IPB University Facilitates Kasetsart University Students Learning from the Community of Bantar Karet Village
There is something different about this year’s Summer Course held by the Department of Communication Sciences and Community Development (SKPM) at IPB University. Whereas previously the activities were limited to classroom activities, now the series is more lively and meaningful.
This year’s summer course combines lectures, cultural interactions, and field trips. During the two weeks, participants consisting of students from IPB University and Kasetsart University Thailand visited villages, participated in local community activities, went camping, and celebrated a cultural night together.
This activity was a memorable experience for the international participants, one of whom was Chonnica Bonnak from Kasetsart University, Thailand. She expressed her joy at being part of the program.
“Honestly, this was an extraordinary moment for me and my friends from Thailand. From the first day we arrived in Indonesia, we were welcomed so warmly that we felt right at home. We didn’t feel homesick at all,” she shared.
In the first week, participants attended lectures by speakers from various international universities, including Wageningen University and Research (Netherlands), Reading University (UK), and Australian National University. The material covered communication strategies, social innovation, and natural resource management relevant to the digital age.
The second week was a time for participants to get hands-on experience in the field. They stayed with residents of Bantar Karet Village, Nanggung District, Bogor Regency, and participated in various local community activities.
Next, participants continued their visit to the Salam Community Hub in Bogor City, where they camped and learned firsthand about successful community development practices. Here, participants also showcased the arts and traditions of their respective countries.
“This summer course is a concrete example of the vision of the Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema), bridging science with society, encouraging a participatory approach, and developing human-centered solutions,” said the Dean of Fema IPB University, Prof Sofyan Sjaf.
“By bringing together participants from various backgrounds and countries, we not only share scientific knowledge, but also foster cross-cultural understanding and global solidarity,” he added.
This program is expected to equip participants with critical thinking skills, cross-cultural collaboration, and bring the values of communication and social innovation to the effort of realizing sustainable development. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)
