In the efforts to realize its vision of becoming a World Class University (WCU), Universitas Terbuka (UT) held an international summer camp program titled “Bina Budaya Antarbangsa” (BINAR 2024). This program aligns with UT’s commitment as a world-class Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institution to continuously enhance educational quality and increase international exposure through global collaborations.
BINAR 2024, UT’s international summer camp program, offers a unique combination of short lectures and cross-cultural experiences designed to prepare students to become global citizens. The program consists of two phases: online and on-site activities:
Online Phase (July 15-28, 2024): A total of 50 participants from 10 educational institutions in 7 countries joined comprehensive online learning sessions to deepen their understanding of Indonesian language, culture, and society.
On-site Phase: From the 50 participants, the top 10 were selected to participate in on-site activities in Jakarta and Bali, experiencing Indonesia’s cultural diversity and local wisdom firsthand.
The International Summer Camp 2024 attracted participation from leading universities, including Bangladesh Open University – Bangladesh, Shanghai Open University – China, Open University of Kyzylorda – Kazakhstan, Open University Malaysia – Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia – Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam – Malaysia, Central Luzon State University – Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Philippines, The Open University of Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka, and Hanoi Open University – Vietnam.
Prof. Dra. Dewi Artati Padmo Putri, M.A., Ph.D., Head of the Research and Community Service Institute (LPPM) at UT, stated, “After a rigorous selection process, 10 international students have been chosen to attend the On-site Phase Welcome Ceremony.” The names of the international students attending the welcome ceremony held on September 2, 2024, at the Rasamala Room, Wisma 2, Universitas Terbuka, are: Kurt Hanzel M. Fernandez (Central Luzon State University), Lê Thị Chi (Hanoi Open University), Phan Quỳnh Chi (Hanoi Open University), Milia Mastura Binti Hazmo (Open University Malaysia), Nur Mawarlina binti Rosli (Open University Malaysia), Regine V. Ilano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Lin Pengfei (Shanghai Open University), Shen Yuqi (Shanghai Open University), Sinhabahu Ralalage Ramitha Theekshana Bandara Sinhabahu (The Open University of Sri Lanka), and Fatin Qurratuaini Binti Mujibur Rahman (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia).
The Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Business, Mr. Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., led the welcome ceremony on behalf of the UT Rector. During the occasion, Mr. Rahmat Budiman expressed his hopes that through BINAR 2024, UT students could engage in mutual learning and cultural exchange. “We hope that through this event, UT students and the 10 foreign students will get to know and understand each other’s cultures,” said The Vice Rector.
Mr. Rahmat further stated that these introductions could foster collaboration between UT and the students’ respective institutions. “The BINAR 2024 event serves as a bridge to establish further collaboration between UT and the institutions represented by the international students,” added Mr. Rahmat.
He emphasized that this unique program offers a blend of short lectures aimed at enhancing cross-cultural understanding and fostering global cooperation among students worldwide. The combination of online and offline activities ensures a comprehensive experience to prepare participants to become global citizens.
Prof. Dewi Padmo explained that during the on-site phase, international students will participate in various face-to-face activities in Jakarta, including visits to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Monumen Nasional, and participation in UT’s 40th Anniversary celebration on September 4, 2024, where they will perform in UT’s angklung ensemble. On September 5, 2024, all international participants will continue their journey to Bali to further explore the richness of Balinese culture. Planned activities include immersing in village life in Penglipuran Village, visiting the Subak irrigation system in Tegallalang to learn about traditional Balinese farming techniques, and exploring other aspects of Balinese culture.
“Five UT Bali students will accompany them, facilitating cultural exchange and understanding,” said Prof. Dewi. She added that BINAR 2024 not only serves as an opportunity to learn more about Indonesian culture but also strengthens inter-country relations through education and culture. “This program is expected to introduce Indonesian culture and language to international students while reinforcing UT’s position as a distance learning institution committed to global development,” concluded Prof. Dewi.
