Eleven students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI), participating in the 2023 Indonesian Student Mobility (ISM) program, departed for Taiwan on Sunday (October 1). The week-long program aims to provide participants with learning experiences and international insights, as well as deepen their understanding of Taiwanese education and culture.
ISM is an international mobility program of FMIPA UI intended for students to develop their potential and competencies relevant to global challenges, through educational, social, and cultural activities abroad.
Previously, the eleven students had participated in the selection process held by FMIPA UI through the Student Affairs unit on August 21-26, 2023. The selection stage consisted of administrative selection and interviews.
During their activities in Taiwan, they were accompanied by a number of faculty leaders and lecturers, namely Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Budiawan (Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs) Dr. Dewi Susiloningtyas, M.Si. (Student Affairs Manager), Twin Hosea W. Kristyanto. M.T. (Lecturer of the Geology Study Program), and one of the companions from the Student Affairs unit Bintang Mahakarya Sembahen, S.Si.
"The 2023 ISM FMIPA UI program is designed to provide our students with broad insights into education, society, and culture in Taiwan," said Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., Dean of FMIPA UI to the FMIPA UI public relations team during the send-off of ISM 2023 participants, Friday (29/9), at the UI Campus, Depok.
Prof. Dede emphasized to the eleven students to carry out this activity as best as possible, as an opportunity to develop academic knowledge, build international networks, increase social awareness, and get to know the local culture and heritage there.
The series of activities began with a visit to the Yuan Ze University (YZU) campus on Monday (2/10). There, the student group was welcomed by Prof. Yun-Chia Liang, Chief of YZU's Global Affairs Office. The group was then guided by Mr. Dipta Purwadaria, International Liaison from YZU's Global Affairs Office, on a campus tour and laboratory visit. The students also had the opportunity to attend a public lecture on Natural Science and Astronomy, delivered by Po-Chieh Yu.
On the same day, students had the opportunity to conduct community service activities (Pengmas), through outreach on earthquake disaster mitigation using the Creative Hazard Education earthquake series (CREDO-E) method, to the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Taiwan and PPI YZU. This innovation was initiated by a lecturer from the Geology Study Program, Twin Hosea W. Kristyanto. M.T.
On the following day, Tuesday (3/10), the activity continued with a visit to the College of Life Science and Department of Physics of National Taiwan University (NTU). The students were warmly welcomed by Prof. Bor-Luen Chiang as Dean of the College of Life Science and Pao-Ti Chang, Chairman of the Department of Physics of NTU. They also visited the Zoology Museum and the NTU History Museum.
At NTU, students held another community service activity. This time, the activity focused on financial literacy and insurance investment, aimed at the Indonesian Student Association in Taiwan (Perpita).
Wednesday (4/10), the visit continued to the National Palace Museum and Shilin Night Market to further understand the history and cultural development of Taiwan. Students also visited the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (IETO) in Taipei on Thursday (October 5th) to socialize and understand the duties and functions of the Indonesian government's representatives in Taiwan. At the ITO, the group from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (UI) was welcomed by the Head of the ITO Taipei, Iqbal S. Shofwan.
The end of the ISM 2023 series of activities in Taiwan was marked by exploring the geological riches of northern Taiwan, including Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, and Shifen, which are famous for their unique geological formations, on Friday (October 6).
The Student Affairs Manager of FMIPA UI, Dr. Dewi Susiloningtyas, M.Si., said that the 2023 ISM FMIPA UI program succeeded in providing good international insight to students and motivating them to become globally competitive individuals.
"After seven days of in-depth and diverse activities, FMIPA UI students returned on October 7, bringing home valuable experiences, strong friendships, broader knowledge, and a well-developed character, which also fostered a strong spirit to be competitive at the global level," he said.
