Unwinding and Uniting: A Memorable Study Excursion to Bandung

Unwinding and Uniting: A Memorable Study Excursion to Bandung

by Nabila Nindya Alifia Putri

Strengthens the bonding — that was the first impression I captured during my study excursion trip in Bandung, which was held on October 16-17, 2024.Starting from Depok, the travel time is about 3.5 hours by bus. The atmosphere on the bus was quite fun, where lecturers, academic staff, and students mingled in one bus, plus students who enlivened the whole bus through karaoke songs that were quite entertaining during the trip.  The chantingand humming  kept going all along the road, along a winding road to a plantation area in Ciwidey. During the trip, I could feel the warmth created from the interaction of students, lecturers, and academic staff. No matter what academic load or workload it is, it all seems to be focused on one goal: forget all our burdens, and enjoy our moments! Our minds seem to be invited to take a break because the scenery on the right and left sides was very magical: a green tea garden with cool nuances.

Moreover, behind the cold night in Ciwidey, there is one warmth that radiates from the participants of this excursion. The old, young, lecturers, staff, all mingled together to enjoy dinner while listening to music accompanied by a burning bonfire. Of course, this unique interaction is very memorable and imprinted on my memory. Through this excursion activity, I saw a lot of interactions and 'golden moments' that I usually had only seen formally; namely in an academic setting, but now everything looks different. This made me realize that all of us (lecturers, students, and staff) are also human beings with the same goal: to have fun while doing our job to serve the community, because that is the true purpose of this education department.

Apart from these moments of togetherness, when talking about community service activities initiated by the department's student association, namely ESTUDIA, there are many things that I can reflect on when I am one of the teams that document these community service activities. First, the thing that I appreciate is that, with this activity, we as students can hone our skills for how to design an event that is short, but can be memorable for the community around us. Because the academic environment of UIII has diverse backgrounds of culture, the community service activities carried out by FoE UIII focus on introducing cultures from various representative countries of students at FoE. Secondly, in this event, all students participated, regardless of what level of study they were at. This shows the synergy built through this activity, and also again: strengthening the bond with each other among students. This is in accordance with the principle of ukhuwah in Islam, namely ukhuwah insaniyah.

Moving on, the study excursion event was closed with a material presentation from Telkom University Bandung. All classes offered by Telkom university provide a lot of insight, especially for the world of education including digital and media, as well as big data class. During my time at Telkom University, I realized that visiting other educational institutions is no less important. We also need to benchmark to other educational institutions in order to continue to improve the quality and quality of our own educational institutions. By exchanging information like this, I think it will be useful in the future, especially the many new insights presented by Telkom University. The end of the campus visit session was closed with a photo with all study excursion participants, as well as lecturers at Telkom university. With the closing of the visit, the activities and trips of this study excursion are over. Overall, I feel happy and satisfied with this excursion activity because we can do 2 things at once at once: unwind and serve the community.

by Muhammad Sufyan

A Journey of Learning beyond Books

A Journey of Learning beyond Books

by Khizer Hayat

My name is Khizer Hayat, and I come from Pakistan. For me, learning is not confined to books—it can be  found in every experience and every moment we live. As Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of  knowledge is experience.” From October 16-17, 2024, I had the privilege of participating in a study  excursion organized by the Faculty of Education at UIII, Depok, which proved to be a truly transformative  journey. 

Our adventure began as we departed from the dorms, leaving behind the familiar streets of Depok and  Jakarta, and heading toward the serene, nature-rich city of Bandung. As we traveled through the vibrant  cities, I felt like I was entering a whole new world, full of excitement and possibilities. As Confucius once  said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” This quote perfectly captured my mindset as we  embarked on this journey. 

Our first day was packed with exhilarating activities, including rafting and off-road adventures that got  our adrenaline rushing. Every moment was captured on camera, preserving the memories forever. It  reminded me of the quote by Susan Sontag: “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” 

The night at Eco Park Hotel was an experience to remember. The cabins were cozy and charming, but  what made the evening truly special was the live performance by the music band “9 Outbound Ciwidey.”  Their energy filled the air with music, adding magic to the chilly weather. We gathered around a roaring  fire, wrapped in our jackets, enjoying a barbecue, and sharing laughs. The warmth of the fire was matched  only by the warmth of the company, as students and faculty danced, sang, and bonded over the joy of the  night. As Henry David Thoreau said, “Friends… they are the sunshine of life.” This quote beautifully sums  up the warmth of the evening. 

The following day took us to 13 Junior High School in Bandung, where we participated in a vibrant cultural  exchange with students from diverse backgrounds—Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Afghanistan, Nigeria,  Tanzania, the Philippines, Gambia, and Indonesia. The enthusiasm of the junior high students was  infectious, and their warm welcome, combined with their traditional dances, was heartwarming. “The  beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people,” as Maya Angelou so eloquently said, and we truly  experienced that beauty through this cultural exchange.

Throughout the journey, we were accompanied by the esteemed Dean, Nina Nurmila, PhD, along with  professors and staff, who made every moment enjoyable. From the delightful snacks to the delicious  meals at the hotel, everything was wonderfully planned. Even the bus rides were filled with non-stop  singing, adding to the lively atmosphere. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is a journey, not a  destination,” and the joy in the journey was palpable. 

The highlight of our trip was the visit to Telkom University. We were greeted with an atmosphere of  innovation and inspiration. The student presentations were simply remarkable. These young minds were  not just students—they were scientists in the making, innovators ready to shape the future. The  university’s vision and mission were shared with us, filling us with admiration. As Steve Jobs once said,  “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” The spirit of innovation was alive at Telkom  University. 

A memorable moment was the insightful lecture on management by Professor Dr. Djadja of Telkom  University. His words about leadership and innovation left a lasting impression on me, inspiring new ideas  for my own academic journey. As he said, “True leadership is about managing not just systems, but the  hearts and minds of people.” This idea resonated deeply, reminding me that education is not only about  gaining knowledge but also about becoming a compassionate leader. 

As we made our way back to Depok, the sense of fulfillment was profound. The two-day experience felt  like it carried the weight of two months of study. The lessons learned, the memories made, and the  friendships formed will remain with me forever. 

This study excursion was more than just a trip—it was a journey of discovery, learning, and cultural  exchange. It reminded me that education goes beyond textbooks, and sometimes, as Oscar Wilde said,  “Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterward.” Indeed,  the best lessons are the ones we learn outside the classroom.

by Muhammad Sufyan

Empowering Growth Through Study Excursions to Bridge Knowledge, Community, and Professional Development

Empowering Growth Through Study Excursions to Bridge Knowledge, Community, and Professional Development

by Novinta Nurulsari

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the study excursion organized by the Faculty of Education at UIII. This program was not only complimentary, but it was also incredibly beneficial for us as students. The agenda was thoughtfully designed to enhance our academic and professional growth, leaving me with lasting impressions and valuable insights.

Two key aspects of the study excursion stood out to me. First, the visit to Telkom University was an exceptional experience. I had the chance to attend a short one-meeting course titled Harnessing Big Data for Transformative Education, Administration, and Management, delivered by Dr. Djaja Achmad Sardjana, S.T., M.M. His lecture was insightful and highly relevant, especially regarding the practical application of Python, which piqued my interest. Previously, I had encountered a 2022 article on Design Thinking, a topic closely related to my dissertation, and the article presented fascinating data visualizations created using Python. I tried to explore this tool and ask for some support and guidance, but none of my colleagues had any experience with this tool. I felt so grateful when the Faculty of Education organized this study excursion. I can learn directly from the lecturer and gain a deeper understanding of Big Data and Data-Driven Decision Making, which are crucial in showcasing evidence in our analysis. I also learned about Power BI (Business Intelligence), a tool I had never used before. The entire learning experience was amazing and eye-opening! This exposure to advanced technologies is invaluable for those of us in the educational field. It empowers us to better integrate technology into our work, whether for research or professional development.

The second aspect that impressed me was the community service activity at SMPN 13 Bandung. This activity allowed all the students participating in the excursion to engage directly with the students and school members at that school. It provided us an experience to interact and communicate with the students so we could learn about the characteristics of the students. This interaction, especially with international students from FoE UIII, also benefited the school, where the students could learn new things from us. It also boosted their enthusiasm for continuing their study. The school’s warm reception further added to the significance of this experience, and it was a mutually enriching interaction for both the students and the school. 

Moreover, this study excursion significantly strengthened the bonds between students and faculty members beyond the academic and community engagement aspects. This program allowed us to build stronger connections and communication within activites. We also developed our collaboration skills to do every program through teamwork. This make the overall experience even more rewarding. 

In conclusion, the study excursion was an invaluable experience, filled with opportunities for academic learning, meaningful engagement with the community, and the deepening of interpersonal relationships. It provided me with the tools and motivation to further my professional and educational journey, and I am deeply appreciative.

by Muhammad Sufyan

Travel and Lessons

Travel and Lessons

by Muhammat Sabar Prihatin

The study excursion conducted by the faculty of education UIII for me is not merely a sightseeing activity but it is about a lesson-reflective story. This trip took place two days, starting from 16-17 October 2024, with the destination of the capital city of west Java, Bandung. Throughout the trip we witnessed the beautiful and natural scenery, particularly when we came to the accommodation area, Ciwiday. 

Worship by exploring the earth

Ciwidey is famous for its beautiful places in Banding, which has many hills planted with tea trees. The lush green color on every hillside was successful to spoil the eyes anytime we looked at it. The winding and sometimes up and down roads just made the trip even more thrilling. Plus, the strains of music from the old up to present era, sung by different generations-Dean, lectures, and students added to the excitement of the journey. This made the long trip feel short and fast. 

This stage reminded me of the Holy Quran saying that the earth was made flat so that we can explore it easily. So it is true that with our intention to witness this verse, our study tour is not only for a fun trip but also a moment of contemplation to admire the Almighty of Allah SWT over His beautiful creation of this universe. 

Taaruf Session (Learning from one another) 

Another valuable experience was when we students of UIII did community service. We visited SMPN 13 Bandung to do a cultural exchange activity with the students there. Traditional dances welcomed us warmly, which attracted fellow UIII students, especially foreign students. When a student came with a traditional dance, our friends immediately clapped their hands and recorded the dance. 

After that, we UIII students and the students of SMPN 13 Bandung were divided into ten groups according to the number of student countries in the Faculty of Education at the event location, such as Turkey, Mexico, Pakistan, Tanzania, and the Philippines. In the international cultural exchange forum, the students were very enthusiastic about exploring various information from student representatives from the countries they visited. They chatted about the local language of the guest country, traditional songs and dances, and even their typical foods. The exciting discussion ended with the making of a short video with students saying, for example, "Sawadikap, we have a new friend from Thailand, Kap kun khap". 

This cultural exchange activity reminded me of the concept of ta'aruf. It is mentioned in one of the verses of the holy Quran which means that Allah SWT created humans in different tribes, states, and languages for us to learn from one another. The cultural exchange experience provides real evidence to students that diversity is real. And the differences that exist between humans are created to get to know each other. If fellow humans know and understand each other well, then this can reduce bad prejudice and the assumption that a certain group is better and more important than others. And if this can be established in harmony, then this state of knowing and understanding each other can also encourage the

establishment of cooperative and compassionate relationships based on wisdom on the basis of humanity. So it is important that students in schools as the younger generation need to be equipped with an understanding and experience of diversity itself, that it does not exist to belittle certain groups and excel others, but as real evidence of sunnatullah - the Will of God Almighty. So of course it is another kind of worship if we can celebrate this diversity as a gift of life. 

Public service for knowledge sharing 

Last but not least, the community service activities carried out by the lecturers of UIII and Telkom University were another topic of reflection. For me, cooperation between educational institutions is an important factor in building student learning experiences. What I felt at that time was that I got the opportunity to learn to process data on a large scale by utilizing technology that I had never learned at UIII, but I learned a lot from Telkom Uni. It's like this, knowledge that I thought was difficult to learn, turned out to be easy for other people or other places because they have the facilities, there are the experts, and or because the campus specializes in that certain knowledge. 

Thus, I realized that there are certain fields of knowledge that are actually relevant to us but it turns out that we can easily learn them at other campuses. The insight I received taught me the importance of learning from many parties. And I think it's the other way around, the lessons delivered by several lecturers of the UIII Faculty of Education at Telkom Uni provide new important and interesting things for students who follow their presentation, namely psychological-based leadership, literacy skills, and spatial thinking skills, which may not be available at Telkom Uni. 

This kind of collaborative synergy is what I think is needed and must continue to be carried out by educational institutions in Indonesia to improve the quality of education in general, both from the lecturers, or teachers, and students. The visit and knowledge sharing between UIII and Telkom Uni that we did could be one of the real forms of academic friendship that echoes that knowledge is a blessing for the universe (Rahmatan lil ‘alamin), not belonging to a particular educational institution or field of study only. 

Thank you, Faculty of Education UIII, for the valuable lessons during the two-day journey on this study excursion. I am sure that each of us feels the benefits both personally, intellectually, socially, and even spiritually.

by Muhammad Sufyan

An Inspiring Journey at Madania Progressive Indonesian School

An Inspiring Journey at Madania Progressive Indonesian School

By Khizer Hayat.

by Bambang Sumintono

Breaking the Boundaries as an Internship Student: My Journey to Present at a Southeast Asian International Forum

Breaking the Boundaries as an Internship Student: My Journey to Present at a Southeast Asian International Forum

By Muhammad Lutfi Assidiqi

Attending the Consultative Meeting on Development of SEAMEO-ASEAN Joint Roadmap on Early Childhood Care and Education in Southeast Asia and Policy Brief on Early Childhood Development Services as a presenter, especially to present the draft policy brief that my team and I worked on during our time as interns at SEAMEO CECCEP, was a very valuable and rare experience for an intern. In this meeting, I stood in front of Governing Board (GB) members of Southeast Asian countries as well as representatives of international NGOs such as UNICEF EAPRO, Tanoto Foundation, UNESCO Indonesia, and others. This was not just a presentation, but a pivotal moment in my career where my voice was heard in prestigious forums.

As an intern, I realized that this kind of opportunity is rare. The stereotype of interns as "beginners" who only carry out small tasks, I do not feel at all at SEAMEO CECCEP. Instead of being ignored, my ideas are heard and appreciated, as if I were an integral part of a professional team. This experience encouraged me to continue to explore the material that I had learned from Dr. Lukman in the Education Policy Analysis class. The practice of writing policy briefs based on The Eightfold Path from Bardach that I learned during the lectures proved to be an important provision in completing my job at SEAMEO CECCEP.

I feel very lucky and grateful to the Faculty of Education, UIII, for facilitating the Independent Study Program and matching me with a very supportive internship place. An internship at SEAMEO CECCEP has not only provided me with significant professional experience, but also a space that has supported my personal and academic development. This opportunity has opened my eyes to the importance of an education that connects theory with real practice, and the important of having an environment that supports and rewards every contribution, regardless of status.

By this experience, I reflected on how important and invaluable this kind of opportunity is for a college student. Not only provide real experience in the field of education policy, but also build confidence to contribute in the international level. Of course, with the willingness to keep learning and the desire to keep trying to have a positive impact, as my team and I have done by drafting a policy brief on early childhood development services for the Southeast Asian region.

by Bambang Sumintono

A Deeper Understanding of Critical Feminist Methodology

A Deeper Understanding of Critical Feminist Methodology

October 14, 2024

Contributor: Supriyono | Editor: Dadi Darmadi | Photo: M. Sufyan As-Tsauri

Depok, October 3, 2024 — The UIII Faculty of Education held a thought-provoking public lecture on Thursday, October 3, featuring Prof. Nina Nurmila, Dean of the Faculty of Education. Speaking to a packed audience in Theater Hall Faculty A, Prof. Nurmila explored the intricacies of critical feminist methodology, a vital yet often debated aspect of modern research.

Prof. Nina Nurmila is a distinguished Professor of Gender and Islamic Studies. She earned her MA from Murdoch University in 1997 and a PhD from the University of Melbourne in 2007. Her academic journey includes prestigious roles such as a Fulbright Visiting Researcher at Temple University in Philadelphia in 2000, an Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Technology, Sydney, in 2008, and a Fulbright Visiting Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Redlands, California, from 2008 to 2009.

Prof. Nurmila began by addressing ongoing debates from the 1990s over whether feminist methodology stands as a distinct research paradigm and methodology. She pointed out that opponents have argued against its independence, suggesting that feminist methodologies lack a unique perspective and draw heavily from established paradigms like Marxism and critical theory. Others contend that feminist approaches lack coherence due to the diverse perspectives within feminism itself.

However, Prof. Nurmila presented a compelling case for recognizing feminist methodology as unique, emphasizing its intentional rejection of male-dominated research paradigms. “Feminist researchers prioritize women’s perspectives and their societal positions, presenting a contrast to traditional methodologies focused primarily on male experiences,” she explained. She further noted that feminist research introduces a unique lens for understanding the world, often centered around the impact of patriarchy.

The criteria that define feminist methodology, as presented by Prof. Nurmila, include examining issues through a female prism, in which women are both the focus and interpreters of inquiry. Feminist methodology also encourages “consciousness raising,” a quality described as the advantage that female researchers have in understanding women’s experiences from within an “oppressed group.” She added that this “double vision” enables feminist researchers to empathize deeply and interpret their findings more accurately.

Highlighting her own work, Prof. Nurmila referenced several examples of feminist research, including her publications like “Women, Islam, and Everyday Life” (Routledge, 2009) and an article examining husband-wife dynamics (Al-Jamia’ah: Journal of Islamic Studies, 2013). She reflected on how feminist methodology shapes her qualitative research, occasionally integrating quantitative data while retaining a feminist analytical lens.

In her conclusion, Prof. Nurmila discussed how feminist methodologies transform traditional academic language structures, shifting from objective, passive language to more subjective, active voice. She also emphasized the importance of non-gender-biased language, advocating for inclusive terms such as “human power” rather than “manpower”.

Prof. Nurmila’s lecture left the audience with a deeper understanding of critical feminist methodology and its transformative impact on research. Through her insights, she highlighted the importance of inclusivity and empowerment within academia, calling on future researchers to consider feminist perspectives in fostering societal progress.  The event exemplified UIII’s commitment to fostering an environment open to new perspectives in research, welcoming research paradigms, methodologies, and methods that advocate for societal change and scholarly diversity.

source: https://uiii.ac.id/events/read/57698/a-deeper-understanding-of-critical-feminist-methodology

by Bambang Sumintono

Happy World Mental Health Day from UIII

Happy World Mental Health Day from UIII

October 10, 2024

By A/Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, Ph.D*

The recent increase in student suicide cases highlights significant issues within the educational system. These cases may represent the tip of the iceberg of many intricate psychological challenges within the educational setting that have been overlooked and lack effective comprehensive solutions. To be frank, one of the vulnerable populations most likely to experience mental health problems is university students.

In 2023, over three-quarters of college students (76%) experienced moderate to serious psychological distress, with 36% of students diagnosed with anxiety, 31% meeting the criteria for suicidal ideation, and 13% having intentionally injured themselves within the year (American College Health Association, 2023). In Indonesia, it has been reported that mental disorders now often occur in the 18–25-year age group. This phenomenon is closely related to students, including college students, with about 64% of the younger generation experiencing anxiety problems, while 61.5% of them have symptoms of depression (Kemdikbud.go.id, 2023).

Serious mental health issues can affect our relationships, career, and long-term goals, including our studies, such as struggling with academic demands, adjustment issues, and managing various responsibilities. Thus, it is crucial to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment where students do not solely focus on being the best of the best in academic matters, which might lead them to become super competitive and ambitious individuals, and further, narcissistic. On top of that, it is essential to foster students and remind them that each of them is unique with different potential. As a consequence, campuses must rethink their approach (American Psychological Association, 2022). Educational institutions need to provide counseling services on campus that are equipped with counselors and psychologists who are trained to support students in need.

For students and those who have concerns, there are two things we can do at the very least to maintain mental health:

1. First and foremost, you must be able to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.  

We can’t control what’s coming to us, but we can control our response. As part of controlling our response, let’s accept our emotions, because all feelings (all emotions) are valid. Pain is a unique human experience. Don’t deny your feelings just because we don’t want to be called overly sensitive or ‘baper.’ We have the right to own it.

You may then select from a variety of responses that best suit your reaction. You have the option to avoid, modify, adapt, or simply accept the situation. In other words, allow yourself some space. Once you achieve mental clarity, your emotions will become more stable, enabling you to manage the circumstances more effectively.

2. Practice self-care, which means caring for yourself.  

It includes anything we do to keep ourselves healthy — physically, mentally, and spiritually. It can be giving yourself a break that doesn’t cost anything, such as taking a walk, getting enough sleep, praying, reflecting, listening to audiobooks, meeting up with friends and family, and having a good laugh. Talking to someone, including a professional, is also part of self-care. Among so many things you can do, remind yourself to always be kind. You can be in pain but still be kind to others.

To conclude, everyone is struggling with their own mental health, including you and me. But we always have a choice to solve our problems. And we know, this too shall pass. Thus, keep embracing our values, be kind, and make space for ourselves.

One day we will say ... 'It was hard, but we made it.'

________________

*) A/Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, Ph.D, is a mental health advocate and lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII)

source: https://uiii.ac.id/perspectives/read/57695/happy-world-mental-health-day-from-uiii

by Bambang Sumintono