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Foreign diplomats take pictures with Rector of UMM at the opening of the 12th Promotion to Indonesian Language and Culture for Foreign Diplomats. |
The 85th graduation of University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) will be held tomorrow (26/8). 12 foreign diplomats will attend UMM graduation. They are from South Africa, Fiji, Iran, Japan, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Columbia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Spain, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. Previously, those 12 diplomats participated in the celebration of Republic Indonesia Independence day on August 17, 2017 at UMM Helipad.
Their presence at UMM is part of the program of the 12th Promotion to Indonesian Language and Culture for Foreign Diplomats Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) of Republic of Indonesia which is mandated to the Indonesian Language Unit for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) of UMM. During August, BIPA UMM was responsible to train those diplomats to integrate with the society and learn about Indonesian local culture.
The Head of BIPA UMM, Dr.Arif Budi Wurianto, MSi said that there are two activities that will be joined by those diplomats, which are the development of Indonesian culture inside and outside the classroom (outing class). They will visit and stay at local people’ houses every weekend and go to some tourism places. Arief said that those 12 diplomats will not only learn about Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia), but also will be taught about karawitan (Javanese music), dancing, batik, dalang (telling Javanese story), playing traditional music, and tourism.
The first week, they will learn about vocabulary and grammar of Bahasa Indonesia. Last two weeks, they will be taught about how to visit, bargaining, and Indonesian people habits. They will also learn about Indonesian special food, family system in Indonesia, hobbies and sports that are usually done by Indonesian people.
In outing class, they will stay at local people’s houses and follow the activities of the owners. For example, in Sidomulyo village, Batu City, East Java the majority of Sidomulyo village residents are flower farmers, so the diplomats will also learn about gardening and cultivating plant. Besides, the host will ask them to go to traditional market. The purpose of this activity is to apply the knowledge about bargaining.
Previously, they have learned about the potential of tourism in Café Sawah, Pujon Kidul Village Malang Regency, then in Coban Rondo, Batu City, and Gili Ketapang Beach, Probolinggo. Diplomat from Papua New Guinea, Martinez Wasuak admires the idea of Café Sawah in Pujon Kidul. "It is very good, it empowers farmers and local communities. It is very beautiful, thank you UMM because I was invited to visit this place. I hope to make this kind of (Café Rice Field) in my country, because there is no place like this, "
Interestingly, the result of studying Indonesian treasury is further embodied in the form of works and art practices. For example, batik lessons, in which each diplomat is asked to make two works of batik motif. The first work they make on a rectangular fabric with a motif that has been available, and their second work is to draw their own motives, and then make batik motifs that they have designed. Various results of their work will be displayed at the exhibition and closing event on Tuesday (29/8).
Pramono Anung Delivers Scientific Oration
UMM Graduation will be attended by the Secretary of Republic Indonesia Cabinet, Pramono Anung, MM who will also deliver a Scientific Oration in front of 1744 graduates. Pramono is known as a great lobbyist that communicates the policies of President Jokowi to society, colleagues, and political opponents.
Pramono who was graduated from Communication Science of Padjajaran University has grat skill in management in political communication. That is why, the presence of Pramunono will inspire UMM graduates. His networking and experiences will be good lessons for them before they start working.
UMM usually invites figures of nation. In 2017, some figures of nation have come to UMM, such as President Joko Widodo, Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pujiastuti, Social Minister Khofifah Indar Parawangsa, Minister of Information and Communication Rudiantara, Minister of Religion Lukman Hakim Syarifuddin, Chairman of Advisory Council of MUI Din Syamsuddin, and former Minister of Economy Chairul Tanjung. Besides, UMM also invited the Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy and the Board of Daily Trustees (BPH) at UMMAbdul Malik Fadjar who is also a member of the President Advisory Council. (lus)
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