Strengthening Network

and Exploring Life

in Indonesia

Two thousand and seventeen (2017), is the beginning of the interaction between Indonesian students and Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) through South to South Exchange Program to India, which fostered enthusiasm to both sides to get to know and strengthen relationships as young people from countries in the same region, Asia. Both countries are struggling to improve the standard of living of the people by referring to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite of many social, cultural and community life challenges. The South to South Exchange program is expected to contribute knowledge and life lesson for students from both countries regarding to SDGs issues. The next South to South Exchange Program to Indonesia as the follow-up of 2017 program, was carried out on August 20-29, 2019 supported by Ecumenical Scholarship Program-Brot fur die Welt (BfdW), Germany.

This program gave participants opportunity to understand the reality of students’ life in Indonesia, the cultural diversity, issues and challenges related to natural resources; to observe sustainable alternative farming practices; and to engage in interfaith dialogue. SCMI participants consisted of two facilitators and seven students, namely, Tolly Yeptho, Rebekah Rajkumar, Larihun Lyngdoh, Minta Varghese, Santhi Perusetti, Sharon Christy, Imlikokba Kichu and two facilitators, namely, Inbaraj Jeyakumar and Ibatista Shylla.

Together with students of Stube-HEMAT Yogyakarta, they learned the city of Yogyakarta with its Philosophical Axis and visited Yogyakarta palace and Gembira Loka zoo. Regarding sustainable agriculture in Indonesia, they studied in Samas area, where dry sand land is managed in such a way using compost and pipe irrigation system so that it becomes productive agricultural land. Local farmers manage the sand ground to be productive agricultural land, by planting shallots, chillies, green beans, corn and eggplants. Further, to anticipate price fluctuation made by middle-seller, the farmers strengthen themselves through farmer credit union that facilitates capital loans and harvest sales.

As an introduction to culture and history, Indian students had an opportunity to visit Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. As one of the world heritages, this temple is very majestic and unique where the formation of each stone interlocked each other so that the structure of the temple became stronger, while the ornaments and reliefs of the temple were carved in detail that made them amazed. Multicultural Training and Interfaith Dialogue in which dozens of students from various regions in Indonesia who study in Yogyakarta were gathered, became a valuable dialogue space because each participant from Indonesia and India learned and exchanged experiences about study, culture and life. The practice of writing batik typical of Yogyakarta, Indian 'henna'- a hand-painted art and typical Indian culinary such as puri, masala, chapati, yogurt or even chai tea completed the understanding of cultural aspects. Having dialogue with Indonesia Christian Student Movement (GMKI) and watching movie ‘Bumi and Manusia’ provided information about student movements and the history of Indonesians’ struggle during Dutch colonialism period, especially depicting the women’s life.

"This is my first time discovering a dry land farming system by processing unproductive land into productive one. I think this can be applied in India as an alternative farming on dry land and I want to share what I experienced in my area," said Imlikokba Kichu, one of the participants from India. There are many more experiences and positive impressions from SCMI students for the activities carried out in Indonesia such as city planning, cleanliness, facilities for the disabled, people hospitality and many others.

Meeting and direct interaction between students across the nations certainly gave added value to both sides. They learned from one another and improved themselves so that human resources can be more qualified to increase the standard life of human universally. (TRU).