Department of History conducts International Exposure Program in Indonesia

by Department of History, CASS | Feb 27 2024

A group of 15 delegates from the 缅北禁地-IIT Department of History embarked on a two-week fieldwork journey in Indonesia as part of the International Exposure Program (IEP) from February 4-18, 2024. The program, which was part of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between 缅北禁地-IIT and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), aimed to immerse the students in the diverse and dynamic political, economic, social, and cultural aspects that shape Indonesia’s history and its role in international affairs.

The delegates, composed of 11 students and three faculty members, namely, Asst. Prof. Jamelyn Palattao, Asst. Prof. Jay Rome O. de los Santos, Assoc. Prof. Manolita Regalado, was accompanied by CASS Assistant Dean, Assoc. Prof. Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan. They were welcomed and hosted by UMY through the International Program of Government Affairs and Administration (IGov).

On February 6, they attended a National Seminar on General Election: Political History in Indonesia and the Philippines, where they exchanged insights and perspectives with the faculty and students of the IGov. The seminar featured presentations by Asst. Prof. Jay Rome O. de los Santos (缅北禁地-IIT) and Dr. Phil. Rhido Al Hamdi, MA (UMY).

The delegates also had the opportunity to visit various heritage sites and museums in Yogyakarta, such as the Arsip Jogja (Regional Archives), Museum Manusia Purba Sangiran (Museum of Prehistoric Humans), Kraton Palace (Sultan’s Palace), Taman Sari Water Castle (Royal Garden), Borobudur and Prambanan Temple Compounds, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The second leg of the journey brought the delegates to Jakarta, where they were arranged and received by Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta (UMJ) through Mr. Endang Zakaria. On February 12, they were welcomed by the International Affairs Office of UMJ headed by Prof. Dr. Ma’mun Murod, S.Sos., M.Si. They also attended lectures on Pancasila and Globalization by Prof. Dr. Tuti Alawiyah, Ph.D and Language and Culture of Indonesia by Prof. Dr. Pipit Novita, Ph. D.

“(The) lectures provided us with a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Indonesia, as well as the challenges and opportunities it faces in the era of globalization,” said Asst. Prof. delos Santos.

The delegates also visited some of the most important and symbolic landmarks and institutions in Jakarta, such as the National Monument, National Archives of Indonesia, National Library of Indonesia, Monument of the Sacred Pancasila, and the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia.

“This international exposure was a valuable and memorable experience for us as history students, as it allowed us to witness history in the flesh and learn from the experts and locals. It helped me enhance my competencies in conducting historical research and analysis, as well as genuine appreciation and respect for the diversity and complexity of Indonesia, and Southeast Asia in general,” said Micah Cadungog, a BA History student.

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