successive sounds of various pitch, making up the tune or air: a tuneful melody to accompany cheerful words. It often leads to creating beautiful work of art. Consist of many meaningless components, but together every each of them has a meaning, has a part of great importance. Together they aggregate to an entirety, integrity, and wholeness. So it is in ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta. Students in ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta couldn't do much alone. But together they are joined in a great harmony. They show how a great harmony among the whole civilization can be made. As in Gamelan, every little sound of gong or bamboo made instrument is just a single sound doesn't mean more alone than a sound made by angrikan calling us to buy something from his bicycle warung, but in the togetherness of all the other sounds is important part of a beautiful

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melody. In ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta students come from all over the world, they are coming from different nations. They have different habits, different understanding of the world. Different things are for them important. This diversity may lead to many conflicts and misunderstandings. But in ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta we are shown that the common purpose to create the beautiful wholeness with harmony is more important. Students from all over the world, with different culture, different religion are joined together with the same purpose â&#x20AC;&#x201C; educate themselves. To become wiser, to be able, after finishing this university, to create the same harmony among the whole world. This is the purpose of this university and within the walls of this university this harmony is perfectly made. Students share their experience, knowledge, help each other to understand a matter of particular subjects. The philosophy of harmony is an integral part of education here. If the world would consist of more people who studied in ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta it would become a better place. But there are still many places among the civilization where people don't understand how great harmony is important for us to make world a better place. So as it comes to the whole civilization, I think it would be great if people from all over the world came to ATMA JAYA Yogyakarta, learn about living in harmony, and then went back to their places to teach about it, so the harmony would spread all over the world, making people coexist on better conditions and making world a better place.

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Name

: Arsenio Natalino Carvalho De Araujo

Country

: East Timor

Place of Study : University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

â&#x20AC;&#x153;HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATIONâ&#x20AC;?

Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) as a students city as well as the cultural city of course many things are recorded here. Various backgrounds of the community gathered in Yogyakarta. Both in terms of religion and culture course is very diverse. Can we see some places of worship of various religions there are in this city. Neither Muslim, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths can coexist (can live side by side). Can we see also how the religious acculturation and cultural reflected from one cultural site, that is Prambanan temple. As a Hindu Prambanan temple turns to stand together with the Sewu Temple which is a temple to the identity of Buddhism. This further emphasizes that solidarity between religions and cultures has been around since the days of empire lasted. But until now, almost never found any dispute with any reason. This is because the people of Yogyakarta has grown and evolved as a society that is open to any differences. In fact religion can not be separated from culture. Because religion can be passed on to humans on the basis of culture. In Yogyakarta we can see how the local culture is influenced by some religious elements. Sekaten ceremony recently held two months ago with the Javanese

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calendar as a ceremony to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Beside it also we know the harbor ceremony which is a form of homage to the god of the sea which is also coupled with the myth surrounding the southern ocean. From both these examples clearly illustrated that religion is part of culture. Sekaten with their Islamic rituals and rituals harbor with animism and dynamism. But that should be underlined of these was that ceremonies not include only religious people are concerned but also implemented by other people, because the ceremony has become the property of the people of Yogyakarta, including immigrants from outside the city who had been living in Yogyakarta. The event was held as a culture that is always conserved, therein lies the beauty of Yogyakarta, amid the diversity was still able to maintain unity and foster a safe and peaceful relations, In principle, religion can not change a culture. But religion can be one of the elements of the culture that goes. Fanatic attitude and individuality to any particular religion is not necessary to create a community are aware of the culture. Religion should be able to adjust to the culture that has come before, because religion and culture are two things that interact and influence each other. Religion should be able to accept cultural development that is bound to happen, because culture is not static. However, religion can be a filter to a growing culture that is not too much to follow the foreign culture which is very likely to damage the culture. The role of the government, religious leaders, traditional leaders are very influential for the creation of harmony in the community this diverse. So that unity remains a way of life for the citizens of the State of Indonesia. Specially inYogyakarta. There are some aspects that we often encounter in the city of Yogyakarta, namely: a.

Aspect of language. In communication, language of everyday generally the people of Yogyakarta using the Java language. Yogyakarta province is one of the central Javanese language as a language of literature the masastra, diverse literature,

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literature odors, dictionary, dialect, and orally sengkala in the form of a fairy tale, japamantra, pawukon, danaksara Java. But in recent years many immigrants from various provinces who have come to town to learn anniversary common society always use the Indonesian language as everyday conversation b.

Aspect of Art. Special Region of Yogyakarta has a lot of art. Whether it's cultural arts such as dance or art crafts such as batik, silver, and puppets. Batik. Batik is one of Indonesian handicrafts, especially in the area of Yogyakarta. Batik Yogyakarta is famous for its beauty, both style and color. Existing batik art handed down by ancestors, until today many special places that sell this batik. Batik artisans widely available in the market Ngasem and surrounding areas. The word "batik" is derived from the combination of two Javanese words "amba", meaning "writing" and "point" which means "point". Batik is one way of making fabric. Silver. Silver in Yogyakarta is famous for typically. This craft based in Kota Gede, where almost all the people in this area to be craftsmen and sellers of silver, many of the tourists come to this place to buy silver. Puppet. Puppet art found in many areas of Java, especially Jogjakarta, the craftsmen and mastermind been inherited from generation to generation. Puppets craft widely available in the market area of Ngasem, the materials of this puppet is made from cow or buffalo skin, so it is not easily damaged and durable. Puppet can also easily get along Malioboro area. Gambyong dance. Gambyong dance is a dance that is presented to begin welcoming guests or a wedding reception. Average regular dancers are young and flawless.

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As a performance art, dance gambyong anesthetist presents its own atmosphere for anyone who witnessed so it is suitable to be used as cultural art attractions.

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Name

: Kellon Pierre

Country

: Grenada

Place of Study : University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

Harmony Of My Study Life In Yogyakarta Indonesia. In Yogyakarta (Jogja) there are numbers of ways to learn about the country’s culture, social structure, politics and language. I believe the best way is by living in the country itself. I am from a small island called Grenada in the Caribbean, where I am among three other students from my home island, whom are also studying in Indonesia, upon being awarded scholarships. We are all in different districts within the country, based on our field of studies and the Universities which we were accepted in. Fortunately many countries have student exchange programs between themselves and Indonesia, the students who take advantage of these situations gain wealthy knowledge and experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Yogyakarta has many lifestyles to offer, such as religious, cultural, social and also political. The name “JOGJAKARTA-means never ending Asia” it is the brand name of Yogyakarta (aka-also known as Jogja) in here it is the second main tourist destination city in Indonesia after Bali. Jogja is a Special Region is well known as the tourist destination and the center of Javanese culture. The Sultan Palace is one of the many touristic objectives why tourists visit. Jogja has the reputation of

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being the cultural capital of Indonesia, which gives another good reason for staying here. You can satisfy most of your cultural desires without going too far. Sites such as Borobudor and Prambanan temples are within an hour's drive. Another famous and historic tourist destination is Malioboro Street which was (named after the legendary English General Marlborogh) decorated with vendors selling their crafts along the side walk. In the harmony circumstances you will meet the real Javanese tradition which is far from the big cities being accustom to around the world, like the USA and Europe. This is what I was told â&#x20AC;&#x153;you only have reached java when you enter jogjaâ&#x20AC;?. Jogja is an ancient city which has retained its reputation as a peaceful place up to this day. Therefore, I considered Jogja as the safest place among major cities in Indonesia and also the world. Jogja among other things is called the student city of Indonesia. The diversity of educational facilities is enormous for a city of this size (approx 4 million people). Apart from the Indonesian students, who comes from all over Indonesia to study in here, you will find that there are students from world-wide, who come to study courses from Medicine to Arts, Science, Information Technology Engineering Economics just to name a few. Most of the courses in the Universities are in Indonesian Languages, but the International courses are in English, which means that you will have to learn Indonesian, so you can counteract with the people. For the cost of living in Jogja you would need approximately US$ 175-200 / month to meet basic living expenses such as boarding. They range from hotels to boarding houses (kos) and to home stays (US$ 25-50, single room), food (US$ 75-100), daily fares including transportation (US$ 50), medical cover, and other necessities. However, my figures are only approximate on my personal life-style. So even though the living costs in Jogja are relatively cheaper compared with other big cities and other places around the world, it still very much depends on the lifestyle of each individual. You will also need some money to follow interests beyond your academic studies. If you have no plans to go out for cinema or

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cultural event performances, you should change, because Jogja itself has many hidden and fascinating interesting cultures and social aspects to be observed. Travelling in Jogja, you can go anywhere you like in Indonesia, there is no real restriction. There are planes, trains, buses, cars, taxis, becak, Andong (horse and carriage) plus for other traveling you will find boats an option. However the main source of transport in and around Jogja is the motorbike, which you can buy or rent. The roads are very hectic, but you adapt quickly. The public bus system does not run to any specific schedule, but there are plenty during the day within different routes. At night it’s mostly taxis, becak or your own transport. Also whilst in Indonesia, you can take the opportunity to visit other cities like Jakarta, Bandung and Sumatra to name a few, and get out into the countryside, which is the breath taking parts of the Country. Food in Jogja is fantastic and really enjoyable (enak), with traditional dishes from all over Indonesia. Alongside the street any time of the day and night and you will find food of many kinds. For me it is amazing to see the different kinds of food , and the amount of food stalls on the side walk at night. Rice is an important part of the Indonesian diet and is used in many forms. There are numerous amounts of dishes that will be available, impossible to even try all, because every day you see or hear of something new. Then for the ones that can’t forget the love for famous fast-foods there are the favorite KFC, MacDonald’s, Pizza Hut etc. At the supermarkets you can buy almost everything that you get in your country and as for me even more.Apart from being one of the most beautiful cities in Indonesia. It is the birthplace of Javanese culture where local Hindu culture is bond with Islamic values.

Entertainment

Jogja is almost endless. There are many cultural performances and shows almost every night of the week, both traditional and otherwise. Music is very popular, and you will not find all kinds of music here, mostly Asian music, but I must say they like and enjoy American R&B, Techno dance and also Jamaican reggae music especially Bob Marley. Nightclubs or Cafes, as they are called here, are numerous and provide good entertainment usually with Djs and Local live band

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entertainment. A number of popular sports are available and you can join at your campus or elsewhere and play football, basketball, tennis etc. So I conclude by saying Jogja is an exciting place to live and study. The weather is similar to Grenada in the Caribbean where I come from, because we both carry two seasons (rainy & sunny). One of the most important factors is of course the people. In Jogja they are very friendly, and show gratitude for being able to help you in any way possible, also they always want to interact with westerners and learn about our cultures and ways of life. Every day I make new friends. The lifestyle here is of a happy one. My feeling for living in Jogja grows more than just a student, sometimes I wish I am able to return to Jogja in the mere future. If I ever have to do it again, I will choose to be back here in Jogja with the company of more of my friends, whom I will share my great experience with, on returning to my home in Grenada.

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Name

: Muhammad Aamir Iqbal Qureshi

Country

: Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Place of Study : University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

Harmony Among Civilization I came in Indonesia last September, since than I experience so many different things but being a part of Muslim country where I saw so many conflicts not only between different nationalities but among different group of Islam even so I always ask myself that is harmony among civilizations is so difficult thing to achieve ? Is it that difficult to live together peacefully & respect each other regardless of religion color nationality & believes ? can we just not get along? We are divided by civilizations, religions and cultures, and this is not only virtue of any society but also the primary cause of conflicts between and within nations. The nations destroy their internal integrity when they face such problems, people lost trust, having sense of insecurity, they begin to learn cheating, greediness and that lead to the nations downfall. Since I didn't visit Indonesia before and my mindset was entirely different with this side of the world, but the reality is different as Indonesia is not paralyzed by financial crisis but forging ahead with sweeping reforms of our financial and industrial structure, also Indonesia is enjoying dynamic emerging economy, enjoying one of the highest growth rates in Asia after China and India. Indonesia is not victim of past authoritarian unlike Pakistan as both countries get

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their Independence in same era, also Indonesia is the biggest Muslim populated country so what make it different than others? what make Indonesian economy become so dynamic? How Indonesia is high growth? The best answer I conclude in all these past few months is "Harmony among civilization " Indonesia today despite the consequences of past divergence and painful relation, -- the ethnic differences and religious conflicts between Judaism, Islam and Christianity, provide peaceful land to all nationalities. They are provided warm welcome and accept the global challenge of true democracy and also the development of the country though this become the key of today's success of Indonesia. Islam is one of the world's fastest growing religion of the world population and Indonesia being highly populated Islamic country carried best Islamic teachings. Here I saw those Islamic teachings which rule the western economies as they took the quintessence of Islam and put in their society and proudly present as welfare societies of the world. The example of brotherhood here is mind blowing. Since I am here so far from my home, my own people, work and everyone I know but I feel like home here though I have difficulties that I can't speak local language but the local people are so gracious that they instead of proving any sense of superiority, help me to learn their language, not only this but I am very zealous with traveling so they sometime guide me whole way whenever I lost without thinking that I am stranger and it's not their responsibility to show me different ways. They have sagacity and security that lead to faith they will be rewarded in same way. I saw mutual exposure between civilization that become the most intense humanity I have ever seen as example of "global civilization". Democracy has gained immense ground, spreading in the Islamic world, including in Indonesia. It may be naive to expect that the world can be rid of conflict and hatred. But I believe that Indonesia can fundamentally change and evolve the way civilizations, religions and cultures interact. The Islamic civilization was the most sophisticated in the world because it had an enormous

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and indiscriminate thirst for knowledge and science and this body of scientific knowledge from the Muslim world was later utilized by the Western Renaissance. Civilizations have built on each other knowledge and become enriched by them, so the same thing I found in Indonesia , where they start built their revelation by Eastern, Islamic, and Western influences, culminating in the open, pluralistic and tolerant society that we are today and this become the cross-fertilization of civilization, culture, faith that can produce positive effects of brotherhood, peace and prosperity. Indonesian Government welcome overseas by giving attraction in manufacturing, tourism and also other industries not just for ecumenical point of view but also they now emphasize exchange cultures and share ideas that the more we learn from one another, the more we cooperate and spread goodwill, the more we project power and place it right at the heart of international relations, the closer we are to world peace. The view of multiculturalism in Indonesia is remarkable, I feel no racism because of color, religion or income level that reflect true Islamic teaching. Here they secure their culture in every single tradition and transform their young generation to preserve the heritage of their society their Identity and on the other side they put teaching of brotherhood in eliminatory level teaching that now it become their habit to respect and treat every other as their own family member, here racism is in serious decline, apartheid is gone, inter-racial marriages are common, and the market place picks talents without regard for color, religion or ethnicity. Indonesia is probably the only country in the world where each religious holidays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Islamic, Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist - are designated as national holidays, even though Hindus and Buddhists account only 2.4 per cent of their population. Education system is designed in such a way that students are being taught about respecting religious traditions from very beginning, they solve the problem of Globalization and harmony among civilization in a beautiful way that it is to be ensure that respect of other religion, culture and nationality and respect for religious freedom becomes part of their forthcoming generational.

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They start the great deal of transformation that take the work of generations and decades though it will require patience, perseverance, partnership and lots but Indonesia start thinking outside the box, that the world after will be a world not of conquest, but of connectivity. It will be a world defined not by a clash of civilizations, but by the convergence of civilizations. It will be a world marked by plenty, not by poverty. And it will be a vast empire of global minds breaking down centuries of civilization collisions and hostilities.There is no doubt if I say that Indonesia now represent significant role as a bridge between the Islamic and the western world and develop its nation as unite and symbol of globalization.

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Name

: Thet Naing Tun

Country

: Myanmar

Place of Study : University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta

Harmony among civilization One of the goals of harmony among civilizations is to spread knowledge and appreciation of the historical and cultural background of peoples living in different circumstances and areas of the world. Often, the lack of mutual understanding prevents the process of constructive communication and crossfertilization: Darmasiswa as intergovernmental organization, is unique as it can provide an appropriate framework for the drafting of the general and regional histories involving cooperation between researchers and specialists throughout the world. These works play a major role in the emergence and enhancement of cultural identities and convey to the different peoples a greater awareness of their individual historical, cultural and artistic heritage, while emphasizing their contribution to the heritage of humanity as a whole. As I am a Darmasiswa student I really care about the harmony among the people because in this program there are so many people from difference countries. So harmony is really indeed. "Harmony" is rich in connotation and full of profound philosophy of great wisdom. It advocates, first, diversity and, second, balance and "arriving at the same destination by different routes, reaching unanimity after taking many things into consideration;" it encourages the virtue of magnanimity, promotes the broad and profound spirit of â&#x20AC;&#x153;great virtue carrying substance with it", featuring tolerance, compatibility, and honesty

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and moderation. Gathering different things together and making them balanced is called "harmony". "Harmony" can generate new things, when five-tones are harmonious, the sound is audible; when the five-colors are harmonious, they become a set of well-designed pattern; and when five flavors are harmonious, they are edible. When this logic is inferred to administration, we must harmonize various kinds of interests, synthesize different opinions and defuse complicated contradictions. If same things are piled up together, they cannot give birth to new things and so they cannot be full of vigor, instead, the phenomenon of "such same things that cannot continue to exist" will emerge. When "harmony" is used in interpersonal relations, "magnanimity will win over the public;" when one treats others liberally, he or she will win others' confidence. For instance, one in a high position should treat others with an attitude of leniency and show his courtesy. When "harmony" is used in politics, then there can be "logical administration and harmonious people," historical development can be promoted, and prosperous culture can be achieved. "Harmony" can promote the birth of new things and new thoughts and bring about a situation featuring the blossoming of one hundred flowers and a blaze of color. Conversely, there can only be a situation in which ten thousand horses were muted, and neither crow nor

sparrow

could

heard.

Education is one of the essential foundations of both a culture of peace and a dialogue among civilizations. It advocates for the respect for universal values common to all civilizations (solidarity, tolerance, recognition of human rights and fundamental freedoms for al, etc.). Through education, Darmasiswa contributes not only for the promotion of all of these values but also to anchor them within educational practices and in an individual's behaviour with a view to promoting peace and dialogue among civilizations. So we need to be a good harmonies one among people is the importence thing in socerity

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Name

: Kamila Krasnodębska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : Sebelas Maret University

Harmony among Civilizations Indonesia is a country that boast variety in its borders. Indeed, it is said there is over three hundred ethnic groups in Indonesia, and even more languages spoken. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise to hear that the country motto is “Bhinekka Tunggal Ika” or in English “Unity in Diversity”. The diversity in Indonesia applies also to religions, despite being a country with major population of Muslim. Chapter XI of Constitution says that “The State guarantees all persons the freedom of worship, each according to his/her own religion or belief.” On the official level people are identified as either: Buddhist, Confucianist, Hindu, Muslim, Protestant or Roman Catholic. It is also important to note that the main religion holidays of the above mentioned religions are recognised as free days on national level. Java, the most populated island of Indonesia, during its history was and still remains a melting pot of various cultures and religions. The first religion in Java was animism. Later, from the 4th to 16th century flourished Hindu and Buddhist beliefs under the cover of the Hindu-Buddhist countries. The most notable countries on Java during that time were the Mataram and Majapahit Kingdoms. The end of the century clearly belonged to the Islam sultanates. The Mataram Sultanate (which was later divided into Yogyakarta and Surakarta sultanates) became the dominant power of central and eastern Java during this

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time. That was already during the Portugeese and Dutch colonisation of Indonesia, which promoted Roman Catholic and Protestant religion. During the colonial times there was also an influx of Chinese natives. That is not all the religions or beliefs found in Java, during it’s history. The unmentioned minorities in Javanese history are for example Orthodox and Jews. However it is important to mention the indigenous Javanese beliefs (kebatinan), which are still practised until this day, often along the other religion, like Islam. Kebatinan is a syncretic Javanese religious tradition that incorporates animist, Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic (mainly Sufi) beliefs and practices. The most notable follower of kebantian was President Suharto. The existence of kebantian is probably the best proof for the religious harmony and tolerance among the Javanese people. Although some religions aren’t officially recognised, their believers could form official sects. With the history of cultures and religions melting in the Java island, it is quite understandable that Surakarta (commonly referred to as Solo) is no different in this aspect. In Surakarta live the followers of all the officially recognised religions. The tourist coming to Solo will undoubtedly see various places of worships and schools related to different religions. Often, a mosque and a church will be standing in the close proximity to each other. My university, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), accommodates their students with the buildings suitable for their religions: mosque, church, Buddhist vihara and Hindu pura. As I observed myself, it is also not uncommon to see people of different religions living in one neighbourhood. What was surprising for me was that it’s not uncommon to have sometimes followers of different religions, for example Muslims and Catholics, in one family. Living in Solo, it’s a matter of course, for me to have a lot of Muslim friends. There is a respect for me as a Catholic and for my beliefs. I, also, learn a lot about their religion and beliefs. At times, I also participate in Muslim celebrations, for the first time in my life, as I didn’t have Muslim friends in my hometown. Not

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long after my arrival to Surakarta and after moving into a new neighbourhood, I was invited by my neighbours to share with them the Idul Adha food. My personal experiences in Solo are comforting, in the light of the situations usually covered by foreign media, namely the attacks of extremist onto the people with different belief from the major Sunni Islam. That is comforting, and hopefully, the harmony between different cultures and religions will spread even further, giving the good example to others how to live peacefully

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Name

: Pan Xue’en

Country

: PR China

Place of Study : Sebelas Maret University

Culture and Religion Existing in Solo

As time goes by, one year, like a flowing river, from time to time, one year of life and study has passed. I write this article to summarize what I have done for one year studying in Indonesia; about struggling to live, bad and good experience, teachers, friends, and every help for me to be a better person. This story will be flowing as‘Bengawan Solo’ river. My plane landed in Soekarno-Hatta International airport at September 09 2012. I was picked up by some friends from Universitas Sebelas Maret with a campus bus. I was sitting in a bus, looked around the street of Solo. There was a fresh feeling when I firstly saw this city. Solo Indonesia, is like a beautiful miracle for me. I have more time, more places to visit, and also more comprehension with new feeling. Solo was the center of Javanese culture in Indonesia. It was the capital city of Mataram palace. As time went by, the culture of traditional music and dance developed. There are many kinds of Batiks from Solo so that many shops sell batik. The most famous one is Batik Keris. It has many shops selling the product and it has many brances in Indonesia. If you re intereseted to do Batik by yourself, you can just go to Pasar Klewer to buy some equipments needed.

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Pasar Klewer is a multi-layered batik products market, market Triwindu an antiques market. Pasar Gede is the largest vegetable market Thoreau, where you can buy what you want almost all foods. Solo has Kasunanan and Mangkunegaran Palace. If you want to enter the Kasunanan palace, just across town from the north entrance plaza. Through narrow white palace complex, came Sasono Sewoko Museum. That Museum is a silver and a bronze house, consist of statue of Java and weapons, as well as several other royal family antiques and heirlooms. In addition, there is a palace called Istana Mangkunegaran Solo. This is a small scale of palace, which is situated near the Kasunanan palace. It later became the rebel prince Raden Mas Said, built in 1757. There is a beautiful gazebo pavilion, followed by the main palace hall, which has a museum, surrounded by a large square. People can enjoy playing in the square. Solo cuisines are so many and also very tasty. Nasi Liwet Solo (Boilde Rice Solo) is most unique food, but also one of my favorite foods. It is made of chicken and chicken innards are made with many ingredients, it's very tasty. The city of Solo, with a river running through, named Bengawan Solo. Bengawan Solo is the largest river in the island of Java in Indonesia. Solo citizens, most of them are Muslims, they are very devout, praying five times a day. Former residents who have clean body daily prayer. Old historic cultural Solo is very interesting. Everywhere, Indonesia has tricycle bike. Becak (Pedicab) and the old historical wagon. Old narrow street and thriving arts scene. Solo City is a small town that the old, simple and peace.

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Name

: Aaron West Singer

Country

: United States

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Let me start off by saying that the year I've spent in Indonesia, studying traditional Javanese gamelan music in Surakarta, has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my life. I believe that the scholarship is a brilliant idea that gives people from all over the world, and particularly to those who may not have been able to afford such an experience under their own means, to come and discover and interact with people they're not used to interacting with and in ways that are unfamiliar to them. Every country should offer a program like this. The assigned theme of this paper is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harmony Among Civilization.â&#x20AC;? Indonesia is a culturally diverse country, home to at least 300 different ethnic groups and around 700 different languages. The majority of the of the population (over 50%) identify themselves as Javanese. Despite Indonesia's diversity, Javanese culture has a stronger pull on Indonesian policy than most other ethnic groups. The Javanese influence was clear from day one in the Darmasiswa program. During the course of the Darmasiswa opening ceremony, there was a lecture about Indonesian culture wherein the speaker provided a slide show and lecture illustrating key Javanese cultural concepts that applied to

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all of Indonesia. Fascinatingly, the speaker did not elaborate on why he specified the concepts as Javanese and not simply, Indonesian. Even Indonesia's motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (most commonly translated in English as Unity in Diversity), is Javanese and comes from a Javanese poem. I highlight these points, because this is how we, as Darmasiswa scholars, were first introduced to Indonesia. A culturally diverse country with a hegemonic-like socio-cultural construction. The Darmasiswa opening ceremony weekend was an eye-opening experience for me. Somewhere around 70 different countries were represented from all of the populated continents of the earth. Within an hour of arriving that first evening, I found myself in conversation with people form Korea, China, France, Denmark, the Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Japan. I had never seen such a diverse group of people from so many different backgrounds all in one place before.

The conversations I had

gave me a sense of what life was like in these other countries, what they thought of my country (which was usually far from positive) and what their expectations were for Indonesia.

If anything exemplified the theme Harmony Among

Civilization the most during my time in Indonesia, it was that moment. Over the course of these past nine months here in Surakarta, I have had a numerous different experiences that have shaped my opinions on the harmony in Indonesia's diversity. I found Surakarta to be a very insular city. People who live in Solo, tend to want to stay in Solo. They can be fiercely proud of their city and the traditions they hold sacred. Java pride runs strong through the city and at times can be overwhelming.

Other than the standard â&#x20AC;&#x153;have you been to

Bali?â&#x20AC;? question (and I haven't), they seem uninterested in what is happening outside of their community. My own interactions with Indonesians have been fascinating to say the least. I look ethnically ambiguous. I am not tall, and part Asian, which I find confuses many Indonesians. Mostly they assume I'm from the Middle East. They are often surprised to learn that I am from the United States at which point they commonly ask where I'm from originally. My family has been living in the United

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states for over a hundred years.

Other American friends of mine, and

particularly those with Asian backgrounds, get asked the same question. What they don't seem to understand is that the U.S. is an ethnically diverse country, populated by more than just Caucasian people. Given how diverse a country Indonesia is, I am often shocked at how difficult a time many Indonesians have understanding that the U.S. is just as diverse. Encounters such as these have led me to believe, that while Indonesia is an ethnically diverse country, that diversity does not like to mix.

This is

particularly true in regards to religion. I have had nothing but good experiences with religious people in Indonesia. No one has tried to convert me and I've never personally heard anyone speak badly about anybody else's religion. However, I am aware that people are not encouraged to study outside their religion. Also the fact that Indonesians, by law, must be the same religion in order to marry, undermines the entire idea of Unity in Diversity. Marriage is, of course, a union between two people, so I am boggled that Indonesia would not allow two people of different religions to marry as his could only reinforce the idea of diversity and harmony. I have also been rather shocked by many Indonesians reactions to foreigners. In Solo, and other areas where there seem to be less exposure to foreigners, and particularly “white” foreigners, I've experienced a series of recurring reactions. I have been called “bule” and “londo” more times than I'd care to admit. Most of the time this is from children, but I've even heard it from my own teachers. This is always followed by lots of giggling. Anytime I'm at a touristy area a group of people mob me and asked to have their photo taken with me, as if I'm some kind of movie star. Others have told me how much they want to go to the U.S. as if it were a kind of Eden. It can be pretty overwhelming and tiring. Indonesia is a wonderfully diverse place, but I feel that it is not entirely comfortable with its own diversity. There are cultural tensions that go back centuries and have yet to be resolved. I think Darmasiswa is a fantastic way for

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foreigners and Indonesians to interact with each other and discover that our differences are not so different and learn what makes us unique. Darmasiswa is about sharing in each other's cultures and I believe it's a step in the right direction.

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Name

: Alina Oprelianska

Country

: Ukraine

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

The Beauty of Solo City The first time I arrive to Solo I got the cultural shock. The first month of my living in here, I have a big problems and dilemma in myself, I feel like it was too hard for me to adapt with all the things that happens and exist in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, such as the weather, the people, the food and their polite values that I need to follow and did while I am here. Compare to the lifestyle of the Ukraine society it is pretty high difference with the Indonesian. Like sometimes you just wondering how could you just always eat rice as your main food every single times you eat? My Indonesian friends said that if they do not eat rice while they eat, they still feel like they do not eat yet and will get the hunger feeling soon. They often eat bread just for their appetizer or desserts only, even tough they ate rice already. In the other case also how could you ask the students to wear long pants and shoes to college while the weather feels like hot all the time especially on the day. But I realize that is the point why the God makes the difference in this world, for us to learn and adapt with the things that we do not have, so there are tolerance; understanding and sharing to every single human beings. The path

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that we are doing right now is the process to develop our self and the maturity of our own self. The time I get to understand Indonesia and Solo society, it just feels amazing and loveable. The people are so nice and humble, many times when you walk thru the streets the society smile at you; try to say hi to you and makes conversation even tough their English still not much vocabulary. Sometimes the kids on the road followed me and try to talk to me, for me that is really cute of Indonesia. They like to called the western people/foreigner as â&#x20AC;&#x153;buleâ&#x20AC;?. I found out bule means white, the words came and used when the Holland colonized them. In the other time my neighbor come to us and offered some foods that they have. Solo, Central Java has a good spirit of the city. it is the trade of arts and traditional heritage, there are so much traditional and art places that you could visit. For example Sukuh temple, Mangkunegaran palace, Kasunanan Palace, and many other cultural places. Often they held art events, like Solo International Performing art on September. In the other time there are Solo batik carnival every year, batik is the traditional fabric/clothes of Central Java. This country has beautiful soul plants on their society. The richness of the cultural heritage, arts and the solidarity of the Indonesian society makes them stronger than the world think. I wish that they could always keep their humbleness and care to each other and among the society so they could build and grow the character that they already have and build to becomes more beautiful and stronger more and more.

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Name

: Bianka Nagy Timscuk

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

The Traditional Beauty Among The Civilization â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bhineka tunggal ikaâ&#x20AC;?

This sentence quoted by the motto of national Indonesia, the meaning is unity in diversity, the words came from the old Javanese language. It came from an Old Javanese poem written by Tantular during the reign of the Majapahit Empire. I really adore this motto because it could represent Indonesia as a country in the eyes of the world. Indonesia who has multicultural and pluralism and could stand together as a country to make one beautiful harmony. I have been learning in ISI Surakarta for a year, the time I get to know better about ISI, I appreciate with what they are doing. For me ISI Surakarta is the institute who support the traditional beauty of the art in Indonesia and yet, world. There are not so many institute who specifically teaching/learning about art in Indonesia, as I know it less than ten institute/university, like ISI Denpasar, ISI Padang Panjang & ISI Bandung. the people who learn about art in Indonesia count as somebody who does not have the bright/right future, because the

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society still feel that in the future it would be hard for the artist in Indonesia to keep their career and make good money from their art, it could be means also that the society are still scared to keep; study about their cultural heritage, and art heritage. For the information, they have millions of cultural heritage that related with arts, like traditional Javanese dance, the Javanese music, Javanese instrument (gamelan). Gamelan is traditional music ensemble, typically from island of Java and Bali. I get a change to learn gamelan in here, beside learning from ISI Surakarta, we could also learn in Mangkunegaran Palace, they have open rehearsal every Wednesday and Sunday night, and this rehearsal are free fees and also I learned the Javanese traditional kind of singing. They called the singer who sings as sinden. The sounds of the Javanese instruments and song are simply beautiful, somehow I feel it could hypnotize you to the nirvana. I amazed by the students who are in my classes, they are still so young but they could play this instruments like experts and some of them are already plays in some certain places like in the wayang (shadow puppet) performance. Wayang is the Javanese theatre that perform the Javanese shadow puppet made from the leather and the people usually watch from behind the big huge fabric that flash shadow of the puppet shape. The performance usually start from 21:00 PM to 03:00 AM, it is incredible how they could stand for a whole night till early morning and the dalang could play and not going to the toilet at all, how could that happens? The people who came there usually bring their pillow; blanket and lay down watch their family, sometimes they felt asleep. From what I explain on the above, it could also represent that Solo (the city where I study for darmasiswa program) has a rich cultural art events, there are plenty of them that held in every each months. Solo has two palace and kingdom, Kasunanan kingdom and Mangkunegaran kingdom, each of them has their own interesting identity and character, these two palace usually held some huge cultural events, like sekaten, sekaten is the celebration of the Arabian new year which is in 1st Sura, so usually the Kasunanan palace make a parade and bring their â&#x20AC;&#x153;buleâ&#x20AC;? buffalo around the downtown, this buffalo are very sacral and

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special for the kingdom, the color of the buffalo are white, that is why they call it â&#x20AC;&#x153;buleâ&#x20AC;?, it is also a mascot of them, the interesting thing is that the people take the shit and the water from the buffalo as a bless for their year ahead. However, it is something that unique from Indonesia, we can not judge that as a bad things because every culture have their own way and tradition. Last but not least, Indonesia has amazing art and cultural heritage. The diversity shows the beauty of each culture and all of them being tie together as an Indonesia country. This also shows that the traditional beauty and heritage could stand briefly among the civilization era.

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Name

: Dora Gyorfi

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Multicultural Indonesia When I applied for the Darmasiswa program to study gamelan in Institut Seni Indonesia Surakarta my purpose was also discover an other culture and to experience the very different aspect of life.In Hungary at my university in psychology subject I was taking some intercultural classes so I had a little knowledge about eastern cultures. I was interested in how is of in Indonesia. I was curious how I can take apart in Indonesian culture and how I can use to the lifestyle.Before I arrived to Indonesia I heard in Indonesia Embassy where I used to play gamelan music, and I read as well about the cultural diversity of Indonesia. Many culture and religion can live together in peace with respecting each other. My experience was that Indonesian people who lives in Hungary quite proud of that. It amazed me and I was waiting for personal experience. I study in Solo, therefore I can mainly write about my experiences of central Javanese culture. I am so pleased that I can learn on of the beautiful music of indonesian culture and I can live the life of Solonese people.My first impressions of Solo were nice. I felt a nice city with nice and helpful people where the life is silent and slow. It was a different aspect of life. My quite strong

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experience is that people pay attention each other and sensitive to each other s reaction. The strength of the community I guess everywhere in Indonesia amazed me. I found great. I really miss it in my culture in Hungary although my culture tendes east a little bit. The people pay attention each other, take care each other, help a lot. I always see people together to share something, never leave each other alone. This attitude quite sypmpatic for me. In ISI in the classes I also had opportunity to see a colorfullness of Javanese music, in school, I could take music Banyumas, Bali or Sunda. I realized that in Jawa many kind of music exist and inspirated each other. I noticed that a few students in ISI have different roots. Some of them come from East Jawa or West Jawa to study gamelan music, I think it can be blossoming when many culture meet each other, these can get in touch each other to bring inspiration to music but my opinion is that can bring more understanding to other people. When a holiday was taken in ISI I went to travel in Indonesia with my friends. WE was travelling from Solo cross Bali then through Lombok until Sumbawa. Everywhere we met helpful and nice people, they were quite welcoming. The most interesting experience for me to saw the cultural differences between the islands. We saw the hinduistic Bali with quite different languages and culture and atmosphere. We saw more Islamic Lombok, we saw little communities, we were talking with people there how is the life. Finally we was travelling a bit in Sumbawa, it amazed me that people have different character, different language and clothing, music as well. I was happy to get this experience. I found that people with different religion can live together in peace and to respect each other. The religions, Islam, Christian, Hinduism, and Buddhism can live next to each other. They accept each other s different aspect. We also met people with Arabic roots. We were talking a lot about the differences between religions with full of respect toward the other religion. I learned a lot wow can life be if people respects each other s culture, religion and language. In my country there are many problems between ethnic groups

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because they don t want to understand the cultural differences. It causes many conflicts. I think Indonesia can be a good example to show how people can live together in harmony ti inspiriting each other. And this inspiration comes from the differences. I think it is very important.Thank you very much the opportunity to study here and to experience the amazing Indonesian cultural diversity. I am very pleased to have this kind of cultural experiences.

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Name

: Emilija Gelgotaite

Country

: Lithuania

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony among civilization Like yesterday I remember the day then I got to Surakarta. When from the airport with a bus we were going through small city’s streets, full of interesting people, full of sellers on the streets. This is Asia – I thought at that time. Surakarta, I called it small city, until I checked on Wikipedia and realized that is the same size as Lithuania’s capital, the biggest city. So who could say that Surakarta, second name Solo is small? Day by day, slowly step by step I tried to get know better this city, which became my new home. My first words in Indonesian were hati-hati (attention, take care), lumbalumba (dolphin) and laba- laba (spider), so the language looked pretty funny, but not as easy, as everybody told me back in Europe. These few words which I knew didn’t helped me for buying food or ordering the taxi, but it seems that really worked to make children laugh in the street. Probably every person who starts talking to me in the street, shopping mall, university or the yard asks me where do I come from. The common answer – Lituania – and after seeing lost faces adding – Europa Timur – started to be pretty boring, so I already started to make little jokes with people and telling them that I am from the heaven! They all the time asks me to repeat because

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are lost if they understood this correctly, but after- starts laughing. So my little jokes works hear! Surakarta, not so small city, with a lovely people. Who are totally different from the people in Bali, Jakarta, or in other main cities in Jawa. I found them very mellow, polite, creative and very curious. All the time is a pleasure to talk with them, to show a little bit a respect and try to talk with them in Indonesian language. They really appreciate that. If you need some help in some point, just don’t afraid to ask, they are willing to help you. Before I left Lithuania I heard from my friends: “ You are the lucky one! You will try nasi goreng and don’t forget gado – gado” At that time I couldn’t understand what my friends are talking about. But they were right. Indonesian food is amazing, and I don’t scare to say, that Surakarta’s food is even better. Why I am saying this? Because Surakarta city has traditional food such as nasi liwet, nasi gudeg. These dishes are one of my favorites. That is why I even started to learn and read a book, what is this food secret and how I can make it for my friends back to Lithuania. I could say one thing I realized about Indonesian people that they are super creative in a lot of ways, lets start with selling food. I heard that Solo is known as city which doesn’t sleep. And I could agree with that. Jut after the sunset Solo streets become one big open air restaurant. On the other hand its not so hard, you need just a small table and chair, or if you don’t have it don’t worry just take a rug and warung is already done. Don’t be surprise if you hear a bell at 4 am at night hat means the lovely man is selling bakso in your street. There are more sounds for a different food in which local people don’t get lost contrarily than I. Like bamboo, metal, glass, or just simple bell. So I can easily say that food is one of the part of Surakarta’s culture, with deep traditions and deep love for it. Solo city is also interesting, because this city’s big street sometimes hide small but very coy and nice places. Like small coffee shops, small batik shops. Solo is full of different places, so I guess all people can choose something by their own taste.

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The Palace is in the area of Pura Mangkunegaran This is not actually a "kraton" but a 200-year-old Javanese aristocrat's home built on extra large, luxury and splendid scale. This is the palace of the junior line of the royal family, a princedom, as opposed to the Susuhunan's palace which is the seat of a kingdom. Mangkunegaran is open to tourists since 1969. And it is my favorite place in Solo. This smaller court, still an impressive palace complex, contains a number of carved, gilded teak pavillons amidst a great tropical garden, an excellent museum, souvenir shop, and one of Java's finest gamelan orchestras. See the dazzling regalia and art collection! There's also a library of old Dutch books and, when you go on Wednesday you may see the court dancing for free. And the last but not least thing which amazed me in solo is art. The well known expression “Solo is the spirit of Jawa” is totally true. I would say that Solo is the capital of arts. Here you can find everything, dance, music, acting. Almost everyday there some performance. I was totally surprised how easily you can find a place where to rehearse or to preform. The gorgeous ISI campus is located in great location and dotted with magnificent traditional buildings and open performance spaces. Artistes can register to use any of these practice spaces for free even if they are not affiliated with ISI! How could any artiste feel anxious or uninspired in such a welcoming place? Lets not forget batik. “ Batik - is a cloth that is traditionally made using a manual wax-resist dyeing technique. “ (Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batik) It can fast become your new hobby. Shoping – Solo is just great for that. This city has a central of batik, it is called Kampung Batik Laweyan and Kauman. In this place, we can learn how to make a batik, buy some batik and know the history of batik. In other place, if you want to buy some batik, you can go to Pasar Klewer, Pusat Grosir Solo (PGS), or Beteng Trade Center (BTC). In this place, you can buy batik in the lower price. If that you smart to make powerless the price. And now, when it is about time to leave Solo, I understand how much this city gave to me. Those small streets which looked scary and unknown in first days, now became my second home. Solo is unique city, full of culture, arts,

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smiling people, wonderful places to eat. So if I have a opportunity to visit Jawa once more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Solo will be my first plan.

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Name

: Irina Maria Marinescu

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

So, we are going to talk about harmony, right?! I came in Indonesia having a lot of enthusiasm, wanting to take advantage of all my time that I was about to spend in Surakarta (Solo), Java Island. Being a student at the Art institute. I enrolled myself to seven classes, being, even more, a little bit upset that I have to wait one semester before I would attend two others more. As I said, I wanted to learn a lot! Actually, I had got to understand soon enough that it wasn’t only about being a student, but also about going through an adaptation process to a new culture, new language, new religion, new environment, new mind setups, and everyone was expecting me to mingle… And it was not only about Indonesia, but also learning about many other cultures from all over the world, since at the same institute there were international students coming from four continents! So, it might not be easily seen, but I had got myself involved in many activities that challenged me, and by trying new food, my body had also been challenged! It was quite an experience, which is about to end soon, and I consider that there is still a lot that I did not try, hear, taste, learn, nor comprehend… Of course, everything was new, and sometimes I haven’t even known what were the questions that I need an answer to…

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I was asked what do I like most about Indonesia… The answer is simple: its people! Unfortunately, I also learned to avoid some of its people… My enthusiasm went down during time, and I’ve got to understand that no matter what kind of background we have, people are alike all over the world: good or bad, kind or brutal, having ethics or not, being direct or misleading… What I have gained from this journey, making me richer, are Indonesian art and traditions, so I am going to present you also my perspective upon batik, one of the icons that represent Indonesia. Indonesia is such a mysterious country through its variety, being difficult in telling how many islands has or languages spoken, but I appreciate the fact that, regardless of one’s religion and social status, people from one’s community are willing to help! And this action has a name: Gotong royong.Also, people are smiling almost all the time, and I’ve got to hear mainly the positive aspects, which do not give all the aspects of what it might be… Sooner or later I’ve learned to accept the things as they are, experiencing living in what is being called “rubber time – jam karet”: “besok” might be a word which just defines the future, even though in dictionaries it is being translated with “tomorrow”… yes, I’ve learned to be more patient, and to accept what others want to offer whenever they offer, even though back in Europe this would never work… I’ve learned that while being here, I cannot make plans that involve some other Indonesian people, and this reflects also the difference between our cultures. Living in Solo gave me the opportunity in being connected with art events, both visual and performing, as well as beautiful traditions. Batik is one of them. I’ve started to have a deep appreciation for the Indonesian traditional batik, which comes always together with a meaning! There are patterns which one has to wear only at special occasions, at weddings for example. Batik Solo is well known all over Indonesia, and in this city there are many areas where one can buy handmade batik at a reasonable price, or can visit the one and only Danar Hadi Batik museum. Besides, the annual Solo Batik Carnival is another performance that brings together traditional batik, traditional music and

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traditional dance, as a reminder for all Indonesian people in being proud and not forgetting their roots! Over all, I am grateful having this Indonesian experience, Indonesia is part of me now, and I know that it will come a time when I will return here, seeing this land with different eyes, but also being able to see it deeper!

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Name

: Jennifer Erin Harvey

Country

: Canada

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

The Beauty of Cultural Diversity in Indonesia Every culture has its own sets of rules, languages, attire, and above all a way of life, it is not different with Indonesia. Cultural differences are best reflected in the languages of the native speaker. What is actually the culture? To truly define culture personally I believe that we would have to go back in time and look for different interpretations. It can be found in today’s generation but truthfully, today’s generation does not completely know what culture is, they have lost their sense of culture.Especially if we look back to our home country, Canada. What is actually the culture? The dictionary defines cultures as it is a shared beliefs, learned values and attitude which shape our influences of perception and form behavior. In today’s generation it’s more of I was born in Canada so that is my culture, despite the facts that they have ancestry backgrounds to other cultures. Does everyone in the world embrace their culture no? I say this because I did not fully embrace my culture till I was thirteen years old. I becomes more and more understand the beauty of cultural diversity when I came to Indonesia, there are so many islands and either the cultures and languages. I wonder how could from all this different culture becomes united by

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a country, Indonesia. Every states has their own character and unique beauty. I realized basically that every culture has its own sets of rules, languages, attire and a way of life. Like in Indonesia for example, West Java has their own language, the same with East Java, they have their own language either and if you do they have different dialect, the answer is definitely. Even in East Java itself, each town has their own dialect identity, so it is not hard for Indonesian to defined and determined from where the person that they are talking to. As I am learning in Solo Central Java, ISI SURAKARTA. I would like to tell about the beauty of the place where I study for a year.Solo for me its like the central of cultural art and heritage, your mind would be blown if you know that there are always art events that happening in this city, I mean literally. Most of the events you could come and watch it freely, there are batik kampong (the Indonesian language for village/area) that you could visit and have a look. It is not possible for you to learn how to do batik in the workshop of batik, and in ISI Surakarta. I really like doing batik, and I think that I am going to make more in my home country. The motives has meaning, and for the royal family of Solo, they have their own motives that the common people could not use at all. It is interesting how batik also could defined the social status of somebody. Last but not least, I would like to say that diversity is something that beautiful if you try to understand and receive it as the way they are.Diversity made for us to tolerant and understand to every different human beings, the life would become really plain if there are no diversity at all that exist in this world.

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Name

: Josef Janosovic

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

The country with the million smiles The country with the million smiles, that is the first impression that I could catch about the people and society of Indonesia, especially Solo, the city that I live while I am doing my darmasiswa program. Indonesia, the country of archipelago, the tropical paradise where there are thousand of culture, language, islands. There are millions island from Sabang to Meraoke and each provinces have their own different characteristic, culture and sometimes different behavior and food. In Papua, their main food mostly “papeda” made from tapioca flour, different with Javanese and Sumatranese who adore rice for their main meal. In the case of traditional clothes;

houses/building, they also have their own

specification and characteristic, in Central Java they have Joglo as their traditional house while in Lampung have siger as their traditional house, and of course each of them has different shapes. It is also interesting how they have different languages in every own culture, like Central Java has their own “bahasa Jawa” (Javanese language) and West Java has “bahasa Sunda” (Sundanese language) as their language also Lampung has Lampung language for their daily routine conversation, everyone

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have their own unique and different vocabulary, that shows how rich the culture of Indonesia, but one interesting fact is they all being connected by Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language), the formal language of Indonesian people. The Indonesian language basically has similar kind with Malay language, but mixed with Sanskrit, Spanish, Portuguese, Arab, India and Holland. The multiculturalism and difference help and teach them to be tolerance and support each other. That is why they could reach their independence from Holland and Japanese colonization. When I went to Jogjakarta, I was being amazed by the great Prambanan and Borobudur temple, Prambanan temple is the largest Hindu temple that located in Central Java, Indonesia. It was built during the 9th century as the Hindu temples. The temple was dedicates to Brahma, Visnu and Shiva. The architecture are incredible. It is really interesting to see the fact that there are large Buddhist; Hindu temples such as Prambanan and Borobudur but the majority of religion in society are moslems. There are a lot of traditional heritage that you could visit while you are here. You will never have enough time to explore Indonesia from the west to the east. The society who is basically humble and nice could always amaze you. Do not worry to get lost in Indonesia, because you could always ask people on the street and will answer it with the smile on their face, even tough sometimes they did not know the answer, they will find another person to help, and oftenly it will end up with a crowd of people who will help you to find the way. The country with the million smiles, the diversity that make them become tolerance from one to another. Indonesia is my faraway home, I could always feel the warmness and the humbleness of the society.

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Name

: Kornelia Both

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Multicultural Indonesia Indonesia is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth most populace country with its 240 million inhabitants and can offer a great opportunity to experience a variety of traditions and cultural features. From the western tip of Sumatera to the other side of Papua is a nation that defies homogenization. Indonesia is a land of so many cultures, peoples, animals, customs, plants, features, art-works and foods that it is like 100 countries melded into one. The differences are very divers, which can be observed also at its people who are very various from each other varying from one island to another, to one region to another, even sometimes from one village to another. It can be said that every island is a unique blend of the men, women and children who live upon it. Over time deep and rich cultures have evolved, from the mysteries of the spiritual Balinese to the utterly non-Western belief system of the Asmat people of Papua. If we look to the history of this country we will recognize soon that Indonesia has gone a long way towards conceptualizing and implementing a national vision of multi-ethnic coexistence. "Unity in Diversity" (Bhinneka

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Tunggall Ika) was proclaimed the national motto of newly-independent Indonesia when it served the bonds of Dutch colonial rule at the end of World War II. The motto, drawn from Sanskrit and attributed to rulers of the Majapahit Empire (a Javanese polity of the 14th century), evokes ancient ties between Javanese and other powerful Asian Kingdoms.The prominent use of this motto is for two reasons. First, it marks the early insights about the importance of supporting a diversified multi-ethnic fusion rather than a "melting pot." Second, it represents how Indonesia addresses the challenge of cultural pluralism. Indonesia has succeeded in constructing a unified, multi-ethnic state, so it can be considered as an emblematic example for the world. As a Darmasiswa student studying at ISI Surakarta I have had the great opportunity to experience the multiculturalism in Indonesia first hand. First of all, the dance classes I attended at ISI allowed me to have an insight in this deep cultural diversity. Taking various traditional classes ranging from the court dances of Central Java to the traditional community dances of Sumatra allowed me to meet the rich cultures of Indonesia. All dance types are very rich and beautiful and it has been a great pleasure for me to study them. I can state that through the different dance types I also got more familiarized with the different habits and customs of multicultural Indonesia. Through the classes I could gain personally a fine picture what it really means Indonesian multiculturalism. Besides the classes another important cultural experience that allowed me to understand better and deeper the multicultural finitude of this country got realized during some cultural tours which I was fortunate t take during the semester break. During this trip I could meet the remarkable differences as following: between people, like from the low-land and from the high land; between religions, like from Muslims to Christianity; between attitudes in the different islands.These first hand experiences make me impressed of the Indonesian people and give me an unforgettable memory of the country.

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Name

: Lili Szret

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony among civilization

The Indonesian national motto â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unity in Diversityâ&#x20AC;? points to one of the greatest attractions of your host country, Indonesia. There are some 300 ethnic groups, a result of both the country's unique geography and history. Many Indonesians may see themselves first by their ethnic and cultural group and secondly as Indonesians. The glue that binds the people together is the usage of the Bahasa Indonesia, the national language, and Pancasila, the national philosophy, which stresses the doctrine of unity and universal justice for all Indonesians. The arts in Indonesia have their roots largely in the pre-Islamic cultures, specially of Java and Bali. An oral tradition of storytelling, particularly of epic tales of Indian origin, continues to be important. Puppet shadow plays associated with the same themes are common in most rural areas. There also is a formal dance tradition, similarly based on themes and movements in the Indian manner. The dancing is accompanied by an orchestra, called a gamelan, consisting of such percussion instruments as drums, gongs, and xylophones, together with flutes and stringed instruments. Weaving is another high art, and each region has distinct patterns of largely cotton fabrics. A fabric, called batik, created in Java, is particularly well known in other countries, and some is exported. Batik is an

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Indonesian word meaning "wax writing"--The process involves applying a mixture of beeswax and paraffin wax to specific proportions of the fabric using a curious Javanese instrument called a "Tinting". The fabric is then dipped or panted with wet dyes, leaving the waxed areas impervious to the colour. The designs and the colour schemes are built up with successive waxing and dyeing. As this process is all done by hand ,each piece is original and no two pieces are ever quite the same. Some of the things made of batiks are: fabric beach wraps, beach squares, long scarves, Beach tops, Kaftans-long, waist coats, shirts scarf/caps, squinges (for your hair),cushions, tablecloth, place mats, batik napkins. Creative artist has produce beatiful arts paintings using the same method. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia. The written and spoken form is based on the Malay trade dialect which was used throughout the region in the past. Bahasa Indonesia is a strong unifying factor in a country where more than 300 distinct regional languages are still spoken. Bahasa Indonesia is not a difficult language to learn and many expatriates quickly learn the language sufficiently to succeed in meeting every day needs. More formal Bahasa Indonesia is expected to be used in high level business meetings. Newspapers and television news use formal Bahasa Indonesia. English may be spoken in international and high level business contexts in large cities. You may be able to converse with some Indonesians in Jakarta in English. In rural areas it may be difficult to find people who speak English, unless the locale is a widely visited tourist destination. Many employees of international hotels and limousine drivers speak English. You may have difficulty finding an English speaking taxi driver or household staff. Dutch may be understood by older Indonesians, who may have attended Dutch schools. Most Indonesians live in rural areas and are farmers, though they generally raise only enough food crops to feed their own families. About 78 percent of the population is classified as rural, and about 60 percent of the labor force works directly in agriculture. The rest of the rural population earns a living through fishing, forestry, handicrafts, and the processing of agricultural products.

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The most common type of settlement, typified by the Javanese village, is a concentration of large thatched-roof houses on stilts. These villages, called kampungs, are surrounded by fruit trees and various kinds of palm trees, which contribute substantially to the family food supply. A kampung, normally provide shelter for about 500 persons and many of the structures blend into neighboring settlements. These appear to be towns of several thousand people, most of who are engaged in agriculture. Rural population densities in these areas are extremely high, reaching 3,000 per square mile (1,160 per square kilometer) in parts of Java. Densities tend to be much less in the Outer Islands. Sundas to the East of Java, of whom the Balinese are the most numerous. Among the non-Malay people of Indonesia are approximately 4 million Chinese. Many of them have adjusted to Indonesian ways, and most live in the larger cities and towns. The Chinese residents have, however, often been persecuted by the Malaysian majority. Dayaks inhabit the Borneo highlands, and small number of Papuan peoples of Melanesian origin live in Irian Jaya. Indonesia is a rich country in resources and cultures. The people can be proud of being her citizens. As acknowledged earlier, there have yet a nation, where diversities are easily recognized, and ethnicity is the foundation of peace and harmony. In the recent issues of economic recess is taking a big toll in the Asian countries, particularly Indonesia. One have to ponder within one own-self, what was wrong in the economic market that caused the economical imbalance? This economic imbalance in turn jeopardizes the peace of one nation, and her treaty with other countries. Our hope that this fourth largest country in the world, with many diversities within her own region will manage to continue to be bonded with the spirit of musyawarh, mufakat, and gotong-royong. Overcoming yet another challenge that will test the very fabric of Bhineka Tunggal Ika ( Many but One or Unity in Diversity). In recommending the solutions to the problem that this country is facing, was not an easy one. First of all the problem was not easy to identify, second to change a nation one has to change her people. In doing so, it

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is crucial for anyone who is willing, to know first the people through personal relationship. This will gave the people a sense of honor and dignity

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Name

: Matthew Dunning

Country

: United States

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony in civilization

I’ve been living in Indonesia for a little less than two years now. I was lucky enough to extend my original darmasiswa scholarship for an extra year. Throughout this time I not only learned the art that brought me here, but I had the opportunity to experience a different culture, a different way of life than my own. This part of the experience has opened my eyes to the world but also myself. Before I came to Indonesia I thought that harmony could exist in the world simply if people chose it to happen. I still believe this is true but now believe that it is a much more difficult task that I previously imagined if we just try to do it “our way” and don’t consider the way other people harmonize with each other. I was naïve to think that the world could cooexist in peace if we just decided it could. It’s much harder than that. It takes work. We are not the same you and I. we come from different places. We have different histories. We have different humor, we have different notions of love and satisfaction. We have different ambitions. this is good. It’s good that we are different. people often ask me ifi prefer to live in Indonesia or America. It’s an incredibly hard answer. I try

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not to think about my family but simply the culture When I answer. I weigh the pros and cons of each quickly in my head and answer that “I don’t know” or “I like both” there are things about Indonesia that are wonderful and amazing, things about everyday life, things about community. There are things also that drive me crazy here. Likewise if I look at America. There are things such as humor, ambition, and respect for nature that I miss. In America there are also things that drive me crazy. One place isn’t better than another, they re just different. There isn’t a perfect place and there isn’t a perfect system and there isn’t a perfect ideal. Every culture has good ideas and bad. Good parts and bad. For us to truly live in Harmony we must learn from each other and stop taking advantage of each other for personal gain. We will never have harmony in civilization unless people stop seeing other people as a means to their ends. People must be seen as ends in themselves. This starts at the personal level, with your friends and family. Respect your neighbor’s opinions, it’s ok to have an argument, but make sure your ears are open to alternatives. Don’t try to cheat them. Give them the best of yourself. The same goes for business, and nations. Most governments are self interested and don’t see the bigger picture. The world is an ecosystem and must work in harmony. When one nation uses another nation for their own personal gain instead of mutual gain the harmony of civilization is at risk. Another factor is harmony with the environment. Earth is a closed ecosystem. Wha we have is what we have. If we take care of what we have it will treat us well, we evolved to live in harmony with the earth. If we try to dominate it, to control it, to use it instead of live with it we can never have harmony. Indonesia is a special case. There are hundreds of cultures and languages. Thousands of islands. Millions of specias of plants an animals. Many different people with different histories, culture, and ambition. It is a noble goal to believe that these people can all coexist together. Anything is possible but for it to be ethical and ultimately successful all the cultures must learn from each other. They must not take advantage of the other and must see each other as

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equals. the environment must not just betalked about with reverence but respected andtreated like a friend. You must take care of the environment whenit is sick and when you are scik it will take care of you. Indonesia has the potential to be a model for the world. A model for peace and harmony. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s there yet. There is too much corruption and jealousy and not enough self-confidence. It has a lot of work ahead of it to reach the goal of harmony in civilization, however I believe that if it is possible anywhere. It is possible here.

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Name

: Megan Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue Wiliams

Country

: United States

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Cultural diversity in Indonesia is extremely interesting. Since I have been studying karawitan at ISI Surakarta this year I have learned a whole lot about culture among the people. The thing is, culture is very interesting here. Even food is different. People in different cultures eat different food and have different languages even. Somehow they make it work. It must be like putting together a fashion show where you have to sew really tight clothes onto a model that gained some weight at the last minute. It is hard but you can do it if it comes down to it. That is how I feel about cultural diversity. Every rushing around trying to make the best out of an uncomfortable situation. But they do it and from the audience's perspective it looks really good (the audience being like me, foreign tourists). But the truth is the model and the fashion designer (the natives with different cultures) really have lots of conflicts and problems. It is so uncomfortable and it really stresses them out. But on the surface it is so peaceful. That's why I love Indonesia. Sometimes I think about culture and I feel so anxious. How come we all have to have differences. ? But honestly I love diversity. Sometimes I see people from different religions. I can tell because muslim women wear cloths on their heads. They really wrap it up tight. And sometimes they don't and you can't tell if

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they are muslim. But they are both still muslim and they don't hate each other. That's why I love Indonesia. Every day, I see things like this. For example, I like to ride a bicycle to my campus. There are poor people working in rice fields really near my house. And, they ride their bikes. I can tell Indonesia is full of harmonious diversity. And, I love it. Sometimes diversity shows it face in new and strange ways. Like racial tolerance for example. I think we're all really tolerant and doing a good job here. In Indonesia, everyone eats rice. The rice unifies them. People from Sunda and Bali can eat rice together. Because they are Hindu and Muslim but they don't have problems. That's why I love Indonesia. I hope Indonesia can always have this nice way of keep problems away. Even the music is so beautiful here. That's why I love Indonesia. When I first came to Indonesia I was so surprised at all the differences. Like, they take showers with cold water and don't use toilet paper. They fry all of the food. And they don't care about trash everywhere. But now I see that the people here are pretty much same. I love to eat ice cream near campus with my friends. And I can tell that my friends like to eat ice cream too, even though they are Indonesian. I love singing songs in Javanese even though I am American. My favorite activities are based around music and happiness here. I find that most Javanese people also like music and happiness. Sometimes I worry, will people here like me? And, they do. But sometimes I feel they have cultural and religious conflicts. I know this is true. But still, they carry on. And on and on. Life can be so beautiful in that way. That's why I love Indonesia. I wonder, how many days will go on like this? Still the days keep coming. Indonesia has beautiful scenery. I saw it once on the train. It was so amazing. I saw a man with no clothes on take a bath in a river. But because of diversity, people tolerate him. That's why I love Indonesia. Also there is something called pos rondo. That is a place for keeping everything under control in the nieghborhood. And, they have a TV there. I think about American mail carriers. They are not given TV privileges at work. Because of this I believe Indonesia has more of a harmony style. I had the best food one

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time here. It was called pecel there were spinaches and peanut sauce. I ate it with my friends. They are Indonesia but we can eat this food. Together like that? That is amazing. That's why I love Indonesia. I had the best time at school yesterday. I saw so many things. A person learning, a person riding a motorcycle, a person eating and a person texting with their cell. I think, there is so much diversity at this school. can you believe how many activities are going on here in this one place? Minimum four activities. And that is why Indonesia has high tolerance. Because they have a strong history of colonies and war. This gets mixed up with their art. Somehow it works out. It's kind of like when you take your toddler to the grocery store (an American store) and they pick an apple from the bottom. Suddenly the whole store is swimming in apples. Momentarily you feel so embarrassed. But then you see the tolerance of the people around you. Nobdoy hits you and you feel just fine. That is why I feel the emotion and motivation to keep hanging around here. I have a high level of tolerance too. Sometimes my neighbor talks so loud in the morning. It really keeps my ears on fire and it is so so early. I choose the Javanese way of dealing with her stupid voice. I just close my front door. Even though it's hot and I want to enjoy the air. Her voice is too loud for my tolerance. So I tolerate the heat instead. This is definitely a skill I learned from Javanese people. Maybe if I was still just in America I would walk over to her and tell her to be quiet. I like going to the Kraton and the Mangkunegaran. Those places are extremely lovely and everyone talks in a quiet voice. I appreciate that about Javanese people. It is so beautiful. I like watching the traffic of the motorcycles and the cars. But I feel scared to drive myself. So I hire someone to drive me around. I appreciate it. I also am too busy to always be with my daughter. So I can also hire someone to watch her. Because nobody loves me here I have to pay people to help me and take care of me. But I have learned about the tolerance. It is a skill.

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Every morning my daughter likes to buy fresh soy milk from the vegetable seller. It's delicious and the man is from Tawangmangu. Tawangmangu is so cold. But every day he comes to Solo where it is so hot. He can appreciate diversity. When he comes around to our house he rings a little bell. Normally around eight thirty or nine in the morning is when he comes. After that I usually like to buy some tempe from the local cafe. Tempe is fried with garlic and salt. I eat it and I drink my coffee. My daughter also likes tempe because of tolerance. Life can make you feel so happy like that. I am overjoyed with my experiences here. I hope so greatly when I go home that I can teach people. What I will teach them is about the harmony and diversity I learned in Indonesia. That's why I love Indonesia. I hope lots of tourists will come to Indonesia after conversing with me. They can bring everybody and even spend money here. That is why programs like this are so so effective and I love this Darmasiswa program. Because everybody really really cares about how everything works and then the tourists come. I think the most beautiful things here are the temples and everything so nice like that. I love the fruit stands. There are so many flies but people just tolerate them. And that is why I love Indonesia.

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Name

: N贸ra V谩rg贸

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony among civilization in Indonesia

I came to Indonesia with the intention to study about central-javanese music, which is very important piece of javanese culture. Although i have been knew a little bit about indonesian culture, religion, environment, a would not expected, what i discovered since i am here. And I have to say my knowledge is still poor. how could be complete? Maybe even a human life not enough to know perfectly. As I mostly dealing with central javanese music i still do not have enough braveness to to talk about it deeply but i can try write down what i have perceive around me. Indonesia, as a land has already surprising and amazing details. Amount of Islands, nation, languages clearly includes several different culture. But since I researching and leaving here, in the middle of javanese culture, able to recognize how deep, how strong culture is. And complex, throughout many view. So as i mentioned already i cannot speak about the whole diversity of indonesia, but i can speaking about, what i can see in Surakarta and the small area which below to and where i have been already.

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Jawa only one island from many. Wherever i go things are changing. cultures are meeting, get something from each but yet different. Many nation, religion many habit and people are living in peace, respecting eachother. At the beggining I was wondering how it is possible and now I think they have a very strong reason: A way of praying it is not importend, neither clothes wear, because people has common interest: Keep the culture and habits in they lovely land, Jawa. Javanese culture is important for old and for young ones. Family is keeping the original culture and pass forth. Structure of amily is working as a family supposed to have. People are proud of they culture and a government also. They have many event, celebration and wherever i go in the city i can find a wayang kulit, orang, or tari performance for sure. This events are not only place for performing but also a possibility for people to meeting with friend, having fun together and getting cultural impression at the some moment. Beside they are keeping the old culture of jawa they also opening towards other direction such as contemporary culture and people whos are coming from another parts of indonesia or the other part of the world. Only in a last two week i was in two great and well organized event, "Hari menari 24 jam" and "Orang orang dari luar". Both of them organized by Solo and during performing jawanese dance or music, hosted people, whos coming from a different culture. And everybody was very interested, opened and curious. I really impressed how the life is here. How many colour Indonesia has, and how people living in peace beside eachother. How the language able to commentate soft difference in society and how people caring with eachother. I feel very satisfied and lucky to getting a possibility to living in this culture, and take a piece to my country.

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Name

: Olga Salamon

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony among Civilizations

Pancasila is the official foundation of the Indonesian state. It comprises five principles held to be inseparable and interrelated: 1. Belief in the one and only God, (in Indonesian Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa). 2. Just and civilized humanity, (in Indonesian, Kemanusiaan Yang Adil dan Beradab). 3. The unity of Indonesia, (in Indonesian, Persatuan Indonesia). 4. Democracy guided by the inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations amongst representatives (in Indonesian, Kerakyatan Yang Dipimpin oleh Hikmat Kebijaksanaan, Dalam Permusyawaratan dan Perwakilan) 5. Social justice for all of the people of Indonesia (in Indonesian Keadilan Sosial bagi seluruh Rakyat Indonesia) In 1945, facing the need to pull together the diverse archipelago, the future President Sukarnp promulgated Pancasila as philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state (Indonesian: "Dasar Negara").

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Sukarno's political philosophy was mainly a fusion of elements of socialism nationalism and monotheism. This is reflected in a proposition of his version of Pancasila he presented on 1 June 1945, to the Investigating committe for preparation of independence (Badan Penyelidik Usaha Persiapan Kemerdekaan, BPUPK), in a speech known as "The Birth of the Pancasila. After several BPUPKI meetings, the five principles (sila) proposed by Sukarno were rearranged. The fifth sila concerning religiosity was promoted to become the first sila. Internationalism, justice and humanity remain as parts of the second sila. The previously first sila about nationalism became the third sila about Indonesian unity. The third and fourth sila about democracy and social warfare become the fourth and fifth sila Pancasila was thus intended to help solve the conflicting priorities among Muslims nationalist and Christians. The 1945 Constitution of Indonesia then set forth Pancasila as the embodiment of basic principles of an independent Indonesian state. Since its inception, Pancasila has been the subject of differences of opinion. One prime area of contention concerns the first of the five "pillars", the requirement for a belief in the all-oneness of God (Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa). During the negotiations concerning this principle the nationalists were concerned that the formulation ought to promote religious freedom The Muslims wanted a formulation where the religion of Indonesia is Islam. A historical anachronism is found in the Constitution. On 18 August 1945, the group that ratified the Constitution unanimously agreed that the term allah should be replaced by "Tuhan" (God), a more general term which was supported by the Hindus The word 'Ketuhanan' and 'Allah' is used in the preamble to the Constitution, but the term 'Allah' appears in Article 9, which specifies the wording of the presidential oath of office. There is an alternative presidential 'promise' in the same article which does not mention God at all. The content of the philosophy has been changeably interpreted by different philosophers. Pancasila has been an object of philosophical discourse since 1945 onwards. The

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Pancasila philosophers continually reinterpreted the content, so that its meaning varied from time to time. The following are chronological analyses of the content of philosophies of Pancasila. The first draft of Pancasila was formulated by Sukarno (Nationalism, Internationalism, Representative Democracy, Social Justice and Belief in the One and Only God), delivered on June 1, 1945 before the Investigating Committee for the Preparation for Independence (BPUPK), without the word "Indonesia". The second draft of Pancasila was formulated in the "Jakarta Charter" by the Committee of Nine (Panitia Sembilan) (Sukarno, Muhammad Hatta, Muhammad Yamin, Alexander Andries Maramis, Ahmad Subardjo, Ki Hadikusumo, Wachid Hasyim, Agus Salim and Abikusno). Sukarno accepted the suggestion of the other members of the committee to change the "sequence" of Pancasila. The fifth Sila of Sukarno become the first Sila of the "Jakarta Charter" and the wording became "Ketuhanan dengan kewajiban menjalankan syariah Islam bagi pemelukpemeluknya" (Belief in Almighty God with the obligation for its Muslim adherents to carry out the Islamic law/Syari'ah). On August 18, 1945 the Committee for the preparation of Indonesian Independence changed the formulation of the first sentence of Pancasila by removing the words "with the obligation of its Muslims adherents to follow Syariah", so the first sila became "Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa The first draft of the Pancasila philosophy was formulated by Sukarno on 1 June 1945.[7] Sukarno always stated that Pancasila was a philosophy of Indonesian (indigenous) origin, which he developed being inspired by philosophical traditions in Indonesian history, including indigenous philosophical traditions,

Indian-Hindu,

Western-Christian,

and

Arab-Islamic

traditions.

'Ketuhanan', to him, was originally indigenous, while 'Kemanusiaan' was inspired by the Hindu concept of Tat Twam Asi, the Islamic concept of fardhukifayah, and the Christian concept of Hebt Uw naasten lief gelijk U zelve, God boven alles. Sukarno further explained that 'Keadilan sosial' (social justice) was inspired by the Javanese concept of Ratu Adil (the Just Leader), a messianic Javanese ruler who would set the people free from all kinds of oppression.

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In 1945, in an attempt to unite the diverse archipelago, the future President Sukarno promulgated Pancasila as "Dasar Negara" (philosophical foundation/political philosophy of Indonesian state). Sukarno's political philosophy was mainly a combination of elements of socialism, nationalism and monotheism. This is reflected in a proposition of his version of Pancasila he proposed to the Investigating Committee for the Preparation for Independence, in which he originally espoused them in a speech known as "The Birth of the Pancasila" on June 1, 1945. After several BPUPKI meetings, the five principles (sila) proposed by Sukarno in 1 June 1945, were rearranged for the Jakarta Charter and the Preamble of the Indonesian Constitution (Saafrudin Bahar et al.,1995 and Kusuma, 2004). The fifth sila concerning religiousity was promoted to become the first sila. The previously first sila about nationalism become the third sila. The third sila (unity) of Sukarno become the fourth sila. Internationalism, justice and humanity remain as parts of the second sila. The original third and fourth sila about democracy and social welfare become the fourth and fifth sila. Sukarno thus helped solve the conflict between Muslims, nationalists and Christians. The 1945 Constitution then set forth the Pancasila as the embodiment of basic principles of an independent Indonesian state.

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Name

: Rita Deiola

Country

: Italy

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony Among Civilizations

"The first trap when you start talking about distant cultures, is the trap of romanticism and exoticism." Katerina Valdivia Bruch Introduction In Italy when you talk about Indonesia, people immediately think about Bali, as if it is the center of Indonesian culture or at least, as it represents the indonesian identity.The clichĂŠ sees women move to the rhythm of gamelan with eyes looking left and right. To not avoid falling into traps naive before come to Indonesia I asked myself the question of which country I visited. My point of view is the understanding of a culture through its dances. I have read about Javanese and Balinese dances according to the Western point of view, I got seduced by the description of this culture that has been strongly influenced by the refined Indian civilization that was likely in Indonesia by the merchants and

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colonists in the early centuries of the Islam era. Many European artists who I love madly are confronted with this culture, Gordon Graig, Antonin Artaud, Peter Brook, Eugenio Barba, Ruth Saint Denis, MarthaGraham. What are Western artists sought in Java? The impersonality of the actor, entrusted with the scientific rigor of acting, dance, singing, movement . With this ideas I came from Italy in the first city in Jakarta. This idea of a romantic indonesia that welcomes you with flowers is debunked arrival airport of Jakarta, the impact with the city, a metropolis depersonalized, sci-fi, skyscrapers/hives, the company's shopping center .Where is the Javanese culture? why everything seems so different from what I had read and studied? I think I'm naive and I remember that in fact every capital represents the worst of society, with its tendency to globalization and to accommodate the Western fascination. I remember when I was in Africa I became immediately aware of what dance and art in general was a common lifestyle, dance and sounds fill the streets and all life with the rhythm of the drum, from the largest town to the smaller, so, my image of Africa coincided perfectly with what I saw. How come this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen now that I'm in Java? Where is the dance? Is perhaps relegated to special places? the dance does not live anymore in the society? I'm waiting for the confusion find order in my mind, I give myself the time to understand starting to talk with people and listening for the first time the sounds of the new language. I ask myself question about the life in Javanese culture but my destination will be Sumatra, where I lived for one year, discovering, then, another Indonesia. Although I knew that I would live in a Muslim country, the first thing that struck me just arrived at the airport in Padang was obliged to cover my shoulders and feel uncomfortable for my hair that I usually wear loose.

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My discovery of Indonesia through Sumatra So, I find myself in Sumatra where the Islamic culture has prevailed most, where the minagkabau ethnicity lives according to the laws of ADAT and culture of matriarchy. How can I find harmony between my thoughts and the image I had before? The village of Padang Panjang is characterized by the Minagkabau culture of which I know only by living. The sinuous movements which I had seen in the giavanese dances give away to movements related to the land ... Randai, Pencak Silat, Tari Piring, all forms of folk dance inherent in society and that you have a good fortune to see at many celebrations. I think Indonesia as a sort of giant matryoshka.... Traveling in the same Sumatra, crossing the Danau Toba, the Mentawai island,I come in contact with different cultures, the Batak are Christians, their houses donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same shape as Minang, their music seems almost like Spanish, I sow men in Mentawai marked by symmetrical tattoos all over the body, and play instruments carved in wood. So what kind of culture there is in Sumatra? How can minangakau feel connected to the people of Mentawai? What they have in common? Speaking with the students understand the fascination they have for Europe but when I ask what they have seen in Indonesia very few have been out of Sumatra, then they have a partial view of Indonesia and not a globlale vision. My image of Indonesia is radically transformed, I try to harmonize my thoughts and myself really the problem wich country is Indonesia ... is a place with more places...? moreover "United in diversity" is the slogan chosen by Sukarno at the time of the birth of the modern Indonesian state to emphasize respect for ethnic and cultural diversity of the hundreds of microcosms that make up the Indonesian archipelago, but at the same time, the unity of the state, not only as a result of a political career strongly marked by the Dutch colonization, but also as an element of historical continuity and geographical

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area that has always traveled by trade and relations between the people that populate it. The problem of harmonization is not only in my thoughts but it is a problem in society, how can a society based on the power of women, matriarchy, so deeply adhere to the dictates of Islam who see the submission of the woman? How can the minagkabau culture feel represented by the Javanese culture? What these people have a sense of belonging with the great mother that encloses? And if the slogan is "united in diversity" how come there is so much resentment against people who live in Banda Aceh, in Mentawai, or Papua? The language is the glue? Is it enough? Each island has its own pride isolate that is greater strength in feeling of belonging to the great state, which provides rules, religion, flag. This national pride always amazes me. When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m in social settings most of the conversation focuses on being Indonesians, as well as in the celebrations often sings the anthem, the flag is displayed, wherever the face of the president, and this sense of nationalism, to me that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Italian, it seems almost more exotic than Indonesia itself. Java Now I live in Java for about a year and I found the dances that I had studied, the sinuous movements, slow dance like a prayer like a form of meditation. It is interesting to see the influence of Indian heritage, the Mahabharata and Ramayana danced by Muslims men and women. Equally interesting to see how the Javanese culture has found a compromise with the Indian, with the Islamic one, with the shamanic.Because although this is a Muslim society the ancient beliefs and superstitions are still living in a sort of collective unconscious "[...] The ephemeral world of our consciousness they communicate a psychic life unknown, belonging to a distant past; unknown communicate the spirit of our ancestors, their way of thinking and feeling, the way they experience life and the world, the men and the gods." (Carl Gustav Jung)

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Harmony in disharmony I play a puzzle of "my Indonesia". The Indonesians call their country Tanah Air Kita, our and and our water. Travelling between the earth and the water and my puzzle is made up of colors, smells, tastes, religions, different faces. The beauty lies in diversity, I understand, now that I write that what I love about this country are its contradictions rather than the search for harmony. I love life in Solo, the trash and clutter in the streets in opposition to the cleanliness and beauty of the movements in the dances of the court. The variety of dances and the monotony of the food. The call of the Islamic religious prayer with a view of Borobudur. I love the contradictions ... why we think that harmony is an added value? Indonesia has certainly worked well in his idea of bringing together diversity and this is especially important for the construction of a national identity that has international recognition, because what we are is also linked to what we are in the world. But living in Indonesia, from my point of view, the contradictions, the extremes, the no definite form, these are the most interesting aspect. Now that my puzzle is almost finished what I see is like a picture of the largest abstract artist of all time, Kandinsky. A float of colors on large canvas, with forms without form, clear lines, smooth lines, pastel colors, acid colors together. If you look at the picture from a distance it perceives the overall beauty but it is approaching you perceive small details that make the difference that sometimes clashing with each other. This is the beauty, harmony in disharmony.

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Name

: Ryan Daniel Teague

Country

: United Kingdom

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

The Darmasiswa Opportunity The Darmasiswa Scholarship provided not only an opportunity to study Indonesian culture, music and art - but also a chance to live and work alongside local communities and fellow students from all around the world. The generosity of the Indonesian government in providing this opportunity to so many is perhaps unparalleled and whilst the outcomes for the individual recipients are self-evident, many of it's wider benefits are not necessarily measurable. The sense and willingness of the Indonesian authorities to share their culture in this way is admirable. As a student of Gamelan music, it has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to study in the heart of musical life in Central Java alongside the finest teachers and students in the world. I was lucky to receive enthusiastic support for my studies here and had access to all the resources I needed to pursue my interests. The wider community was also keen to engage and assist along the way and it is to the credit of the goodness of Indonesian culture that people are always willing and able to help. I hope to take a sense of this mutual support and respect back home with me.

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Whilst there is great diversity and difference in our cultural approaches to community, social-life and culture, there is always a common thread of the goodness of people from all backgrounds. It is also humbling to observe people in the face of great challenges retain strength: there is much for the western world to learn from such experiences. It is also interesting to experience a defined moral code, influenced by Javanese heritage and Islamic teaching which influences peoples aspirations here. Equally we can hope the increasing access to western culture through tourism and media will feed back positively in return. To have the opportunity to study alongside people from all over the world is an invaluable opportunity and perhaps the cornerstone of this experience. I now have friends all over the world, and a unique sense of shared experience. One can only hope that the Indonesian people can have access to similar opportunities to take them around the world and receive education in this way. I get a great sense that the local people have eyes wide open and are ambitious in their aims - I can only hope that they can access such an opportunity through the generosity of governments and authorities around the world. The unity of diversity is the character of Indonesia, it is a fact that Indonesia has rich and wide cultural heritage, such as Javanese has batik and gamelan on their cultural heritage.Batik is the identity of the Central Java clothes, West Java has angklung as their traditional music instruments. Angklung has a unique character, because for making the sounds become tones and song, we need to do it with the other people, like a group. Besides that, Indonesia has millions of island that you could never have enough time to really explore each of them, because it is a lot island and each island has their own characteristic identity, like for example West Sumatra Padang has their own traditional special food like rendang, rendang is the meat who has curry souce and very spicy. Different with the people from Central Java who rather to eat something that sweet like nasi liwet and nasi gudeg. This could show how every places/island are different from one to another.

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Above all, one can only enhance and broaden perspectives through such an experience. The benefits of this process are invaluable to individual and community, and are the key to creating a harmonious future where we can all work together as one. The diversity of Indonesia makes Indonesia becomes unique, special and well-known in the eyes of the world. I extremely hope that Indonesia could keep their diversity below the unity so that Indonesia could save their beauty and unique identity of them.

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Name

: Samantha Brett

Country

: United Kingdom

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Harmony Among Civilization

I arrived in Indonesia almost 2 years ago with a new head, constantly wondering why Iwasn't nervous. Sure, there was a slight sense of 'malu' but no way near my normal levelin this kind of situation and I couldn't understand why I was so calm. In actual fact, I had never put myself in this kind of situation before. In England, I was a very quiet person, almost introvert, although was able to make friends but found myself enjoying my own company more. This was frustrating, I wanted to be more confident, not necessarily louder, just more sure of myself. So I decided to come to Indonesia, I had been playing gamelan for 4 years in England and recently discovered what it really was at a klenengan in London. I loved it. I was completely inspired by the talent of so many people and knew I wanted to delve deeper (before the klenenagn I didn't know what the gender or gambang really did!). So a year later, I was awarded the Darmasiswa Scholarship. I went straight to work reading up about Indonesian/Javanese Culture, stalking friends of friends on facebook to find

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photos of Solo, constantly talking to ex Darmasiswa's about their experiences, and trying to learn Indonesian by myself. In my head, I knew this would help me come out of myself, I was ready. On a wednesday afternoon I arrived at Solo's airport and got straight to work. I clearly remember my first conversation with my taxi driver, I instantly lost any Indonesian I had previously learnt but kept listening as he seemed to really enjoy talking to me. This is the first thing that I really appreciated here, people talk to each other all the time. For me, at first, the constant conversation was a little intensive but it did wonders for my Indonesian,in my 2 years here, I've never had/needed an Indonesian lesson. This may have been part of my pre-planning, I had decided that any lessons would be on gamelan and gamelan alone and that if I was brave enough to get out there and meet people I wouldn't need Indonesian lessons. On my 2nd day here I found myself alone in my kos, everyone had plans so I had to do the same. That afternoon I met Yoyon, a man that would become one of my closest friends here. He owned a small shop which sold pulsar, second-hand phones, gas and electrics. Later on, he would open a Wedangan (Wedangan YO2N) which would become the kampung's social centre and also a place I would visit daily to drink, eat, talk and study Indonesian (and Javanese). It was also the place where I would createmy Javanese family and the best of friends. On the studying/gamelan side of things, I have become very active as a performer and learner here, its what's stopping me from being on holiday, there's too much to do. I have learnt so much here, I am now a capable on all instruments and have played in may performances, klenengan and even played Gender for Wayang. However, I am yet to make a real impression as I haven't learnt Sindhen. As much as I would like to, I physically can't, I'm an Alto. Unfortunately there's constant pressure from people for me to learn Sindhen, I have to explain daily that it's not possible for me. Even after playing Gender (and some Kendang) for an entire Wayang Kulit people would come up to me only to ask 'Why didn't you sing?' and I still find that very disheartening. It's a

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well known fact that women sing and dance and men can learn everything. But why can't women break away and become a famous kendang player? There are still some places here that will not allow women to play the gamelan (although Sindhen is expected), so out of that reason, I have found myself feeling slightly left out of the group and am curious as to if/when times can move on with that. Although I find it frustrating that I can't get full respect as a musician from people here, I am relieved that it means that I won't be involved of the Celebrity Foreign Sindhen culture that is still relatively new here. Foreigners coming to Solo to study Sindhen will almost instantly be given paid gigs for Wayang, even if they've only studied it for 1 or 2 months. I also discovered that they would be paid that of the basic Sindhen (Indonesian Sindhen who had probably been studying for a matter of years). I find this really quite disrespectful, especially towards the Indonesian singers and musicians and hope this new phase of celebrity culture doesn't last long. Admittedly, I have been offered payment for some of my performances, although most of time have managed to respectfully decline them as I believe that if they want to play someone, it should be to a professional, not a student, especially not to a foreign student who's been studying a small percentage of the time of a Javanese student. On the positive side of performances, although at times I feel like the'gimik-londo', I have been told that I'm giving inspiration to the viewer's and other players, which I do see, I've seen my friends from class finally break away from ISI and start joining latihan in the city, I've helped my friends and neighbours gain an interest in their culture once more. So I guess it proves you have to take everything with a pinch of salt. The positives here completely out-weigh the negatives and kritik, why else would I have extended to 2 years?

So thank you life-changing Indonesia. Oh, and please don't call me 'Mister', I'm not a man.

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Name

: Szaffi Asboth

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Solo’s Beauty of Diversity First of all before I share my thought about Indonesia and the diversity on them. I would like to say that I have a really great experience and opportunity to study in Indonesia for a year, especially in Solo, Central Java and thank you for giving me a change to study here. Indonesia is such a beautiful country itself. They are like the black diamond of the world. I amazed by their cultural heritage and art heritage, as I am studying in Solo, Central Java, so I get a change to see the beauty of them, like batik, traditional dance, palace, and the most important that I learn was

“wayang”, the name for the Javanese shadow puppet

performance and the puppet itself. Batik, batik determined the beauty of Central Java, the softness of the society in Solo, the unique of the motives diversity on the batik.every motives reflect some meanings, each of them have special meaning. To make batik you need a big patient, you needs to do it with a calm heart and no rush. I ever saw an old women around 70 years old making a batik, it was very detail and intense, somehow you feel like to make batik you need connection with the batik that you will make. I tried to make one of them, but it did not work so well.

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In Solo it is not hard to see a traditional dance performances, it held almost in every week, you could watch the performance in Mangkunegaran Palace, Kasunanan Palace, ISI Surakarta and one of the high school of art in Solo. There are many of the traditional dance in Solo, maybe thousands, or could be millions. Each kingdom has their own special identity and characteristic, if you learn dance or if you are an expert on it you could see the difference between one kingdom to another, like for example Mangkunegaran and Kasunanan have different way of dancing, the feets and hands has their own body language. If you are interest there are an open rehearsal that the common people could watch and join in Mangkunegaran Palace, it held on every Wednesday and Sunday night. Solo has two palace, they are Mangkunegaran and Kasunanan as I mention before. They usually have different events and art performances. In ISI Surakarta I get a change to study and learn about wayang, it is amazing that there are so many shadow puppets that the dalang (the person who plays the shadow puppet) need to remember. There are gatotkaca, hanomansrikandi and so on. The performances are using Javanese languages, it is different with the casual Javanese languages, because wayang use the highest level of the Javanese language, because it used to play for the royal family. The show usually start from 21:00 PM until 03:00 AM, once again I am being amazed with the dalang that should sit for that long and play all the parts without rest or go to the toilet at all. In wayang, they separate the plays become three parts. Usually on the second part they put the funny scene and puppet to entertain, so the people are not bored. People who watch wayang performance are usually from children until old people, Often they brings their blanket and pillow and lay down on the floor. In the end, I would like to summarize that Indonesia has a beautiful identity and characteristic, the diversity makes them becomes even more beautiful, just like the batik motives, the diversity of the motives makes the fabric becomes priceless and remarkable in the eyes of the world.

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Name

: Thea Crudi

Country

: Italy

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

Cultural Diversity

Cultural diversity, if you ask which country who could handle this two words, the answer is Indonesia. Two words that says so much to a person like you and me, some people believe cultural diversity is something that has to do with the government. But I believe cultural diversity is something that has to do with our own self, communities and from inside, it comes naturally and without force, if it comes with forces, there would be some shakes and shock inside the community. The diversity its not always works as good as we think it would be, like the riot that ever happened because of the diversity in Indonesia between Lampung and Balinese society in Lampung last year. However, it is possible to works together and make the diversity becomes beauty of the country and Indonesia already prove it that they could work it together since before 1945 and works together as Indonesian to reach their independence. Cultural diversity has a beauty of its own, an independent phrase that can change a country, and yet world. One of the beauty of cultural diversity in Indonesia is that the people

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around Indonesia could experience difference of the cultures and connect it with each other cultures. Indonesia itself there are over hundreds languages spoken, and that is not including the local dialects. Each state holds its own culture and the people within those states can be defined by their culture such as the clothes they wear and the language they speak, the food they make and eat and so on. Like for example you can defined the people from Central Java by their own dialects when they speak the form languages, bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language), it is totally different with the people from Sumatra island, if I could say that Javanese has softer and calmer sounds then Sumatranese people like Medan, North Sumatra. Anther beauty of culture diversity is the religion, an example of this would be Islamic followers; followers of this religion in Indonesia have an entirely different culture of their own. Such as politicization of religion have led to cross cultural collisions between Islam and other forms of religions, specifically Christianity. Otherwise, on a spiritual note, every true religious believer—in whatever religion they believe in, whether it be Islamic, Christianity— understands that God is one. There are so many great benefits of Cultural diversity in our world. The whole structure of human civilization lies in its diverse cultures; if we take away such diversities our spiritual and philosophical growth of humanity would be severely stunted with such an absence as that. If we didn’t have cultural diversity in our world; then learning would become a restricted area in our life, having only one line of thought and behavior. Us, humans, we are thinking beings, so there are bound to be differences in our thought process with different people across the world, and cultures.

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Name

: Victor Hugo Hidalgo Martínez

Country

: Mexico

Place of Study : ISI Surakarta

"Harmony Among Civilization" So far, one of the most beautiful experiences I have had in my entire life has been living in Indonesia, and about this, there is a particular fact that enriches this experience, that is Indonesia´s diversity on cultures, ethnicities, religions and art. Multicultural Indonesia can be seen in every corner of the archipelago. The southeast asia motives on Mosques. The mixture of India and Chinese cuisine with each Indonesia´s local dishes. Middle East Rebab sounding in the middle of the beautiful Gamelan tunes. Hundreds of cities framed by churches, hindu temples and Buddhist stupas. Traditional markets full of goods and art craft from all over the Nusantara in every big city in Indonesia. Jakarta´s melting pot and its thousands of foreigners coming from the four corners of Mother Earth. Indonesia´s music genres enriched by many cultures that have been living in many islands, such as Keroncong and Dangdut. A single art expression that can be seen, watched and appreciated in many versions such as Wayang.Each Indonesian shows in a incredible way it's multiculturality through the capability of mastering at least two or three languages, being bahasa Indonesia the

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language they use to communicate with other Indonesians through the archipielago. Indonesia's history is remarkable because of many facts. Geographically, Indonesia is very far from some of the countries and cultures that have meant a very strong influence on what today we know as Indonesia: Indian Subcontinent religion and cosmovision, Middle East Islam and the Dutch colonization, and an endless interaction with countries all across South East Asia and Far East, have constructed a very complex country in traditions and aesthetics. The way I realize this is situation is through art. Dances, music and performing arts are wide different not just from one island to another, not even from one province to another, but from one city to another, some art expressions are even different among little villages. Through music I see it very clear, Surakarta´s Gamelan style is different than Jogjakarta´s, but we are still talking of Java´s center, but East and West Java styles are already different. So, if we listen to Balinese Gamelan its completely another atmosphere, another feelings, another goals to reach through music, and if we listen to Sumatra music we will find an exquisite mixture of Middle East culture and Sumatra local culture. There is a proverb that says: "Sumatra art is for people, Java art is for Kings and Bali art is for Gods". And this is just absolutely beautiful, it is a little world in just one country, one of the most incredible countries in the world. And i thank God for the opportunity I have: to fill my soul with Indonesia. The experience will never finish. Every single day I learn so much things that I could write an entire book every day of so much learnings I have every day. About one just single ethnicity I could write thousands of pages, yet, it would be nothing but a tinny little piece of what Indonesia means. When you are listening to Gamelan, to Saman Dance, to Gambang Kromong, what we are really listening is hundred of years of a very complex process that implies the culturally construction of what indonesians know as Nusantara. Another fantastic element is the language. Bahasa Indonesia is constructed with a base in Malay language, but it has thousands of entires of

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Arabic language, IndiaÂ´s languages, Western languages. In my case, I live in Surakarta, a cultural center of Javanese world and Javanese language has many entries of Sanskrit language and Dutch. So, through these elements one can understand how important Indonesia has been in mankind history, and about this, and at the top of thins is the fact of the discovering of one of the most ancient Homo erectus erectus ever found on earth, "The Java Man". Now I can understand fully that this country is an important cradle of evolution in mankind societies.

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Name

: Adelina Elena Luft

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta

Harmony among civilizations

I start my journey to Indonesia keeping in mind the well-known expression “When in Rome, do as Romans do”, but soon I started to realize that if I want to live in a different culture hundreds of miles away from home, I don’t need to become like it, but to understand and appreciate it as it is. Harmony among cultures does not mean a total reciprocal acceptance, but a tolerance and open-mindedness for a non-judgmental approach and for healthy relationships. Being a student at ”Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta” was not an easy task to accomplish, as the time went by. I welcomed the “cultural shocks” that everybody talked about with a smile and a strong desire to pass these challenges. However, after gaining a more deeper perspective, I realized that the diversity of culture is not just between my own cultural background and Indonesia (as one to be conquered), but also between my culture and other students culture, and between the national culture itself. As a consequence, I found myself as a player in the game of cultural adaptation between three teams with which I have to cooperate and settle the rules for a fair game.

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Although seen as a game between cultures, there are no winners for this experience, only if we see it as a conquest for the self. It is a game of tolerance, compromise and understanding the others’ background in order to reach the harmony. But once the match is settled in one’s team field, the other must respect and follow the rules and what is provided, as a natural result of the context. However, this does not mean giving up the personal habits and style, but accepting the new status quo and building an experience with the positive aspects, the ones that can be beneficial for each one person in particular. I am a westerner and I came with no expectations, which, in my opinion, represent the causes of the future disappointments, once they are not fulfilled as one already imagined. To my surprise, I found a balance between the morals and behavior of people from Solo and the people from my hometown, which soon gave me a comfortable setting of feeling like home. I set myself in an environment similar to what I had in my grand parents house: riding bicycle, nice scenery, curious neighbours, silence and household activities, which I very much enjoy in my daily activities. Apart from this, I cannot but show my appreciation for the kindness and politeness of the local people which made me realize that this kind of behavior can make the difference in your life, bring joy and make you feel that you are in the right place. Regarding the relationship with the other foreign students, there is only one way to see it: as a fruitful and up raising experience, which can only add value to anyone’s international experience. There is a sense of unity and empathy, regardless of religion, place on map or other differentiating factors, because there is a common purpose – living and learning together. Although I found myself surrounded only by a small number of international students from Islamic context and just one other student from a western country as mine, it gave me the opportunity to build up strong friendships for a lifetime. Sharing about the differences which we encounter makes us more conscientious about them and consequently accepting them as they are.

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The biggest challenge of studying in this Islamic university is very much related to the religion, which influences all aspects of my activities here. I am a Christian Orthodox and one of the two only ones students of other religion besides Islam, from this university. We both came as a surprise for most of the people and soon entered in the campusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; center of attention and in the surrounding area, because of the many things which differentiate us from the others. I accepted this challenge before I come, but the real acceptance came after living here day by day. I cannot help myself but admitting that I was not pleased with all the rules dictated by both religion and culture. From the rules in the boarding school, dress decency, to misunderstandings between us and the officials, which all started to make me feel uncomfortable as the time went by. But if people here can be nominated for something, that should be for hospitality and caring for the others, which led to a constant cooperation between our needs and the reciprocal requests. Making a comparison between the values of Islam and the ones from my religion, I must say that it takes time to adapt to the lack of freedom which is so popular in the western beliefs. Regardless of this, there is still tolerance for the other religions, an open choice for everyone, and the endless conversations about this topic enriched my knowledge and gave me a different perspective about they way people from West and East perceive religion. Living between the Islamic principals I have also learned that culture can change the way people practice the religious beliefs and there is a mixture between the culture and religion, built on the context of the rich customs and beliefs from Indonesia. I have embraced the knowledge of Islamism due to my constant trying of crossing over the superficiality of understanding the culture and, instead, going deeper in analyzing the mechanisms of mentality and behavior. Beside school, there are many other things to learn by living in the close area of Muhammadiyah and enter in direct contact with the neighbours, understanding and following the unwritten rules of living together. The main

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lesson which I received is about accepting things as they are and not try to change the “normality” which doesn’t match with my interpretation of the word, based on a western conception. I have also learned to practice my patience and interiorize some eastern values which I can use in my future relations in any kind of context. An experience in a country like Indonesia can bring you many surprises. Once you start to live here the prejudices and misunderstandings transform into an enjoyable journey in which the boundaries become thinner, the distances shorter, giving space to a sense of harmony and acceptance of the differences in this world.

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Name

: Jana PohankovĂĄ

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta

Harmony Among Civilization Multiculturalism and tolerance are the most mentioned words in the international dialogue of the 21st century. Peaceful and tolerant communication among civilizations, religions and cultures should become the defining feature of international relations to eliminate any conflicts between and within nations. Turning ignorance into compassion, and intolerance into respect is the way how to reach harmony among civilisations. Harmony and tolerance as two inseparable entities. Indonesia is one of countries which represent itself as multicultural country culminating Eastern, Islamic and Western influances in the open, pluralistic and tolerant society. Everyone who has visited it, is becoming witness of coexistence of many specific, less or more dominated, original or mixed cultures. Crossing from one island, one district to others you can see variations, diversity of Indonesia in many ways influenced by surrounding nature and by historic background. After many clashes of moving civilisations in the past, Indonesia turned to country with the largest Muslim population and itÂ´s current

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aim is to show that Islam, modernity and democracy with economic growth and national unity can be a powerful partnership. There were many reasons why i decided to apply for Darmasiswa scholarship in Indonesia. One of the main reasons was strongly motivated by the feeling of being myself at crossroads what is becoming as if common feature of many people living in Western world. Leave home and move to totally different country was challenge to obtain new inspirations for living and to explore strange world far far away. Honestly, i had prejudices, doubts which were largely conditioned by fact that i had been accepted as Darmasiswa student at Muhammadiyah university in Surakarta althought it was not my choice. I had not been in Indonesia yet and i was compulsory to receive unexpected fact and decide if to give up or not, despite of everything. Because of i had never been in close contact with moslim culture before, i started to see it as occasion to get to know more about it and get rid any prejudices. After my arrival to Surakarta, i stayed in area of Muhammadiyah university, so as long as i have been here, everyday i am in directly contact with mix of javanese culture mainly with islamic religion. This combinations represent opposite site of my liberal attitude to life with the islamic rules and javanese traditions. Everytime, I have seen how people follow rules, how they wake up early in the morning, how they interupt any activities because of praying time, how they apologize their behaviour, actions and make decision based on prohibitions and permissions given by Islamic religion and also by rooted culture. And after that I have seen the world from other perspective However i am openminded, tolerant person, nevertheless different backgrounds caused many misunderstandings which were going with my adaptation. It forced me to eliminate my claims and refreshed my opinions. Dialogue between two opposite sides demand patience and interest with will to learn from others, leading to mutual understanding. Because i have been the one who should adapt, naturally i have to search for positives and impacts in culture as much as it is possible. Western, hasty civilisation forget to smile, express

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positive emotions and during daily obligations take everything easy and to relax. In contrary, indonesians are seemed that they are more enjoying their time. Every evening you can see them sitting in front of their houses as they are spending time together by playing cards, watching Tv, eating or just talking. They still have time for sharing and socializing. Each one work has time to be done and nothing bad will happend if it has not done in good time. By the time, it seems that nothing is more important as to be good moslim and up to that also good neighbor, son, husband, parent, worker. But with following rules it is going hand in hand with judging those who break the rules despite of good intension. Because i am girl with own opinion, because i am not moslim, because i am from Europe, because i am immediate in talking with boys, there is risk. However people here are tolerant, they easily tend to judging others without knowing any context, just according what they see and know from other source. Tolerance implies a deeper meaning. Tolerance means a full respect for others, sincerely accepting their differences, and thriving on our mutual diversity. No one culture is the best but each one has specific features making uniqueness and richness. I like as people here greet everyones with smile, that all times demonstrate polite behaviour and keep contact with others and also keep the traditions. I respect them for their power to overcome any daily straits and for knowing to focus themselves to one activity, to reach goals and to eliminate undesirable factors. The exchanging cultures and sharing ideas, different attitudes can lead to common understanding and finding answers on many questions. If we realise, we can more learn from other cultures then hopefully mankind will be close to world peace. However, only an honest attempt to understand the concerns of the other side can produce positive effects connecting something wonderful. But the important point is also to listen, and not just talk and especially do not be blind just by own true, conviction but be able to compare and choose the best from other cultural impacts. Indeed, the best dialogues are often respectful and

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honest, open-ended and constructive, intense, and solution-oriented. crossfertilization of cultures can .

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Name

: Ahmad Humidat

Country

: Palestine

Place of Study : Airlangga University

Before I start my journey to Indonesia, I have read some articles about Indonesia, about the culture the people here, the language and the religion in Indonesia, all of these articles give a brief information about the real life in Indonesia, about the diversity, about the harmony between the people here from each ethnic group, about the huge number of languages here, but to see this diversity in the reality and directly on the ground is great chance that I had. Indonesia is a wide sprawling country, with a huge number of population, as a statistics Indonesia consider the 4th country in the world in number of population, and this will indicate and give as at least a simple clue that we will find among this huge number of population a lot of diversity in the manner of culture and languages and religion. As a student I lived in Surabaya for a while, I got a chance to attend a lot of public cultural events and ceremonies, which reflects the huge cultural inventory that the Indonesian culture has, on the other side it represent one of the amazing facts that you may not found this fact except in Indonesia , cultural and religious harmony. In Surabaya which is the largest city in province east java, you can see also the diversity in the religion of its people; you will find Muslims, Christians, Buddhist, Hinduism. All of them live together, work together, nothing ruined the

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life that they live, they live in peace and harmony. Will find the Muslim has a lot of friends from Christians, working with someone Buddhist, and his neighbor is Hinduism. You will see one of the masjids there close to the church , you will find the Buddhist temple just close to another one, everyone do his prayers in peace no one prevent him, and all of them live in a great Homogeneity. It should be obvious that with this kind of cultural and ethnic and religious diversity, that there will be a lot of languages available in limited area, and this what is exactly exist in Indonesia. Here in Indonesia you will find a lot of local languages spoken by a huge group of people in city or province or may be an island. Because each one of the islands in Indonesia has a local unique language consider as the main characteristic of this island. Despite this cultural and religious and language diversity there is no such a racism problems, or any religious conflict, all of the people in all over Indonesia live in a unity, as a great one big nation , they live in a harmony and peace . one of the factors that help them to stay like this is the existence of Indonesian formal language which established in the middle of the 20th century .the Indonesian formal language help all of the people of Indonesia to contact each other to talk to each other which will create a good environment for them to live such a great harmony.

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Name

: Martin Petrulak

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : Airlangga University

CULTURAL DEVERSITY IN SURABAYA Indonesia as a big country which has thousands islands and thousands etnicsand cultures has been keeping that since many years ago. I have found and come to some of the places around my university, Airlangga university which is located in Surabaya as capital city of east java. we can reach many tourism objects near by here. The city which is always very busy everyday and full of entertainments places around by. The most location, my friends and I most visited are malang because of the location is not too far from Surabaya . we used to visit malang and batu as we knew that , that places are near by from Surabaya and just wasting time for 23 days enough for us to spending our weekend. We love to see new places , new people and new cultures that we never get it before when I was in my country . How many cultures and places here in indonesia , we will not enough come to visit all . While we just have time only on weekend, but as I love cultures , I always try to visit good places. Like Yogjakarta, Bali , Bandung , Madura island and many others places that I could not mention one by one. They have very lovely view and having each characteristic to make everybody came missing

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them. We tried to understand the customs and what they eat everyday .by this very beautiful journey , my friends and I got many nice experiences. When I decided to do my students exchanges here, I did not much thinking about how Indonesia is? But now I could learn anything here and really hard to forget that I got while I stayed here. I will never forget what I have got here, how they treat me well and they lovely around me teach me to live independently. While came at first time here, I got culture shock that really I made me confused of everything around, but many people here helped me to learn their cultures and customs so I can communicate well. Others thing that make me surprised is when one place or resident has different accent of speaking, like Javanese, Indonesia and even others traditional language . Mostly whole experiences I got is really wonderful that really help me to do my other in my future later, thanks to all my lecturer, my friends , and all people who help me to teach me about this beautiful country . I am very happy with all of this I got as long as I am here. How big and diversity of this country stand and give very big influence to other people who want to learn about this . wealthy is coming from many others cultures and they can live together around us . thank you surabaya , thank you Airlangga university and thank you Indonesia. â&#x2DC;ş

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Name

: Antohe Gabriela Simona

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : Petra Christian University

HARMONY IN CIVILIZATION When saying these two words together, unity and diversity, logically you think about acceptance of the individual, of the diverse peronalities, thoughts and acts that the human nature implies. As an European you accept the persons and their uniqueness and you always have the right to choose what to do without minding what your parents, your teacher or your neighbour might say. In contrast to the European thinking, the Indonesian have deeper and more mystical understanding of what unity in diverity means. I found that in Indonesia in general and in Jawa in particular there is minimum tollerance of diversity. Achieving unity does not mean harmonic bonding of opposite principles but more likely becoming one with the family, group, community or state(negara). Like a fish in a greatly populated pond Indonesians tend to keep their national identity within a fast moving globalization era. It is a global thing to strive for perfection in everything you do. But perfection being very subjective, it is globally seen as an infinite notion that cannot totally be achieved. However, the Indonesian goal is a perfect society and a perfect society must be structured more like a family, having the Javanese king

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which acts like a father for his children(the whole javanese people) . To understand the Indonesian family structure you can only take into account two phraes: „Children are born from parents” and „Heaven is located at the soles of mother’s feet” . The first one does not entail only the physical, direct meaning that the parents bring the little ones into the world, but there is also a more deep, moral meaning that comes after that. Children have to respect, obbey and even worship the parents. The head of the family is always the father, he is the decision taking person, he decides what is best for the whole members of the family and the others have to folow exactly his word. The mother is also a parent and also has to be respected, charished and worshiped. The javanese woman has to be the wife, the housekeeper and the mother. She also follows the word of her husband and has to take care of him when he is sick. As a mother she has to teach her kids how to act in society and in family, she has to lead them through life even after they are old enough to take care of themselves. I also found that the generation gap that exist in europe has sense also in Indonesia. This differences between the parents way of life and the children way of life appear because of economic and technologic evolution. For example, nowadays young people in Indonesia comunicate only by the use of Blackberry phones, they don’t socialy interract face to face with friends that much, they stay all day long with socialisation aplications, like facebook, etc. Older people, however used to meet and probably still do in order to gossip, to chat and to see what everyone has been up to. The Indonesian view of the society as a family can be understood with the Pancasila. This is a set of rules or basic principles of the Republic of Indonesia: The belief in Almighty Divinity; Humanity that is just and civilised; The unity of Indonesia; Democracy guided by the wisdom of representative deliberation; Social justice for all Indonesians.

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This order goes way back in time but in order to achieve the true rasa, which is perfection in a deep meaning) when people come accross economic development and international influences as an effect of globalization, in 1984 it became basis for social, governmental, religious or political organizations. In Javanese education children are considered to be durung jawa (not yet javanese). They get the status of true java citizens after having been tought and after having learned and understood the Pancasila and the Indonesian way of life. This is achieved after Pendidikan Moral Pancasila(offers moral education) and

Pedoman

Penghayatan

dan

Pengamalan

Pancasila(guidline

for

implementation of pancasila). Nowadays Indonesian culture is not very much but different first of all because of the natural human need to progress. It is obvious from the way people dress up to the things people do in everyday life and how they talk. Together with the technology evolutin and the appearance and spreading of the internet it is more and more difficult to keep a clean cultural status in every country. People still socialize but they socialize in malls or with the use of phones, tablets and computers, rather than meeting face to face, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sing so much traditional music, but rather go to karaoke or listen to korean pop on their ipods. Even the national important events that used to take place inside the courts of Mataram now take place most often in luxurious hotels in order to show that the quality of life has improoved and wealthyness is right in front. But even so, traditions are not lost as quickly as in other places in the world, they are transmited from generation to generation, from parents to children. And this low speed of loosing cultural identity could very well come from the keeping of Pancasila alive.

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Name

: Cojocaru Aurelian Andrei

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : Petra Christian University

HARMONY IN CIVILIZATION Every nation has itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own culture, a special, unique culture, acumulated throught centuries, that makes the difference between people in a wider perspective, or in a detailed view. This is a gathering of traditions passed on from a generation to another, of the way of living and a way in which people act and interact, taking into concern the way of expressing human feelings. Once with the appearance of rapid transportation and of faster communication networks and also once with making contact with some areas and people that until recent were unknown to the wide world, entrance in the sacred land of culture was possible, bringing with it perturbation, change, or even degradation. The era we live in generates and exchange of cultural (and not only) customs, exchange which is a direct result of globalization, of the fact that people from a specific area of the glob enter the natural environment of others. We live in a time when accent most commonly falls on the second, on the way in which that second is consumed, it is a time that makes us do everything faster without total assimilation of what we do. The globalization effect is ireversible, and has to be

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taken into consideration, analyzed and understood. Only after that we can truly find a way to keep and conserve the national enheritance. By taking a glance at the javanese culture in it’s mystical sense, in the sense on mentality and in the sense people’s way of life and thinking, in the sens of strong principles passed on from generation to generation, in the sens of existence and communion, we can observe a rejection of chaos-generating diversity and a acceptance torwards uniformity, order, harmony or even perfection. The thing that makes all this possible is the Pancasila (often spoken of as the origin and destination of the indonesian people). Pancasila talks about five things: the belief in Almighty Divinity, humanity that is just and civilised, the unity of Indonesia, democracy guided by the wisdom of representatives deliberation, social justice for all indonesians. If people could understand and practice Pancasila, a perfect society would be attained, but to understand fully, let alone to practice is difficult. To sum up things are alot different from the way they used to be in the past. Almost half a century ago everything looked different, there were alot of peaceful and calm cities and areas, where time seemed to stay still. That was the period when you could hardly find foreigners on the street, and those few ones where treated without any sign of astonishment, therefore there wasn’t an actual interraction between the local people and outsiders wich made it possible to take a nice relaxing walk and observe the indonesian life in it’s natural way. Nowadays all these are things of the past. Local people are not not simple and polite anymore, but much rather amazed and exuberant. Once with the increase of foreign appeareance, everything turns into a business, so that everyone tries to take advantage. Most of them both understand and spreak english and therefore replace simple day to day expressions like: „terima kasih, sampai jumpa, selamat pagi/siang/sore/malam” with the english version: „thank you, bye, hello mister” and in the presence of the feminine figure they say things like: „I love you baby, hello darling”.

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The rythm of life becomes faster and faster, people are always rushing to get to a destination, which lead to almoust permanent traffic jams. When not traveling with vehicle, you have to be in total awareness not to be hit by a car or motorbike. Even the personal safety has been forgotten. You can see both parents with more than one child on a motorbike wearing no helmet as if being protected only by the clothes they wear were a normal thing. The change appears even from musical point of view: the traditional sound of gamelan that generates a warm atmosphere has been replaced with western or korean pop music. People are now almoust incapable of socializing face to face, becoming anonymus individuals that ignore eachother. Shops became bigger and more outstanding, with a wider range of products. In places where in the past you could find only batik, there is now a great diversity of occidental clothes. People are more and more intersted in what they buy, given that there budget is higher and the supply has increased. The price is far from being a problem anymore. Malls have become the main entertaiment places, where people go in leaving all day-to-day problems out while spending money neglectfully. This can already be considered a link in the youth culture chain. When arriving in Surabaya, I was expecting to see a part of the cultural heritage, but instead of that I was taken two times in a row to see a mall, and when asking to do some outside activities, like nature watching and exploring, I was told that it is considered to be entertaiment. That is paradoxal because if you say that observing nature with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s components, flora and fauna, and analysing the geographic processes that take place is entertaiment, then was is going to a mall regarded as? While trying to find out what some of my indonesian classmates do in their spare time, I found that all they like to do is eat, sleep, and go to malls. Also when going on the city tour the question whether we had visited any of the monuments was asked, the answer of some indonesian students was kind of disturbing: â&#x20AC;&#x17E;Why should I?!â&#x20AC;?. In contrast, when asked about food everyone jumped up with joy. What can we see from this? That

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culture resumes nowadays to going to malls and eating, or more like the actual notion of culture is not really well understood? As I said in the beginning, the culture is passed on from generation to generation. To truly keep it going it should be understood and respected. The young part of indonesia clearly looks towards a higher acceptance of occidental trends, but even so culture most not be forgotten and most not be considered later. It must be promovated, taught, and embraced because once it is lost it can only be found in a dusty museum.

„Teach the kids, or they’ll teach you.”

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Name

: Croitoru Liliana Georgeta

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : Petra Christian University

HARMONY IN CIVILIZATION The culture and it sense! Trying to define the culture, many sociologist have chosen one valid definition in the whole world: the culture means the arts, the moral, the lows, the religion and the human’s character, tradition, costumes and crafts. In the same way, we can define the culture like our heritage that our parents teach us and as well as give us. The culture offers us one position in this big world. Every culture has some principles which refer at the “rules” of our life. Culture is a process and process is change; new culture is always in the making with the old often being relegated to the museum and folklore. The Indonesian culture The Indonesian culture has it rules and this rules are written in Pancasila. We should define the Pancasila book like The Bible for Indonesian people. It contain five principles which every citizen have to respect it. The Pancasila course is about ideology and it has much to say about the function and role of

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state as the embodiment and protection of the national family. The family is considered a moral unit and the bedrock of the society. The obligation of each citizen is to grow up and become parent, after that to teach his child to become a good citizen who should respect the state (Negara) and he should live accordingly with the moral of Pancasila, because this is the only way which conduce them to the perfection and absolute happiness. The five basic principles of the Republic of Indonesia mentioned in Pancasila are: 1. The belief in Alimight Divinity 2. Humanity that is just civilized 3. The unity of Indonesia 4. Democracy guided by the wisdom of representative deliberation 5. Social justice for all Indonesians.

How I said above, the family is very important for the Indonesian society. This has rights and obligation that each member of family has to respect it. But this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean that the members are equal, each has one position established, exist a hierarchy. For example the family is guided by the principle of the solidarity, not by equality. Parent have to guide and teach their children and they must accept and follow the parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; decision. The family hierarchy means: the father (Bapak) is the head of the family; he should be honored, respected and followed. The mother has the role of housekeeper and she is the most important person in the life of her child. She is teaching her child in every moment what he should do or not, what is the correct way in life and also to encourage him to become a good parent. The procreation is the most important thing in the humanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Each person has to marry and have children. The obligation of children are: to be obedient and respect their parents and their decision. After 8 months and one week passed in Indonesia, I met a lot of people and I have learned about Indonesian culture not only at the university (Universitas Kristen Petra, Surabaya). The interactions with Indonesians

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determined me to see their daily life and after that to form my own opinion. When we speak about Indonesian culture, we refer at it particularities like: clothes, custom, traditional music and art, behavior. The cultural diversity in Indonesia has a common root: the history. All the people wanted in the past to have one common language, to become ONE COUNTRY and they made a revolution for make their dream to become reality. When I was with my class in a trip for learn about Indonesian culture I was very impressed about the respect and love of this people for their country. The veterans are very proud of their facts and the students also (“the next generation after revolution”) know how important were the fight in 1954. The desire to obtain the independence (Merdeka) conduced the citizens – independent of their cultural particularities – to become a unit, a oneness. In my opinion the Indonesian culture is very interesting, but not when we learn it from one book; it becomes more interested when we live in a typical family, when we see how they spend their daily life and when they teach us about their values. The interaction with another cultures have changed a little bit the Indonesian elements. If Indonesia was in the past a simply country where people wanted to live guided by their principles, now they borrowed foreign ideas like: the way of speak (the simplest words like selamat siang were changed by hallo mister/miss), clothes (the younger are more interested in wear occidental clothing, not the traditional costume like batik, and also entertainment activities (Indonesians are more interested in celebrating the holy ceremonies like Christmas and Eastern on an exotic island than stay with the family (parents, grandparents) at their home. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to speak with my Indonesian class-mate. They told me about what it is important in their life: to become a part of the community and this i possible when you want to learn the simplest rules of Pancasila and after that to respect it. I mentioned every time Pancasila book because I think this is very important for understand the Indonesian society and for integrate in it.

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8 months and 1 week in Inndonesia. Enough time to find out about culture, about desires, behaviours, costumes and plans for the future that Indonesian people has. When I left from Romania, one person in the embassy told me: you will enjoy Indonesia. Indonesia is a wonderful country, we have more than 17 000 islands, every island with a different culture, maybe one island with a lot of different costumes inside in... But the most interesting thing is: we have FIVE religions in ONE country, and we respect all of these, we can live together in peace and respect for each other. In that moment I didn’t realize anything special in that dialog. I saw only a proud Indonesian citizen who wants to encourage me because I will leave for one year in a totally different country, but when I arrived here, I saw that what the man said is real. When I was walking on the street or travelling by bus, a lot of people stopped me and ask about my life: if I am married, if I have children, what I am doing here and: which religion I have. I didn’t notice till 5 months ago that the religion is so important for Indonesians, until I spoke with my Indonesians class-mates about it. For every Indonesian is very important to show in front of everybody what kind of religion he has. Why? The explanation was: it’s something that makes us different from each other, because if you have a different religion, you’ll have different costumes and different way of thinking. The answer is true, but wasn’t enough for me. I wanted to know more, to explore this world dominated by religion, by faith in one spirit that govern their lives. Why Indonesian people is so addicted to religion, why they don’t want to spend their lives believing in themselves, not in one superior existence. While I was travelling around Java I met a lot of people that were very nice and explain to me about my question. I saw that their faith is so strong because faith means kind of insurance that you are not alone in this huge world, that you can do what you want because you are strong because somebody (God) is always with you. The human’s necessity about knowing that they are not alone

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becomes when in a critical moment they don’t know what it’s better to do and are satisfied only with: this is the destiny, this is the God’s desire! I wanted to explain to them that your strength comes from yourself, you can pass over the difficult moments if you know exactly what you want, but maybe is better to shut up, because it’s their opinion and I cannot change it, and I try to accept it. I was very impressed when my Indonesian friends told me that they believe in spirits. For example one girl was to Bromo two weeks ago. The weather was rainy and she was very worried because maybe she cannot climb the mountain, but when she arrives there she found a funeral celebration. The shaman was praying 3 days for the soul of deceased and when he started to pray all the clouds dissipated. Maybe was a coincidence, but my friend is still thinking that was because of the prayer. Another example of Indonesians’ religion addiction is: in one day in my boarding house somebody told me that she saw a spirit in the house and she cannot sleep because of this. I asked her what kind of spirit, and the answer was: a man that is dead and he cannot find his peace. The girl started to pray for his soul! Nobody talk about this after!

Is that real or is only the imagination? I

don’t know, but I saw that is in Indonesian behaviour and Indonesian soul to believe in that and for this reason they have a special culture with a lot of celebrations. How that man in the embassy told me: Indonesia is a special country with five religions: Muslim, Catholic, Hindu, Budhism and Protestant and they know how to live in peace all together. Have you seen one country in this big world that knows how to respect all of these differences? No! Everywhere you can see a war because the religion of the majority or minority wasn’t respected. But here, nobody is in minority or majority, only statistically. Everyone respect the celebration of the neighbour even he doesn’t have the same religion! Example: In Bali (90% Hindu) is one celebration called Nyepi. Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isaawarsa (Saka new year) according to the Balinese calendar (in 2013, it fell on

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March 13rd). It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali, Indonesia. Nyepi, a Government holiday in Indonesia, is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New year.1 Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for selfreflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires (and lights must be kept low); no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed go to the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. This means respect for the difference, this means to be human being with real feelings. I think that is what I appreciate very much in Indonesia. Everybody, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter how poor they are, they invite you for a dinner or lunch if they see that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have food, or they offer you one place to stay for one night if you are traveller. I think this is the result of their faith: God teach you to be good with the others. In my opinion, Indonesia is the only country that understood for real what religion means: to be honest, good and respectful. Not everyone is like this but the majority is! I love when somebody offers me something that I need without asking for payment. That means that is not for trying to cheat, is for their happiness and their soul! Even here exist that exceptions that wants to cheat me everywhere because I am a bule, but I met most of good people, not bad and this makes my travel wonderful!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nyepi

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In conclusion I want to do a little comparison between European culture and Indonesian culture. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter how different you are, the most important thing is to learn that the every culture is different, despite our sight is the same. We have different conceptions about life and it sense, but this thing do the world more beautiful and we should learn one from another. I am a spectator in this culture, but I hope to become a part of it when my study will finish.

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Name

: Erika Meszarosova

Country

: Slovakia

Place of Study : Petra Christian University

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION

„Where the hell is Indonesia?“ -parents „Are you crazy? You will be starving there the whole year!“ -friends „You are going to a third world country, be prepared that you ll live in slams!“ classmates „Dont go there, i am afraid you ll never come back!“ -grandma -YES i do, YES i am and I will. The life of an individualistic European person on a way to Indonesia. Indonesia raya, merdeka merdeka... the Indonesian anthem, what we had to learn in the first week to be able to sing it on the local opening ceremony. This is how the “harmony” started. A huge shock. We all were expecting something much much worse. We were standing in front of our university with open mouths –

“This is beautiful!” “Their professionalism scares us even”

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“The University is so clean, I can’t believe it!” “I feel like somewhere in the high school in the USA the different is only that they speak strange language and they have strange eyes!” But this was not the reality of Indonesia. We saw other things as well. The poor sides of the city, the not working things like transportation and thousands of other things. We had to learn. Learn a lot. About culture, about behavior. Thouse who could not adapt, just gone away earlier. Everybody of us had moments of loving and moments of hating Indonesia. But these ones who could made it to hold on the whole year didn’t regret anything. You know, Indonesian are extremely friendly people. They are relaxed people who are not afraid to ask anything. That is THE founding brick for new connections. I have been traveling a lot and I never saw so open people. Sometimes too much. And that is the hard point for an individualistic person from Europe. Too much. There is no way of escaping. There is no way to be hidden. There is no way include us for 100%. You have to get used to it. Smile. Not cheese. From heart. Indonesian culture is beautiful. Especially when somebody can show it to you. Don’t try to find it out only by looking. Or reading from the Lonely Planet Bible. We, from Petra Christian University had a luck. We were the chosen ones (although we didn’t realize it for the first sight), such a caring university, I have talked to lot of Darmasiswas, but I never heard from somebody that they will do so much for them. Starting from concerts, courses about the Indonesian culture, about Indonesian Archipelago, about cross cultural communication, even about the Indonesian architecture, they teached us how to cook Indonesian dishes, how to dance Indonesian dances, how to make traditional batik. We had luck to be in one classroom with Indonesian students, so they could reflect our behavior, so we could achieve the harmony. Thing is, that we didn’t really face to the religious problem, which could cause troubles. We were mostly Christian catholic or orthodox just as the

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university. We didn’t face to a Muslim Indonesian reality. But one thing is which is really different from our reality, is that they all are strongly religious. We don’t. But this is the thing to be accepted. We all didn’t became a more religious people or let’s say Indonesian style people. But we all learned a lot and we came out as more tolerant people, as more relaxed people, we learned how to enjoy the life and we got thousands of good friends. I tell you my personal experience from last week (14.5.2013). My Indonesian friend, Feli just told me that she and her classmates were always struggled with the foreigners. She also told me that I am her only good friend among the foreigners. And I told her, it’s not because of me, it is because of her. Because of her point of view. She is not judging the foreigners, she see us as any other people in the world. And that’s the point what the other doesn’t see yet maybe. And so are the things much easier. I saw on her face how happy she was. And I can see she is a very strong-minded person. I see that she is going to go abroad to study, and I strongly hope she will return and she will show to the other fellows that they should also look at the foreigners as a part of the civilization. I would really recommend such an experience to everyone. And not just staying half a year. That is too easy and not enough deep. It is only surface. If a person can hold on to stay one whole year, this is much worth. Me personally will stay in Indonesia longer. I love my country but now, I love your country as well as mine.

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Name

: Pedro Henrique de Brito Borges

Country

: Brazil

Place of Study : Petra Christian University

The intersection in between cultures Since September 2012 I am living in the biggest Muslim country in the world, in an Island full of mysteries with its own tales and stories that are even older than religions that actually live here and studying in a Christian University. At first sight I had the feeling that I was living in a place that was spread into different groups but few weeks later I just felt like this was one of the most tolerant places I have ever been, people actually respect the religion of each other, and in my sensible foreigner eyes I start realizing how the country and the people affects the religion and the culture, in certain point of my living here I heard someone explaining that Indonesians are not Muslins, Christians or Hindu (apart from the other recognized religions), the Indonesians are in fact Indonesian-Muslins, Indonesian-Christians and Indonesian-Hindu and that is one of the points that makes this place so special. The specific way of living in every moment living every moment in their lives. Also something very ones that smile more in the world is very true and very nice to be surrounded by people that give you positivism. Also optimistic and easy going, 2 of my favorite words/expressions in bahasa are: Tidak apa apa

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that means, no worries or something like this but express that we should relax cause there is no problem at all and the second one is the way you answer to questions if you have never been to a certain place or have never done something: Belum that means not yet I barely see people answering Tidak here, that means no. In every answer, in every sentence, in every smile or Hello Mister! you feel the hope and the expectation for the best. Another point that interests me in this country is the genuine curiosity, so innocent and spontaneous. People want to know you, they want to be your friend and know where do you go, have you eaten already, what is your favorite food in Indonesia but is not to chase you or for gossips, I get it from a way that this is what makes you feel part of the group, this genuine curiosity from the stranger to know if we share the same experiences, if appreciate the same taste, if we like and enjoy what is being offered. And in this small big city I live, Surabaya, that sometimes is impossible for me to understand the language (kind of Suroboyonese) but the same naĂŻve aura surrounds it. In number this is the second biggest city if Indonesia and is located in the most dense island in the country, Jawa, but in the other hand it looks that everybody knows each other, even the ones you have ever seen before, everybody eat together, everybody go to the same places, everybody enjoying things close to the others, even with a huge range of choice. If I could reduce Surabaya in few people it would be my University (UKPetra) that I have almost the same feeling, the only difference is that I can see people from all over Indonesia that came here to study and this diversity makes thing look even more beautiful. In general the Indonesia is more tolerant, more open minded and more friendly than what I assumed in a prejudgment before coming, from things I read and from other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opinion. In few months I am leaving this magic country that I learnt how love after the first reality shock and this will be the most difficult part of my program here, for sure! Hopefully Indonesia will keep and growing up and when I come back to my country (that has a lot in common and a

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lot different comparing to Indonesia) I wish I can transmit part of this joyful happiness to my people.

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Name

: Miroslav Vyrubalik

Country

: Ceczh Republic

Place of Study : Malang State University

Indonesia… If you have not yet been there, it is just an empty word. A word, that you probably learned about in geography or came across accidentally in a book or magazine. Maybe you even saw some pictures of half naked people from jungles of Borneo or smiling faces of your friends in front of strangely looking structures. Maybe you even googled the name, or put the word in Wikipedia to get some facts. Still, for you, that does not mean much. At this point Indonesia is just a country, far far away. If you belong to the smarter portion of world population you know by now that it spreads itself over an archipelago in south east Asia. If you belong to the less world-wise group, you might have thought until now that it is just India whose name somebody else misspelled. I know, because I have felt just the same. I knew little and less about this country before I decided to apply for Darmasiswa scholarship. When I was admitted, people from my country I talked to about going to Indonesia replied just empty phrases. Usually about how sure they are that I will have amazing time in India. Little did they now… Indonesia… In a brain of Darmasiswa alumni, the word provokes completely different reaction. After hearing it, constant flow of memories the size of Amazon river starts flooding his or her brain accompanied by at least a little smile. Don’t be

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mistaken not all of the memories are good ones, not by a longshot. They might not all be good memories, but all of them are strong ones and that makes them worth having. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if the Darmasiswa has lived here for three months, six months or one year. The things that we have seen, heard, touched, smelled or, simply put, lived through here would be impossible to experience anywhere else and those memories are now unseparable part of our identity and they have changed us and our way of thinking forever. So what is it that makes Indonesia so unique? So special that it differs so much from other countries? There is no simple answer to this question but one of the biggest determinants certainly are Indonesiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inhabitants. They are a remarkable mix of hundreds of cultural, racial and religious branches. From the Christian population in Tana Toraja in Sulawesi with their flat noses and big gogly eyes to dark skinned Papuans with their curly hair or smooth skinned Islamic Javanese with serious looks and disputable driving skills. One word that certainly stands for Indonesians is diversity. But letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a step back to the very beginning. Everybody travelling to this country should undertake serious preparations. Nobody will tell you this at home, but your concern number one: malaria, is all but extinguished from Indonesia and so are the associated risks. I myself took all the recommended vaccinations provided by healthcare centers in Czech Republic but if it was necessary I am unable to tell. There is also a lot of available literature about Indonesia in bookstores or on the internet. After reading some of the facts, I simply had to stop because I was getting even a little scared of my upcoming trip. Therefore I decided to trust my big smile and my survival instinct to protect me more than any online read information ever could (and it really did, but about that later). So I packed my backpack with some good Czech salami, couple pairs of shorts, several T-shirts, bottle of slivovice (traditional Czech alcoholic beverage) and envelope filled with photographs of my family and friends and stepped on a plane to begin my one year long adventure.

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First couple of hours, days, weeks and even months my strongest feeling was sheer amazement. I love travelling and am convinced that the thrill of going to some place unknown to you and finding your way of life there is the most rewarding and fulfilling emotion one can have. In Indonesia though, where at the beginning everything sounded alien, looked unorganized, dirty and even supermarket food looked unrecognizable. Ones feelings sometimes turned to desperation, anxiety or homesickness. The accommodation we were offered as a support by our university was below any standard of any accommodation I have ever seen before despite the fact that I embrace camping outside and sleeping in a tent or abandoned shelter. Just the thought of my first days here bring me back to the people of Indonesia. In the course of few first days I have met scores of new people. Everybody was excited to meet new bule in town.2 When I kept smiling and posing for pictures with people I have never met and who regarded me as some kind of curiosity, sudden aura of joy arrived. Slowly I grew more and more bold and tried my first phrases in bahasa Indonesia and if that didn’t work I just spoke in plain English. Smile and good attitude can bring you great lengths in Indonesia and even if you feel down because some things don’t go as expected, you should do you best to stay positive. Simply because if you do, good thing will come to you. I certainly did and before I knew it, I was offered different accommodation from a friend of mine I just met one day ago. Information in Indonesia is distributed by the way of human interaction more than by any other means. You have much better chances of accomplishing anything by asking your friends, rather than searching the internet. By talking and sharing with Indonesians though you will not only solve most of your problems easily, you will also meet the most amazing and interesting people there are and see places and do things you otherwise never would or could. I have spoken to and been invited to sleep overnight in a fishermen village near lake Tempe in Sulawesi. I have met a great adventurer

“bule” is an Indonesian word for a Caucasian foreigner

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Dikin in my favorite coffee place and we went together to the top of Mt. Arjuna some 3400m high couple weeks afterwards. I met a Javanese guy Erry, who turned out to be my best friend here and trusted adviser in many matters, Indonesian or not. The things I have done or at least tried to do here in Indonesia have changed me forever. The range and variety of choice is very ample here because of the great diversity of islands and different conditions of living so everyone can find their own self if they really want to. My experience from Indonesia are amazingly vast and go well beyond language and culture so I advice every single person reading this paper to simply take the chance. Go to Indonesia and embrace the opportunities it offers. Pleasure lovers will fall in love with the island of Bali. Rush hour, big city dwellers will feel almost at home in Java. Pure adventurers will certainly head for Borneo, or Kalimantan as it is locally called. White sand beach and sun addicts will not be able to abandon Sulawesi, known in the world as the island of Celebes. People that wish to cut all ties with home and enjoy severed contact for couple months will depart for small Sundas or even Papua. There is perfect choice for everyone, one just has to find it. And in the end, who knows, maybe you will find the same what I have, happiness.

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Name

: Julia PĹ&#x201A;acheciĹ&#x201E;ska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : IKIP Budi Utomo Malang

Indonesia and I

The first time I set foot on Indonesian soil was in February 2011, when I came to spend a bit more than three weeks in Bali. Bali was slow to win my heart - crowded, stifling, full of fumes and traffic jams. Of course, the beaches were beautiful, and the sound of the ocean was soothing, but Bali is not the only place in the world with beaches and ocean. The all-present smell of incense and flowers, which I love today, seemed to be too intense and was overpowering. It was more or less after a week's time when I started to discover the true magic of the island of Bali: the people, the culture, and the isolated places where tourists do not frequent. When I left, I knew that I wanted to come back as soon as possible. After a few months spent in Poland I started attending an Indonesian language course organized by the Indonesian Embassy at Warsaw, and I submitted the application for the "Darmasiswa" - a scholarship in Indonesia. Of course I wanted to go to Bali. To my surprise and disappointment, I found out that I received a scholarship in Malang, in East Java. I looked at the map and thought that it was not so far from Bali. But, the disappointment quickly went

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away, turning into a great joy and excitement - I was going to spend a year in Indonesia! Two weeks before the scholarship program was to begin I took a plane to Bali. I could not believe that I was there again. My beloved incense, the fragrant flowers, the people managing to combine tradition and modernity in everyday life, the sound of the ocean, the warm sand under my feet, the magnificent architecture of Hindu temples, and the wonderful fruit. I was in love with Bali even more than before. After two weeks, it was time for the next step in my journey - Jakarta. Soekarno-Hatta Airport is not my favorite place to visit; it is big, crowded, and very loud. It is hard to get any information and to find oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way around there. Today, after several visits to this airport, I know the layout of it quite well and know how to get around, but still, I do not like it. After registration in the Darmasiswa meeting point at the airport and a short time of waiting we, the new Darmasiswa students, were taken to the hotel. It was the first time I had the opportunity to see Jakarta. I know that on a map of the world's capitals Warsaw, where I have lived for six years, is not the largest of them. In comparison to Jakarta one can see it clearly. Unfortunately, right next to the highway, my gaze was drawn to the slums as we drove by. It was my first taste of culture shock. However, fatigue and excitement was so great that I took this view only as an image - like a photograph immortalized in my head. One of many un-taken photographs, which for the next months I will gather hundreds or perhaps thousands. Time at the hotel was full of organizational meetings followed by the opening ceremony. I also took the opportunity to talk to other students who came to Indonesia from all over the world. There was not much time left in the day for sleep. I suspected however, that this is the last opportunity to take a warm shower anytime in the near future. After completing the activity plan in Jakarta, all the students went to the cities in which they were supposed to study. I went to Malang.

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And here begins my true story of everyday life in Indonesia: adaptation, culture shock and endless observation. Indonesia is a country that surprises me almost every day, positively as well as negatively. It is a country full of contrasts, the way they live, the cultural, and even just visually. Indonesians ask me about Poland as much as the Poles ask me about Indonesia. They ask for comparisons, explanations, and descriptions. The first thing that always comes to mind is that it is impossible to describe. You need to see, touch, and feel it all yourself. Cultural differences between Poland and Indonesia are huge. I have to say that it is a completely different world. The first thing that struck me in Malang was the standard of living. Of course this city is full of huge villas, which you would see in only the extremely wealthy neighborhoods in Poland, but the standard of living of the average citizen, much less a student, is quite low. My first few weeks in Malang were a struggle for finding decent housing. My requirements rapidly declined. Originally I was looking for a room with its own bathroom, a shower (I did not require hot water) and possibly with Wi-Fi. However, rooms of that standard were quite expensive (at least in my new Indonesian reality), far from the university, or above all else, no longer available. I ended up living in a house that I liked because of being nice and clean. My room is quite large, we have six bathrooms available for everybody, including one with a hot shower and a "European style" toilet. At this moment, a westerner is probably asking the question: "What is the problem with the hot water?". Well, in most bathrooms hot water is just not available. There is also no shower or bathtub. It is usually a traditional bathroom with a square water tank and drain in the floor. An integral part of the bath is a sprinkler. You need to fill the sprinkler with water from the tank and then pour it on yourself. Pretty soon you get used to this kind of “shower”, and with the 30degree temperatures the cold water often feels like a blessing. Another surprise was the “sanitary” traditional style toilets that are located in the floor, which should explain the desire for the "European style" toilet in the bathroom.

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Although after all these months, it would no longer be considered a problem for me. After the â&#x20AC;&#x153;sanitaryâ&#x20AC;? shock associated with the manner of using the bathroom, the culture shock came. I found myself among a predominantly Muslim society, whose culture is very different from the Polish culture from which I came. The house in which I lived in Malang is of the type called "kos", which can be translated as boarding house. It is very difficult to explain the characteristics of the place. It is something between a dormitory, a hostel, and private quarters. In Malang a kos is either entirely male or entirely female. It is very difficult to find a mixed kos. The separation of the genders is of great importance in their society. And so, in my female kos, rule number one is you cannot have male visitors. Men have access to only the front yard, where some tables and chairs are placed. The second rule implemented in my kos is the curfew. The entrance door is locked from the inside at 10 p.m. This rule also applies to the majority of koses in the city. Therefore, if you're planning to go out at night you will need accommodation for yourself, possibly using help of friends who rent the whole house and can provide a place to sleep for you. I have had a lot of luck here. Most of the women living in my house are already working, not only students, so it is possible to leave a note explaining that one is planning to come back after curfew. Then the door would not be locked. Readers of this text should know that there are a lot of places where you can go out at night in Malang. The town has a number of clubs and even places offering karaoke (very popular in Indonesia) are open late into the night. It should be noted however that the karaoke clubs have the form not known in Poland. In Indonesia karaoke clubs are places where you can rent private rooms of various sizes. Karaoke rooms are usually equipped with a screen, microphones, and a place for selecting the songs. The rooms are soundproofed, which ensures stress-free fun with friends. As I am

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one of the people who cannot sing, but like doing it, Indonesian karaoke has become one of my favorite pastimes. Another part of the culture shock was the way in which Indonesians react to people with white skin. It rarely happens in Bali, where you can meet a lot of tourists, but in Malang I am a real attraction. Already in the first days I learned the word "bule". There are various theories about the origin of the word and whether it has a meaning positive, negative, or neutral. Either way, it means a person with the white skin. An everyday fact of life for this white skinned person is that people shout â&#x20AC;&#x153;buleâ&#x20AC;? and point at me. Equally confusing is that I am also being greeted with "Hello, mister!" or "Hello, miss!". I have no chance to get out of the house going unnoticed. Sometimes, someone will ask me to take a picture with them, which occasionally turns into an endless photoshoot. The upside is that I have learned to pose for pictures. However, I do not like shots taken without asking my permission, and it happens to me every day. As European women I attach a great importance to protecting my privacy and I take photographing me without permission as an attack on the sphere reserved only for me. Unfortunately, the only thing I do to combat it, is covering my face when I see camera pointed at me. Surely thought, I am able to notice only a small portion of the images taken of me. It's hard to dream about having privacy in Indonesia. An important feature of the Indonesian society is a kind of collective mentality and with that the lack of privacy. Social control includes everything and everyone. Neighbors have full knowledge of the life going on around them. Religion here is an important part of life and is not in any way subject to privacy. On the contrary, the questions of religion, age, or marital status appear at every turn. But like everywhere, in Indonesian society these behaviors in turn create another, considered a very positive by me, behavior - the openness of its people. Every day I meet with boundless kindness and benevolence on the part of the Indonesians. Oftentimes, I have been offered completely selfless help in dealing

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with everyday life. For every one unpleasant person who annoys me, there are at least two more whose positive and friendly attitude lifts my spirits for hours. Another fascinating thing about Indonesia is the wealth of culture, art, and traditional architecture of this country. The inhabitants of each island, each with their own ethnic distinctiveness, have their own special kind of dance, sculpture, theater, wayang, design of batik fabric, and type of construction. Art and culture is somewhat consistent, but is influenced by the many ethnic and linguistic differences. Indonesia is a country with the motto of "unity in diversity" and it shows every day. Malang is a university town. There are more than fifty universities which attract not only locals or Javanese, but also people from other islands, often from as far away as Timor and Papua. Penetrating into the society, you can feel certain ethnic strife, but in general people of different religions from different islands coexist on a daily basis, maintaining friendships and appreciating differences. When speaking of Indonesia, one cannot forget to mention the beauty of the country. Every day I admire the mountains that surround my town. I cannot get enough of the foliage, the palm trees, or the paddy fields. When I leave the city, I find myself just staring, adding new photographs to my collection and I still cannot get over the beautiful landscapes that surround me. How to describe Indonesia? So many things have escaped my attention. The fact that the main means of transportation is a motorbike, the descriptions of the food, the stories of the places I visited, and those I explored. What about the wonderful friendships that I made here? I wrote mostly about what surprised and shocked me in Indonesia or with what I had a problem. But today, a month before going back to my own country, I do not see a problem in most of those things anymore. Of course, sometimes the different mentality of people is difficult to deal with for me, but I have managed to get used to it. Today, I can sincerely say that I have found my place in Indonesia and I hope that my return home will not be the end of my relationship with this country. Today I know how

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many things, places, and people I have missed in Poland. So, every day I try to capture images, smells, sounds, and smiles to saturate my mind before leaving. I know that, how I miss Poland now, I will miss Indonesia soon, and it cannot be reversed. I am suspended somewhere between these two countries. I often wonder when I will be able to come back to Indonesia and what it will be like then. This country is developing so quickly and the changes will not only be visual, but also the morals and culture. I wonder if in ten yearsthere will be still a possibility of buying delicious food from the food carts and street vendorsâ&#x20AC;Ś Wherever Indonesia will go, in my heart I will always cherish the months I spent here. It will forever be "my Indonesia", which I have loved and to which I will miss.

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Name

: Thuong Cong Minh

Country

: Vietnam

Place of Study : IKIP Budi Utomo

INDONESIAKU

Bagi saya, Indonesia masih merupakan konsep yang tidak jelas dan selalu membuat saya penasaran (karena spesialisasi saya adalah Ilmu budaya). Jadi saya membaca informasi tentang Darmasiswa dan tidak ragu-ragu untuk mengisi aplikasi untuk beasiswa ini. Bulan September tahun 2012, saya sudah menginjakkan kaki di Indonesia. Sebelum punya beasiswa di Indonesia, saya saja tahu Indonesia adalah negara terbesar di Asia Tenggara dengan ibu kota Jakarta dan pulau wisata Bali. Saya pasti tidak biasa berbahasa Indonesia dan juga kebudayaannya. Tetapi setelah 9 bulan hidup dan belajar di sini, saya telah belajar

dan

mengalami

banyak

pengalaman.

BHINNEKA TUNGGAL IKA

Saya tahu Indonesia mencakup lebih dari 13.000 pulau, sehingga negara ini memiliki begitu banyak budaya dan bahasa yang berbeda. Bagian ini membuat saya memiliki sedikit kesulitan belajar bahasa Indonesia. Di sekolah, saya belajar bahasa Indonesia, tapi saya berbicara dengan orang, mereka menggunakan bahasa Jawa (sekolah saya di Malang, Jawa Timur). Pada awalnya saya cukup bingung, tapi sekarang saya telah menjadi terbiasa.

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Pernah berkunjung ke banyak tempat di Indonesia seperti Jawa, Madura, Kalimantan, Nusa Tenggara Barat, saya memiliki kesempatan untuk terkena berbagai budaya dari Indonesia. Ini aneh bahwa ada begitu banyak budaya yang berbeda hidup berdampingan di satu negara. Banyak teman-teman asli kita yang mengatakan masih banyak budaya lain di tempat-tempat lain seperti Sumatra, Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Maluku, Timor dan Papua. Namun masih ada fitur Indonesia. Sebagai negara tunggal dan bangsa, Indonesia telah mengembangkan sebuah identitas yang didefinisikan oleh bahasa nasional, keragaman etnis, keragaman agama di dalam populasi Muslim mayoritas. Meskipun telah melewati berabad-abad ada dan berkembang dengan pengaruh dari negaranegara seperti India, Arab Saudi, Cina, dan Eropa, kebudayaan Indonesia tetapi ada beberapa keanehan. Sebuah contoh khas untuk persatuan dalam keberagaman yang festival. Indonesia adalah tanah festival. Setiap tahun ada banyak festival diadakan di sini. Orang-orang Indonesia untuk berpartisipasi dalam festival dengan hangat semangat nasional. Setiap festival khusus untuk budaya dan agama yang berbeda. Indonesia memiliki sekitar 300 kelompok etnis sehingga setiap kelompok akan memiliki budaya yang berbeda. Hanya tahun lalu, perayaan di Indonesia ada 4 festival besar untuk merayakan tahun baru. Yaitu: Tahun Baru Masehi, Tahun Baru Hijriah, Tahun Baru Saka (Nyepi) dan Imlek Tahun Baru. Ini merupakan bukti keragaman dan harmoni antara Budaya dan Agama di Indonesia.

KEKAYAAN BUDAYA SEPANJANG MASA

Banyak bagian dunia sekarang telah memasuki masa globalisasi. Itu berarti bahwa identitas budaya asli Negara juga berangsur-angsur menghilang. Tapi mungkin dengan beberapa negara Asia, termasuk Indonesia, hal ini tidak sepenuhnya benar. Karena Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara dengan

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kemampuan untuk melestarikan identitas budaya asli terbaik di dunia. Adat istiadat dan ritual untuk festival tradisional adalah menjaga orang di sini selama berabad-abad. Khas adalah suku Tengger. Ini pada dasarnya adalah keturunan dari penduduk kuno pra-Majapahit Jawa. Ketika dinasti Majapahit Islam ke tahta, yang telah beremigrasi ke gunung Tengger untuk mengungsi. Namun, perlu dicatat bahwa mereka masih mempertahankan adat istiadat dan praktik Gereja dengan nya Hindu hingga saat ini. Festival ini adalah yang paling penting festival Kasada. Festival ini terkait dengan makna yang dalam legenda rakyat untuk rakyat Indonesia pendahulu. Pura Luhur Poten menyelenggarakan festival tahunan Yadnya Kasada masyarakat Indonesia. Acara ini berlangsung selama bulan pertama, dan pada tanggal 14 bulan itu, orang-orang akan berkumpul di kuil untuk berdoa Tengger kepada Tuhan Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa dan Mahameru (Gunung Semeru Roh). Kemudian kelompok akan lebih dari 50 sepanjang tangga batu ke puncak Bromo, di mana banyak persembahan korban: buah, beras, garam dan makanan lokal, dan akan dilemparkan ke dalam hati mengepul gunung berapi. Hal ini dikenal sebagai salah satu festival besar dan tertua dari mereka. Di sisi lain, orang yang berfokus pada Indonesia disampaikan kepada kaum muda nilai tradisi mereka yang berharga. Di semua tingkat pendidikan dari SD ke SMP, universitas menawarkan kursus dalam budaya tradisional. Para siswa belajar tentang seni pertunjukan tradisi: Wayang topeng, Wayang kulit, perdukunan, tari Baron, Legong, Gamelan instrumen, alat musik Keroncong, ... Jadi bagaimana produk ini kerajinan Batik lukisan, membuat topeng tradisional ... Jadi tidak ada yang tahu anak Anda tidak memainkan alat musik atau tidak tahu tarian tarian tradisional sama sekali. Pada tingkat sarjana, siswa belajar tentang kedalaman keterampilan praktis dan kemampuan untuk menciptakan produk baru memiliki modernitas sendiri tradisional baik di dalamnya. Itulah cara orang Indonesia dilakukan untuk melestarikan nilai budaya tradisional mereka.

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PERILAKU MEMBUAT IDENTITAS BUDAYA

Satu hal yang saya sangat terkesan dengan Indonesia adalah bahwa orang di sini sangat hangat dan damai. Mereka bersedia untuk membantu saya tanpa syarat apapun. Ketika saya pergi ke Lombok sendirian dan harus menyewa sepeda motor. Karena tidak ada kenalan di Mataram, saya harus menemukan hal-hal. Aku pergi ke sebuah kantor di Mataram tengah jam kantor untuk bertanya tentang di mana untuk menyewa sepeda motor, pertanyaan konyol yang tidak terkait dengan pekerjaan mereka sama sekali. Tapi mereka masih antusias melukis peta jalan bagi saya. Juga perhatikan menyerukan pemilik mobil mempersiapkan mobil saya. Itu membuat saya benar-benar menghargai. Namun terkadang cara itu membuat saya memiliki catatan yang sulit. Mereka tampaknya terlalu antusias dalam membantu orang untuk mendapatkan bantuan ketika sesuatu yang mereka tidak dapat membantu, cobalah untuk membantu mereka juga, meskipun hasilnya tidak akan tahu bagaimana. Misalnya, meminta petunjuk. Itu juga merupakan ulang tahun ketika saya belajar untuk mengeksplorasi di Indonesia. Hal ini direncanakan untuk membuat diri mereka dan selalu membawa peta. Karena kadang-kadang meminta lebih bahwa Anda kehilangan lebih dari ketika orang ditanya apakah Anda juga cara yang buta, tetapi mereka masih saja. Tetapi juga menunjukkan bahwa mereka memiliki niat baik untuk membantu Anda. Saya selalu berterima kasih kepada mereka sehingga mereka merasa dihargai. Jadi untuk Indonesia, saya selalu merasa seperti saya di rumah. Tidak takut untuk tersesat, ke mana harus pergi dan selalu menerima bantuan antusias.

MAKANAN KHAS INDONESIA

Semua baik-baik saja, kecuali makanan itu. Makanan Indonesia sangat pedas dan banyak gorengan. Saya selalu dalam keadaan tidak makan dan

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diserap. Tapi makanan Indonesia sangat lezat. Ada banyak hidangan yang saya suka: Terang Bulan, martabak, cendol, pecel, Gado-Gado, bakso, nasi tumpeng, rawon,

masakan

Padang

tang

tanpa

pedas

...

Tapi seperti faktor penting bagi keberhasilan makanan bukanlah lauk tapi sambal. Bagi Indonesia, kurangnya sambal makanan sebagai makanan yang tidak sempurna. Rempah-rempah pedas, rasa asam bangun untuk makan, bahwa mereka menikmati makanan lebih lengkap. seorang teman saya mengatakan bahwa: Untuk tahu sewarung makan baik atau buruk, mencoba hidangan sambal yang mereka lakukan. Jika itu baik, maka pastikan piring Anda bersih dengan hidangan sambal. Sebaliknya, Anda akan merasa bosan dengan makanan bawah tanah. Sayangnya, sambal adalah hidangan pedas dan saya tidak selalu menguji. Namun memang, sambal sangat lezat.

KESIMPULAN

Ini benar-benar waktu terbaik yang pernah bagi saya. Saya telah menjelajahi negara baru, budaya baru dan belajar bahasa baru, tapi saya benarbenar

belajar

lebih

banyak

dari

itu.

Sebagai seseorang yang mengkhususkan diri dalam studi budaya dunia, saya menemukan bahwa dalam konteks globalisasi saat ini adalah tren perkembangan yang semakin kuat dan tidak dapat diubah, paralel dengan pembangunan ekonomi, Indonesia masih menyimpan sedikit satu identitas budaya mereka. Dalam dunia yang datar hari ini, dan kecenderungan integrasi juga kebutuhan yang mutlak bagi pembangunan ekonomi negara. Tapi integrasi untuk pembangunan tidak identik dengan nilai-nilai budaya dan tradisi bangsa dan menodai

dibubarkan.

Investasi dalam wisata dan budaya adalah arah yang benar, tidak hanya membawa manfaat ekonomi bagi Indonesia bahwa negara telah membantu ribuan menyelamatkan pulau mereka identitas.

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Name

: Yukiko Miyamoto

Country

: Japan

Place of Study : IKIP Budi Utomo

My Experience in Indonesia It is about 9 months since Icame to Indonesia. I have lived in Malang, East Java. I experienced much of Indonesian culture, and it really fascinated me.I would like to introduce some of my experiences of Indonesian culture. First, I attended the wedding ceremony. It was the marriage of an Indonesian couple. The ceremony lasted three days. On the first and second day, the ceremony was held in the house of the bride. It included some of unique ceremonies. The bride’s parents poured water over her body in order to purify her. The bride dropped a pot which contains some coins on the floor, and guests tried to pick them up. If they can get coins, they will be happy. On the last day, the ceremony was held in a big hall. A lot of guests came to celebrate the bride and groom. I was also interested in the costumes of the bride, the groom and their families. They wore traditional Indonesian dresses and costumes, and some of men had short swords on their backs. I could experience traditional Javanese wedding ceremony. Second, I experienced “Idul Adha”, a feast day of sacrifice. On the morning of that day, a great number of people gathered in one large mosque and prayed

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together. The scene of the moment that all people praying in the same way was so amazing. After this praying, they gathered in the place to kill animals as sacrifices. They were cows and goats. Some men handily killed them with saws, and then women cut those meats to proper size. Everyone who was there, even if small children didn’t scare to watch the animals killed, they were really used to do that. Of course, I had never looked animals killed before, so I couldn’t look that scene for a long time. It shocked me. But I think it was a valuable experience of an Islamic ceremony. Third, I went to various natural spots. Malang has a lot of nature, for example, mountains, water falls, and beaches. The most famous spot near by Malang may be Mt.Bromo. I went to the mountain next to Mt.Bromo to see the sunrise. It was so amazing. Of course Mt.Bromo was also great. Almost all of people in Java are Muslim but people who live around Mt.Bromo are Hindu. Unfortunately I didn’t have an opportunity to have contact with them,but I learned about Hindu around Mt. Bromo in my classes. Finally, the most impressive thing I had in Malang was that I had lived in the way of real Indonesian style. I lived in “kos-kosan”, like an apartment. All people who lived in my kost were Indonesian girls. Every day, I take a bath in Indonesian way, using cold water and no shower, what is called “mandi”. When I go somewhere, I take angkot, like mini bus. I have meals at local warung and eat Indonesian foods. There are many differences of life style between Indonesia and my country, and occasionally I was very surprised. All things I had experienced in Malang made me strong and mature. I will never forget this precious experience in Indonesia and all people I had met in Indonesia. I would like to say thank you to them.

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Name

: Johaira Ali Samsodden

Country

: The Phillippines

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Malang

Pengertian dan Kerja Sama Antar Bangsa Antar Budaya Antar Agama (Understanding And Cooperation, Inter-nation, Inter-culture and Inter-religion) It is really amazing to be part of something we will be very proud of later on with our lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey. Experiencing years of exploring a total different nation, culture and religion with ours. And by that, we are able to learn things out of expectations and beyond qualifications. Inter-nation brings one another in understanding others nation. Either, issues, problems, standing, strength, weakness and so on. Between two or more nations, there is always a comparison that starts from a small talk into a continuous and sometimes leads to a serious huge debate. As far as my twoyears-of staying here in Indonesia, it is a challenge but an exciting and unforgettable part of me living as a Filipino citizen in this country. Inter-nation in my own point of view is one of the most effective practices in knowing and understanding oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nation. In a way it is being practically brings out you presenting your own country. Applying what could be better for the rest of the

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other and still standing for one’s country. We are able to be more nationalistic because of the fact that it is our originality. Different theoretical and policies is always been there between nation to nation and the truth is, we are learning. We learn by them, speaking, illustrating and by the way they call it their nation. Through inter-nation, I have to call it one of the exceptional learning, that expands the understanding and by that we are building cooperation and that cooperation builds a strong inter-nation relations that broadens the knowledge on one nation’s point of view. In the end, inter-nation still is an effective way of uncovering the knowledge brought by the intercompany between nations. By the differences, inter-culture plays a big rule in showing what a country stands for, what a country is able to present, what a country is built for and for what a country is telling us about. This isn’t just about the country I have to say. What I had experience based on what I observe and learned it also knowing what is the meaning of everything, going through experience practically and personally is a double pack of understanding and would want to last for the rest of our life. I, myself had through this experience and still going right now. Going to the very basic example and very simple to understand, Asians, I was one of them, and will be forever. it is undeniable, that Asians are known across the seas and all over the world, why? Because Asians are rich in culture. They are unbeatable when it comes to culture talk and practice. As one of the descendant of Malayo-Polynesian, Philippines history during pre-Hispanic and non-Christian, it is very clear that some or I think most of those Philippine culture were derive from them. As I look back and review of what the Philippines culture is, this is what I’ve found, an influence of Malayo-Polynesian got through Philippine practices and later on, Spanish and American give an impact in enriching Philippines’ culture. I’d like to say an inter-culture is occurring largely in my beloved country, which I am very proud because of being not ignorant on something out there! Something we don’t have to look for and find out because we are already having it. The beauty of inter-culture lies behind the practice and finding out the meaning of every single significant means.

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Finally, inter-religion. considering a very sensitive practice and tradition if it is so. people who are bound to serve by means of each religion is a hard process in making them understand your point of view. In such a way, religion isn’t a thing we are can able to change just because the other side took the right speech. It is something a life time decision and everyday practice for it is holy and not for on-and-off membership. Inter-religion sometimes brings ambiguous and sometimes certainty in religious concept. As what I have said that when it comes to religion it is something we can’t criticize. All I can say is that, an interreligion brings and strengthening respect to one another’s religion, and more of understanding in its self-practice. What we observe is the only way a person is sending us. By research and references, I can say, there is still differences even though into the same religion. An attachment to the practice and traditional way is still the foundation of how a person carry its religion. Respect differences has always been in me since I am totally experiencing different things.

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Name

: Ma Thi My Chung

Country

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Malang

â&#x20AC;&#x153; PENGERTIAN DAN KERJASAMA ANTARBANGSA, ANTARBUDAYA, DAN ANTARAGAMAâ&#x20AC;? Indonesia adalah negara punya ribuan pulau, itu keindahan dan kerumahan.

Sebelum datang ke Indonesia, saya sangat khawatir karena perbedaan tentang agama, budaya dan lain- lain. saya tidak tahu saya bisa atau tidak beradaptasi dengan kehidupan disana. Tetapi kegelisahan itu sudah hilang setelah beberapa bulan tinggal di Indonesia. Indonesia memiliki lebih dari 17.000 pulau, kira- kira 6.000 pulau dari semua tidak ada orang itu masih liar. Salah satu dari lima pulau besar di Indonesia adalah pulau Jawa. Itu besar sekali dan saya sedang tinggal dan belajar di kota Malang, salah satu dari sebagian Jawa tengah. Setelah saya sampai bandara Jakarta saya senang sekali karena penerimaan antusiasme oleh orang- orang dari acara ini, benar-benar saya pikir semua dipersiapkan bijaksana. Dan ketika saya dengan teman- teman datang UMM saya merasa berterimakasih dan sangat senang oleh saya sudah dibantu banyak.

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Pertama kali sampai ke UMM, kami disusun di rumah tamu. Tidak lama setelah itu, kami dibantu untuk mencari kos yang saya suka itu dekat UMM. Meskipun sinar matahari sangat panas tetapi orang- orang di UMM sama saya masih jalan terus untuk mencari kos yang saya suka. Bahkan, dosen- dosen di UMM benarbenar sangat baik, mereka selalu tanya apakah ada tahu atau tidak untuk membantu kami. Saya merasa dosen- dosen di UMM ramah sekali. Selain belajar di kelas, kami memilika banyak kelas diluar. Kami sudah pernah ke tempat wisata Selecta, museum MPU Purwa, Blitar, jalan- jalan di kota Batu, tempat membuat kripik tempe di Malang yang namanya Ibu Noen, kebun the, tempat tulis batik dan lain- lain. Setelah sebuah perjalanan, saya dan teman- teman kelas akan menulis tentang perjalanan itu untuk minggu depan dosen- dosen check . Begitu, saya bisa mengerti lebih banyak tentang alam dan orang-orang di sina. Dengan banyak pulau yang besar dan kecil Indonesia sangat kaya sumber daya, misalnya: minyak , gas, timah, emas, ...ini membantu masyarakat Indonesia lebih pembangunan. Kebudayaan punya Indonesia bhinneka tunggal ika: karakteristik budaya Indonesia bisa dilihat dari pakaian, masakan, seni dan kostum. Pakaian Indonesia yang unik dan terkenal itu adalah batik, batik memiliki banyak motif, dari motif bisa ditahui daerah apa yang membuat batik itu, karena meskipun asal dari Indonesia tetapi setiap daerah motif tidak bersama. Motif bunga adalah motif batik Malang. Tetang seni , saya suka tari tradisional, di kampus saya juga belajar menari Grebeg Jawa, itu sulit karena harus menggunakan tangan kecerdikan sekaligus bergabung dengan aktif powerfull dan fleksibel punya kaki. Dalam budaya kuliner, banyak makanan yang enak di Indonesia dan rasanya semua lebih pedas dari makanan Viet Nam, orang- orang Indonesia sangat suka menggunakan cabai untuk membuat makanan. Sambal terbuat dari cabai yang popular sekali untuk makan bersama nasi putih, ayam goreng, bakso,â&#x20AC;Śtidak sama Viet Nam ketika makan orang- orang Indonesia tidak memakai sendok, garpu atau sumpit, mereka hanya menggunakan tangan saja tetapi harus menggunakan tangan kanan, jangan memakai tangan kiri karena tangan itu

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sangat kotor. Saya pernah banyak kali belajar makan oleh tangan tetapi masih kikuk. Saya masih ingat pertama kali saya datang ke kos, saya sudah mengajak kawan- kawan kos saya makanan dari Viet Nam tetapi saya lupa memegang makanan itu oleh tangan kiri. Begitu, kawan- kawan kos semua berbicara dengan saya mereka sudah kenyang. Nanti, saya masuk kamar dan kaget saya mengajak mereka oleh tangan kiri itu tidak baik. Kali ini, saya mengajak mereka oleh tangan kanan mereka senang makan. Satu pengalaman praktis lain, beberapa saya tinggal di sini dan naik angkot untuk jalan- jalan ke pasar Besar, MOG, Matos,â&#x20AC;Ś suatu hari saya membeli barang- barang itu berat. Jadi saya harus memegang oleh tangan kanan. Angkot tidak berhenti walaupun sudah sampai karena saya sudah menjemput angkot itu oleh tangan kiri, Sopir marah tidak mau berhenti. Jadi, sekarang saya selalu berhati- hati dengan tangan punya saya ketika saya ingin ambil barang- barang atau salam. Mungkin apa yang saya paling suka disana adalah tingkah laku antara anggota di dalam masyarakat. Anda dapat mencari kos, ruang yang nyaman dengan harga terjangkau. Sebuah kamar hanya satu orang tinggal disana itu tenang dan anda bisa membikin semua tidak ada orang yang mengganggu anda. Anda jangan khawatir karena anda pikir anda hanya sediri, itu salah karena anda bisa bercanda- canda dengan kawan- kawan kos, makan bersama ketika anda keluar kamar, disana berisik. Saya tidak tahu bagaimana tempat-tempat lain tapi hidup punya saya di kota Malang nyaman dan saya merasa orang- orang disini semua baik. Sudah lama, saya dengan teman- teman Viet Nam jalan- jalan ke MOG, sebelumnya, saya ke tepat menjual pulsa untuk isi pulsa tapi saya lupa telepon disana. Saya masih jalan- jalan tidak tahu telepon sudah hilang. Kira- kira jam 4 sore, ada pesan dari toko menjual pulsa itu ke telepon teman saya. Saya bisa mengambil telepon itu, orang itu jujur. Agama- agama tinggal bersama harmoni. Islam adalah agama resmi, tetapi banyak agama lain seperti Hindu, Buddha, ..., juga berkumpulkan disana. Hindu pembagunan dalam kehidupan masyarakat Bali. Bali adalah salah satu dari tempat wisata yang terkenal di Indonesia seperti pulau surga, juga dikenal

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sebagai pulau seribu candi. Jadi, misteri dan suci selimuti pulau ini. Keindahan dari alam dicampur dengan warna misteri membuat pulau itu menarik. Dari pulau kerohanian Hindu lewat ke sana- sana juga bisa memasuki kerohanian Islam karena perannya dalam kehidupan masyarakat Indonesia sangat penting, saya tinggal di Malang dan saya bisa melihat mudah- mudah mempengaruhi besar itu. Itu mendonimasi orang- orang di Indonesia. Setiap hari, masyarakat Indonesia berdoa lima kali dan mereka bisa berdoa di manapun. Kegiatan semua dihentikan sehingga berdoa. Pertama datang ke sini saya mengherankan toko, warung, dan lain- lain membuka lebih lambat dari Viet Nam. Di sini hampir jam 9 baru membuka pintu untuk jual. Memang, orang- orang Indonesia bangun sangat awal tetapi mereka masih berdoa. Alam keindahan. Alam mendukung membuat Indonesia banyak permai yang sesuai untuk pembangunan wisata. Jadi saya pikir wisata di Indonesia akan pembangunan jika diinvestasikan masuk akal. Sembilan bulan di Indonesia, saya pernah jalan- jalan ke Bromo, gunung Kawi, pulau Sempu, dan lain- lain, saya juga melihat banyak tempat wisata itu sangat indah. Khusus, saya sangat suka gunnung disini yang sifatnya fleksibel, kehijau- hijau selimuti. Walaupun di Viet Nam juga ada banyak gunung. Pada musim hujan jika jalan- jalan ke sana bisa menikmati ciri-cirinya kabur dan mistis karena banyak kabut, dengar burungburung di dalam hutan itu berkicau- kicau, melihat banyak sungai yang kecil undulations sekitar batu- batu yang besar. Pada musim panas, gunung muncul jelas dengan awan- awan terbang di atas puncak membuat satu gambar sangat indah. Pantai di sini juga indah oleh air bersih seperti kaca, warnanya biru dicampur hijau itu . Senang sekali jika jalan kaki di atas pasir yang halus di dalam sinar matahari hangat pada pagi. Karena medan dan iklim di Indo keragaman itu sudah menciptakan perbedaan. Di Yogyakarta suara lebih panas dari Malang, iklim punya Malang sebagai iklim punya kota Da Lat di Vietnam. Kota Batu yang dekat kota Malang disana ada banyak kebun apel, kebun wortel,â&#x20AC;Śkarena iklim dingin bisa bertanam pohon itu. Pada musim panen bisa menikmati buah- buah

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itu di dalam kebun, sangat segar , rasanya yang asli itu sedikit esam dicampur manis. Akhirnya, saya senang sekali ketika partisipasi acara belajar dan penemuan di Indonesia yang sangat indah dan ramah. Jika ada kesempatan saya pikir saya akan kembali Indonesia dan lanjut penemuan.

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Name

: Nang Sar Mar Pang

Country

: Myanmar

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Malang

UNDERSTANDING AND COOPERATION OF INTERNATIONAL, INTERCULTURE AND INTER-RELIGION Indonesia, one of Asian Countries, is an archipelago in Southeast Asia consisting of 17,000 islands and straddling the equator. These islands have created a diverse and unique Indonesian culture. Including large islands such as Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Papua and Java, Indonesia is home to over 234 million people, making the fourth populous nation of the world. Concerned with Indonesia nation, human social, culture, religion and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cooperation, I get some comprehensive informationabout Indonesia in its diversity; culture, environment, geography, people, economy, government and history .And I understand through it as long as I learn and stay in Java, Indonesia. Indonesia is a republic and a presidential system. As a unity state, power is concerned in the central government. The government representative body at national level is the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;People Consultative assembly (MPR) and its main functions are supporting and amending the constitution, inaugurating the president and formalizing broad lines of state policy. A leading member of the Association of South East Asian Nations, Indonesia has worked with other countries in foreign relations. And it also has close relationships with western European countries such as United State,

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Australia and Japan and others for international cooperation. And also cooperation with my country, Indonesia recognized progress in peace and stability, international relations. In addition to this time, they made three key cooperation accords successfully. There are framework agreement on investment and trade, an MOU on cooperation in human resource development and an MOU on rice trade. It becomes more relational with Myanmar, is significant progress of nation accordance with my opinion. There are many natural resources in Indonesia such as vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, sugar, spices .Large plantations are devoted to oil palm, rubber, sugar for domestic use and exports although in some areas rubber trees are owned and tapped by farmers. Abundance of natural resources, Indonesia mainly exports petroleum, appliances, and rubbers. Indonesia, Southeast Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest economy, is increasingly on radar of foreign investors. And so there are also having cooperation with Asian nations and European countries. We can be seen that it improves economic governance and framework conditions for entrepreneurs. They make competitiveness of the Indonesia economy and integration with international trade of nation increased. A hugely diverse nation is Indonesia. It is a home of over 300 ethnic groups. In each island has province. In each province also has their different culture. Culture is always manifested in a system of orientation typical to a country and group which is consist of specific symbols such as language, body language, behavior (mimicry), greeting rituals, cuisine and clothing. With population of 135 million, Java Island has also a diverse mixture of ethnicities and cultures. It has three parts; west, central and east java. And each region has their languages like Sudanese, Javanese language. Same as, at others Islands have also many languages. They will usually be spoken at home and in the local community. But they speak Indonesian language (bahasa Indonesia), the official language of Indonesia at work and at school. Therefore it is good in communication in among people from foreign countries.But not knowing the rules, or understanding how to communicate or to apply and to the native

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people, it inevitably leads to misunderstanding for foreign people. In body language is also. In Indonesia’s diverse culture and tradition, there are many delicious and different of traditional foods. Perhaps the most famous Indonesian condiment is called sambal which is made from various spices. And Indonesia’s other main source of protein soy-soy based dishes such as tahu and tempe. They are very popular in Indonesia. In general, Indonesia food is rich in spices. The indigenous cooking techniques and ingredients have benefited from trade and influences originating in places as far away as India, China, the Middle East and Europe. It can be also see that there are many traditional textile traditions. The widely recognized costume are batik, kebaya and peci which are mainly belong to the culture of Java and Bali. Concerned with costume, batik is recognized as the important identity of Indonesian culture. UNESCO designed Indonesia batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible heritage of Humanity. And there is potential intercultural cooperation with Japan, “Batik Kimono”. Potential cooperation is making batik on cloth kimono. Batik and Kimono have meaning and characteristic of the owners representing Indonesia and Japan. It would be nice, if two nations work together to integrate their culture for advances, popularize and strengthen ties between two nations. Indonesia is the world’s most populous of Muslim-majority country; 90 percent of citizens identifying citizens. There are also groups who practice forms of Buddhism, Hinduism, Greek Paganism and Shamanistic Animism. Christianity is not foreign to Indonesia either with various protestant denominations practiced as well as Roman Catholicism.Traditionally, Muslims have been concentrated in the more populous western islands of Indonesia such as Java and Sumatra. In less populous eastern islands, the Muslim population is proportionally lower. In Bali Island has the majority of Hinduism. But there are many temples of Hinduism in Java Island as almost Indonesian histories did take place. In east Java has Badut temple is the oldest and there is the biggest Buddhist temple; Borobudur is at central Java. Nowadays, it can be seen that all religions can be freedom of

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worship. In a diverse democratic society that prides itself on being multireligious, the government makes an effort to reduceany tension and to maintain a cohesion by proposing the inter-religion co-operation plans. Indonesia is the most comprised of islands country, it is the most diversity in ethnics groups, in cultures, in religious. However they are great in diversity, the national motto of Indonesia is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unity in Diversityâ&#x20AC;?. National philosophy has been devised known as "Pancasila" which stresses universal justice for all Indonesians.It also can be seen that the government also works cooperation to promote exchanges experiences, to improve the effectiveness of the natural resources of the country and to increase and improve communications with developing countries. I become more understand and aware about many things of Indonesia that I previously never thought of.

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Name

: Nguyen Thi Thu Hang

Country

: Vietnam

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Malang

Beberapa hari ini saya membaca sebuah artikel yang membuat saya tertarik. Artikel itu berjudul: "Sembilan belas hal yang harus mengalami setidaknya sekali dalam hidup mereka." Dalam sembilan dari sepuluh hal yang Anda harus miliki setidaknya satu hidup, belajar dan bekerja di sebuah negara di luar negari. Alasan yang diberikan adalah ketika Anda tinggal di negara yang berbeda, lingkungannya berbeda jadi Anda akan memiliki kesempatan untuk belajar tentang budaya dan banyak hal yang menarik. Tidak hanya itu, hal-hal yang saya dapatkan dalam setahun kuliah di sini memang sangat banyak. Itulah pengalaman yang sangat menyenangkan dan berguna baik untuk saya sendiri maupun negara dan bangsa saya. Berikut ini adalah pengetahuan yang saya dapkan tentang Indonesia, negara kepulauan yang sangat unit. 1.

Antar bangsa Indonesia merupakan negara kepulauan. Negara ini mempunyai sekitar

17.000 pulau. Indonesia kurang lebih ada 237 juta orang, dan menempati urutan ke empat di dunia. Ada beberapa pulau yang besar, yaitu Kalimantan, Sumatra, Papua Barat, Sulawesi, Jawa, Bali, dsb.

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Indonesia adalah negara yang memiliki berbagai macam kebudayaan tetapi Indonesia mempunyai semboyan yang dapat menyatukan perbedaan tersebut yang bunyinya : "Bhinneka tunggal ika". Di Indonesia ada 1.128 suku. Suku Jawa kira-kira 100 juta orang, termasuk suku yang paling banyak jumlahnya. Bahasa yang ada di Indonesia juga banyak, ada 746 bahasa. Tetapi bahasa nasional yang digunakan adalah bahasa Indonesia. Indonesia mempunyai banyak tempat wisata yang bagus contohnya: gunung, danau, sungai, pulau, dan fauna. Setiap tahun di Indonesia ada banyak festival: Tahun Baru Masehi, Tahun Baru Hijiriah, Tahun baru Saka, Tahun Baru Imlek, Ramadan festival. Ramadan adalah liburan yang berlangsung pada waktu sebelum hari raya Idul Fitri. Bulan Ramadhan adalah waktu untuk berdoa dan pembersihan dosa. Selama festival ini Muslim menjauhkan diri dari makan, minum , merokok dan lain-lain dari matahari terbit sampai terbenam. Pulau Jawa adalah sebuah pulau dengan banyak lokasi wisata yang menarik. Dimana ibu kota dari Negara Indonesia terletak di pulau Jawa yaitu Jakarta yang menjadi pusat konsentrasi penduduk dan pembangunan ekonomi Indonesia. Tujuan wisata yang terkenal di Indonesia adalah Bromo gunung berapi, vulkanik Danau Toba, laut Bali, Lombok, taman Nasional Ujung Kulon, taman Nasional Bunaken, taman Nasional Lomodo, Borobudur, Masjid Istiqlal, Candi Prambanan. 2.

Antarbudaya 2.1.

Kebudayaan kuliner

Negara Indonesia punya banyak keragaman budaya karena Negara Indonesia terdiri dari ribuan pulau. Makanan Indonesia juga beragam, seperti fitur geografis Indonesia. Budaya kuliner Indonesia selalu menarik untuk orang asing. Rempah-rempah yang penting ketika memasak. Makanan Indonesia punya banyak rempah contoh: cabai, lada, bawang merah, bawang putih, dan rempahrempah dari tumbuh-tumbuhan. Beras adalah makanan pokok Indonesia sama banyak nasional Asia Tenggara. Cara makan, orang Indonesia biasanya makan

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dengan tangan kanan mereka. Ini adalah hal yang menikmati di dalam budaya Indonesia. Indonesia adalah negara banyak makanan yang menikmati untuk orang asing. Hidangan populer di Indonesia adalah sate, soto, nasi goreng, mie goreng, pecel, tempe. Sambal adalah hidangan khas untuk budaya kuliner Indonesia. Sambal dibuat dari cabai dan rempah-rempah lainnya. Itu adalah rempahrempah yang sangat diperlukan dalam makanan Indonesia. Pada umumnya kacang juga sering digunakan dalam masakan Indonesia. Indonesia adalah negara besar dan banyak suku-suku jadi kebudayaan kuliner sangat bermacam-macam. Setiap daerah di Indonesia punya banyak makanan yang khas disana. Contohnya Tempe dari Jawa, Soto di Lombok, Yogyakarta; nasi Badang, Nasi Gudeg di Yogyakarta, Sate dari Madura. Bandeng presto adalah makanan khas Indonesia yang berasal dari daerah Semarang. Jika membandingkan makanan Indonesia dengan makanan di negara-negara lain, banyak yang sama dengan dearah Asian, tetapi masih ada yang cuma ada di Indonesia. 2.2.

Kebudayaan kesenian

Indonesia adalah negara dengan seni budaya tradisional yang terkenal. Setiap daerah memiliki seni tari, seni musik, seni batik yang berbeda. Suku Jawa kira-kira 100 juta orang, termasuk suku yang paling banyak jumlahnya dan memiliki budaya yang khas. Di pulau Jawa, kain batik merupakan bagian dari tradisi kuno. Yogyakarta, Solo dan Pekalongan adalah pusat tradisional batik sutra. Selama upacara pernikahan, kedua pengantin akan memakai gaun bentuk motif batik Sidomukti, yang melambangkan kehidupan bahagia dan sejahtera. Kita akan mudah menemukan batik di Jawa, karena Solo dan Pekalongan adalah dua pusat batik di Indonesia. Wisatawan asing akan sering menemukan distrik perbelanjaan kain batik untuk hadiah. Itu sangat populer sebagai hadiah pariwisata di Indonesia. Selain batik ada juga ada wayang kulit yang sudah dapat budaya dunia oleh Unesco. Wayang Kulit adalah bentuk teater wayang tradisional Indonesia,

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yang berasal

dari kombinasi, unsur-unsur tari dan musik, mitologi. Wayang

Kutlit warisan budaya tradisional Indonesia, yang dikenal sampai hari ini dan telah menjadi simbol seni. Wayang Kulit dilakukan pada kesempatan peristiwa penting seperti hari libur nasional, festival keagamaan, upacara kremasi, pernikahan, kelahiran, atau peristiwa besar dalam kehidupan individu atau masyarakat. Kemudian ada juga lagu-lagu Jawa dan gamelang yang adalah seni peran khas punya Indonesia. Budaya merupakan faktor penting untuk membuat perbedaan negara Indonesia dengan negara-negara lain di kawasan Asian. Banyak orang masih melestarikan dan mengembangkan budaya tersebut. Pemandangan alam, masyarakat, budaya telah menciptakan negara Indonesia yang indah di mata dunia. 3.

Antar Agama

Sebagian besar penduduk Indonesia adalah Muslim. Sekitar 86% orang Indonesia beragama Islam. Negara ini memiliki penduduk yang menganut agama Islam paling banyak di dunia. Agama dan kepercayaan menurut orang Indonesia sangat penting, jadi kebiasaan di dalam agama selalu sama dengan kehidupan mereka. Di dalam agama Islam ada 5 hal yang penting: Yang pertama, orang Muslim harus berdoa 5 kali sehari, namanya Shalat. Dan di dalam satu minggu ada hari Jumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;at, dimana Muslim laki-laki harus ke Masjid untuk berdoa bersama. Setiap tahun, hampir semua orang Muslim merayakan bulan Ramadhan. Bulan Ramadhan adalah kebiasaan pada bulan 9 kalendar Islam, di dalam bulan ini orang Muslim tidak boleh makan, minum, merokok, kesenangan, dan sebagainya. Mulai dari sebelum matahari terbit sampai sesudah matahari terbenam. Kemudian adalah Zakat, zakat adalah membantu orang miskin. Di dalam Al-Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an ada perintah untuk umat Muslim untuk pergi ke Tanah Suci Mekkah paling sedikit satu kali di dalam hidup mereka. Selain Islam, di Indonesia masih ada penduduk yang beragama lainnya: Hindu, Budha, Kristen, Katolik, Kong Hu Cu, dan sebagainya. Orang beragama

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Hindu, rata-rata orang beragama hindu paling banyak berasal dari pulau Bali. Jadi kebudayaan di Bali sebagian besar berasal dari agama Hindu. Selain itu, Agama lainnya yang terdapat di Indonesia adalah dari bangsa Cina. Meskipun penduduk yang beragama Cina ini tidak banyak, tetapi mereka juga punya kebudayaan agama sendiri. Dan membentuk menjadi macam-macam kebudayaan di negara Indonesia. 4.

Diskusi

Indonesia dan Vietnam berada di dalam wilayah Asean, jadi dua negara ini memiliki banyak kesamaan. Tetapi ada beberapa hal yang mayoritas juga berbeda. Perbedaan menjadi ciri khas yang dimiliki oleh tiap-tiap negara. Hal yang utama di negara ribuan kepulauan ini terletak pada kesatuan dan keragaman yang sering kita dengar dengan sebutan: "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika". Alasan mengapa sebuah negara memiliki banyak pulau dan daerah yang luas seperti Indonesia dapat disepakati oleh seluruh wilayah yang seragam. Mereka tahu budaya tradisional dan terutama kesatuan keyakinan agama (meskipun hal ini tidak banyak disebutkan dalam konstitusi Indonesia).

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Budaya Indonesia yang damai terjalin antara tradisional dan modern, juga antara seni dan kehidupan. Ini adalah sesuatu yang saya perhatikan tidak semua negara bisa melakukannya, tetapi Indonesia melakukannya dengan sangat baik. Budaya tradisional Indonesia di dalam kehidupan orang-orang yang tinggal di dalamnya mulai dari makanan, pakaian, rumah adat dan transportasi. Pakaian budaya: jika di Vietnam menawarkan sutra sedangkan kain Batik dari sutra adalah produk kebanggaan dari Indonesia. Seperti yang kita semua tahu, setiap negara memiliki karakteristik pakaian budaya mereka. Hanbok di Korea, Kimono di Jepang, Vietnam memiliki Ao Dai, cheongsam China, dan sebagainya. Namun, negara Korea, Jepang atau Cina hanya memakai kostum tradisional mereka selama acara khusus atau perayaan Tet. Bahkan saat Ao Dai telah menjadi pakaian sehari-hari untuk sekolah dan bekerja, tapi di Vietnam masih tidak sering digunakan oleh orang-orang. Lain halnya memakai kostum Batik dan Sarung Indonesia. Mereka yang datang ke Indonesia, tidak akan pernah melupakan citra baju Batik dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Produk batik telah populer dalam kehidupan masyarakat, bukan hanya untuk acara-acara resmi. Pria Indonesia atau lebih tepatnya laki-laki Muslim memiliki kostum khas dan sangat diperlukan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari yaitu Sarung. Mereka mengenakan sarung saat melakukan sholat lima waktu dalam sehari. Anda mungkin tidak akan melihat sesuatu yang aneh bila sering ditemui pria Muslim di Indonesia mengenakan sarung di masjid, jalan-jalan, ataupun di pasar. Orangorang di sini benar-benar mengambil keuntungan dari nilai dan kostum tradisional. Dan satu hal yang pasti bahwa nilai tidak akan mudah tergerus oleh apapun, meskipun itu kegiatan yang modern sekalipun. Di dalam agama, spiritualitas memainkan peran yang sangat penting bagi semua orang di dunia. Khususnya di negara Indonesia yang 86% dari populasi penduduknya adalah Muslim. Mungkin kekuatan keyakinan dan agama sangat mempengaruhi kehidupan manusia di Indonesia. Bagi umat Islam, agama benar-benar melekat pada kehidupan mereka baik makan dan hidup, bagaimana memperlakukan lingkungan alam dan manusia

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di sekitar. Sistem keyakinan agama sangat tegas dalam memberikan kontribusi untuk mengatur perilaku manusia. Dua dari lima ajaran Islam yang sangat menarik akan Anda dapatkan ketika Anda berkunjung ke Indonesia. Hal itu adalah sholat 5 waktu dan sholat jumat yang dilakukan para pria Muslim. Saat Anda melakukan perjalanan bisnis atau akademis seperti saya, setiap saat Anda akan bekerja sama dengan Muslim. Dan Anda akan melihat kebiasaan yang berhubungan dengan kegiatan keagamaan. Dan orang Muslim akan mengatur waktu jam kerja untuk melakukan ritual keagamaan mereka, seperti 5 kali melakukan ibadah sholat 5 waktu pada waktu tertentu. Tentu hal itu akan sedikit sulit jika anda ingin makan atau melakukan apa pun, terutama pria Muslim pada hari Jumat di siang hari karena saat itulah mereka harus melaksanakan Shalat Jum'at. Akan ada yang baru dan menarik jika anda belum pernah menyaksikan sebelumnya di Indonesia pada hari Jumat. Anda akan melihat banyak sekumpulan orang Muslim(laki-laki) mengenakan sarung dan peci untuk pergi ke masjid. Dan di dalam masjid, dari dalam ke luar mereka terfokus pada sholat Jumat. Yang dilaksanakan dengan cara berdiri, duduk dan membungkuk, sujud. Juga dahi, jari kaki, lutut, serta tangan harus menyentuh lantai secara bergantian. Pertama kali ketika saya ke Indonesia, saya dikejutkan oleh pengemis yang sangat banyak di jalanan. Tidak hanya orang tua saja, anak-anak, perempuan, dan laki-kali yang muda juga mengemis. Ada juga yang bermain gitar kecil untuk meminta uang di warung makan dan di jalan. Kemudian ketika saya sendiri belajar dari ajaran Islam, saya tahu bahwa kita harus beramal dan memberkati orang miskin. Muslim percaya bahwa ketika kita memberi kepada orang miskin, kita akan mendapat berkat dan rahmat dari Tuhan yang maha Esa. Faktanya, hukum dapat mengatur perilaku manusia dalam bentuk pemaksaan tapi ajaran etika agamalah yang menyesuaikan perilaku manusia atas dasar sukarela dan kepercayaan mutlak. Keyakinan dalam agama adalah bantuan yang sangat kuat, menciptakan keseimbangan dan menyesuaikan perilaku sosial.

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Anda akan melihat perilaku orang-orang di sini lembut, jujur dan selalu bersedia untuk membantu orang lain. Kurang dari 2 bulan lagi saya harus meninggalkan tempat ini, meninggalkan sekolah, dosen-dosen pendamping yang selalu membantu saya sejak hari pertama tiba di Indonesia. Kejujuran dan keterbukaan mereka telah membuat kaki saya enggan meninggalkan tempat ini, bahkan lebih bernostalgia. Ini adalah kesempatan yang besar bagi saya karena dapat berkunjung ke Indonesia. Sebelum saya datang ke Indonesia, semua tentang Indonesia seperti orang-orang, makanan, dan budaya hanya saya ketahui dari buku saja. Tapi sekarang saya sudah menyaksikan sendiri semua itu dari kesempatan ini. Terima kasih banyak atas kesempatan yang telah diberikan ini.

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Name

: Tamas Gergely Gyorgy

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Malang

HOW THEY PLAY THE GAME The way Indonesia changed a Hungarian Abstract In this paper I am describing a little slice of my experience in Indonesia. As an awardee of the Darmasiswa scholarship, I am spending a year studying Bahasa Indonesia and many other things in and out of Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang. It is impossible to even scratch the surface of all the things I learned here so far in a paper like this, so I decided to write about the way Indonesia changed me through a few paragraphs of linguistics, peanuts, an angkot ride, happiness, a story of two nasi goreng vendors, and a quotation. Keywords: Indonesia, Darmasiswa, Linguistics, Peanuts, Angkot, Happiness, Nasi goreng. "For when the One Great Scorer comes To mark against your name, He writes - not that you won or lost But how you played the Game." -Grantland Rice

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Introduction – a culture shock When I applied for the Darmasiswa scholarship, I was quite sure that my journey to Indonesia would teach me a lot of things, and I was quietly hoping that in one way or another Indonesia will also somehow benefit from my visit. Now, a good eight months after the beginning of the program, I am already sure that my hopes did and are coming true, although - as almost everything else here – things did not happen exactly the way one would think they would. It became obvious after the few days, that there is an incredible amount of things that the Indonesians can and should learn from us. By ’us’, I am afraid that I am referring to an idealised western world, more of a concept than a reality, something from which even the actual western world has a lot to learn from. I started looking at these differences as anomalies, problems that are in need of a cure or a solution. The first ’problems’ that I unveiled were obvious ones: there is a great amount of trash everywhere to which everyone seems to contribute freely without a second thought, people are riding vehicles that are not only extremely harmful for the environment but also immensely dangerous for the people driving them, the passengers, and everyone else who is around. I saw five year olds chain-smoking the clove-flavoured cigarettes called kreteks and heard about street vendors who throw plastic bags in the cooking oil, so that the gorengans fried in the mixture can remain crunchy for a longer period of time. Also, there was ’poverty’ written all over most of the things I saw. After such experiences, I think that it is understandable that I felt like a legate of a more civilized, more developed, better world – whatever those words mean.

Linguistics, contexts, and a bag of peanuts This black and white picture of Indonesia, with me, the superior being from a better part of the world trying to adjust temporarily to an exotic but careless, barbarian civilization could not last for long. First and foremost, it is the people that made me reconsider my opinion. They are happier. I remember reading an article in the Economist on the tram in Hungary, back in late February

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2012, months before the announcement of the Darmasiswa results for this academic year. The article showed not only that Indonesians are generally much happier than the average citizens of the world, but they actually turned out to be the happiest people on Earth – according to themselves3. In the same article I also found that the citizens of my country, who are driving safer vehicles, living in a country with somewhat less trash on the streets, with less amount of children smoking and a considerably higher GDP per capita income are in fact among the saddest, gloomiest people on Earth. Looking at the faces on tram no. 61 making its way to Moszkva tér on that gloomy February afternoon, I had to agree to the conclusions of the article: people looked tired and sad. There were no eye contacts or a smile to be seen. My fellow Hungarians were staring at the floor, listening to their music or closing their eyes probably imagining themselves in a happier place, in a happier situation. Please do not misunderstand my observations: I am very proud and happy to be Hungarian, I love my country in general and my hometown in particular, I am very proud of all the achievements of my motherland and the people who live or used to live there. Still, the prospect of an aeroplane taking me from the land of sad people to the land of happy people gave me the chills and I started waiting for the Darmasiswa results with an ever growing butterfly in my stomach. Now, more than fourteen months later, I have a lot clearer picture of the situation. First of all, I dug into the methodology part of the aforementioned research, and looked at it through the glass of my experiences in Hungary and in Indonesia. It turns out that the researchers considered everyone responding ”very happy” when given a choice between ”very happy, rather happy, not very happy or not at all happy” is considered – not quite surprisingly – happy. Now everyone who does not have first-hand experience about the Indonesian people, especially about the people of Java, which is by far the most populous island of the archipelago, has to know that words have a very different meaning here. This is a country where saying no is basically considered a taboo. For example, if you

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offer people some roasted peanuts, they will most probably say terima kasih, which means thank you. After such a reply, many times I found myself standing in front of the person I offered the peanuts to, the bag with the roasted goodies in my right hand pointed at him, assuming that after saying terima kasih, he would go ahead and take some. After a few seconds I would withdraw my hand, wondering what went wrong with the transaction of peanuts. It turns out that thank you can mean no. Belum, which can be translated as still not or not yet also means no, and sometimes so does kurang, which is the literal equivalent of less. This complicates things on multiple levels that I know of, and probably many other levels that I am not yet familiar with. What is self explanatory for Indonesians turn out to be quite a puzzle for Europeans, just like the way some things that are self explanatory for me puzzle a lot of locals. For example some people I met on the road do not really get why riding a motorcycle on the mountain roads with no lights whatsoever is a very-very dangerous and bad idea. On the other hand, the same person probably has no problem with correctly translating the phrase kurang tahu, which â&#x20AC;&#x201C; according to Google translate â&#x20AC;&#x201C; could mean do not know, not really know, or not sure yet. I am sure there are many more meanings unknown to me and Google translate. In practice this means that people who put kurang tahu as a political ideology on Facebook can try to tell us one of the following things: 1) I do not have a political ideology 2) I do not know what a political ideology is or should be 3) I am currently studying political ideologies but I am yet to find the one that describes my position adequately 4) I do not care about political ideologies at all. It is even more probable that kurang tahu means something completely different in this context. This is a problem that me and my friends have to face every day: people here tend to use the same phrase for telling you that they have no idea about world history and for saying that although they have a Ph.D in medieval studies, their field of choice is not the exact same topic as the one you want to talk about. It depends on the context, they say, and this is a phrase you hear a lot when you try to study Indonesia. Going back to the original problem, terima

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kasih sometimes does not mean no. Many times it means yes. Even more common is the case where terima kasih means something completely different. I can even imagine a context in which it actually means thank you. Being Happy Now these findings caused me a headache many times, but they also revealed some interesting questions about that article in the Economist that made me so excited on the Hungarian tram. What could â&#x20AC;?very happyâ&#x20AC;? mean in Indonesian? What I am very sure of is that it is not the same as the meaning of the same phrase in Hungarian. In my country it is a kind of natural hobby to compete with each other in the field of misery. Did your car get stolen yesterday? That is not real misery! I got fired from my job last week. I heard that your dog passed away recently, but at the same time my brother-in-law was diagnosed with depression, which is far worse. This kind of thing. For many Hungarians writing not at all happy on a survey gives a little bit of satisfaction. In Indonesia, it is closer to a taboo, primarily because that option has the word no. Many times I have been corrected by various people for using the word tidak, which literally means no, in a sentence where it did not belong. For example when someone asked me if I ever visited the island of Papua, I assumed it is quite safe to use the t-word. Apparently I managed to offend all the people who were Papuan in the company, as my answer meant that I have never been to Papua and there is no chance that I ever will, probably because I find it a disgusting and dreadful idea to set foot in such place. The correct answer in this situation would have been saying belum, which means not yet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in this context. Following this logic, there is a possibility that the literal translation of not at all happy would mean that you are in such a desperate situation that there is not even the slightest chance that things will get at least a little bit better, ever. However appealing this scenario might sound in the Hungarian who-is-the-mostmiserable contest, I do not think that I have ever met any single Indonesian who would tick the box next to not at all happy.

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I have to say that there is a great chance that I completely misinterpreted many, many aspects of Indonesian culture and language throughout the last few paragraphs. I am sorry for that, but at the same time I think that the mere fact of someone misinterpreting so many things even after living in the given country for almost a year illustrates my point quite well. Does this mean that the quoted research is meaningless? It depends on the context, I guess. Instead of further theoretical reasoning, let me share with you my first experience of travelling by public transportation in Indonesia, which is in sharp contrast to anything I have ever experienced at home. First I thought that the people are somehow drugged by the most disturbing odours that were present on the angkot minibus that I managed to hail for the first time in my life in the city of Malang, East Java. Everyone was smiling, and the expressions seemed too honest to be superficial hello-how-are-you-doing smiles. Conversations from which I did not understand a single word struck up all around me (as a matter of fact I still do not understand most of these conversations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia, the common language, does not help you much on a bus where everyone speaks Javanese exclusively). First I thought everyone knew each other from before, and I entered a bus with a company of friends who happen to be fully mixed in terms of age, gender and occupation. I had to abandon this idea as more and more people entered the angkot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is no such thing as a full angkot, as there is always room for one more â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they joined the conversation instantly. They were probably talking about me, as there was the word bule (westerner) in every second sentence, along with a lot of staring and pointing fingers. In Hungary if you try to get into conversations on the metro with strangers, the best that can happen is that you are considered a harmless madman, and people simply do not answer you. Now which nation has the stranger taboos? Instead of a conclusion: A changed viewpoint, two nasi goreng vendors, and a way to play the Game

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In the first part of the paper, I described how shocked I was to see the obviously bad and self destructive things that are going on every day in Indonesia. I still find these disturbing, although I got used to most of it. My initial mistake was drawing conclusions from these important but superficial things. People can – and should – be taught that littering is bad, smoking is bad, and unnecessarily risking people’s lives are also bad. I am sure that these things will change with time, and I am sorry that I did not give more help so far. I am talking to people; try to reason with them, I am showing a good example by picking up the trash, and so on. This is something, but it is incomparably smaller than all the things that Indonesia gave me. I was shown wonderful places in the nature: abandoned beaches, tremendous waterfalls, stunningly beautiful mountains, places so perfect that no words or pictures can describe them. Still, there were gifts I got, skills I acquired and feelings that emerged that are worth even more than being able to experience nature at its best. I learned things that I could have never learned back home. I made friends from Indonesia and around the world who became my second family. Much of things are either too fresh or too personal to share in this form, and I am sorry about that. As a summary, let me just say that that I will be forever grateful for this journey and all of the people who made it possible. It was one of the best decisions of my life so far. I met a very friendly Indonesian woman who works for the Indonesian Red Cross Society not long after my arrival to Malang. Our friendship deepened so fast that just a few months from the time of our meeting I was taking part in her wedding already as a member of her family – which is again something I can hardly imagine in Europe. She once told me a story about two food vendors selling nasi goreng, a traditional meal on the streets of Malang. One was Chinese, the other one was Indonesian. One day, there was a especially big demand for nasi goreng, and both vendors ran out of rice and vegetables by the early afternoon. The Chinese vendor made some arrangements, borrowed some ingredients, ran to the shop for more rice, and continued selling nasi goreng until late that night. He made quite a lot of money. At the same time, the Indonesian

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vendor considered himself equally lucky: he said he sold enough food for the day, so he went home early. He rested a little, played with his children, and had nice conversations with the neighbours while watching the sunset. As the story intended to demonstrate the reason why China has so much influence on Indonesian economy, I first thought that I understood the most important moral of the story. Now I am quite sure that as always, things are not making it easy for us by being black and white. Already knowing how problematic the methodology is, I still could not resist: I looked up China on the same study to see how they are doing in terms of GDP and happiness. It is around the same level as that of Germany and Japan, all far behind Indonesia. Again, I am not saying that one of the vendors was right, and the other one was wrong. I am simply very glad that my experience in Indonesia opened my eyes and showed me how complex things like happiness and culture are. Also, I am still not sure which food vendorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s example I would follow: all that I know is that it surely depends on the context... I started my essay with a quotation by Grantland Rice that I stumbled upon a few weeks ago. The beauty and simplicity of its message hooked me in immediately, and this is the reason I found it a nice way to start and end my paper with: regardless of whether Indonesians are winning or losing by our own standards, they are surely playing the game well, and they are more than willing to show you how they do it, if you choose to listen.

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Name

: Roberta Gioverdi

Country

: Italy

Place of Study : Udayana University

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION. Describe your view about diversity of cultures and religions in Indonesia and in the place of your study (Bali).

During the last year, together with other 700 students from all around the developed and developing world, I have had the opportunity to live in Indonesia, study and learn at public Universities of this country, sharing knowledge, cultures, languages and customs with local teachers, local students and communities. Personally, I had the opportunity to be placed in Bali, one of the most unique and diverse place, not only in Indonesia but in the world, since the inhabitants of this island belong to a minority group, known as Hindu’, with unique religion and culture rooted in everyday life and much different to the rest of Indonesia. Although this was not my first trip to South East Asia, living every day life in Bali has been a great educational about “harmony among diversity”, given the variety of ethnicity enclosed in the same environment. Coming from a country like Italy, by living in Indonesia I experienced the significance of “diversity” and “harmony” as a new discovery. In my country, because of geographic, historical and politic reasons the biggest part of the citizens belongs to the same race, religion and ethnic origins. Moreover, In Italy, being a foreigner is still somehow penalizing and detrimental

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in terms of integration, access to education and employment systems. The word â&#x20AC;&#x153;immigrantâ&#x20AC;?, that we like it or not, still has a negative connotation in Italian citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; collective imagination. So, at the beginning of my travelling and living abroad experience, I had this question in my mind: Is harmony among civilization actually just an abstract concept, can it be really achieved? My experience in Indonesia and in Bali has brought me to a higher level of understanding of what harmony among civilization means when is most needed by such a diverse society. Through the history of Indonesia, we have assisted diverse cultural backgrounds joining hands to address common challenges, like independence war from colonizer, economic crises and other strugglers that somehow have accelerated integration in the country. Of course diversity has been not always harmonious. I realize that civilization, religious and ethnic issues are at the base of internal and external relations and many times become the primary cause of conflicts between different nations and within the same nation. In Indonesia, as in other countries, clash of civilizations brought populations through many social conflicts at different levels and at different historical moments, to finally reach a certain harmony today that, I suspect, will never be whole, but can be only bearable until the next conflict arouse. Conflicts that are almost always caused by economical incongruence, unfair laws, factious governments and fomented fanaticism. Generally speaking, for the fear of having to deal with something unknown, many nations forgot that, as part of the same planet, all traditional cultures have been based on the recognition that the most important reason for us to be here on earth is to play our role in maintaining life in his diversity, not only when it comes to nature, but also when it comes to humans, nations, cultures, as we are part of the natural ecosystem. Even though I have felt the numerous social challenges in Indonesia, I have experienced a great diversity of communities, a huge diversity of cultures, traditions and languages evolved across the archipelago, and adapted to different climates and ecosystems,

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different societies that have developed different ideas, cosmologies, routines and rituals creating a vast substratum of diversity in the same country. Until today, after globalization has taken place coming in through the doors of technology development, trade markets and economy, there are still communities around Indonesia able to give us an insight into their ancestral past, through religious ceremonies and belief systems that still rule peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, sometimes clashing against modernizations and foreign influences, some other times adapting and quietly making their way around them. Emblematic is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;upacaraâ&#x20AC;? crowd of Balinese men and women in their traditional costumes, carrying the most beautiful offerings and altars slaloming around the heavy city traffic of Denpasar to make their way to the temples. Despite ethnic differences and religious conflicts Indonesia has made an effort toward democracy and decentralization of power to allow religious freedom recognizing 6 official religions, Islam, Protestant, Catholic, Hindu, Buddhism and Confucianism, that most of the times reflects what race and ethnic differences means to people. This was one step to overcome conflicts and prepare the future generations to mitigate conflicts that still will confront this society. In the specific, Bali represents an ethnic and religious minority in Indonesia, very much open to the rest of the world by being the most popular tourist destination in the country and, I believe, for its grade of tolerance and human benevolence toward the diverse community of outsiders living on the island. Outsiders not only are expats and tourist from other countries but also a mixture of Indonesian people coming from other islands of the archipelago that moved to Bali looking for job opportunities among the tourism business. Given this variety of locals and foreigners having to interact together many positive and negative social dynamics can be registered. Where ethnic and religious diversity increases, so will the beliefs of identity, consequentially the risk of extremism and radicalism can also grow, and the work of authorities both at national and community level has to be very strong to keep harmony and equal opportunities. By promoting principles of democracy, Balinese people are

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more and more open pluralist society. This will certainly have a positive impact on the community. Moreover, exposure to western influences will culminate in more open, pluralistic and tolerant society, if guided by appropriate education systems and policies. After all, society evolves when civilizations, religions and cultures interact. How the government can maintain the peace and tolerance is a different matter. Assuming that the origin of social conflicts is economical, it’s very important to keep fair policies regardless of people ethnicity. Also, inter-faith dialogue can improve integration, whereas, unawareness about other’s beliefs and unfamiliarity about other’s customs can generate prejudice and conflicts. The tolerance I have experienced in Bali is very unique. Foreigners feel welcomed to take part in religious ceremonies and always feel part of the community, and are often tolerated even when not fully respectful of local customs. I also believe then when we speak about tolerance, it should be more than just to tolerate others just because they are guest and keep moving the economy of the island. Tolerance should imply a deeper knowledge of each other’s cultures and not just respect for each other’s culture. Mutual acceptance of differences and learning from other people’s cultures means having a deeper sharing of what they represent rather than just economic opportunity from one side and disregards from the other. Education together with good governance is the best answers not to incur in such misunderstanding when it comes to integration for future generations. Prejudice, which is at the base of social conflicts and misunderstandings, breeds at basic institutions level such as family, school, community, and so does tolerance and understanding. If social harmony is only subject of political debates and intellectual’s discussions and never reach the community level, it will never enter the heart of people. In Indonesia, steps toward education for tolerance and mutual understanding have been made, in fact, elementary school students are taught about respecting all religious traditions; also, each religious holiday are

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designated as national holidays, even if they are celebrated by a minority. Through education at schools and in the family, tolerance and respect becomes a legacy for the next generations. In conclusion, my immersion in Indonesian culture and education system has, for sure, given me a more global view about harmony among diverse civilizations, and has shown me, in many occasions, the other side of reality compared to the western world. Although, by the end of it I still wonder if harmony among civilizations is actually elusive and if it can be really achieved, not just in government policies and intellectual environments, but also in people’s minds and hearts, through people’s everyday joy and struggles. Of course I could never have an answer to this until “diversity” of culture, race, religion keeps being instrumentalized for power and economic supremacy of countries over other countries, of populations on other populations. But what I learned is that, if we look at Indonesia considering the current world issues and conflicts, we understand that countries like Indonesia must be supported and observed by the western world because they are playing a very difficult and important role, by becoming a bridge of peace between the Islamic and the western world. Indonesia success in being a powerful example of tolerance and harmony among civilizations, could demonstrate to the rest of the world that Islam, democracy and modernity can actually coexist.

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Name

: Filippova Alexandra

Country

: Russia

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

The Balinese People are an incredibly friendly, relaxed and spiritual people who like most Indonesians, take life at a slow pace. Many travelers report the Balinese people as being some of and if not the nicest people they have met. There is no question that the people of Bali have been a huge factor in the Balinese tourism industry being advanced far beyond any of the other islands of Indonesia. Bali has a population of 3 million people across the whole island as Bali is still mainly tropical woodland and mountainous areas where there are small villages that are amazing to visit. Most of the population lives in the south of the island where the capital of Denpasar and the tourist areas where many people benefit from the tourism industry. For me the most amazing part of Bali is on the north, areas of Singaraja. I think that people in the north and in the south are also different. Now, the Balinese who live only because of tourism started to be more closed, private to themselves. That's the only one thing that really has an influence on Bali in general, I mean money. That's a little bit sad, just because in balinese eyes sometimes 'bule' represent as money-bag, but it's not true, because we also earn money and have jobs just to come to Indonesia and explore a new world. The Balinese Culture is one of Bali's main attractions as there are not many places in the world where you can find such a rich culture of devotion to

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traditional values and a unique religion which in this case is an adaptation of Hinduism. Famous for the dances and performances as well as the artwork that is produced in certain villages that tend to dedicate theirselves to a certain art for a certain village, such as Ubud is the village of painters and Mas is the village of carvers. The Balinese people follow the Shivaite part of Hinduism although there are ancient pre-Historic mythology that remains as part of the religion to create a fascinating island where ghost and spirits walk the streets although cannot turn corners and the Balinese people leaving many offerings of rice and incense everyday and put their lives and business to the side entirely for the many calendar and family festivals that paint and carve their lives and are of supreme importance. The best places in Bali to witness the true Balinese culture is in Ubud where you can witness the performances as well as Uluwatu and to see the real Bali away from the tourists then travel to the east and north east of the island. Bali is a magic island with magic atmosphere. Magic in all senses. Honestly, it's impossible to explain all feelings about it. This island for sure has something different compare to other islands, but I don't want to say that other parts in Indonesia are worse, the whole Indonesia is amazing, this country astonishes me every day. Bali has own traditions and it makes the island incredible. This island destroys and treats at the same time. To understand it, to feel in, to let it inside- you should live here at least for a while. But at the same time it's hard to explain and be inside of Balinese life just because sometimes they don't want to let you in. People are different and from my side I see only good things. Harmony between citizens... Yes, that's I call harmony. You see everyday how people here appreciate their life and culture. They calm and friendly to everyone. I hope nothing is going to change and destroy this way of life, because still here you can find your own 'secret place'.

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Name

: Barbara Byers

Country

: United States

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

Harmony and Culture in Bali

I have always been interested in the role that art, particularly music and dance, plays in the community and in collaboration and understanding between people. In all of my studies throughout life, I have been exploring the ways that art can bring about perspective to the significance of human existence and interaction. In my culture, music is predominantly seen as a personal experience. Those who create performance, of course, collaborate together.

But the

meaning that is intended, and generally accepted, is thought to be brought about only through the moment of the performance in relation to the individual’s experience of it, and what that individual on a personal level alone can learn from it. There is art in my culture that is intended to bring people together and foster communities, but it is treated as a different discipline, and separate from the idea of ‘high art’. In the last year I have realized how narrow that view is. Studying music and dance in Bali has been an incredible experience of discovering how connected everything is. Art is not only necessary for community harmony, but for harmony of the soul, and harmony of the earth. As in my culture, there is art

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in Bali meant for enjoyment alone. However, the most dominant form of art, the high art, and the classical art, seems to be infused with spiritual and religious meaning. There are many ways to describe the experience of why art as a religious act is meaningful, and there are many layers to the harmony that is brought about by these acts. On the individual level, by focusing on an artistic discipline, you create balance within yourself. Even if you do not devote each movement to the divine, by the mere act of bringing knowledge into your body you are creating, through practice and repetition, a deep and personal understanding of the art that you are embodying. Having this level of understand of anything creates a sense of purpose and balance within the individual. This understanding extends to the community. On the most basic level, it brings the community together, whether they are coming out of duty, out of devotion, or out of the enjoyment of seeing the performance. Through witnessing performance, the audience is reminded of the importance of devotion and practice. This comes about not only through the performersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presence, but also the story that the performance tells. Whether is is Tari Telek, which tells the story of the origin of the world, or barong dance, which can be seen as a representation of all that is good and playful in the world, these stories remind and give us perspective on life. We all originate from the same divine source, and so performing for yourself or for the community is the same as performing for the divine, just as performing for the divine translates into performing for yourself or the community, whatever your idea of the divine may be. By creating understanding within ourselves, we are showing our devotion to the god. By making our intention to showing devotion to god, we create understanding within ourselves. One of the most important things I have learned about in my time in Bali is the concept of creating balance. Performance in Bali is a necessary part of creating balance everywhere. It is particularly evident in the gamelan, where each instrument has its counterpart, and most parts are played interlocking to

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create the complete melody. Therefore, if you play just one instrument, you only get half the melody, and it is evident that there is something missing. Even the kendang players must be two, aside from various solo performances such as Jauk where there is just one solo kendang player. However, there is still a connection between the kendang player and the dancer, and one cannot perform without the other. Lanang and Uadon kendang parts interlock to create the full pattern. The instruments are considered to be either male or female, as these ideas are manifestations of the two energies on earth that interact to create balance, just as black and white, or good and evil. Neither one is bad, or better than the other. They are opposing qualities of energy, and they can infuse a body or a place in any manner of combinations. Both are needed to create harmony. It has been an incredible experience to see the role that art plays in life and in religion in Bali, as treated with such deep purpose and understanding. Even if the understanding is different from one person to another, or one town to another, the understanding is there and true. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter if everyone thinks or believes the same thing. What matters is the devotion, purpose, and purity with which a person performs, because this translates into the way that that person lives and understands the world. If everyone could move through life with the intention that is evident in Bali, I think the world would be a much more harmonic place. In my culture in America, the focus is put most strongly on the individual, and what that individual can achieve and what they are worth. This is not a bad thing, but there is too much focus on the self, and this if often the cause of a lot of social and psychological problems. In Bali there seems to be the perfect combination of personal achievement for the purpose higher than the self alone. An individual can be appreciated and revered for their abilities, but it is not the abilities alone that they embody. It is also for the higher good of the community and the divine. The goal is not for alone for individual prowess, but for the idea of harmony and balance. My hope, after spending a year studying art and culture in Bali, is that I can take this learning home with me and positively influence the lives of the

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people in my own culture. I hope very much to continue my collaboration with Bali and Indonesia in the future. It has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my life, and the understanding I have been awakened to has started me on a great and wonderful path of learning how to communicate and create harmony across all kinds of boundaries.

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Name

: Brandon Hubert Yu

Country

: United States

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

Tri Hita Karana and Art Sharing, Personal Experiences During Darmasiswa

Bali-Hinduism and has the concept of Tri Hita Karana. Tri Hita Karana focuses on the harmony between three aspects: humans, nature, and God according to the desa, kala, patra (place, time, and condition). This harmony includes communication and taking care of all three aspects from our position as a human. I have also participated in practicing this concept here in Bali and Java. This was first introduced to me in Bedulu and in the story of Samuan Tiga since August 2012. In the early second millennium, the Balinese had a large meeting of nine faith groups (three religions: Bali Aga, Buddhism, and Hinduism) at Pura Samuan Tiga in Bedulu. They had a meeting that decided what is today's Bali-Hindu religion. They set parameters for how all the Balinese on the island would practice religion but still gave freedom for each village to have their own style of worshipping. This united the island to practice their religion while still having diversity. What this contributes to society today is the ability to gather people of

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different beliefs and still live in harmony. I've asked two of my teachers about the religion and they both told me that all religions worship only one God. This means my Balinese teachers have come to accept any religious belief of any person. Whether you are Muslim, Bali-Hindu, Christian, or of another faith, you are worshipping the same God. The only difference is the path you take to get there. What this means for artists as well is an admiration and respect for each person's artwork. Just as a religion is a belief, so is artwork. To create artwork, each person must believe in their image of what they want to create in the medium they prefer be it music, movement, or visual arts. And just like the story of Samuan Tiga where there were faith groups able to come together to create a unified religion, I have participated in Art Sharing events where individuals were able to come together to create a cohesive performance in not only in visual performance mediums but other mediums such as writing and painting. Some locations I have practiced include:

1. Candi Sukuh, Karanganyar, Jawa Tengah 2. Pak Suprapto Suryodarmo's Sanggar Lemah Putih, Mojosonggo, Solo, Jawa Tengah 3. Prambanan Temple, Jawa Tengah 4. Ratu Bokoh, Jawa Tengah 5. Srawung Seni at Sanggiran Museum, Krikilan, Sragen, Jawa 6. Pura Goa Gajah, Bali

Unlike dance workshops or yoga, these Art Sharing events emphasize the Tri Hita Karana. At Candi Sukuh the art sharing included international students of Pak Suprapto. Participating countries included Germany, Venezuela, Poland, America, and Ireland. (Even though these students may only be one representative, they still constitute one person born and influenced from an entirely different culture and belief system.) During this event, everybody who

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attended watched as performances were not only for human-to-human communication but also seeing how to communicate human-to-nature and human-to-god. This was the desa, kala, patra of my first art offering. I was able to collaborate with musicians from Bandung with a partial Javanese gamelan set. I was on the bonang and my Darmasiswa friend of IKIP Tabanan, Zach Hejny, was on the gambang. Lawe and friends were on the rhebab and suling. While performing, I was told that this was not a performance for the sake of entertaining other people but rather, it is an offering to God and/or to nature. A sense of offering for me is still very new. In America, I don't practice offering as much as I see the Balinese do everyday and so it was a bit hard to imagine myself playing for the temple or a god (at the time of this, I do not affiliate myself with a religion). However, thinking about it relieved some tension for me. Knowing that it was an offering made me think anything we give would be okay. As long as I had in mind that I was giving something for the temple, it was alright. When we started playing, it started raining and so I was happy to know that I got to accompany the rain in our music. While I was sleeping at Candi Sukuh during the event, I also got to meet many artists including a shamen and a dalang from the nearby area around Merapi, a dancer from Surabaya, and I also got to chat with the locals atop the mountain. At the Srawung Seni at Sanggiran were four days of art sharing performances. I did a performance with Pak Suprapto's Polish student, Karolina Ndieduza. I was singing and doing sound on the microphone as Karolina performed a piece on the evolution of man. She started in a cage and would break free from it by shedding some of what garments she had on her. She would also cycle through the elements from water, to fire, to wind. For each cage, I would hum a different song until she rolled off into the distance in a cage as I sung Blowing in the Wind by Bob Dylan. I rarely perform with singing and so this was a chance to try it out in a performance context. In a non-art offering context, I would be embarrassed to have performed with only so little rehearsing of less than two days time. In America, if you perform something, you rehearse it

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until it looks perfect for the audience. But again, the emphasis was on the feeling of giving the art offering. The art offering also enables people to find what is their medium of expression without the pressure of performing it in a correct way. Maybe this answers my question of why I see the Balinese perform without embarrassment in a temple even if they do it badly as opposed to when I saw a performance at a Christian church in Nusa Dua and there was a girl crying a minute into the dance. The first example was for God and the second was only for humans. Both events at Candi Sukuh and Sanggiran were the conception of Pak Suprapto Suryodarmo. One thing I like about Pak Suprapto's events is his care for nature. At Candi Sukuh as well as at Sanggiran, he brings little plants for anybody to take home with them and plant. This encourages anybody coming to the event to help be in harmony with nature. At Goa Gajah in Bali, I currently practice with many people including an American who practices and studies what Pak Suprapto does, Balinese from Singapadu and Kapal, American ex-patriots in Sanur, other Darmasiswa I've invited, an Australian, a French woman, and many more. Every week, we work on being in the space when moving/dancing. The emphasis is on being comfortable with your movement and practicing offering through movement or sound. We also practice using canang, brooms, dupa, branches, and many other accessories. My favorite spot that I like to explore is the running water by the fallen stupa, I always like to stick my feet in the running water and feel its motion. I don't know where the water is going but I thank nature for constantly supplying that water. After this, everybody usually gathers at the lotus pond where we practice more in a group sense. This practice also gathers much attention from mesmerized tourists who constantly takes pictures of us. Some people are also inspired to join in. This helps tourists understand other ways of interacting with the space. Of course there are many things that happened that I will never be able to explain here in this paper. It's something that you have to do yourself and

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experience for yourself. The Tri Hita Karana expressed through art is a powerful medium that helps us understand ourself in relation to humans, nature, and God. It creates a space that we can all share and create in. This practice has helped me understand the Balinese, Indonesians, people of other cultures better. Not only do I feel like I've made an effort to understand other people, but also the locations such as Goa Gajah and Candi Sukuh. And not to forget there is connection to the sense of God or the source of life.

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Name

: Cara Smith

Country

: Namibia

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

Harmony in Civilization During these 8 months in Bali I've experienced an amazing change in scenery and culture. I suppose that, in some way, the Hindu religion has had a major influence in the culture and over-all living style and daily life of the Balinese people. Both the people and the religion welcome everyone in Bali. So unlike most of the religions I've experienced in my life so far. I love how openminded and giving the Balinese people are. They invite you to their temples and ceremonies, be they cremations or weddings, and are completely open to explaining the hows and whys of every question you ask. Praying is also a major aspect in the religion, I've had the privilege of praying with Hindu people at a few of the temples that I've visited. The religion as a whole seems to be simple yet complex at the same time, where you would be able to do something like public displays of affection in a modern western church it is completely frowned upon in the temples here. The clothing style is also very fascinating, the covering of shoulders and legs, with amazing kebayas made with intricately embroidered cloth and sarongs either bought at a local market or hand made by an artist.

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Offerings. An amazing yet simple task to witness. You see someone walking to a temple with a tray on their head, filled with these beautiful little bundles. A little square basket containing rice, flowers, cookies, coca-cola, cigarettes, soy sauce and incense is placed at a temple and splashed with holy water with a sweet-smelling flower, like the local, and very abundant, Frangipani flowers. Also, something that must be written about is how completely open the people here are with family and personal details and information. You could go sit down at a local warung (little restaurant/café), someone would approach you and ask you where you're from, “Dari mana?”, you would tell them where, “ Dari Namibia, Africa.”, and the conversation would start flowing, you'd here about this person's children, their job, which village they come from, where they went to school, what some of their friends think about their, usually his, job, and so so much more. They would ask you how long you've been here, if you have any significant other back home and, if not, here in Bali. It's a very eye-opening experience for me. Coming from such a close-minded society, with people that don't much care who's son or daughter you are, people that wouldn't outright say you're beautiful or handsome for fear of thinking they might be flirting with you; to a society that's so completely different. So completely giving. So completely open. I must say it's refreshing, just getting to know someone and having them invite you to a ceremony or have them tell you where you should o, which beautiful places you should go see. Or, you would be on your bike/scooter, on your way to some significant destination and a group of little girls would have you stop your bike so that they can speak to you, ask you where you're going, how long you've been living so close to them, and if you would come watch their dance practice someday. One of my favourite and most memorable experiences would be when a group of children stopped me and we started talking. Just talking. And we ended up back at the kos (home stay), on the trampoline, one of the girls running around to pick up flowers, a boy going to the shop to buy some iced tea, and 3 little girls plaiting

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my hair. And for 3 hours I was transported to a completely different world, one so unlike anything I've ever experienced. One where it's fine for kids to walk around without a parent, where they can go to the neighbour's yard because he has a trampoline that they're allowed to use, where they're not afraid of strangers, a world where children can be children. Yes, I must say, that was an unforgettable day, it's definitely a Bali-thing to make instant friends with people of all ages, sizes and occupations. A part of Hinduism that is very appealing to me is the fact that it isn't a rigid set of common beliefs but, a conglomeration of distinct intellectual and philosophical points of view. It is also based on karma, dharma and societal norms, not a strict set of rules as in other religions such as Christianity. Karma highlighting the fact that what you give you will receive, which, in my opinion, also affects the everyday lives of the Balinese people. It also fascinates me that they have a god for every month of the year even though they believe only one major god or deity, showing that one singular being cannot be all omniscient and omnipotent. Ritualized states of self-control (or lack thereof) are a notable feature of religious expression among the people, who for this reason have become famous for their graceful and decorous behaviour. One key ceremony at a village temple, for instance, features a special performance of a dance-drama, a battle between the mythical character Rangda the witch (representing adharma, something like disorder) and Barong the protective predator (mostly like a lion) (representing dharma), in which performers fall into a trance and attempt to stab themselves with sharp knives. The dramas regularly end apparently undecided, neither side winning, because the primary purpose is to restore balance. Rituals of the life cycle are also important occasions for religious expression and artistic display. Ceremonies at puberty, marriage, and, most notably, cremation at death provide opportunities for Balinese to communicate their ideas about community, status, and the afterlife. (The tourist industry has not only supported spectacular cremation ceremonies among Balinese of modest

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means, but also has created a greater demand for them.) A priest is not affiliated with any temple, but acts as a spiritual leader and adviser to individual families in various villages scattered over the island. These priests are consulted when ceremonies requiring holy water are conducted. On other occasions, folk healers or curers may be hired. I've also seen Balinese people, of religions other than Hindu, that acted and responded just like another Hindu Balinese person. The culture is very grounded in respect towards others, most of the people that I've met here have been humble and very down-to-earth, be they Christian or Hindu or Muslim. I has definitely been an amazing cultural experience being in Bali.

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Name

: Daniel Edward Smither

Country

: United States

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

There is no other place on earth with so many varied cultures and religions as Indonesia. All major world faiths are represented here from Muslims to Hindus, and Christians to Buddhist. Somehow they have found some common ground within the archipelago, while in many other places around the planet, peoples adhering to the same belief systems have found the same degree of cultural harmony elusive if not impossible to achieve. The long and sometimes tumultuous history of the island of Bali is one prescient example. It is thought that Indian traders originally brought Hinduism to Bali and Indonesia centuries ago. However, within Indonesia, the brand of Hinduism that eventually developed became a blend of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Around these beliefs, a sophisticated court-centered culture developed in east Java called Majapahit, which spread its influence throughout the islands surrounding it such as Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and especially Bali. This great Indonesian empire eventually succumbed to invading Muslim forces and the court culture that existed fled to Bali. In Bali, they established the style of Hinduism that remains to this day. Although the island of Bali is largely Hindu, amny other religions have planted roots there over the centuries. In the regencies of Buleleng and Jembrana, there is much larger Muslim presence than in the South of Bali, with

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its promixity the predominantly Muslim java. The Portuegese and the Dutch brought with them the Catholic and the Protestant forms of Christianity that they respectively adhered to. Although the Dutch forbade missionaries to Bali for a time, the onward march of modernity after Indonesian independence contributed to an influx of these ideas alongside globalization and the boom of tourism on the island. It is fascinating that so many disparate groups can seamlessly cooperate so as to create an environment that is conducive to all of its members. Perhaps Balinese Hindu ideas like cosmic harmony contribute to this. Many of the rituals the Balinese engage in have only one goal in mind, namely the maintenance the harmony at all levels, the Gods, humans, and even demons. This preoccupation with the maintenance of harmony manifest itself within the culture as cooperation, particularly in the subak system of rice cultivation and the banjar system of local governance which both place consensus in decision-making above all else. Consensus can also manifest itself as mere cooperation, one of the most striking differences between Western and Balinese is gamelan. In most Westernbased music the act of creating music is entirely different than in Bali. Balinese gamelan incorporates a division of labor into its creation so that one playeronly plays half of Melody. A simple explanation is that the part that usually “on the beat” is termed “polos” and the part that is usually “off the beat” is termed “sangsih”. Therefore, while one can play polos or sangsih on its own, the music is never complete without the other player. Much of Western music can be palyed by only on eperson, or as within an orchestra setting, as long as the players play exactly what is written on the page of notation, that player is still considered to be correct even though another player in the orchestra may have made a mistake that distorted the harmony. The thinking in the West is that the player that made the mistake should practice in order to correct it on his own, while in Bali, playing melodies alone in order to correct any mistakes one may have in rehearsal is counterintuitive to the creation of Balinese gamelan music. As the

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music is usually learned by rote not written down, this affords the player the opportunity to truly interact with the other players in creationof complex melody and rhythms. While much of Balinese gamelan can be reduced in Western notation as an event that happens a sixteenth note before or after another event, (and this is still largely true in an analytical sense) often times in practice it is not quite that simple. It is more expedient to understand events as played by the polos or sangsih player merely as being before or after the other or simply beingon or off the beat since the creation of a composite is paramount to being analytically correct. Aside from music, the continued existence of pre-Hindu Bali Aga villages on the island is a testament to the religious and cultural tolerance of Indonesian peoples. It seems logical that over the centuries after the fall of majapahit, these village would have eventually been absorbed into the greater Hindu court culture but they have survived with their own rituals and art up to the present day. The uniqueness of some villages, such as Trunyan, can be chalked up to geographical isolation but others, while they still may be surrounded by hills, are not wntirely difficult to reach. The maintenance of peace seems to be built into the culture as entire non-Hindu communities are allowed to exist and even thrive there, whereas in other parts of the world, they would be viewed as a potential threat. There is even an entirely Muslim village named Kepaon, in Bali that is allowed to not observe one of the most important holidays of the year, hari Raya Nyepi, what essentially amounts to the Balinese New year. Western societies tend to value individualism above consensus aside from decision-making at the government level. As such, the style of harmony in society that is achieved in the West among differing groups of people adhering to different philosophies and religions, is more akin to a general â&#x20AC;&#x153;out of sight, out of mindâ&#x20AC;? outlook. It is very easy for people in the West, to maintain their individuality by separating themselves from many of the people in their immediate communities by staying in their apartments and automobiles and expecting the work of cleaning and managing the community to be done by an

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outsourced entity, such as the public works arm of the local government. Societal harmony can be achieved in this away, however it is one in which the constituent members may not even be aware of the diversity within their own community or feel they have anything truly invested in their own neighborhood. The proximity to each other of the diverse groups of people in Indonesia does not afford them this â&#x20AC;&#x153;luxuryâ&#x20AC;?. As such, the philosophies that underpin Indonesian societies, and especially the Hindu society of Bali, are more rooted in consensus and the preservation of harmony

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Name

: Kuorosh Oliver Floyd Adhamy

Country

: United Kingdom

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

Culture, Harmony, Religion in Indonesia Being part of the Darmasiswa scholarship program is the first time that I have left England, the country in which I was born. I first arrived in Jakarta for the opening ceremony of the Darmasiswa Scholarship program and was overshelmed by the size of the city. It is a very busy place and the traffic is much more hectic than in England. Although England is primarily a Christian country, with plenty of other religions also being prominent throught each region, the majority of the populous donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t practice a religion and identify themselves as atheists. It was because of this that during my time in Jakarta I heard the Islamic call to prayer for the first time. I spent 5 days in Jakarta and though I found the city to be a little too busy for me, I did really enjoy the food. My first experience of Indonesian food were very good. My first Indonesian meal was a bowl of bakso soup from a roadside vender. It was veryspicy but exceptionally delicious. The man serving me was very hostitable enganging me a small amount of conservation and helping me get used to Indonesia currency. After the opening

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ceremony had finished my fellow Darmasiswa participants and I were flown to our places of study, which in our cas was Denpasar, Bali. During the flight, my second time in an aeroplane. I tried to take in as much of surroundings as possible and I was fortunately sat next to one of the windows of the plane. Leaving Java during take-off, I managed to see plenty of rice fields and coastline. While we were flying across the sea and over the clouds, I looked out of plane. This was quite a shock to see how high the mountain reached and it was the first volcano that I have ever seen. This was a much shorter flight than my journey from London to Jakarta and only lasted about an hour and a half. We soon landed and six days after leaving England were finally in Bali. Arriving in Bali, we the other Darmasiswa participants and myself, were greeted at the airport by a representative from our instruction of study, ISI Denpasar. We were the driven to the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus and shown to available accommodation that the institution provides. Most of the other Darmasiswa participants decided that they would rather look for private accommodation elsewhere but I decide to stay the first night in the campus dormitories and look for different accommodation when I had settled down into Balinese life a bit more. However, the next day I met a local gentleman who had just built his own homestay area and I agreed to move in the next day. During these first few days I soon realized the negotiating prices is a regular occurrence in Bali, whereas in England everyone just pays the price theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re told to. I moved in the next day and was introduced to his family, his three sons and his wife and then their maid who also lived with them. I was pleasantly surprised as to how welcoming they were, though it was only the gentleman, Yudi, who spoke English and I had not begun ton learn bahasa Indonesia yet, but they were none-the-less very welcoming and even bought me dinner that evening. One of the first thing that I saw in Bali was offerings and small shrines. In Bali they are everywhere, such as on the beach, in the restaurant, and even in bathrooms.This was quiet different towards what I was used in England religion

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is usually confine to the walls of the place of worship, churches, etc, and one doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t usually see much religious material everywhere else. In Bali however religion is a prominent part of a day to live with many people praying and making offerings throughout the day. It does not interfere with day to life and though very important to those who practice this religion, it is approached very casually. By now it was the 14th of Seotember and we started having lesson to help us learn Indonesia as our chosen subject lessons (which in my case traditional music and gamelan) would not start until beginning of October. I did however have a gamelan teacher in England who provided me with the contact details of a private gamelan teacher, named like so many people in Bali : Ketut, and he agreed to meet me to discuss the potential of having lessons with him. On my way to meet Ketut I realized that I was lost. Realising I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure where I was, a couple who were running on the street came over to me and asked if they could help me. They kindly offer me a drink free of charge and proceeded to ring Ketut who only lived about twenty meters away ( I had no phone for the first two weeks of my stay in Bali). Ketut offered me a coffee and showed me around ehre he and most of his family lived and the various types of gamelan that they owned, varying from Gong Kebyar and Gender to Angklung Ketut now teach me Gong Kebyar and Gender. About a week after my first gamelan with him, he invited me to play in his local gamelan at two wedding ceremonies and some religious ceremonies. At each of these ceremonies I was surprised to find that most of the local community were in attendance, where as in England only

family member and close friends are invited. Balinese

ceremonies seems a lot more social, with all the local neighbours being included in day to day activities and religious ceremonies. During these ceremonies a lot of the people came up and started talking to me, everyone being very welcoming and hospitable. I have now been in Bali for almost 9 months and in my time here I have visited plenty of temples, played a lot of ceremonies, met and be friended many Indonesian and Balinese people and traveled across most of Bali. The

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experiences written above were my first experiences with Indonesian and Balinese religions and culture. I have had many experiences since the first month in bali and have learnt a lot during my time here. Religion is a very prominent element in day to day Indonesian life (with the majority of Indonesia practicing Islam and the majority of Bali practicing Hinduism). People here connect very strongly with their beliefs and it influences a lot of their day to day life as well as the way act and behave socially. The culture and religion react very harmoniously with each other and a lot of the cultural tradition here are based in religion. The culture of Bali is very unique to the rest of the world, as is the culture of each other island in Indonesia, but what I found very interesting was the difference in culture from the various region in bali. Various regions are well known for their various attractions, Singaraja in the North of Bali for example is known for its rural villages and natural beauty and even features a national park on one of its coasts, manjenengan island, an islands known for its wildlife and ocean life. Dialects also change from region to region, with various accents for each region but also language, in the more populated cities there are more English speakers, but in more remote villages I found people who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak English or even Indonesian, they only understood Balinese. During my time here I have come to understand that Indoensia but also specifically Bali is an extremely diverse country/islands, teeming with culture, harmony, and religion.

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Name

: Robin Elinore Dennehy

Country

: United Kingdom

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

Reflections on Religion, Society and Culture in Bali

“The island’s creative heritage is everywhere you look, and the harmonious dedication to religion permeates every aspect of society, underpinning the strong sense of community.” Lonely Planet; Bali and Lombok, p.320, Ryan Ver Berkmoes. Religion The importance of religion in Indonesia, and Bali, surprised me during my first few weeks here and is unlike anything I have experienced in the other countries that I have travelled to. Although there are many types of religions practised in the UK they are generally done so in private, and thus are in no way as pivotal in daily life and conversation as they are here. The question ‘What is your religion?’ is rarely asked to strangers, as it is considered too personal and not important in one’s day-to-day knowledge of others. Additionally, not having a religion is not considered to be strange, whereas the Indonesians I have met have been very concerned for my well-being when I tell them I do not believe in God. Consequently, life really does revolve around religion here. Everyday there is a ceremony to perform and offerings to be made, which explains why

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everywhere you look there are puras, offerings, someone in pakain adat going to (or returning from) the pura and closed roads because of an upacara or a parade of some sort occurring. It is fascinating and exciting to be surrounded by the colours, smells and sounds of Balinese Hinduism and you never know what you will come across when you turn a corner on the road. I remember the joy I experienced when first unexpectedly encountering the spectacle of beautifully dressed women with huge offerings of fruit on their heads, accompanied by gamelan. During my time in Bali I have been very fortunate and have been able to attend many ceremonies and play gamelan at them; including odalans and weddings. I particularly enjoyed Galungan as I spent the day with my Balinese friend and his family going to the pura to pray and make offerings and also the night before Nyepi as my gamelan teacher invited me to be in the parade playing beleganjur with his banjar. Family and Society The importance of family and community is something very commendable about Balinese society and thus it seems to function very well at protecting the vulnerable, such as children, the elderly and the poor and is what I believe accounts for why, compared with many other countries (including my own), there are so few homeless people, beggars and orphaned children on the streets. I have found that this communality is also reflected in the organisation of the gamelan; where all the players have to work together and support each other in order to produce the best sound. It is also remarkable that many generations and members of one family live in one home. In the West, children usually move into their own homes once they are grown up and very few people look after their parents when they are too old to live independently, sending them instead to retirement homes. As a result, many elderly people become isolated and lonely and even forgotten about by their families and seem older as they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have anybody to keep them engaged and young. In my opinion, old people in Bali are much healthier and

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happier than in the West, most likely due a more physical lifestyle that makes them stronger and healthier and the more inclusion and respect they have from the rest of society. My only real concern about Balinese culture and society is the damaged posed to it by Western influences. I understand that tourism is an important part of the economy, and in some circumstances I like the blending of traditional culture and modern advances but I am concerned that soon there will be too many McDonald’s and hotels and not enough puras and banjars in Bali. The damage to the environment because of the enormous increase in pollution, rubbish and consumption of natural materials is also a major pressing concern – particularly the burning of plastics. It is Bali’s natural and cultural beauty that makes it such a special and unique place and to destroy them would be a tragedy.

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Name

: Rosemary Anna Bryant

Country

: United Kingdom

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

BALI HARMONY After a year living in Indonesias blessed island of Bali, studying music under the instruction of some of the islands most prestigious and talented, I have the opportunity to reflect one some of its gifts, some of its lessons. To reflect on some of the observations one can make form this position of ultimate privilege in this mystical and tropical paradise. I returned to Bali in 2012, one year after my first visit, to study the musical art of the Indonesian Gamelan. As a Darmasiswa scholar, paid and provided for by the Indonesian government, I was privileged to be part of a program, which is in place to encourage the sharing of traditional knowledge around the world. Its purpose is to maintain harmony between civilizations which must work together to protect, to keep alive what are amongst the most rich and precious of Balinese traditions. It’s musical heritage. It is in understanding and holding respect for the worlds cultural traditions that I believe we can find a true harmonious place within it, for al of us, and so the question of ‘harmony’ is an interesting and deep topic for me as a Bule (a foreigner in Bali) a classically trained musician, and a global citizen of our beautiful world.

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“Bali is the largest tourist destination in Indonesia, renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance). Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows.”

So suffice to say, the Balinese are artistic people and the island is a culturally diverse musical one. There are many Balinese musicians, many of whom effortlessly perform western songs and tributes in bars and clubs for the tourism market. But few westerners can play Indonesian music, which is complex and rhythmically different to anything in our worlds. But when asked to comment on what I perceive to be ‘harmony’ within Balinese culture, I was at first tickled to remember my first encounter with the Gamelan and Balinese music on the whole. The word ‘harmony’ is one that would not immediately have come to my mind, you see. What, when first exposed to, was digested with a pinch of salt- the tinkling of these seemingly simple rudimentary unmelodic instruments which together created a background aroma of Bali mysticism in hotel lobbies or passing temples- when confronted with musically, drove me nuts. Noise! Noise, Dischord. The complete opposite of harmony as I understood it. Conflicting rhythms and uneasy imperfect microtones in combination, amassed from an orchestra of high energy- lets say almost manic- ceremonially dressed zombies. Hypnotized by their-own monotony. I’ll be honest. I started to hate it! My western ear could not stomach this foreign auditory cuisine. I am a classically trained pianist. I just couldn’t understand this music using the language I had

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already learned since childhood in England. It didn’t translate. It didn’t make sense. And it put me in a state of dis-ease. So I was challenged to listen with a different ear, with a students ear. I patiently began to learn a new language, and It is this new language that allowed me to hear and understand the Harmony of Bali. The term harmony in my language derives from the Greek ἁρμονία (harmonia) meaning "joint, agreement, concord",from the verb ἁρμόζω (harmozo), "to fit together, to join".The term was often used for the whole field of music, while "music" referred to the arts in general. har·mo·ny /ˈhärmənē/ Noun 1. A combination of sounds considered pleasing to the ear.

2. Simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions with a pleasing effect. 3. Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony.

4. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole: color harmony; the order and harmony of the universe. See Synonyms at proportion.

Synonyms concord - accord - unison - agreement - unity What seemed like chaos at first, I released, reflected the chaos of nature. Those rhythms, I began to see, were the rhythms of the Bali tropics. As I listened with a new ear I could hear the Cekak singer/dancers were mimicking the rice field frogs, and geckos and sekaters… and the sounds of the Gamelan, that infernal clashing noise.. it came together and washed over me and took me too a new hypnotic place of harmony inside myself. And in this place I understood the true nature of harmony- one that transcended the limited definition of my classical

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training. But the music was simply a language to help me understand the Island. The songs were and are a metaphor for the underlying philosophies that govern life here in Bali. Bali has been described as a “legendary oasis of peace and harmony.” The culture of Indonesia refers to the way of life of the people here and that way of life is one that acknowledges 5 different religions and all traditions under its sky. To date, it is still a diverse nation that believes in its national motto 'Bhinneka Tunggal Ika' - A ‘Sanskrit’ phrase itself which is an ancient language of India- , translated as 'Unity in Diversity'. “The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between the Far East and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam and Christianity. The result is a complex cultural mixture very different from the original indigenous cultures that somehow finds balance together in one place.” This is prevent in Balinese art forms where music and dances have stories about ancient Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms, while Islamic art forms and architecture are also present in the landscape. Western culture has greatly influenced Indonesia in science, technology and art forms and thus Bali’s is an ever-evolving society. But equally many elements of the countries diverse cultures, such as religions, yoga, and cuisine, have had a profound impact across the world. As such, the principles, which govern harmony and equilibrium on this magical island, may well arguably influence far afield. Modern performing art also developed in Indonesia with it’s distinct style of Theatre, drama and dance, often portraying social and political satire of Indonesian society. In this way the arts in Bali continue to hold power in creating and maintaining cultural and political balance even in Bali’s modern age.Balinese Hinduism, (Indonesian Hindu Dharma), is a religion practiced by the majority of the population of Bali. It is essentially similar to traditional Hinduism, but also

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includes elements of Buddhism and Animism. The fundamental principle underlying Hinduism is that there is order in the cosmos, known as dharma. There is also a disordering force, adharma. Hindus seek balance and harmony between these two forces, thus freeing themselves form the never-ending cycle of reincarnation, attaining a state called moksa. The religion, as it is practiced in Bali, is a composite belief system that embraces not only theology, philosophy, and mythology, but ancestor worship, animism and magic. Tri Hita Karana, is a Balinise Hindu concept which acknowledges the symbiotic relationship between humans, nature and God.The word itself comes from Sansekerta language and means ‘harmony and balance’ between the three fundamental elements of existence. In Bali religion is deeply interwoven with art and ritual. It pervades nearly every aspect of traditional life. With an estimated 20,000 puras (temples) and shrines, Bali is known as the "Island of a Thousand Puras", or "Island of the Gods” The religious culture is so strong in Bali that is abundantly evident every single minute of everyday. Beautiful and colorful ceremonial ritual is everywhere and nearly every calendar day marks some important ceremonial event, which the population of the island gives enormous importance to. Amongst them, The Hindu New Year, Nyepi, is perhaps of the more unusual and inspiring for me. It is celebrated in the spring by a day of complete silence. Shops shut their doors, the roads are closed and the streets are policed ensuring no one walks or leaves their homes. Air traffic is even diverted. The whole of Bali comes to rest in a way that is not witnessed, by me at least, anywhere else in the world. It is in this silence that I truly grasp the meaning of harmony in its purest essence. When the sounds of the Gamalan along with the bustle of normal life are wiped magically from existence in a way I have never before been able to experience. My ears are freed to hear. To truly hear. The sound, which is otherwise inaudible to me in life. The sound of the ethereal. The sound of creation. The sound of myself. It is in the divine sound of silence that I

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could for the first time in my life hear harmony itself. On this little island which holds so much in balance- so many people, cultures, religions beliefs and practices, I was able to hear the sound of Bali resonating harmoniously in its own magical peaceful bliss.

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Name

: Rupert Snook

Country

: New Zealand

Place of Study : ISI Denpasar

My opinion on Balinese culture and religion

Bali is a wonderful place. It's a small island with a huge international reputation for so many different reasons, but most agree that the unique thing about Bali is it's culture. As a current participant of the Darmasiswa scholarship program, I have had a unique chance to live in Bali for almost a year, while studying Balinese music. This has allowed me to learn many things besides music, mostly about culture and religion. I purposefully arrived in Bali with very few immediate plans - no place to stay, no idea what would happen. It was a great opportunity to experience life without a schedule, and just to explore a new place. As soon as my flight got in, I got a ride to Denpasar, and ended up wandering around with a suitcase in the middle of the city. I found that the people passing by on the street were very friendly, and I soon had a place to stay, along with a handful of phone numbers. This first impression of friendly people has not changed - at least in Denpasar, many Balinese receive a foreign face with a smile and an offer of friendship. I was fortunate to find a good place to live only a few days after arriving,

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together with a welcoming local family. This particular family had a few empty rooms in their house due to the marriage and departure of a few daughters, who I quickly found out had married men of a variety of religious backgrounds. The fact that the parents of the family had no problems with their daughters converting religions and leaving home revealed something more to me about Balinese culture - many people are very accepting of other religious beliefs and lifestyles. In my entire time living on the island, I have not noticed one attempt to convert me to the Hindu religion, or one person who expressed shock at my own religious beliefs. By comparison, while on a brief holiday in Sumatra, I met many who expound the benefits of their religion over others. Bali, on the whole, has a more tolerant, live-and-let-live attitude in regard to religion and culture. Maybe that is why it is so popular with visitors and migrants, both domestic and from outside Indonesia. While there are many who utter the complaint that Bali is undergoing a swift moral decline due to the influx of outside influences, this is a common complaint that can be heard anywhere in the world. Personally, I am impressed with Bali's ability to retain its core cultural identity at the same time as flexibly imitating anything and everything that visits its shores. Many Balinese that I have spoken to agree that the Balinese adat is strong because the Hindu religion is strong in Bali. Here, the distinction between religion in culture is foggy. Religion is responsible for much of the mainstream culture of Bali, because almost everybody is Hindu. However, the Hindu religion is rather different in Indonesia than in India, which must be because it has undergone cultural modification. In Bali, it is not possible to have culture without religion, or religion without culture. As a music student, I have been amazed at the amount of Balinese who are musically competent. Almost everybody has had at least some experience of playing gamelan instruments at primary school, and it seems like in some areas that the entire community is at least interested, if not competent in playing traditional music. And that's not to mention that scores of people who can ably play Western music either - in fact, the latter category are much more easily able

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to make a living because of the demand for Western music in the restaurants and clubs of Bali. Even though Balinese are growing busier and busier in their daily lives, it seems as though many are still strongly involved in playing and appreciating traditional music. Something else that is striking about the music of Bali is the values inherent in the practice of traditional music. Unlike western music, Balinese music is almost always a community activity, and the success of an ensemble relies on the ability of the musicians to work together coherently. One instrument makes little sense when played on its own, and in many cases it is difficult even to practice an instrument by itself. Although a group of musicians may be individually highly skilled, they must spend a lot of time rehearsing and socialising together before they can create something that is considered worthy by the community. The fast speeds and difficult rhythms of Balinese music create the most extreme necessity for cooperation that I have encountered in any music in the world. But it is an extremely rewarding music to play, and I feel learning this music could benefit many musicians in the West. Another very defining characteristic of life in Bali is the multitude of different customs that exist island-wide. It is impossible to say the word 'always' in regard to Balinese culture or religion, because what is true in one region is often different in the next. Bali is full of many 'pockets' of distinct culture, all mutually influencing each other but somehow remaining unique. This island must be one of the most densely varied places on the planet - a small area of land that hosts a staggering variety of customs, even just counting the locals. It is a difficult task to write anything about the culture, religion, music or art of Bali that generally applies to all regions, because there is often a village or regency that will be an exception to the general rule. Personally, I appreciate Bali's resistance to homogenisation, and I hope it remains unique in the face of the many powerful global forces at it's doorstep.

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Name

: Ilijevic Dragos

Country

: Serbian Republic

Place of Study : IKIP Saraswati Tabanan

Harmony Among Civilization Before I came to Indonesia and Bali I have had just short knowledge about this distant country. First thing I knew was that in this country live around 250 million people that are separated by many islands, around 18,000 as I have heard. Secondly, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard that the population is not well separated between the islands. For example, around 130 million people live in the island of Java, while the remaining 120 million are in all other 17,999 islands. That sounds interesting and makes Java the most populated island in the world. About religion, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard that Indonesia is country with the most Muslim believers in the world. A record, again. However, in the island of Bali the most dominated religion among population is Hindu, Well, well. That sounds interesting. Since I am coming from the Balkans region, in which we had many different issues with religion issues, the breach of Islam from Turkey in the past, which made a whole bunch of wars in the past, and left a whole lots of problems afterwards, with the Islamized population. However, in Indonesia such issues are minor or not visible at all. Living in Bali, with dominating Hindu believers, still makes a lot of space for many mosques for Islamic believers, and

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no issues about it ! Everyone respect each other, leaving no space for any kind of differences to take issue. That is something that we should implement in my region. However, I cannot make any similarities between the Indonesian people and my own. Temperament is totally different, so now I understand why my region is often called “ European hot spot “ , since people are very vigorous. Maybe the turbulent history of that region made effect on generations that came after, or maybe it’s just the “Balkans temperament” again taking place. Anyway, what I have seen here in Bali is that people can live together, and in harmony. The island roughly has around 5 million people, of which officially 95% are Hindu. However, the situation on field is totally different. We can see the Balinese only when they have ceremonies or recognize them with their traditional hats and skirts (sarong’s). Otherwise, I get the impression that most of the common people that live here (well, I do live in south Bali – but still are actually from Java. That makes under my rough assessment around 50% of the total population in Bali. So then we have a real diversity right here, with Muslim, Hindu and minor Christian (mostly from Sumatra and Java). And everything is working out just fine, living in peace and harmony. And being a tourist place, Bali also hosts millions of tourists every year. I am not sure about the official info, but I can see planes landing every 5-10 minutes, so probably the number of tourists is increasing every year. But let’s not talk about tourist people, they will come and go. The most important part is the people that live here, and planning to stay… So at the end, what I have seen here is very good example for all counties around the world. Even today, in 21st century, we still have many conflicts in the world that are separating people because of their religion, or nationality. For example, the never ending conflict in Gaza, between Israel and Palestine, burning conflict in Syria, etc. The Indonesian model can be implemented everywhere if there is enough will to do so. I am sure that positive energy and harmony among civilizations is possible everywhere.

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Name

: Zachary David Hejny

Country

: United States

Place of Study : IKIP Saraswati Tabanan

Harmony in Civilization The concept of â&#x20AC;&#x153;campurâ&#x20AC;? is strong in Indonesia. Especially in Bali, where I have lived and studied for the last 8 months, I have met and shared ideas with people from all over Indonesia as well as almost everywhere else in the world. The most interesting problem I have encountered in meeting so many different people is that of connection. How do I connect with somebody from an entirely different background than my own? Usually we start conversations by talking about our differences, such as our respective origins, career paths, and families. However, I have found that I only make real connections with people within whom I have discovered similarities with myself. I remember one morning I was waiting to cross a busy road in Tabanan. I wanted to buy some produce at the pasar. There was an older Balinese woman balancing a huge basket of fruit on her head across the street, waiting to come to my side. As we waited, the road in front of us became congested with motor bikes. As traffic came to a stand still a couple of the drivers got into a little argument about who should be able to go forward first. As the woman and I witnessed this display of impatience and the congestion of the motor bikes

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cleared up, we made eye contact and shared a laugh at the arguing drivers' expense. It was at that moment that I realized I could share something deeply with someone who I have no demographic connection to whatsoever. Despite our difference in age, gender, religion, and cultural background, this woman and I agreed that the anger expressed by the motor bike drivers was ridiculous and amusing. I have found that the rich artistic environment in Indonesia benefits friendship-building among people of different backgrounds as well. On many occasions I have been taken to somebody's home by a friend, but because my Indonesian language skills are still limited and most Balinese struggle to speak English I can't really express myself on a personal level. However, most Balinese homes have either rindik or gender wayang and if I am given a chance to play music for my hosts then we immediately become friends. Art practice in general allows people to circumvent the limitations of spoken language and directly connect with each other in a deeper cognitive way. Just like in music, a civilization can support harmony of its different parts. These stories occurred on a small and personal scale, but I believe their lessons can be attributed to larger social areas within Indonesia and Bali. It seems to me that the Indonesian nation was created under the idea that many different types of people can cooperate to create good and prosperous lives for everyone involved. I am truly impressed that the government of the early 20th century was able to standardize a single language for the entire population spanning thousands of islands. Luar biasa! When I first came to Indonesia I only really had understandings about places like Java, Bali, and maybe Sumatra. I didn't think there would be other people too, like those from places like Timor, Papua, and Flores, etc. There are so many different people here! In Bali specifically, I feel that the Balinese Hinduism supports cooperation between the many different ideas and people that it comes into contact with. In some forms of Christianity, such as those in America, it seems like people

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become uncomfortable when talking about other religions. But all of the Balinese Hindus I have talked to have told me that their religion supports the idea that god can be praised in many different ways or not at all in some cases, and that is OK as long the society is healthy and cooperative. I think this is part of what makes Bali attractive to domestic immigrants. Many people talk about the problems of tourism and domestic immigration and how these things will impact places such as Bali in the future. But I believe that all these hypothetical problems can be avoided as long as Balinese people, western tourists, and immigrating Indonesians can come to an agreement about the attitude with which these changes will take place. For example, I think that it is dangerous to allow European or American tourists to buy land and build freely their own businesses and cultures there. As long as the Balinese government and society can ensure that those changes made my foreign ex-pats will benefit the local communities, then there should be no problem. I sometimes feel uncomfortable in places like Kuta and Ubud in Bali because I walk around the streets passing stores and restaurants that the average Indonesian and Balinese person cannot afford to shop or eat at. When I see situations like that I sometimes get the feeling that Bali is still being controlled by western colonial influences, perhaps not literally by another government, but financially by the western capitalist system. There are many misunderstandings such as this that can be avoided if people step outside of their respective ambitions to think about the impacts of their actions. Overall the interaction of all these different people in Indonesia is what makes it such an interesting place to live, study and explore.

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Name

: Akvile Sedleviciute

Country

: Lithuania

Place of Study : IKIP Saraswati Tabanan

Harmony Among Civilization I left my home country Lithuania in September 2012, and I went to other part of the world, where constant summer let you enjoy your life not having stress about winter, no harsh reality as my ancestors had experienced before, no wonders if there will be enough potatoes for winter, wheat.And I came to the constant summer to discover the pace and rhythms of people who have no place in cells for stress, sadness, on Sundays just watching ocean, children playing with kites. I spent nearly year in Bali, most beautiful island as they say, eruption of colors, shapes, sounds and smells. I came with ideas, plans and expectations, but they were more or less looking like scared rabbit pull out of magic hat, not in a right place, not in a right time, so I just let it, and sacrificed time for observation, believing that later I would get directions. As I was moving forward I saw people, smiling the same whatever season there is â&#x20AC;&#x201C; rainy or dry, whatever they have in their pockets. They were willing to stay together, to chat, to share, and usually it was not about exchange of information, it was just about being together. No rush, the time for something

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comes along with “ayo” which is usually born in ones heart and spread all over. And you never know when, so it's better just to go with a flow. People that I met, telling myths and stories, explaining karma-phala, telling about gods and deities not knowing this they all were building verbal bridge connection to their culture, so many stories that have no end, so many myths connected with other myths, so that is how the chaos was born, and then I took books – explaining everything step by step, not so complicated, and I read about Bali, how it looked before, about blossoms in women hair, about concept of family, about rules in villages that still exists and I discovered different logic, different reality, where is no space for treating something as nonsense it is just Bali, I am here, there is no distance between me and local common sense, and no international description for what is normal or unnormal, and I was as a new born child, just accepting things as they are. And now I have to choose means to describe diversity of cultures, for me the image of Indonesian diversity is brought back by memorising Muslim and Hindu girls sitting in one class, memorising masjids in Yogyakarta and at the same time beautiful old christian church in city centre, memorising Borobudur soon after sunrise, about Eastern, Christmas Eve and Nyepi that we all celebrated together, no matter what is your religion, about friend, who excuses for a while because it's time to pray. And if we go through the sea of sounds – diversity of gamalan, diversity of sounds that wakes up you in a morning - pray of muslim, pray of hindu; music that you go to sleep with, weather its “Bapak” playing a guitar to his “Ibu” in Yogya village, or children practicing gamalan in Banjar. I recall friday when moon is changing in Yogya all “Ibu” sitting in masjid meditating, wayang kulit dance in the midnight, I recall upacara before nyepi – old “Bapak” extinguishing ember in his mouth, I recall eating eggs together on eastern. I'll never forget beautiful sceneries going beyond limits of reality, where in one place you can see mountains, ocean, clouds – the womb where Indonesian story starts. As I was moving forward I saw glimpses of harmonious diversity – I

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saw differences that distinguish and things that connects. I collected questions, and I collected answers to myself, and now I'm taking risk to put it in a nutshell, but if you would ask me where the mysterious harmony of this diversity comes from I would say is respect to other human being, that you learn while growing in community where there is so little space left for your ego, where the simplest and in the same way rewarding lifestyle is just to follow karma-phala. Mangustin never lies they say â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so do I. Thank you for this voyage of life, where I pushed limits of reality

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Name

: Katarzyna CielÄ&#x2026;tkowska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : IKIP Saraswati Tabanan

"Me, myself and Bali" After a few months of living on the island Bali, I found out why it calling a paradise. Why do so many people has for Bali sincere and true love. This island has much to offer, the only question is who and how he can take all of her gifts. Bali is a place impetuous, passionate of very intense colors of life. Can surprising diversity every day. Bali is an island located in the archipelago of small Sunda Islands with several hundred years of history. Without a doubt, this place is marked by a unique culture, a mixture of beliefs and religions. In every place of the island, there are many beautiful churches and small chapels each household. Bali is a place of religious habit, every day begins and ends with making sacrifices. Offerings participate in the life of every Balinese. Rituals and ceremonies are aimed at achieving harmony between good and evil. Finding a balance between what is light and what is dark. Recognition of the balance between life and death. Permanent rituals and ceremonies are based on the theory that has to fight evil spirits, demons and spirits and attract only the good ones. In Bali each year is roughly 200 occasion to celebrate. Each ceremony is different, funerals, burning

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the corpses, the belief in the cleansing of the soul by the way, Balinese people believe that waiting for a better life of the deceased in the afterlife. Teethcutting ceremonies to step into adulthood. Bali is a place of worship, filled with colorful fabrics and bamboo structures, distinguished from a distance, gamelan sound. Offerings are way to chase evil, demons and celebration of the good ones. Are a form of victimcomplex commemoration and tribute. Women all day make bamboo offerings filled victim, rice, flower petals, fruits and incense. Offerings are the earth, water and fire. Balance. Without a doubt, the symbol of Bali's gamelan. The most popular traditional musical instrument of Indonesia, rooted in West Java. This instrument consists of a variety of gongs of different colors, gives the rhythm of Indonesian culture. During the ceremony, the streets filled with festive processions and costumes. An important element in the life of every Balinese is the cultivation of rice. With whom was born crop-irrigation system Subak, which is a manifestation of Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which connects the realm of the spirit world and human nature. Rice and its cultivation is treated by the Balinese is a serious and dedication, which attests to their sensitivity to the world. Bali land fill, the ocean, a beautiful green rice terraces, lakes, waterfalls and mountains. In one word on Bali is everything witch human need to be happy. Bali is also a mecca for surfers, people come from far corners of the world to catch the wave. Balinese people are undoubtedly optimistic, appreciative of the smallest things and capable to enjoy every minute of life. They could learn a lot on this subject. These people are helpful, and happy to help others, they can give you evrything, even when they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a lot. A few months of life in Bali has taught me how to appreciate the smallest moments and take life as it is. I met many wonderful people who have inspired and will inspire me to take action. I learned the concept of priceless friendship. Now I could see that life is based on values such as happiness, goodness and love. Which may not necessarily be associated with earned money and

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dedication to his career. I realized the importance of concepts such as relatives, fleeting moment and experience. A couple of months here have developed my sensitivity and made it clear who I want to be. If for some reason I was lost, invalid, due to the island I found the right path of life. I lived through the reincarnation of my own soul. My Bali, is not only a place but a moment, sounds, experiences and feelings. For the rest of my life I will remember about what happened to me here. Map of favorite spots in Bali narrows to a few unique. Without a doubt, one of them is Dreamland beach; blue water, white sand, rocks and severity panoramic view of the whole of Bali. The second place is situated on water temple-Tanah Lot temple, built on a rock bearing the magic. Near Tanah Lot is very simillar temple (not many people know about it), where the sunsets are the most beautiful in all of Bali. In fact, each of the places in Bali make a big impression on me. The scenic route to a fishing Ahmed, fragile and breathtaking way to Sinagaja. Lovina-northern oasis of peace and tranquility, artistic Ubud and unique Virgin Beach. Bali is filled with many things that capture. It is impossible to describe them all, but without a doubt, "I'm not the same person as before, since I saw the moon on the other side of the world."4 I love the smell of salt water in the ocean and the sound of hitting the waves, the smell of exotic variety of fill color space of the street. The taste of fresh fruit juices, sunrises and sunsets taken like from the impressionist works of painting, big old tree that I pass on the way to school, Balinese dressed in white walking to the ceremony. The power of "karma", trumpeting before each bridge, colorful offgings lying in front of every house and temple. Coming from the temple gamelan sound, every second, minute and hour. Indonesians shouting "hello mister", the full moon in the starry sky. I love the sound of the engine drivers, look at the happy children going to school on bikes, the structure of palm leaves, I love even the rain tapping on the window and the calm before the 4Cyt. Mary Ann Rademacher

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storm. I love colourfulness and uniqueness of Indonesia, beautiful women and handsome men, the taste of a cold Bintang and uniqueness fleeting moment of everyday life. Lead bike with the wind in your hair, smell of clove cigarettes in the air, the intensity of green rice fields, the mist on the mountains on the way to Singaraja. Surfers going to catch the best waves, millions of batik designs, view a five persons family on a scooter driven, grains of sand between your toes, the intensity of Balinese coffee, a butterfly flapping its wings, big coconut filling the edges of roads, first caught the wave, deftly geckos running across the ceiling. I love the moment when I know how much I'm happy with it. In everyday aspects of this island, you can find a lot of magic. Nothing is simple, down to the smallest elements can be found many differences. Everyone sees what he wants to see, there is an art talk and complain about what might have changed and what man does not respond, there is indeed a perfect place. The world is a lot of bad things, for which a person can be affected. So I think that changes need to be apart, to see what is good in the world and develop the good, to the evolution of the world. These are Indonesians. They are masters in appreciation of what they have received from the world. Every day Balinese cherish the good things from world. Someone once said that "you can buy theworld by your heart." If you love Bali, Bali loves you. The love that you offer this island, it reacts the same. Now I know; â&#x20AC;&#x17E;The journey is what brings us happiness not the destinantions.â&#x20AC;&#x153;5

5Cyt. Dan Milmman

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Name

: Craciunescu Maria Corina

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : Ganesha Education of University

Harmony among Civilization

It was my great chance when I heard that I could join Darmasiswa Program. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine if I can come and live in this unique country to study in one year. Indonesia with thousands island stand in all parts of this country show their beautiful panorama all people who come to Indonesia. Choosing Bali as my destination for my study gives me so many great things. I see the wonderful cultures, amazing nature panorama and also the social life among Balinese people and others. It is no doubt to say this island is called as Paradise Island in the world. Bali is a small island between Java and Lombok Island. People have known that Bali is a small island in Indonesian archipelago which has tropical climate. Although having tropical climate, Bali also has 2 seasons in a year, dry and wet season. These seasons affect nature in Bali and also for Balinese people. They plant some plants and have harvest day based on the seasons come to them. Bali also known as a tourism island, so many tourism objects spread in Bali. We can see beautiful beach with white sand and black sand, beautiful panorama in mountain, Botanical garden, lakes, and so many beautiful places. Besides, Bali

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also has some small island who have special characteristics. They are: Menjangan Island, Serangan Island, Penida Island, Lembongan Island and Ceningan Island. Bali has 8 regencies spread up around Bali Island. From all regencies, Badung regency has highest population because it is near Denpasar city, the capital city of Bali. Since three decades ago, the Balinese economy was largely agriculture-based, and now tourism is the largest single industry in terms of income. It makes high migration from other islands entering Bali. In this beautiful island, it is wrapped something so precious. It is a social life of Balinese people. Most of Balinese are Hindu, and they have a great theory for living together. I know from people and in course that Balinese have Tri Kaya Parisudha for living in the world. They believe that every people should live in harmony with God, people and environment. They put this belief in three ways, such as: Parahyangan: live in harmony with God, Pawongan: live in harmony with other people, and Palemahan: live in harmony with environment, not only caring about our house, our island, but also caring for environment in the world. Living in Bali is identical with living in Banjar. Banjar is small organization under village organization. Living in Banjar is always related with social life and social-religious cultures. When people have ceremony in a temple, marriage, cremation, and other ceremony, they should involve and inform to Banjarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members. So they can help you in happiness and sadness. Besides, Banjar also called as Balinese big family. Besides having Banjar, Bali has a very unique thing. They have Subak or organization who concern on rice production and irrigation system. As we know, Bali still has some rice field, and Subak works to help its members to make sure every members get fair distribution of water. In other hands, making offering is a special thing of Balinese people. They have different kinds of offering. They make it for dailyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings, special offerings (full-moon, new-moon, Galungan, Kuningan, Nyepi) and also for different ceremonies (marriage, three-months for baby, etc). Different types of ceremonies need different types of offerings.

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Living in Bali means living in harmony with other different people. Most of Balinese are Hindu, but they should live with 5 other religions in Bali, like Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, Catholic and Kong Hu Chu. Although they come from different cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s background, people in Bali can live for their unity and harmony.

DARMASISWA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Academic Year of 2012/2013

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Name

: Cristina Ortiz-Olave

Country

: Spain

Place of Study : Ganesha Education of University

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION Bali is a small beautiful island and a part of Indonesia archipelago. It owns the panorama and unique culture that makes this island is exclusively than others. It is located in the tropical situation that has stated this island as Dream Island for a vacation. Bali Island has many kinds of places to visit like rice paddies, beautiful panorama, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, tourism activities and attractions, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live here, daily community ritual and a lot of things make your holiday unforgettable. In Bali, the spirits is coming out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time and the day you will get the enjoy of the sea breeze from the blue sea water which completing your dream holiday. Bali is an Island of God in Paradise that is perfect destination for your holiday; enjoy the paradise with your family and collages and meet Bali will offer something for everyone.

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This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day-to-day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches and snorkeling spots in the world can be found on the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for paradise searchers, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali for few years awarded as the world best island by The International Travel Magazine. There, however, are still many people who do not know in depth about the uniqueness of Balinese culture. Life in Bali is always related to Tri Hita Karana or a tripartite concept that include the spiritual relationship between human and God, and their environment. The rapid growth of development in tourism has had a big impact and influences to Bali tradition and lifestyle. Interestingly, Balinese culture is still as what it was, growing along with the globalization. It is the Balinese civilization what makes the island different from other destinations. Baliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population of over 3,000,000 souls spread over the whole island, including those in the smaller islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, Serangan and Menjangan Island. The overwhelming majority of Balinese are Hindus, with the increasing number on non-Hindu migrating from the closest neighboring islands of Java and Lombok. The coastal areas in the south are the most populous area with over 370,000 people living in various professions in the capital of Denpasar. Farming has been the primary way of living in Balinese life. Where else fishing, trading and craftsmanship are also in fashion from generation to generation. Yet with the fast growing of tourism since past few decades, young people start to build up a new touch in their living culture.

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LIFE IN BALI Life in Bali is very communal under the organization of villages. Temple ceremonies, marriage, cremation, farming and even the creative art festivals are decided by the local community institution called “Banjar”. The responsibilities in the day-to-day life are normally administered by both the Banjar and the government. The local government mostly responsible for schools, health clinics, hospitals and roads, and Banjar is responsible for all other aspects of life. There is another association exists in the banjar named “Subak” that concerns to the production of rice and organizes the complex irrigation system. Every family who owns a rice field must be a member of their local Subak, which then ensures that every member gets his fair distribution of water. A banjar consists of an average of 50 to 150 family members, owning a meeting venue called the Bale Banjar, which is used for regular gatherings and a center for local gamelan orchestras and drama groups. Balinese people have been well known as the agrarian and friendly people. They are holding the strong social life that are still be defended up to now and become the fortress from unfavorable external influence pressure. Bali population has reached over 3.000.000 people and Balinese itself is not stay in Bali Island but also spread out through Indonesian island. Bali race is a group of community banded by the awareness or oneness of culture. The Balinese Traditional is much banded by the social live aspect like conduct the pray in the temple, to place in the certain area together etc. The Balinese were not able to develop and sustain their extremely complex agricultural economy for centuries on end without a very organized community structure. Strong Social Organization System: The basis of this community structure is called Subak and Banjar. Everyone who owns a rice paddy must join the Subak in their village. The Subak controls who will plant rice and when (plantings are staggered so that pestilence is minimized). As well and more importantly, the Subak ensures that all farmers receive their fair share of irrigation water since traditionally the head the Subak

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was the farmer whose field was at the bottom of the hill and water first had to pass through everybody else's field before it was allowed to irrigate his. The other important community structure is the Banjar that organizes all other aspects of Balinese life (i.e. marriages, cremations, community service, festivals and the like). When a man marries, he is expected to join the village Banjar and must participate in community affairs. Meetings are held at a large open-air building called the Bale Banja. Balinese Community System: One of the images of the Balinese unique is collectively strong oneness among Balinese and there are seven things wrapped the Balinese to be a strong community, which has the identity and tenacity of culture: 1) Most of them bound by Hindu Religion as a pioneer of religion in Indonesia. 2) They are bound with some of praying place (Pura), 3) Balinese people bound by family system, 4) They are bound by the community surrounding them like Banjar or Desa Pekraman. 5) They are also bound by race system which gets in heritance from the ancestor hereditarily, 6) Some of Balinese farmers are bound with Traditional Irrigation System which is called Subak, 7) Balinese also bound by Indonesia Government System.

RELIGION Most of the Balinese are Hindu while

others are

Moslem,

Christian/Catholic and Buddhist, where they live in peace and love with each other. We can see the religious activity ritual by Hinduism in Bali every day so that this island is more known as an island of heaven. Bali is featured by unique cultures which most adapted from the Hindu influence that are still exist in this new modern era.

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The main religion practiced in Bali is a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma, where the Hindu itself is consisted of some religious sect, but in Bali all of Balinese are Hindu Ciwa. The two religions (Hindu and Buddhist) arrive from Java and some extend from India during the 8th to 16th centuries. The main symbol of Balinese Hinduism is the Swastika or wheel of the sun. An important belief is that elements of nature are influenced by spirit, which has been appeased. As such offerings (Sesajen) made from agriculture product are offered to this spirit. It is believed that Mount Agung is the abode of the gods and the ancestors. As such, it is revered as the `mother` mountain and is highly sacred to the Balinese. The religion in Bali is according to three principles those are Desa (place), Kala (time) and Patra (circumstance). Five pillars of faith acknowledge Hinduism. They are believe in the one Supreme God (Sang Hyang Whidi Wasa), belief in the soul as the universal principle of life and consciousness (atma), belief in the fruition of one`s deeds ( karma pala ), belief in the process of birth and death (samsara), and belief in ultimate release (moksa). The religious rites of the Balinese consist of the human rites (Manusa Yadnya), the rites of the dead (Pitra Yadnya), rites of the gods or temple rites (Dewa Yadnya), rites of the demonic forces (Buta Yadnya ) and ordainment rites (Rsi Yadnya). Holy water, fire, ash, geese, duck, eggs and dabdab tree leave are purifying elements used in the ritual. The Balinese are extremely devout and no day goes by without making offerings to the gods. These daily offerings - called Banten are a major part of Balinese life. You will see these offerings nearly everywhere in Bali. Made of flowers, cigarettes, cookies, rice and even sometimes money (the actual items used are not as important as the process of making and offering it to the spirits) these offerings are given to the good spirits in hopes of continued prosperity as well as to the evil spirits as an appeasement.

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Name

: Kobayashi Nananko

Country

: Japan

Place of Study : Ganesha Education of University

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harmony among civilizationâ&#x20AC;? Sebentar lagi,Darmasiswanya akan selesai saya merasa bahwa setengah bulan terakhir lebih cepat lewat dibandingkan dengan selama enam bulan sampai menyesuaikan diri dengan Indonesia. saya Indonesia

hanya

sebentar,tetapi

saya

tinggal

dapat

banyak

penemuan,pengalaman baru,dan banyak kesempatan yang lain yang saya tidak akan temui jika saya tinggal di Jepang,termasuk teman-teman orang Indonesia saya. Dan selama tahun ini,hal-hal yang sudah saya pelajari dan juga paling sulit adalah perbedaan kebudayaan.Perbedaan makanan atau kondisi

hidup

itu,

saya masih

harus

beradaptasi.tetapi

karena

kebiasaan,perbedaan pikiran,tata karma yang baik yang dulu saya dapat di Jepang, telah membantu saya membuat bagian sifat-sifat sendiri, saya merasa sulit untuk memahami hal yang baru. Waktu saya baru tiba di Bali,saya merasa bahwa saya berpikir bahwa saya perlu berubah dengan sebisa-bisaanya agar seperti orang Indonesia. Misalnya,saya merasa bahwa karena orang Indonesia sifatnya

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ramah dan suka bergaul,mereka suka kunjungi temannya. Dulu,temanteman orang Indonesia saya juga sering mampir ke kos saya atau kalau saya buka pintu,teman kos saya suka masuk ke kamar saya.dan,kadangkadang mereka mandi atau tidur di kamar saya. Mungkin kalau di Indonesia itu hal yang lazim,tetapi Jujur saya merasa bingung. Malah,kebudayaan itu sangat berbeda dengan kebudayaan Jepang. Kalau orang Jepang,kecuali teman yang dekat,tidak ada banyak orang yang tidur atau mandi di rumah orang lain.kalau mau kunjungi rumah,seharusnya minta izin dulu dan berjanji seperti”jam 7:45,saya akan kesana”. Pada mulanya, saya menerima semua tamunya.tetapi,karena hal itu merubah kegiatan rutin kehidupan saya,secara bertahap saya merasa stres. Pada satu kesempatan,akhirnya saya bilang dengan seorang teman saya “kalau kamu mau ke kos saya,tolong kasih tau dulu.” Teman itu kelihatannya seperti masih bingung,tetapi dia bilang”OK”. Setelah itu,tamu yang ke kos saya berkurang dan saya bisa kembali ke kegiatan rutin kehidupan saya. Tetapi saya sedikit kecil hati,saya berpikir bahwa ”mengapa saya tidak bisa merubah diri sendiri?”Pada waktu itu, salah satu kalimat sebuah

majalah membantu saya.majalah ini mengatakan ”Jika anda ingin

rukun dengan orang lain di luar negeri, seharusnya siap untuk belajar kebudayaan

baru,pada

waktu

yang sama,seharusnya kita melakukannya

agar tidak merusak keperibadian dan harga diri sendiri.jika

orang

bisa

meninggalkan rumah,negeri,tanah atau apa pun yang lain,tetapi tidak bisa meninggalkan diri sendiri.” Dengan dibantu oleh kata itu, saya mulai berupaya

untuk belajar kebudayaan

baru

sambil

mempertahankan keseimbangan diri sendiri. Beberapa bulan kemudian ,teman tadi berbicara dengan saya seperti ini.’Kemarin,saya baru mengerti bahwa kenapa waktu itu Kamu

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marah dengan saya.saya baca di internet,bagi orang Jepang, jika tiba-tiba bermain ke rumah itu tidak baik ya?’ Dia mengerti kata-kata saya yang dulu tentang perbedaan kebudayaan! Pada waktu yang sama,ada pokok-pokok yang sebaiknya saya juga pikirkan.dulu,saya berpikir bahwa teman-teman saya datang ke kos saya karena mereka mau saja.tetapi,sebenarnya mereka kahwatir bahwa saya sendirian,dan saya rindu. Saya merasakan

untuk menghadapi

perbedaan

kebudayaa

adalah pentingnya ”pemahaman”.Di dalam Alkitab,ada kata yang saya suka seperti ini.”Ia yang memperlihatkan pemahaman dalam suatu perkara akan mendapatkan yang baik”.(Amsal16:20) Memang

cara ekspresif berbeda di

antara negeri,tetapi di balik itu perasaan hati mirip satu sama lain ,kita sebagai manusia.jika kita bertekad untuk berpikir bukan hanya melakukan apa yang orang lain lakukan melainkan juga perasaan di balik tindakan tersebut,kita bisa mengerti bahwa perbedaanya hanya cara-cara saja. Tata karma yang baik juga sama dengan itu. Misalnya,ada hal-hal yang kalau di Jepang sopan,tetapi di Indonesia kurang sopan atau ada tata karma yang baik di Indonesia yang saya sulit mengerti.tetapi,pentingnya hati yang memiliki hormat kepada orang lain,setelahnya hati itu membantu kita melakukan tindakan dengan respek yang lebih mudah. Akhirnya,saya perpikir bahwa judul “Harmony among civilization”itu adalah hal yang banyak orang inginkan tetapi ini juga sulit terwujud jika menyelaraskan

dengan

paksa,

itu

kadang-kadang

menimbulkan

percekcokan.tetapi jika sepenuhnya terpisah dari satu sama lain,itu bisa menghalangi untuk memahami satu sama lain. Itu jawaban yang saya

sendiri

rasa, kunci yang diperlukan untuk keharmonisan adalah ”tidak menghakimi perbedaan kebudayaan berdasarkan hal baik atau tidak.”dulu waktu saya pergi ke luar negeri,jika saya pergi ke Canada,saya mengatakan’orang Canada itu baik kerena orang lain tidak terlalu ikut campur kehidupan orang

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lain,tetapi bagi orang Jepang itu kurang bagus karena orang Jepang rukun satu sama lain.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;jika saya pergi ke Indonesia,saya mengatakan,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;orang Indonesia itu sangat pengasih,sebaliknya orang Jepang itu kurang minat kepada orang lainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Sekarang,saya tidak berpikir negara mana yang baik atau mana yang tidak. karena

ada

kebaikan

dalam

semua

negeri.pentingnya,saya

menghargai apa yang baik dalam negeri tersebut, dan setelah pulang ke negeri sendiri,saya ingin manfaatkan kebaikannya untuk negeri sendiri. Saya bersyukur

atas

dapat

darmasiswa,dan

saya

ingin

manfaatkan

pelajaran di sini untuk negeri lain atau Jepang.

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Name

: Sylwia Kuczmoska

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : Ganesha Education of University

HARMONY IN CIVILIZATION Bali is a small island in Indonesia. This island is located between Java and Lombok Island. It is my great chance in my life because I can live and study in Bali for one year. Living in Bali will give so many wonderful things for my life. Besides learning about Bahasa Indonesia, I also can learn more about Balinese culture, and then enjoy Nature of Bali. First, Nature of Bali is a wonderful thing. Stand in a tropical country, Bali gives beautiful panorama from all of its parts. I live in Singaraja city where I can see so many things here. The beautiful waterfall at south-side of Singaraja, fresh water spring at east-side of Singaraja, and hot-water spring at west-side of Singaraja and long sea-side at north side of Singaraja give special harmony of Singaraja Nature. In other places of Bali, some tourism objects stand to show their specialization, like nature panorama, arts, hotels, culture, and anything else. Bali also has marine tourisms, which are spread over some small islands in Bali, such as: Nusa Menjangan, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Serangan Island. In Bali, Nusa can also be interpreted as an island. It's no

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longer doubt for Bali known as Paradise in the world, the island with thousands beauty. Different cultures provide a harmonious life for Bali. It was stated in a belief embraced by people Balinese People. They call this belief as Tri Hita Karana or a form of respect of our differences and coexist in a harmony. Bali teaches Tri Hita Karana which is defined as three ways to live happily in togetherness. These three ways include: Parahyangan, Pawongan and Palemahan. Parahyangan means keeping life in harmony with the God (however people have different kind of religions). Pawongan means keeping life in harmony with fellow all human beings. Although they come from different cultures, religions or races, they should be mutual respect. And the last is Palemahan, which means keeping harmony with the environment. Human live in this world shall keep the preservation and cleanliness of the surrounding environment. This belief is embraced by most of the people of Bali, because the majority of them are Hindus. Hinduism is very strong also affect the culture in Bali, especially for ceremonies in Bali. Balinese people make offering every day and also for some special days. They also do ceremonies for weddings, ceremonies for babies, even funeral and cremation. Different ceremonies also need this different type of offering. They cannot be separated from yadnya (genuine sacrifice). Bali also has the knowledge for spatial and housing arrangement which are known as Asta Kosala Kosali. Besides religion, Bali also has a beauty in art. Some of art of dance and the art of music (Gamelan) are available in Bali. Even dance in Bali, not only for reassembly, but Bali has some kind of sacred dance that should only be used for religion activities. All of this wonderful things makes the harmony of Bali more intense in the world. Living in Bali gives us a special experience. Besides enjoying the natural beauty and diverse culture, living in Bali also teaches us to live differently in harmony. This is evident from the cultural differences between their respective districts in Bali, then the different ordinance speaks, even the existence of those

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who are non-Hindus in Bali. All of these can coexist in harmony civilization, with no conflict between them. In studies at the university, I was saying that bridging course program is very good for foreign students. This course provides knowledge in general before starting the lesson completely. Through this course so I could understand Eastern culture in general and Bali particularly, so it adds my knowledge in learning in Indonesia. However, one thing that really so I've noticed is the people of Indonesia are able to live harmony in their difference.

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Name

: Vesna Bočko

Country

: Slovenia

Place of Study : Ganesha Education of University

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION

A great opportunity was given when I was got the chance for one year studies in Indonesia. By this I saw, discovered and learned of Indonesian cultures and religions. The diversity was noticeable from the first day, when I was woken first by the ezan from the mosque and soon after the praying from the nearest pura desa. I have asked myself many times, how it is possible, that a country so vast, full of different ethnic groups, languages and religions, can function so well and almost conflict free. An Indonesian friend once told me: “Bhinneka tunggal ika”, which means ‘unity in diversity’. Without a doubt Indonesia is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse country in the world. After all, it has more than 500 ethnic groups, same or bigger amount of languages and dialects, and is a country of some of the biggest religions in the world; from Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and other, ‘primordial’ religions, by coming to Indonesia one can discover a ‘little world in one’. For my location was in Bali, I shall focus my observations to this area. In my personal opinion Bali is the most multiculturalised island in Indonesia. There are not many different ethnical groups here, like for instance in

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Papua or Sumatra, but from the religious perspective one can say Bali is a textbook of multiculturalism and its harmony. From the academic point of view, multiculturalism refers to different ideologies, norms, cultures as also religions, that promote its diversity and creates a society that helps people to express their identity in the way they want. And that is the story of Bali. From what I observed in these nine months, since I am here, nobody actually cares what ones religion is or even what island one comes from. What matters is the attitude and respect. Balinese people seem to have a lot of it for other Indonesians (although one can occasionally sense a superiority complex in some cases), but unfortunately not for ‘white’ visitors of the beautiful island (referred as ‘bule’). I myself have experienced this many times. The color of my skin categorized me and scared me for them. Bali is the most touristic island, so in one way is normal, that their perception of me is the same as for other tourists – a ‘walking wallet’. Most of the tourists, that come here, show no respect towards them; they come there to enjoy their vacation in paradise. But if one shows them the respect of the culture and the difference in mentality, if one tries to speak the little of the Indonesian language, the local’s perception changes. They start to accept you, take you into their community, teach and show you the way they live and function as a society. Soon one finds himself in traditional clothes, in a small Balinese village in an even smaller temple. All the locals shake your hand; most of them want to take a picture with you and because they see your effort to understand them, they want to understand you too. The mentality between us is too vast, but anyway we find a common topic and way to explain our cultural differences and thoughts. Sometimes I feel the ‘cultural bridge’ at our university. It seems that professors who travelled abroad have much bigger understanding of ‘our’ mentality and ways of teaching. The methods of those without this experience can’t seem to find the correct approach and teaching techniques, what makes it sometimes quite difficult for the students to stay focused. I have observed big difference in the methods of teaching in my country, Slovenia, and here.

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Sometimes I get the feeling, that we are not perceived our age appropriately. By this I mean that the tasks we are given, do not satisfy our mental challenge and the urge to learn. Since Bali is the most touristic and globally influenced, is no wonder, that it was the first Indonesian island, hit by globalization. One can observe this in so many different ways. For me, the most interesting influence of globalization was at different (Hindu) ceremonies. A bottle of beer or Coca-cola among the offerings, balloons in the shape of baby Krishna and Sponge Bob, etc. One time I was part of the cremation of a middle cast boy. A friend took me to his village for the whole time of the ceremony. The first night we were all sitting in front of the deceased house, drinking and talking. About anythingâ&#x20AC;Ś when finally came the cremation day, I was little bit surprised. Traditionally, everybody wears a black shirt and a dark sarong, but now days the traditional shirt or black T-shirt with the name of the deceased (quite popular this day in age; distributed among the family members and friends) was in many cases replaced by T-shirts of some metal or hard-core bands, Harley Davidson or other globalised brands. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter, what is written on the T-shirt, what was important was, that it was (mostly) black. The gamelan procession, playing traditional songs, was later accompanied by rock music â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the deceased favorite band. It seemed normal also for the older residents and participants of the ceremony. My friend, the one, that took me to this village, explained to me that it is important to respect the traditions, but is nothing wrong, if they are in some ways alternated and modernized. This was a Hindu ceremony. But most of the people I have talked to were Muslim. Here again I noticed the cultural, or better, religious acceptance and tolerance. Sometimes though, I feel greater acceptance and respect from the side of Muslim, Buddhist and Christians than from the Hindus. I have experienced many difficulties making male friends, because for Indonesians the concept of friendship among men and women is uncommon and in my opinion not culturally accepted. The role of a man and of a woman is here very clearly

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distinguished. Again I have to emphasize that my observations are exclusive for Bali. Sometimes, when I talk to my friends, Javanese and Balinese, I sense some kind of a conflict among inhabitants of these two islands. I have tried to find out the reasons of this ethno-cultural differences and counterpoints among the two. It looks that the legacies of the Majapahit migrations and colonial traditions for managing diversity, their reinterpretation under postcolonial independence and globalization, and their relationship to Western liberal models of multiculturalism and emerging international norms of human and minority rights had a great impact on them. Local traditions, national mythologies, regional practices, and religious doctrines and (in my opinion) mostly the rival (economic) differences are the main reason for this ‘conflict’. One can not overlook the superiority from the side of the Balinese people towards the Javanese. An attempt to understand this or contribute to them requires an understanding of the complex interaction between the different ways of conceptualizing diversity and economic power. Anyways in most cases an ‘outsider’ cannot recognize this conflict, for it is concealed among the younger generation and even this among very specific kinds of groups. The majority of Indonesian population does not concern about this or does not think in this way… after all, they find their power and a sense of belonging to one country in ‘unity and diversity’.

In my personal opinion I think that the Darmasiswa program is a great way for non-Indonesians to learn that religious and cultural difference does not necessary mean conflict or disagreement. By learning about Indonesian vast cultures and religions and how they find a way to live together in symbiosis and mutual respect, one learns to find acceptance in diversity, different ways of life, ideology and mentality. One finds harmony among the diversity here in Indonesia. Each culture and religion here has its own advantages and features. Those differences form the cultural diversity and make our world more colorful.

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For students who go abroad for education, if they can combine positive culture elements from two different cultures to their self-development, it would be an advantage in their life. Especially, with current process of global economics, people who owned different perspectives on cultures stand at a more competitive and open-minded position in the modern world.

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Name

: Abigail Ferguson

Country

: Grenada

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

“Harmony Among Civilization” On the 7th of September 2012, I along with 3 other persons from Grenada took the long journey to Bali, Indonesia to further our education for 1 year. From the moment I arrived in Bali, I knew I had just touched down in paradise. The place is amazing but my hopes for a calm and peaceful time here were shortlived because in 2 weeks I met in a motorbike accident, which resulted in a broken foot and many cuts and bruises but the hospital (BIMC), took really good care of me and in approximately 2 months I was ready to use my feet again. I can’t begin to explain the living situation here in Bali. The place is flocked with crazy road users and traffic to everything being practically expensive but in some places, the vendors are willing to bargain with you to make their goods a little cheaper, so that’s the good thing. It was a little difficult to locate a reasonably priced and accessible boarding house since Bali I guess only caters for tourists since it is a touristic destination but I did find one after much searching. It’s a very beautiful and large kost, which caters for students as well as tourists vacationing. It’s also located just 10 minutes away from my University, which is a

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wonderful thing, never late for school. Life as a student in Politeknik Negiri Bali is not what I had expected. I don’t understand why Indonesians find it so difficult to want to learn English, if the majority of them want to travel to other countries that mostly speak English. It’s amazing but I did have some very friendly and intelligent Lecturers that I am grateful for. The other thing, Bali compared to my country’s climate is basically the same, rain and sun but to be honest I think Bali is hotter. When the sun decides to come out in full force, the heat is unbearable but apart from that it can be cool atmosphere. The funny thing I realized about up here is that if your complexion is a little or completely darker from the residents, they either stare, laugh at you or both but I find it to be completely annoying because at the end of the day, it’s we, the foreigners that bring revenue into the country so there’s no point in trying to make the tourists uncomfortable but instead make them feel welcome by being readily available to give directions or even advice. I have found myself in situations where I stopped to ask for directions and it’s either the people laugh or just say ‘yes go straight or turn left or turn right’ but they don’t know for themselves and you find yourself more lost than before. It’s understandable that all citizens wouldn’t know every detail about their country and to be honest, Bali is really large but at least everyone should have a little idea about things going on in their village or be able to give accurate directions. The language here is not that hard to learn, once your mind is set on learning it, it will come naturally and easily. I found it a pleasure to learn the language. It’s unique and fascinating. Friends here are easy to make because the majority of people are interested in meeting new people and some are also intrigued by how far away your country is and what you’re doing in Bali. Practically just to make small conversations, this is good because one day hopefully they might just be the same people visiting your country. The Balinese outfits are exotic and caught my attention the minute I saw it. It is really exquisite. I totally enjoyed the food here. It’s somewhat a little different from the

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food I have in my country, so it was a good change for a while. The foods are delicious along with the home-made condiments and finger foods. Also itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pleasure being in Bali because only due to acquiring the scholarship from my country to come here, that I know and can meet people from countries such as, Laos, Fiji, Ecuador, Madagascar, Czech Republic etc. I have heard it all about people asking where u from, or amazed at how I speak, my skin color and the beauty. Overall I had a really amazing time in Bali. I will never forget this beautiful country and will surely advise my friends to visit, despite the little hiccups I encountered but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understandable. It was an unforgettable experience and I enjoyed each and every moment of it. Hope to return very soon though to this place called Paradise.

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Name

: Anna Teslenko

Country

: Ukraine

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

Harmony Among Civilazations

Harmony is tuning of our lives to those around us and the natural world that sustains our wellbeing. We listen and watch so that we can move in time with that Great Dance in which we all have a small part. To live in harmony requires us to be conscious of the hopes and needs that surround us and flexible in our own course of action. In a harmonious relationship each party at times sets aside his or her own desires to nurture the relationship itself. We can be in harmony with others only when we are in harmony with ourselves-living true to our deepest sense of what is real and what matters. The most fascinating combination of harmony I found in Bali, in the place I decided to choose for the program. This is a unique and unpredictable trip I will never forget. I suppose, it is definitely hard to combine Ukrainian and Balinese culture but, anyway, possible. In some aspects these two civilizations are even similar. This made me feel comfortable, no matter what. The culture of Bali is unique. People say that they have reached self-content. It is not an exaggeration that when a Balinese is asked what heaven is like, he would say, just like Bali,

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without the worries of mundane life. They want to live in Bali, to be cremated in Bali when they die, and to reincarnate in Bali. It does not mean that the Balinese resist changes. Instead, they adopt them to their own system. This goes back far in history. Prior to the arrival of Hinduism in Bali and in other parts of Indonesia, people practiced animism. When Hinduism arrives, the practice of Hinduism is adopted to local practices. The brand of Hinduism practiced in Bali is much different from that in India. Other aspects of life flow this way. Faithfully depicting religious and mythological symbolism, met with Western and modern paintings, giving birth to contemporary paintings, free in its creative topics yet strongly and distinctively Balinese. Its dance, its music, and its wayang theaters , while have been continually enriched by contemporary and external artistry, are still laden with religious connotations, performed mostly to appease and to please the gods and the goddesses. Wood and stone carvings, gold and silver crafts parallel the development of paintings, gracefully evolving with external forces to enhance their characters. The best thing about Bali is that it is like ocean, it accepts everything. And as long as you feel comfortable with it you are happy on this island that looks like paradise. Of course, I miss my Motherland and, for sure, I love it but I found something precious here, something because of what I can call this place home. The most valuable thing I realized here is whatever you do or think can become real because your thoughts are real. If you spend your days with Balinese, you will probably get a story about Leak or Balinese magic. And sometimes it is hard to believe it, but often it will make you very curious. To get someone that can show you about this magic is not as easier as you get someone who can tell you about Leak. Anyway, harmony is so hard to find and even more hard to hold it. Be patient and inner paradise will chase you, it just need some time. Harmony among civilization is possible. I proved it.

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Name

: Donesha Stacy Thomas

Country

: Grenada

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

In the summer of 2012 the educational part of my life had a sudden change when I was successful in furthering my studies in tourism at a place i've never been before.I never thought of asia or indonesia on a whole. Never heard about a place called bali yet I was expected to be there the first week of september. With this news I was excited mainly about travelling since it's a major hobby

mines.

Did'nt

think

about

cultural

diversity,change

climate,variety,religion or customs at the place I was to be.How sad!!All I new that I was getting a major break from my home life.Which I enjoyed dearly but needed a change. A group of 4 grenadians travel far and wide to come to this place called Indonesia. The different flights were a challenge as we passed through places of much more development than our country.It was great to finally have met our destination Jakarta, Indonesia.We stayed at a hotel for 3days and then progressed to bali our place of study.At the hotel where we stayed in jakarta it's as if people were amazed at our skin.We were over-powered by cultural diversity when everyone came asking “are you from africa” as if it was the only place black people were known to be from.Our answer ofcourse was “NO we are from Grenada”a place noone seemed to know.It was a shock!It's at that time many pics were taken with us.We didn't mine.As time went,we enjoyed the ministries

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opening ceremony that gave participant an idea of the islands or countries that was involved in this scholarship.To my surprise their were many countries I had no knowledge of including Laos,Fiji,Madagascar etc.It was a learning process for everyone.The ceremony eventually came to an end and that's when the real journey started. Study life in Bali was about to begin with a lot of other things we were not prepared for.It is said that life doesn't prepare you for everything and I think it's true.My first culture scare was people staring a lot.I really thought bali accepted any type of tourist but I guess I was wrong.Or they just was not ready to accept us in their own little communities.That was ment to change very soon.Days of trying to find accommodation left us tired and beat up.We finally got a room at a newly opened Kos,yippi!Everything was scary in Bali at first glance.From ordering a meal to asking for directions.People just did not get our English and instead of trying to understand they laughed.It has just begun a thing called “CULTURE SHOCK”.Ofcourse we were sadden by this we did not expect that Bali a so called tourist place had little Knowledge of English.Our Kos was expensive I thought”was it because we look like tourist and had money” I really did not know.If that was the case,it was wrong because we had no money at all hence the reason applying for a scholarship in our country.Little by little I got to know the system of getting around by either localbus or taxi but mainly Motorbike.Seeing how the road was crazy I had no intentions of learning to ride.This was not common in my country I was used to driving a car or van.Changes again I presume.Learning bahasa was another step in productivity in my life in bali.This was a major task for me new to a language.My main language is English.Time passed and I got to know more about my surroundings and it's being. A major disturbance for me was the many different religions here in bali.While students loved it I did not their was too many religious holidays.Because of this a lot of school work were behind time and so we struggled to make the semester 1.We had great teachers who were diversified in

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knowing both english and bahasa,i was thrilled.They assisted us greatly in most of our practical and theory work.Being part of a scholarship only enabled us to dress with jeans and shirt as if we were not part of the school body.This almost caused a riot at Politeknik our University.Students were startled and overwhelmed with our hair,speaking,and beauty.We made great friends and shared things from our country as well.At this time we had more knowledge of the bahasa and used it wherever we go.I guess in every tourism destination people will try to rob you or give higher prices to you.I had experience with this but was not fooled because of my knowledge in the language.In my island 80% of vendors don't do this I will say. Weeks turned in to months and it was already vacation time which I think wasn't needed because we missed so much in school.It was here and I had to see another section to bali which was jogjakarta.So I did my iinvestigation and bought my bus ticket.Went and enjoyed a 3weeks trip.At jogja I would say villagers are very into their religion.One experience I had:walking down a street and wearing a shorts,almost every person in stores came out to look at me as this maybe was seen as a disrespect.Up to this day I still dont know.After a long break it was back to skool another challenging semester.I am still toiling with skool and hopes for best.Each and everyday I still encounter cases of culture shock or diversification.People are not willing to change their behaviour when tourist are the ones helping in the uprising of places like bali.Through us(tourist)everyday people are more interested in coming to this land of ours indonesia.Alot of questions were asked for instance where are you from,how long in bali,what are you doing in bali most frequently asked.I've learnt to accept it and move on with my studies instead of paying much attention to negative by-standers who are not willing to learn progressing stage.We all have to experiment a thing or 2 about cultural diversity.We must accept it and this made my stay a great one in Bali the paradise.

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Name

: Etueni Tagivakatani

Country

: Fiji

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

The world seemed so small to me on the 16th of September 2013, one day before leaving Fiji for Indonesia as an awardee for the 2012-2013 Darmasiswa scholarship programme, all that changed the day i step foot in Jakarta on the 17th of September for the second time since 2011 when i first came here for three months on a different scholarship. Being from an Island in the South Pacific which is sometimes not visible on the world map and, coming to a place like Indonesia was a true eye opener. Now in Bali, everything was so different here from where i come from. The smell of scented sticks that are used for offerings, the rich cultural activities that are practiced daily and women and men wearing their traditional attire for even the smallest ceremony is something i truely admire so much about this beautiful place because its so different from the rest of Indonesia. My stay here over the last nine months including September has been an extraordinary experience. The sudden change in food,water, environment didn't seem to bother me as i've always taught myself to adapt to anything and everything no matter where ever i'am but, my biggest experience surprise came when i had my motor bike accident and literally broke my collar bone. I didn't want to go to the hospital because they're charges are so ridiculously expensive (mahal sekali) but instead two of the most amazing people i know in Bali, Ibu and Bapak of Kos168 took me under their wings and brought

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me to see a traditional healer, im a very superstitious human being but what i witnessed being done to me was more then just superstition...it was a miracle. I have learned that in Bali, if you want people to be nice to you then you should take the initiative to be nice to them. The things i don't normally see in Fiji, i saw here, like a two meter snake laying across the road of our Kos, monkeys in monkey temples, normal praying temples and Mother temples, the competition of who is the fairest of them all, who speaks better english then the other etc,etc... This place is a paradise to most people but for me its simply a haven, its a place where im comfortable to be myself and just be normal in a society that see's me as a blessing and not a curse. Every day in Bali is a blessing, we meet so many different people from all over the globe and where i stayed was like the meeting point for people to meet new and interesting people who later will become your friends. The kind of friendship that will last for all eternity. Bali has it's up's and down's and i think one major down would be the lack of water distribution to homes and, even if there were water in homes it would be not edible to drink. from my own experience i think it would be wise to clean the water and distribute to every house hold rather then filling up pools in hotel's and private villa's. Another down would be the costs of medical expenses in hospitals, hospitals is a place where people go to get better and feel better and for some to get a second chance in life but instead people stress over the over priced hospital bills which could prevent them to go see a doctor, this could lead to certain depression and in some serious cases death, simply because people feel that they are not well ensured financially to have the privileges to go to hospitals in the first place. I know every country has its own economical system to abide by but for me, this is just wrong. Now for the up's, Bali has one of the world's fastest tourism growth and i'm happy to see that the Balinese culture is still well maintained in every aspect despite all western influences. This is something rarely seen in the world today. Culture and traditions plays a huge role in our life, it is our very own definition of who we are,what we are and where we come from for without it,

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we have no identity. This is the two things we have in Fiji and i'm happy to see it here as well. This place has similar significance to my home land and when i see those similarity it brings tears to my eyes and how much i miss home but with the help of my very good friends here i've over come that feeling of homesick. If i decide to stay on longer or go home and come back in years to come, every corner of every spot in Bali will definitely bring back so many memories. All the places i have been in Bali, nothing will compare to Jimbaran. it is where my school is, where my kos is, where i met the friends i have now, where i met my Balinese mum and dad (Ibu and Bapak), where i met my best roommate and its where everyone is friendly. i have made so many mistakes in my life, like getting on the wrong side with one of my teaches whom i gave a hard time to but i want him to know that i meant no disrespect in anyway.I respect everyone no matter what age because just like a human being with feelings,i want to be respected too. This scholarship offered more then just a programme to study, it offered something bigger then just that, it offered us a chance to be individuals in a world far bigger then our own mind. a chance to prove yourself to your parents that you have what it takes to live on your own in a foreign land, a chance to take on the world in your own hands and your own decisions. Bali is a multi cultured Island country on its own, you see a variety of people every day coming in and out of the airport and you can imagine the chaotic traffic jams on the road, from my experience, traffic jams usually occur during the morning hours but not as bad as the evening from 5pm onward. its amazing when you sit in one spot and observe the people that come through from every direction and just trying to guess what nationality he or she is. You see many things in night clubs, things that the eyes should not see but i guess that's what happens when you put different people of different back ground together in one place but, no complains though, my friends and i had a good laugh just from watching people's crazy behavior while under the influence of alcohol.

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It never fail's to amaze me how friendly the Balinese people are, sometimes i think they are too friendly. if i was to give an award to the friendliest people in the world, it would be awarded to the people of Bali. they have some much aura, so much energy, so much to give and always with a smile. Its amazing everywhere you go in Bali there is always a sense of peace in that particular place of visit, its the perfect harmony. one of my craziest experience here is when we first got here, my friends and i from the same scholarship (2 Grenada,1 Ecuador,2 Laos,2

Madagascar,2

Russia,1

Ukraine,1

England,1

Cezk

Republic,1

America,1 Sweden) had to go to the immigration department from where we stayed in Jimbaran to get our kitas done..while in the bus my friend from Ecuador decided to have us follow her GPS phone to guide us to the immigration..we were in the bus for hours, we understood that because there was a long queue of vehicles due to the construction of the new bridge, we slept we woke up again and then slept again, it was an ongoing thing until we came to a sudden stop and Balinese lady told us (Bahasa Indonesia) that we have arrived in our destination but she kept using her arm to point out where we should go from there and im like this cant be because she's pointing towards the same way we came and i kindly asked her with the little bahasa i knew, "permisi ibu, kami dimana?â&#x20AC;?. She responded "Denpasar", ever since that day i never trusted GPS ever again. A friend of mine once told me that "life is a very unpredictable thing" and i know this for a fact, i had so many expectations with me when i came given that i had been to Bali before in 2011 as i had mentioned earlier, but all changed when i learned that life isn't always as beautiful as you pictured it to be but through all i wouldn't change a thing about it because it has taught me a valuable lesson that every human being must always expect the unexpected and never set your goals too high that no one can reach it, not even you. Life in Bali is hard but it can be easy too if you just leave all differences aside and work together with your peers, my advise to those who will come after me in this same scholarship is that, just live life and go with it's flow, because if you swim against the oceans current, you will surely drown but if you dive in and let it take you, then you will

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surface. Bali will forever and for always be a part of me that not even my worst experience here will take away because i will let all my good and happy memories of Bali shine brighter. In conclusion to my essay, i would like to take this opportunity and apologize for any inconvenience that i have caused to anyone who came into contact with me through this scholarship, it was indeed an honor to be your student and also to be a part of this prestigious scholarship as a whole. Terima kasih banyak. Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.

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Name

: Michaela Bloom

Country

: Sweden Republic

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

I've been living in Bali for almost a year now and have had a lot of experiences during my time in Bali. My husband and I got in to a 1 year program of studying bahasa Indonesia. Bali is a beautiful place and we were really happy to spend some time in this Paradise. We have both been here before but after living here for a while, you see other sides of the Island too, when you see how the local people live, how you get treated and how the word respect is really effecting this island. This is my essay about how different you can see the word harmony in living here for a longer time comparing to how you experience it when

you

are

only

here

vacation.

Bali is a small island with a lot of differences. It is known for its tourism and a holiday dream destination, and that is what most people see when they come here for a short period of time. A lot of people just come here for a short period of time and can experience all the good stuff of Bali with the beaches, the waterfalls and all the rice-fields. If you look for harmony on a holiday, I think that in Bali, you can find exactly what you are looking for, with all the relaxing places, villas and beautiful hotels. For tourists all these things would be what they describe as living in harmony. To get a relaxing holiday with cheap massages, shopping and staying in beautiful villas, having good weather and sun all the

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time. I think only a few of the visitors that come to Bali discover the unique of Bali a part from its fame. For me, I think I would describe the harmony in Bali different, since living here for a longer period of time. I would say that the harmony in this country is created by faith and respecting each others believes. What I have noticed is that people here are living a harmonious life side by side, the many religion in Bali has created a respect for one another. There are five religions that exists in Bali; Christian and Catholic, Hindu, Islam and Buddha. With so many religions, I would think it will create a lot of problems, but the beauty with Bali is that people respect each other and each others believes and thoughts. For example, there is villages that are living a Balinese life, with wearing the traditional clothes and living in traditional buildings but their religion is Christianity, but these people still get treated like locals and get respected for their holidays. I think this difference in Bali makes the Island beautiful and it is created through the tolerance among others, between all religious followers. This is the secret of how Bali live harmoniously and happy. By respecting others and the way of being different to the world and instead inspiring! The world should learn from Bali that if you just respect one another, you can live in good harmony!

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Name

: Sara Alejandra Amigos

Country

: Ecuador

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

Harmony Among Civilization

The great an amazing Bali Island located in Indonesia is one of the most beautiful paradise in the world.Bali is not only beaches, surf, incredible waves and adventure. Bali is plenty of culture, warm people, religion, gastronomy, green touristic places and diversity for anywhere. It became my home around the last eight months and now it is hard to imagine my life without it. To begin, I would like to mention I learnt great experiences in my daily routine. Having touch with balinese people are fantastic. They are always smiling and helping to foreigners or bules the most common word to call them. Definitely, Bali is a touristic place where people from several countries are coming and leaving everyday. However, the comunication is quite difficult at the time to keep a long conversation. Just a friendly smile and body language can resolve that problem and give an unforgettable memory. Is usual to meet people eating in the tradicional restaurants warungs where the best taste is coming and the best way to undertand the balinese culture can be find with the locals workers. Everybody who has been visited Bali knows about the famous Mie and Nasi Goreng. The main dishes with the strong sambal. I heard many

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times if food is not enought spice is not really good. In my personal experience it gave me a lot of troubles. I am coming from a continent where the meaning of spice food is nothing compare to the Asia gastronomy. Like a funny story i can tell i went several times to the hospital for the belly pain. Nowdays, I can do it and for sure i will eat spicy food back home. I remember when I left Ecuador, with my heart opened to new experiences, dreams and a bit of nervous to know where i would be living for a couple of months. Many questions about people, weather, religion, language and culture were taking my mind. Waiting for a unknow world where I chose to learn and achieve my goals. When I arrived all was completely new. Seriously, here most of people have not any idea where Ecuador is located. They did not which kind of language people from South America speak. It was quite funny and strange too. By the other hand, I loved to explain them all about my lovely country. Furthermore, I was sharing class with guys from ten different countries. It was incredible everybody is unique begining for the language, culture, personality and race. It helped me to find the beauty trought the diversity. They became my family showing me the frontiers doesnt exist when the friendship is more than all. By the time, I had the chance to had Indonesian classmates at the Tourism Department. I liked a lot to be with them. They are warm and charismatics guys. I had long conversations with them and most of the time I was impressed for their ways to think and analysed the purpose of the life. Indonesian doesnt have a lot of money and I saw them working hard trying to get a best future. I admire to my classmates. They are working and study to change their city for a better place. Absolutely, They will do. Everyday, walking and driving motorbike around the city gave me great lessons. I could see happy families sitting on the street or working at late time. Nice children waving their hands and trying to speak in english to say to you Hello. Beautiful ladies wearing Kebayas which is the balinese traditional custom and offering special things to the gods like small pieces of flowers with rice,

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candies or cookies and after pray they put in their front rice and behind their ears a flower. Its pretty awesome to live in a country where people keep and maintain their culture and religion. Traveling around the city and seeing the architecture houses and temples. Fully for traditional representatives objetcs. Obviously, It caught the attentions of every foreingner. Is usual to see young people driving motorbikes, wearing short pants, bikinis, sunglasses and having their surfboards. Finding Bali like the best place to enjoy their holidays. Bali is a crowded city, where cars, buses, and motorbikes are increasing. Its quite sad to see it everyday, where traffic jams arent giving unconvenients.Living here tought me to enjoy it and find the positive answer to the crazy island. Now I cannot wait to come back again. Being part of this great time in Bali was the best and unique experience in my young life. Here i found friends, family and a warm place to stay.

Thanks Bali for making of this my Paradise.

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Name

: Thomas William Slator

Country

: United Kingdom

Place of Study : Polytechnic of Bali

As rapid technological and infrastructural advancement take place in Bali a clash between the old and the new arises. Traditional religious ceremonies compete for attention amongst the never ending barrage of technological distractions. The Island of 1000 Temples is slowly becoming the Island of 1000 Hotels. The question is not ‘is this a good thing for Bali’, for that is a moot point. Development is inevitable. The real question we should be asking ourselves and each other is ‘how can we find harmony in this juxtaposition of tradition and development?’ The only constant in Bali….. is change. Go a week without driving down the same street and you may find a new hotel has been built, but leave Bali for 10 years and you won’t find the temples have changed in the slightest. The population of Bali is becoming more diverse every day, some people might say that what gives Bali it’s innate magnetic draw for tourists, its magical and mysterious qualities are being lost. However this isn’t necessarily true. Bali is one of the few places where the cultural and religious traditions have been so meticulously maintained even in the midst of so many other interruptions. Where other traditions may have died out, or only be practiced by a decreasing amount of people, amongst all the chaos we can still find harmony when we look

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at the religious traditions and the Balinese People still manage to go about their religious practices in spite of this. It’s immediately obvious when arriving at the Ngurah Rai Airport that Bali is a diverse place. You will drive out of an airport that is getting ready for an ever increasing amount of tourists and pass by a giant Hindu statue along the way. Drive 100 meters further and you’ll pass a Muslim Mosque. Drive to Seminyak and you will find a plethora of high end fashion boutiques and hipster wear, and drive to the Bukit and you will find surfers challenging themselves endlessly against the mighty Indian Ocean. Bali might truly be one of the most diverse places of the planet, and this can have its problems. So how can we achieve harmony amongst these cultural clashes? The key is to realize that any perspective is a partial perspective and that everyone sees something from their one point of view. When we come from the view that all disagreements are simply misunderstandings then we are much more open to resolving the misunderstandings and fixing the disagreements. Karma play a large part of life in Bali, and I for one can say that Karma seems to be a much stronger force on Bali than any where else I’ve travelled to. Another big problem that Bali faces particularly because of the diverse population and the rate that technology has come to this island is the rubbish problem. Bali has a serious plastic waste problem and it’s easy to understand why some tourists have already began to choose other destinations instead of Bali, simply because the litter that can be found all across Bali is so damaging and ugly and obscures the natural beauty that can be found here. The is no other place in the world where a ‘beng beng’ wrapper or other piece of litter is so often found on the shore of such beautiful beaches. And this is just the start, as word spreads about Bali’s litter problem tourists will naturally divert in search of somewhere less scarred by human laziness. Education really is the key to preventing further damage and loss of revenue from tourists. Traditionally food was contained in biodegradable plant material such as palm leaves or banana leaves and could be thrown away with no problems, were it

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would degrade and be gone within a matter of days. This long engrained custom is now damaging the landscape and beaches because most people don’t realize the plastic will stay there scarring the island for hundreds of years. Plastic also traps rain water, creating little pools of water where it’s easy for mosquitoes to breed. Bali is diversifying every day and culture and customs struggle amidst the distractions for the attention of today’s youth. Every culture holds its own unique perspective on the nature or reality and for this reason traditions and cultural views must be upheld and integrated in to modern life in Bali.

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Name

: Angelina Sharifullina

Country

: Russia

Place of Study : University of Mataram Lombok appeared for me as an interesting deep place full of unforgettable impressions. Of cause, the first amazing thing here is nature with a strong, mystical sea, fishermen which remind every time the book of Hemingway «The old man and the sea», heart-stirring sunsets, showing diversity of colors, rowdy-dowdy monkeys, enigmatic jungles, come-hither

water of rivers

villages, strong unexpected cascades of waterfalls and rice fields with ingenious, traditional way of farming. I was happy to realize that appeared far away from the crowded world and found myself in the traditional way of life without hot water, bath, washing machines, refrigerators, without even public transport (yes, sometimes I saw some bemo, but very seldom, maybe twice per month). Such conditions didn’t disappoint me, but made me to be back to the human life with eating fresh food every day, with the opportunity of harden (every day cold shower), with washing clothes by my arms (because laundries, unfortunately, not so much responsible here), with home pets which are ants, lizards and big cockroaches sometimes. I already used to spend the majority of time on the floor, the only which I can’t do till now is to eat using hands. I cannot say that Lombok is full of culture like architecture, history monuments, museums, theatres, galleries – yes, this is another world which

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makes you to find culture in yourself – thinking, creating something, because every day you are hungry with esthetic and culture of Europe world, you are used to entertain yourself with different places of visiting in Europe, but here there is no way to visit theatres, museums, palaces, shows for any taste and any mood you have. This place makes you develop yourself from yourself, drawing inspiration from God creation which is nature, but not from human creation. As in any ethnos you will find traditional ceremonies, become acquainted with celebrations, meet many typical monuments - the majority are Hindu temples (big, small, private, for public), and the way of local people life also can be called as a part of culture which you can study long time and go deeper and deeper until you start believe in ghosts like the most part of people here. Sometimes, trying to understand local people, especially the way of their thinking, I wanted to spend my time in the library trying to find the roots of Lombok culture, trying to understand what kind of previous literature, folklore and so on made them such rational and practical from one point but naive and full of mystical belief from another point. One of the main things in Lombok are Mosques. This island is already full of Mosques, but soon new Mosques will appear which are in the process of building now. I have never been inside, but the view outside is interesting and sometimes amazing. Every time, seen people going for praying, you are full of calm happy for human nature and souls, this is special sacral feeling which also the part of the local culture brings and every day you have this feeling, because even if you are not outside, for sure, you will hear the sounds of Mosques when time of praying comes. If talking about this way, there is one thing which disappointed me – I didn’t find church of my religion, there are pretty enough Catholic and Protestant churches but there is no Orthodox Church and unfortunately the majority of people don’t know that there is Christian Orthodox religion which so huge in the world, some other people think that this is the same with Protestantism and another part consider that this is sect.

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City Mataram is a crowded place, but also everything depends of your life way. You can rent a place of staying in a calm area, close to the sea, for example, and it will not be expensive, or stay somewhere in the center of the city. Then, you can spend your time visiting sea sides, villages, which are very close to the city, traveling around the island, visiting friends, choosing nice small cafes with alive, for example, blues music for Saturday nights or you can spend your time in the city, visiting mall for shopping, cafes, what else… I don’t know what else to do in the city, when not studying and visiting libraries. City is boring, it’s a place for solving problems only. Ou yes, there are fitness centers in the city. So, in the city we can find: colleges, schools, libraries, fitness-centers, cafes, mall, some other shops, book shops, administrative buildings, hospitals, chemists shops. So, it depends of yourself – to be far away of civilization, not to be or just followbouth, choosing the best from each sides. That is nice that in this place you can really choose any way you like and make it reality, because any way you want is close to you. The only - there are no places for walking like sidewalks, so, unfortunately, you cannot enjoy by walking here. Also, there are some things which can disappoint you or sometimes bring problems. Just disappoint is mud, unfortunately, many streets and beaches are dirty here. What can bring problems: in the evenings this place is not safety, because there are robbers on the streets. Staying here 8 months, I have met directly 3 points of robbing and one case was dangerous. The point is 2 robbers on the motorbikesnatched out bag of the girl who was also driving motorbike, she fell down and thank you God it didn’t hurt her, she just lost her bag, but she could really be hurt and robbers don’t think about that. So, this point is serious here, many local people are meeting situations like that, also my friends. At the end I just want to say that as in any place in the world you can meet different people, different situations, different conditions and moods and in any place you can find the best way for yourself. If you appeared somewhere in the world, for sure you need it. Just find for what and try to be happy with everything what life gives you.

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Name

: Pawel Nowakowski

Country

: Poland

Place of Study : University of Mataram

As every Darmasiswa student should already know, that Indonesia is most diverse country in the world and every island has its own character, people, language, tradition and beliefs. That makes Indonesian country, one huge mosaic of cultures. During my travel around archipelago, I experienced and have seen more than in all my life before. I’ve met many wonderful people on my way, but sometimes couldn’t understand even a word, cause not everybody can speak Indonesian language in..Indonesia. During my stay I learnt a lot, not only about cultural differences between my country and country of Garuda, but also I learnt a lot about myself. I became better man. For my place of residence I’ve chosen Lombok island in Nusa Tenggara Barat. It wasn't fortuity. I’m very interested in east Indonesia and curious how life goes on in remote areas, far from big agglomerations and crowded places which has a similarity to European cities. Lombok, like many other islands in Indonesia is unique and rich in culture and nature. It resulted in high interest of foreign people and quick development of touristic infrastructure. What attracts tourists in Lombok is still unspoiled nature. White-sanded beaches with crystal blue water, green rice fields, high mountains of Rinjani and waterfalls hidden in lush jungle around. Many small islands called Gili, just few hundred meters from Lombok coast, provide one of the best coral reefs to do

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snorkeling and diving. People from all over the world coming to Lombok to experience the adventure of their life or just take a rest in one of countless hotels. Lombok is an multicultural island and inhabited by several ethnic groups, the largest are Sasak and Balinese hindu, the smaller may include Arab and Chinese people. Annually, each ethnic group has its own festivals and rituals which reflects the atmosphere of the area and creates kind of harmony between people, unity in diversity. Once a year Lombok island is home for special event which takes place in village of Lingsar. Such that unprecedented event deserves to be conducive to peace and harmony between people of different religions. Thousands Sasak and Hindu coming to Lingsar temple to watch or take part in war between each other. In this war nobody can't get hurt, Perang Topat is only event where this two biggest ethnic groups of Lombok meets in one ritual. When the appointment time is coming, thousands of people and their leaders gather, accompanied by traditional music. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to pray and give offerings to Gods. Then, the war begins between two tribes and plenty of Topats used as a weapon, flying between the people. But when war coming to the end, people are even increasingly familiar. People believe that, ritual will increase prosperity of rice fields. Towards dusk, ceremony coming to the end. Participants coming back home, bringing rest of offerings to their home with hope for prosperity and luck in their lives. This is perfect example of establishing harmony among civilization. Once upon a time I took part in another unique ritual, held annually in mountains of Rinjani. Hundreds of Balinese Hindu people are going to the mountain rim and lake Segara Anak to pray for prosperity and rain. Kids, middle age and elder people passed through difficult path leading to highest area of Lombok island. The concept is based on to give a holy sacrifice to nature purged of evil forces and humans can live in harmony with the surrounding nature. Mount Rinjani has crucial role in this ritual, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known as a spiritual center of Sasak island. When all participants already reach the place of ceremony, meditation, prayers and traditional music leasts for 3 days. Lots of offerings, like

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gold and silver are sacrificed for the Gods of Rinjani mountain. Several ducks and chickens are released free to the lake in case of establishing natural balance. These two rituals Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen, made a huge impression on me and showed that natural balance and harmony could be established in cultural and traditional way of local people.

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Name

: Jana Polianskaja

Country

: Lithuania

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Makassar

Harmony among Civilization Unity through tolerance, prosperity through harmony – Asian wisdom The Civilization for Europeans it is more like “a place that has comfortable living conditions“. In Europe, usually, when we speak about civilization, we speak about the Western world. Asia for us it is something mysterious, inscrutable. We use word „harmony”, to describe Asia, because all strange things like yoga and meditation came from Asia. So when I got information, that I will go to Indonesia, I was confused: how can I leave a dream of Western material wellbeing, how can I give up my place in the race for someone else and how can I take a step back to the opposite side and go in world that I do not know... So I decided to take this chance: to take a step aside from stressful race and get a piece of Asian Harmony. As a young political scientist, I like when everything is logical, so maybe this step was not so logical; but as a young person, who like a process of perfection and who speak four languages I decided, that maybe it is the time to let into my life new knowledge (if someone can speak Indonesian, why I cannot?). And here I am, after nine months in Indonesia: my logic completely ruined, and my life was turned upside down...

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But let's go back to the harmony. In this essay I am not going to talk about “how deep and seemingly divisive the civilizational forces facing Indonesia – the ethnic differences and religious conflicts“ or, that „Indonesia today is a dynamic emerging economy, enjoying one of the highest growth rates in Asia after China and India“ (like Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told in his speech in Boston, in 2009). Today, I would like to tell another story: how the small island, far from civilized cities, like Jakarta and Yogyakarta, everyday fight for their Harmony. So, not like a regular tourist, I chose a flight in the opposite direction from Bali. In Wanci island (Wakatobi, Sulawesi). Local NGO, by name Sintesa, turned my thinking. I met wonderful people who with limited government support try to educate the local population, how to survive, how to preserve the natural beauty of the environment the upcoming generations, how to “create harmony with harmony”, like B. Obama told, day by day. Enormous efforts: daily interaction with the community, decision-making, employment issues, questions how to increase the economic and health status of the community on the basis of environmentally-friendly principles, the attempts of developing clean water and sanitation infrastructure, and even a small thing, as garbage sorting – makes wonders. The hard part: how to motivate people? But they are perfectly fulfilling this mission. Because they have a firm belief in the motivation – to save their world and the harmony. Week in this community helped me understand how important to not give up and seek harmony not only for yourselves but also for the surrounding environment, even you are very far from the Civilization. And, finally, that the Civilization can be measured not only by financial well-being, but above all, by humanity and sense of responsibility in a prior generation, and to future generations. And, yes, there are some places, where is more or less civilization, but the most important characteristic of the Eastern world view – one could almost say the essence of it - is the awareness of the unity and mutual interrelation of all things and events, the experience of all phenomena in the world as manifestations of a basic oneness. Maybe it looks funny for Western people, but better to have harmony “in progress”, than not

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seek it at all. And I just have an advice to the tourist: Indonesia - it is a big country, try to find â&#x20AC;&#x153;harmony, but not uniformityâ&#x20AC;?. This goal can be achieved by seeking common ground while reserving differences. And everyone here can find their own harmony.

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Name

: Susan Pelle

Country

: Hungary

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Makassar

Harmony among Civilization When I applied to the Darmasiswa program in 2012 January I didn’t know a lot of things about the Indonesian country, only liked the idea to study a different culture, language, and live far from my country and Europe, and actually my high school was in front of the Indonesian Embassy. It was a huge challenge, not only for me, to everyone who went to Indonesia from a far distance country, because we didn’t know nothing what to expect, only saw the beautiful pictures about Bali, Borobodur, and that postcard Indonesia what tourist have in their mind, when they think about Indonesia.. Just the postcard picture what everyone is expected from the country. We had a meeting in the embassy, where we met with the ambassador and other lucky applicants whom got the scholarships. I realized that afternoon, I attempt a difficult task. But still only a sketch was in my mind what will happen in Indonesia when I’ll arrived to Jakarta. Well after the 5 star hotel in Jakarta I spent my first Makassar night in Cristina the roman girl’s bed, because there was no other place were I could slept. And I had to kill a cockroach in the bathroom, so a huge sock at the first

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night, huge different. Oh sorry in the mandi. The smell, the people everything was very different what I used to, here in my town, my university. After 3 days and a little bit acclimatization, and I realized, I’m not in a nightmare, because at the first few days was really scared the hell out of me. I started to focus my surrenders, I become friends whit the other Darmasiswa, and started to enjoy the attention what we got in the university. Everybody tried to make friendship with us, smiled and sad apa kabar… than we started to study the bahasa Indonesia, and we were able to make actual conversations, in the pete-pete, or everywhere. And yes we started to understand the people. In Hungary we used to say: a nation lives in its language, so the key, to understand other nations I think is to know the language, and after I get to know a little bahasa I felt Indonesian opened the doors for me. I stared to like the food, (always ordered 2 martabak telur, one for the dinner, and one for the breakfast). Rent a house, met with our neighbor, the life become less shocking more fun, and adventure. What are the major differences? Well first the right handed transport, the weather, but the biggest the people. Indonesian are very welcoming, open hearted, and friendly people. In Hungary, or in Europe, I think we forget to smile. In Indonesia you just walking by jalan kaki,on the jalan and get used to the local people friend keramahan…. and Hello mister! Apakabar, mau kemana? Even they never met before the person And how can be harmony among different cultures? Well I think both of the sides should be very flexible, it take a lot of time to understand the other side, and make acceptable, and for sure you have to be very tolerant. Here we usually say if you are in Rome you have to live like a Romanian. This means if you live out of your home country- culture you have to live as your choosen country, accept all of their rules, even if it’s a food or a dress code as well. And never say that it’s not how you used to it in your country, because you chose to explore another culture, so you have to accept it

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And that was the only problem I had in Indonesia, not with Indonesian only another European. Because it depends on people also how they open minded to live in a totally different culture. I think I’m pretty good in it, made a lot of friends, tried to dress like a good tourist and behave my self. And you have to be open minded don’t judge at first, because maybe you miss the wholeperson/culture if you judge first then think twice. Indonesia I think for each of us in the program was a huge experiment, are we able to leave all the European comfort, and culture behind and able to live, with mandi and with rats in the kitchen floor, but I think if you survive the first 2 month, you started to enjoy the simple life. But yeah Indonesian has to learn one very important thing: how people can live with natural. As a closest “culture” around us. I wouldn’t say it’s like a human being but I think it’s very important how we treat our place, forest, and animals just like studding another language-culture. For me it was the huge cultural different, and still it’s, how Indonesia treat the rubbish. They only throw it a way, it’s shouldn’t be the way! Maybe one day I’ll open there a school to teach what to do with it. Anyway love Indonesia, really grateful to get the scholarship, and meet with all of the people I’ve met and get to know better the culture! TERIMA KASIH BANYAK

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Name

: Teace Cristina

Country

: Romania

Place of Study : Muhammadiyah University of Makassar

HARMONY AMONG CIVILIZATION

Indonesia fascinated me.

I went out of Makassar and I rode planes, boats, buses, cars, motor bikes, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages in order to see parts of Bali and Java. I flew to Denpasar, Bali. I rented a house in Jimbaran and I waited for my beloved friends from Romania to come in Indonesia. I was hoping to see some snow in their bags. Or, at least I was hoping to be able to smell a little bit the snow. By the time they arrived, I have enjoyed and not, the food and the western clothes in Bali, especially in Kuta. I was glad to finally find, after three months, tasty olives and cheese. I acted exactly like a starving baby when I saw them in a shop. And, I have to admit, I wonder myself exactly the same when I have seen the very short trousers on girls. Oh, with such normality. Let me explain. In Makassar, the city where I live here in Indonesia, the population is Muslim in majority. All the girls we are jilbab and abaya. You cannot see their bodies. Instead, in Bali everything is so touristic that the locals don`t have a problem with bule wearing mini skirts or just the bra from the swimming suit. Not just once have I seen boys carry their

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surf plaques on their bikes and wearing just the bath short. Yes, it is true, the religion is different. Hinduism. But not so much like the one in India. In Makassar you could not show up dressed like this on the streets. In Kuta you can find pubs, restaurants, night life. In the first night there, I just sat on some stairs and watched the spectacle of the street. Normality. My normality. But the rest of Indonesia has nothing to do with what is there. In Kuta, I felt like in Saint Tropez, for example. Indonesia has a lot of green and blue, dust and dirt, horns and bikes loaded more like a jeep. Indonesia has lots of flip-flops on the road. Almost all bikers have lost one while driving. Indonesia has ojek and becak, bemo, pete-pete and angkot. Indonesia doesn`t have sidewalks and sometimes not even roads. And for sure not so many supermarkets. Indonesian don`t weare short trousers but sarong, both for women and men. Indonesia has traffic lights just to give you â&#x20AC;&#x153;a suggestionâ&#x20AC;?, definitely not to stop when the color is red. Obviously, Indonesia has more than 48 hours in a day and sometimes even more.Because, yes, they all live according to "jam karet". Indonesia smells like durian, coconut and green tea, strawberry, fried rice si noodle, tempe, fried banana, martabak and terang bulan. Indonesia smells like fermented trash from the wide open canals that cross every city. Indonesia smells like bike motor oil, dust and pollution. But, sometimes, when you are up on a hill, it smells like clouds. They come and embrace you and even enter your body, as you inhal them. A few seconds later, the clouds triumphantly leave. People smells sweet from the scented oils and their clothes are almost wet, due to the humidity out here. The houses smells like fried food and mold. Except the ones in Bali. Here the houses have a delicate flower perfume. In Indonesia legs should not be exposed (except in Bali) but you can so easily see women breast- feeding and just letting their breast fall down from their baby mouth. In pete-pete, bemo, ships, on the street, while they talk about their lives and while asking millions of questions: are you a Russian or Australian, where do you live, for how long are you here, where is your wife / husband,

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where are your children, why don`t you have any children, what do you like and what don`t you like in Indonesia, why did you choose to come to Indonesia, why don`t you weare jilbab, why, whyâ&#x20AC;Śwhy one can so easily expose breasts but not legs, I ask myself. Ironically, all foreigners that come to Bali want Kuta (or so tells me the statistic I have found in a local newspaper), but they don`t go in a city like Ubud, for example. Just an hour away from Kuta, if there is no traffic, Ubud is touristic but kind of an art town. You can easily find balinese dance schools. Or, you can learn how to prepare a delicious nasi goreng or pisang goreng. Or, you can learn how to paint, how to braid leafs without taking their green freshness. In Ubud you can enjoy a live concert. Live jazz and blues.You can enjoy little houses with incredibly beautiful doors and with bathrooms set right under the blue sky. And, very important for me, you can find flower shops in Ubud. In Makassar, Sulawesi where I live, there are no flower shops. You cannot find colourful flowers on the warung`s tables. In Bali, there is no place without flowers. Divinely smelling ones. In Ubud, my first bathroom was around 30 square meters. No windows but full of small trees filled with red flowers. You could see one flower going down in the bath tub. On a wooden ladder were the towels. Another bathroom. Another house. In Pemuteran. Next to the bath tub, there was a banana tree and a Frangipani. This is the tree that gives the beautiful flowers you can admire on every touristic presentation about Bali or those in the the Balines girls`s hair. With pride, the women weare their traditional clothes here, sarong and transparent lace. Their negligee is generous. Maybe this drove Antonio Blanco crazy, the well known painter born in Manila and who lived in Ubud. He kept drawing Bali girls breasts. I have found the explanation for the beautiful Balinese breasts in the museum that showcases his works. All the women here wear their basket full of offerings to gods on their head. These baskets are held by hand.Thus women breasts muscles become harder and made this part of the body so beautifulâ&#x20AC;Śin Blanco`s eyes.

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There are offerings on the streets, on the beach, at the Hindu statues all over Bali: little baskets filled with rice, small pieces of fruits and flowers. They are everywhere, the one who is not attentive can easily step on them while walking on the street. Their name: canang sari. They are the Balines people gift to the gods. Offerings are made three times a day. This is a ritual of giving back what has been given to you by the Gods. Offering brings prosperity and good health to the family. Balinese think that you have to maintain a good relationship with spirits. The main idea, is to keep a good harmony between life and afterlife elements. The food that you give, must be offered on a plate that cannot be used for anything else. This food is called prasada. If the offerings are placed at the temples, you can also put a glass of water, coffee, even a snack. Bali kept well its ancient traditions. For example, the first day of the Hindu new year is “silent day”. A day people don`t talk, work, don`t turn on the light nor use the electricity. People don`t go out of the houses. It’s a day of meditation. That`s what I have done also. But, I kept asking myself whether those who don`t share the same religion can still go outside the house, if non-hindu people can just stick to their every-day life. I got the answer in two days: I read in a local newspaper about two Australians that were arrested for not having respected the ban not to go out on the streets. Here, the religious police is quite powerful, no matter the religion. It’s like God on earth. And, when my landlord told me not to turn the lights on because the bad spirits can find me, I remembered my Indonesian language teacher, Hijrah, who told me, first time she entered my house in Makassar, that I have a ghost in my bathroom. “But it’s ok if you keep a light on, you`ll have no problems with her”. So, it was a “she”. Therefore, Muslim people put the lights on to make the spirits disappear; the Hindu people turn the lights off not to make spirits come. Beliefs are extremely powerful. For example, it is said that the forces of nature and the spirits of the deceased are located in the mountains and volcanoes of Bali. There is even a special place: Gunung Agung. It is the highest

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point in Bali and an active volcano. Balinese believe that this mountain is a replica of Mount Meru, the axis of the universe, they say. According to legends, a fragment of Meru was brought by early Hindu people in Bali. Mount Meru is sacred in Hindu religion, Jainism and Buddhism. It is considered to be the center of all forces. Between the mountains and the sea, there is a world of good and bad spirits. This is why, in Bali, each village is built on a line that joins the sea, mountains , sunrise and sunset. The main street starts, all the time, from the mountains and descend towards the sea. For example, the temple dedicated to the creator, Bhrama – pura puseh, is always at the beginning of the main street towards the mountains. In the middle of the city, there is the people temple – pura desa, the meeting place of locals, especially if they have to negotiate / discuss something extremely important. At the end of the road, close to the sea, there is the temple dedicated to death – pura dalem, where the death goddess is adored. I have met many Indonesian people, no matter the religion, who never went into the sea water. They don`t know how to swim and do not want to try this even if they live on the shore of the ocean . They have this belief that that spirits inside the water will catch them. There are lots of temples in Bali. Each house, in fact, has a small temple. It is called “the security of the house,” the owner of the rented house in Jimbaran explained to me. And very seriously (the man is a financial analyst for a company in Amsterdam), he explained to me how it works and why he put daily offerings at the altar – at Pengijeng karang. Balinese put the temple in “luanan” – in the North or East of the land. You can enter the Balinese house through a small wooden door, beautifully whittled with Hindu motifs. Not so far from the door, you will see, in front of you, a wall. It is called aling- aling. The ideea is not to let the bad spirits come into the house. If there is no wall, people arrange a small temple. Balinese people have this belief that the bad spirits can “walk” only on a straight line. Therefore, if the

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spirits want to enter the house, they will hit the aling-aling and be “pushed” outside through the door. People here think everything has a soul. The rivers, the trees, the flowers, the earth. That`s why Balinese put offerings three times a day: to get power over the nature`s forces. Bali people believe in a well organized universe, where the power of Dharma keeps everybody together. Dharma is the power that keeps society together and makes the grass grow, they say. And, they also think that every man has an immortal soul – atman, that he will reincarnate constantly, in the same family, and will keep doing it until he will be released to the gods. But, for this reincarnation, Balinese people have three options: meditations, reading and living according to old Hindu books, giving daily offerings to gods. Another faith: head is the most important part of the body. Because it is the closest to the divinity. That`s why you cannot touch a baby`s head. The legs are close to the upper – world, that`s why the legs of the babies cannot touch the ground in their first year of existence. This is why Indonesia will fascinate every orang asing that will come to spend here a few time. Is immensely rich when it comes about the cultures, the languages that are sponken here, the religions, the traditions. And is good for Indonesia to keep them alive.

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