Ngentak hamlet is located on the south side of Yogyakarta, which is not far off from some new beaches that has recently been a prominent international tourist destination. Ngentak hamlet is a part of Poncosari village, in Srandakan sub-district, Bantul district, Yogyakarta. The village of itself has a total area of 1. 186, 122 ha. The administrative boundary of Poncosari village is adjacent to Trimurti village to the north, Gadingsari Village in Sadden Subdistrict to the east, and Progo (VILLAGE? SUBDISTRICT?) to the west.
The total population of Poncosari is about 14,158 people, consisting of 6,723 males and 7,435 females. 0-12 months old is the fewest age group with only 263 inhabitants, while 15-56 years old contributes the most to total population with about 7,945 inhabitants.
On the 5th November 2015, students participating in SCS-CEL UGM came to Ngentak hamlet to conduct their community development programs. The program is a form of “Tri Dharma University” values implementation, which is encouraging students to serve the community. Students of UGM are urged to share and apply their knowledge to develop small and marginalized communities all over Indonesia.
Baptiste Maillot, a French citizen, is one of many International students who took part in the SCS-CEL program conducted in Ngentak hamlet. This SCS-CEL program for Baptise is a new and challenging experience which he has never done before.
One program conducted by Baptiste during his SCS-CEL was to provide English classes to elementary school students. In addition, he also taught French language to students as it is one of the most internationally used language. Baptiste believed that through understanding these two languages, students will be more prepared for an international exposure.
SCS-CEL Ngentak Unit also created an event called “Cultural Day” in which all villagers from different age groups were invited. As the invitation was positively responded, every residents of Ngentak –old and young- made their way to the venue. The event itself was creatively presented; games and art shows involving parents and children made it a special and unforgettable day. On top of that, the SCS-CEL unit also cooked French cuisine to be shared with everybody. This is one way to introduce a foreign culture to the people of Ngentak, as most of them have never tried French cooking.
By the time their SCS-CEL program ends, it is expected that international students will be able to have new knowledge and insights on Indonesian culture, arts, and most importantly a rural community’s day by day livelihood. A cultural exchange will also benefit the local community, as it gives an extensive knowledge on other international communities.