UAD International Students Experience Javanese Culture At JAVANA Summer Camp 2026
Yogyakarta — A total of 30 international students from Ahmad Dahlan University (UAD) participated in JAVANA Summer Camp 2026 on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Organized by the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) at Semarang State University (UNNES), the program provided UAD’s international students with an opportunity to experience Javanese language, arts, and traditions firsthand.
Facilitated by UAD’s Office of Cooperation and International Affairs (OCIA), the group departed from UAD Campus IV for UNNES and arrived at approximately 9:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). Upon arrival, they were welcomed by the organizing committee and took part in a series of interactive activities introducing them to Javanese culture.
The program began with a Javanese language lesson, focusing on the use of krama, the polite register of Javanese used in everyday conversations. The students practiced introducing themselves using the expression “Asma kula …” and asking someone’s name with the phrase “Asma panjenengan sinten?” Through this session, they learned not only the Javanese language but also the values of politeness and respect that are integral to Javanese society.
The students’ enthusiasm continued as they explored wayang (traditional Javanese puppetry) and karawitan (traditional Javanese music). During the karawitan session, they had the opportunity to play gamelan instruments and sing the traditional Javanese song “Suwe Ora Jamu.” The experience created an enjoyable learning atmosphere while introducing students from various countries to the richness of Indonesia’s traditional musical heritage.
After completing the activities at UNNES, the group continued to Desa Wisata Menari, a cultural tourism village. There, the students were introduced to traditional Javanese dance, including masked dance performances. They not only watched the performances but also had the opportunity to wear masks and practice the dance movements themselves.
The students then participated in traditional games and explored the village. The peaceful rural atmosphere, complemented by views of Mount Telomoyo, made the experience even more memorable. Through direct interaction with local arts and the surrounding environment, the students gained a closer understanding of Javanese cultural heritage and the daily lives of local communities.
Fatma, an international student from Egypt studying at UAD, expressed her happiness at being part of the program. She thanked UAD for providing her and her fellow international students with the opportunity to participate in this cultural introduction program.
Fatma expressed her hope that similar activities would continue to be organized in the future. She also hoped to participate in upcoming programs, allowing her to explore more of Indonesian culture and gain further valuable intercultural experiences.
UAD’s participation in JAVANA Summer Camp 2026 represents an effort to enrich international students’ learning experiences beyond the university campus. Through the program, students were able not only to learn about Indonesian culture theoretically but also to experience and practice its traditions firsthand.
This experience is expected to broaden students’ intercultural perspectives, foster greater appreciation for Indonesia’s diversity, and enrich their overall experience while studying at UAD. The initiative also supports the development of an inclusive learning environment and strengthens intercultural connections within higher education.
