On July 16, 2025, the Directorate of Community Service at Universitas Gadjah Mada (DPkM UGM), together with the Regional Coordinator for the Yogyakarta Special Region, conducted a monitoring and evaluation (monev) visit to the KKN-PPM (Community Service Program) Period II in Seyegan, Sleman. This activity was not only attended by UGM students but also involved seven international students from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. Coinciding with this visit, a Culture Day celebration was held to honor and showcase local traditions and customs, highlighting the students’ participation in appreciating Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
The event began with welcoming remarks from Prof. Ir. Nanung Agus Fitriyanto, S.Pt., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the KKN-PPM Sub-directorate at UGM. In his message, Prof. Nanung emphasized the importance of KKN as a multidimensional learning platform where community empowerment and cultural preservation go hand in hand.“Through this community engagement program, students are not only giving but also learning from the local wisdom embedded in society,” he stated.
One of the highlights of the event was a karawitan performance—a traditional Javanese musical art—featuring local residents and cultural performers. After the performance, Culture Day participants were invited to try their hands at playing gamelan instruments. The seven UTS international students enthusiastically took part in the session, guided by local artists from Margoagung. They learned to play traditional instruments such as the saron, kenong, and gong.
For the international students, this experience was truly memorable. They didn’t just observe but actively participated in playing gamelan for the first time.
“Playing gamelan is actually not easy. It’s not just about hitting the instruments—it requires full concentration. I realized it’s quite challenging,” said Valerie.
Meanwhile, William added, “It’s really relaxing. It reminds me of when I did batik—entering a rhythm and trance where you forget everything around you. I felt completely relaxed.”
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This collaboration between UGM and UTS reflects the spirit of global partnership in education, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. By engaging international students in local cultural practices, the program promotes mutual respect and understanding of diverse cultures. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Global Partnerships).
Moreover, the event served as a platform for cultural exchange, allowing international students to experience firsthand the richness of Indonesia’s heritage. Such initiatives are vital in developing countries, where education and cultural preservation can play a significant role in community development and social cohesion.
The gamelan session not only provided a direct learning experience but also fostered long-lasting memories and friendships among the students. Cultural immersion like this is essential in nurturing a more inclusive and understanding global community.
In conclusion, Culture Day in Seyegan was a remarkable success, celebrating the beauty of Indonesian culture through gamelan while strengthening international collaboration in education. The event underscored the importance of cultural preservation and global partnership both critical components in achieving the SDGs in developing nations.
Writer/Editor: Dn Halimah, Aray/Dn Halimah
Reporters: Aray and team
Photo Source: DPkM UGM Media Team