Singaraja- Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) held a send-off and welcoming ceremony for students participating in the Students Exchange Merdeka Program (PMM) Batch IV, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Students from various regions across Indonesia are returning to their campuses to continue their education.
A total of 303 students, from Sabang to Merauke, were sent off by the Vice Rector of Undiksha for Academic and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Gede Rasben Dantes, S.T., M.T.I. These students have been studying at Undiksha for five months or one semester. In addition, Undiksha welcomed back 32 students who had participated in PMM at other universities.
The participation of students in this Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program is not solely aimed at strengthening academic aspects. More than that, it enriches their knowledge of Indonesian culture, particularly Balinese culture, through the Nusantara Module courses. These courses provided students with a range of new learning experiences, such as studying directly at historical places, playing traditional musical instruments while engaging in discussion, and participating in real-world community activities.
Through this program, students also foster harmony and tolerance among diverse ethnic groups, races, and religions, given that they come from various regions. This sentiment was expressed by the Head of Ethnic Group, Dandy Gumelar. “PMM at Undiksha has provided an amazing and very special experience in my life,” he said. PMM carries the tagline. “Temporarily Exchange, It Means Forever,” which Dandy Gumelar found especially fitting during his time on the Island of the Gods, Bali.
Positive impressions were also shared by students from the Islamic University of Riau, Daffa Mulla Shadra, and Anni Tisandy from Padang State University. In their review, PMM is not just an opportunity to strengthen academic experience, but also to gain deeper insights into Undiksha and Bali, as well as to learn about Indonesia through the diverse cultures brought by other students.
During their time at Undiksha and in Bali, both students admitted that they experienced a memorable atmosphere. They noted that religious tolerance remains very strong, especially during the overlap of Ramadan and Nyepi Day. They still had the opportunity to perform their prayers, and their happiness was further enhanced by the chance to participate in Nyepi Day directly in Bali and witness the ogoh-ogoh parade.
Through this opportunity, he also emphasized that Undiksha this time is designing several activities for Independent MBKM in collaboration with several universities in Indonesia. This thing is expected to be realized and can improve students’ involvement in MBKM Program, especially in PMM.
Prof. Rasben Dantes, Vice Rector of Undiksha, expressed his hopes that the PMM program would provide lasting benefits for the students. “Even though it is only a temporary exchange, it holds forever meaning. I believe that in this PMM Batch IV, students have met others from various universities across Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke. Friendships do not end here; communication must continue,” he advised.
He also emphasized that Undiksha is currently designing several activities for the Independent MBKM in collaboration with various universities in Indonesia. These efforts are expected to be realized and to increase student involvement in the MBKM program, especially in PMM.
