GUNUNG KIDUL – 15 students participated in the social responsibility program “International Community Outreach” in the village of Nglanggeran, GunungKidul, Tuesday (18/7/2017). International Community Outreach is a program held by UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta (UPNVY). This program was participated by 3 foreign students from Hungary and Thailand and UPNVY students from various fields of discipline. They gathered in a multi-national, multi-cultural and multi-discipline environment in order to design an innovative solution for the issues faced by the community. In addition learning to interact with the local residents they will also learn the culture and local wisdoms by emphasizing on craft centers.

Kartika Ayu Ardhanariswari, S.Sn., M.Ds, one of the facilitators said that all participants are actively engaged in the program. They are also brought closer to the atmosphere of the local community’s culture by staying in the residents’ homes.

“The participants stay in the residents’ homes in order for them to feel the original atmosphere and able to interact with the hosts”, she said when met in the location.

Giving a statement in a different place, the Head of Language UPT (Unified Services Unit) and International Services of UPNVY, Dr. Ir. RR.Rukmowati Brotodjojo, M.Agr, said that in addition to providing the experience for the students, this program is able to provide the understanding of the varied ways of life between Indonesia and those of their countries.

“This program will enrich understanding of the knowledge and cultural perspectives. The participants are also given the opportunities to learn Javanese culture via cultural understanding and learn how to make batik paintings,” she said.

This program is planned to be held for five days, from 17th - July 21st, 2017. On the first day, the opening day, the participants were given the initial provision about the program activities. The students will also visits cultural centers located in Yogyakarta, such as the Sultanate Palace (Kraton), Borobudur temple, Taman Sari (Water Castle), Kota Gede, UlenSentalu, Mount Merapi and other historical places. (wwj/humas)