Universitas Gadjah Mada recently kicked off the PIONEER (Program for International Orientation and New-student Empowerment to Enhance Readiness) on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
PIONEER is a 4-day orientation program designed as a welcoming introduction to Universitas Gadjah Mada and its academic environment for international students. Created as an adaptation of UGM’s university-wide student orientation program PPSMB PIONIR, it brings together international students to explore UGM’s academic programmes, campus life, student services, and opportunities for cultural and academic engagement.
The first day of PIONEER is focusing on international student orientation, which aimed to introduce the international students to campus life, including campus facilities and dos and dont’s as a student.
This semester, UGM welcomes 424 international students from 53 countries, joining various programs including degree, exchange, and Indonesian language programs. Their diverse backgrounds further enrich UGM’s international community and contribute to the multicultural atmosphere of the university.
In the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., Vice Rector for Education and Learning UGM expressed her delight in welcoming international students in UGM.
“Together, you represent a wonderful diversity of backgrounds, cultures, languages, academic interests, and experiences,” she remarked. “We hope that this diversity will not only enrich your own experience at UGM, but also contribute to the learning experience of our Indonesian students and the wider UGM community.”
The session was then continued by a presentation from I Made Andi Arsana, Ph.D., the former Head of Office of International Affairs UGM. In the session, he explained about UGM values and what does it mean to be UGM student and Yogyakarta citizen.
“Being in UGM is not only about studying, it is about giving impact,” he said.
International students were also introduced to student affairs matters, including Student Activity Units (UKM) and scholarship opportunities for international students, as well as an introduction to UGM’s library services. The Head of Office of International Affairs UGM, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D. also gave a presentation on practical information for international students.
“The most important thing of being an international student is that don’t forget to comply with the rules and regulations here, and also immerse yourself in Indonesian and Yogyakarta culture,” he said.
Adding a cultural touch to the orientation, the students were entertained by performances from Sastra Oebah Fakultas Ilmu Budaya and Aluz Jogja Performance Team, giving first glimpse into Indonesian martial arts and traditional dances.
To give more perspective about life as international student, PIONEER also featured Sundas Ejaz, UGM international student from Pakistan who’s currently pursuing her PhD from the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM. Among the topics discussed was Indonesian food, in which she initially described as different from her country, but later get accustomed to it.
“My personal favourite is nasi goreng, or fried rice,” she explained. “Being a Muslim myself, I love that I can find halal food here very easily.”
As PIONEER continues over the next several days, students will have further opportunities to explore UGM and Yogyakarta while connecting with fellow students and members of the university community. More than simply an orientation, the program serves as a first step in helping international students feel at home, understand their new environment, and become part of the wider UGM community.
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