As part of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Summer Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held from 21 to 25 September 2026 in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, UAEU students spent the third and fourth days of the program discovering Yogyakarta beyond its role as a tourist destination, as a place to learn about heritage, culture, nature, and community. Centered on the theme “Bridging Culture and a Sustainable Future,” the program featured workshops on local wisdom, immersive community experiences in Pentingsari Tourism Village (covering batik, gamelan, and plowing), and studies on cultural preservation and disaster mitigation at Borobudur and Mount Merapi.

On Day 3 (Wednesday, 23 September 2026), the program began with a visit to Pentingsari Tourism Village, where the students took part in a community immersion activity focused on sustainable rural development. Rather than simply observing, they were introduced to local traditions through hands-on activities, including making batik, playing gamelan, and [plowing]. These activities allowed the students to engage directly with local cultural practices while learning about the community’s role in preserving and developing its cultural heritage. The experience also highlighted how tourism can become a platform for communities to share their knowledge, traditions, and everyday way of life with visitors.

In the afternoon, the students joined a Lava Tour at Mount Merapi, where they learned about disaster mitigation and how communities on the volcano’s slopes adapt to living with natural risk.

On Day 4 (Thursday, 24 September 2026), the program moved from nature to heritage with a visit to Borobudur Temple. Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the students learned about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the world’s largest Buddhist temple. 

During the visit to Borobudur, Maitha, one of the UAEU students, shared her impressions of the heritage site. “We walked from the first level to the eighth level, and I found the structure really interesting. I can also see the river and the mountains from here,” she said. For Maitha, the visit offered an opportunity to learn about Indonesia’s heritage and culture firsthand while experiencing the historical site and its surrounding landscape. The experience also allowed her to appreciate how cultural heritage and nature are closely connected in the destination. 

The program concluded with a Farewell Dinner, where Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnership, delivered a closing address to the delegation. In his remarks, Dr. Danang highlighted that the program could serve as an initiation for broader international collaboration. He also emphasized that meaningful learning goes beyond the classroom, and that the environment, from local communities to cultural and natural settings, is itself a powerful place to learn 

“This program is more than a short visit. It can be the beginning of broader international partnerships, and it shows that the best learning often happens in communities, culture, and nature, not just in the classroom,” he said.

From a village workshop to the slopes of Merapi and the terraces of Borobudur, the program showed how Yogyakarta offers learning rooted in heritage, culture, and nature. Beyond strengthening students’ intercultural skills, hosting international students creates a more global learning ecosystem, expands academic networks, and enhances UGM’s visibility as a world-class university that remains grounded and impactful. Through the UAEU Summer Program, UGM continues to advance its commitment to sustainable development and global engagement by offering learning experiences that connect students with communities, culture, and the environment. 

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted students from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) for the UAEU Summer Program 2026, held from September 21 to 25, 2026. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates. 

The program officially began on Monday, September 21,  with a campus tour to give participants an initial introduction to UGM and its surroundings, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching.

In her remarks, Dr. Wening warmly welcomed the participants to UGM and highlighted the value of the study visit as an opportunity for intercultural exchange. She also encouraged the participants to make the most of their time in Yogyakarta by actively engaging in the program and embracing new experiences during their time in Yogyakarta.

“Universities are spaces for people from different backgrounds to meet, exchange perspectives, and learn,” said Dr. Wening.

Following the opening session, participants received an orientation at UGM and life in Yogyakarta session led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of UGM’s Office of International Affairs (OIA). The session introduced participants to the university and the city before they began the academic and cultural activities of the program. 

Participants then joined a Local Insight session on Indonesian Language delivered by Dr. Sailal Arimi, M.Hum. The session introduced them to the Indonesian language and its use in everyday communication, followed by a discussion and Q&A on Indonesian language and culture. They later gathered for a welcoming dinner at Ayom Resto, where they had the opportunity to connect in a more informal setting.  

Beyond the academic sessions, the experience has also given participants a warm first impression of life at UGM. Mouza, one of the UAEU students, reflected on her experience so far, 

“It’s been so much fun, and we’re really happy with the hospitality. I can’t wait for the days ahead,” she stated.

The following day brought participants closer to Indonesian culture, society, and community development. The participants joined a Local Insight session on Cultural Heritage Tourism and Community Development delivered by Dr. Eng. Ir. Laretna Trisnantari Adhisakti, M.Arch. The session examined the relationship between cultural heritage, tourism, and local communities, followed by a discussion and Q&A.

The focus then shifted to Indonesian Society and Culture through a Local Insight session led by Dicky Sofjan, M.A., MPP., Ph.D. The discussion introduced participants to broader perspectives on Indonesian society and cultural life. 

In the afternoon, the group visited UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FMPHN). The visit included an introduction to the faculty and a tour of its facilities, followed by a visit to the Department of Nutrition and Health. The group also took part in a hands-on workshop on healthy Indonesian cuisine at the FMPHN Culinary Laboratory. 

Across the series of activities, participants gained academic and cultural insights into Indonesia through classroom sessions, campus visits, and hands-on experiences. The program also gave students from UAEU opportunities to exchange perspectives with members of the UGM community and gain a closer understanding of life in Indonesia. The five-day experience brought academic exchange and cultural learning together while giving participants the opportunity to build new connections at UGM and in Yogyakarta. 

 

Greeting From Indonesia!

The Indonesian Youth Communication Fellowship (IYCF) 2026 is a fully funded fellowship for 30 Indonesian youths interested in strengthening their communication skills and engaging with diverse perspectives. Running from October 2026 to March 2027, the program offers learning opportunities in strategic communication, digital resilience, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and mentorship, providing participants with opportunities to learn, create, and connect through communication.

 

Brochure

 

ELIGIBILITY

1. Be Indonesian citizens aged 18–30
2. Be available to actively participate throughout the Fellowship period
3. Be able to communicate effectively in English
4. Be willing to learn, collaborate, and engage with perspectives different from their own
5. Have a clear interest in using communication to contribute to constructive public conversations

 

BENEFIT OF THE PROGRAM

1. 3 Days Training in Surabaya and Yogyakarta
   Two three-day residential training blocks in Surabaya (November 2026) and Yogyakarta
   (January/February 2027) covering strategic communications, audience mapping and
   narrative, digital literacy, storytelling, visual content production, advocacy, information
   resilience and pitching.
2. Exclusive Mentorship
   One-to-one mentoring and coaching from communication practitioners, journalists, digital
   strategists and policy professionals.
3. Recognition
   An onboarding kit and certificate on successful completion.
4. Fully Funded Participation
   The programme will fully cover travel, accommodation, and meals related to official
   Fellowship activities. Please note that the Fellowship does not include a salary or
   additional stipend, with financial support limited to the programme-related expenses
   outlined above.

 

SCHEDULE DETAILS

 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Motivation Statement in English
3. Two short written responses in English
4. Portfolio and/or social media links
5. Short introduction video (maximum 2 minutes, in English)
6. Completed online application form

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Prepare your CV, motivation statement, written responses, portfolio links, and short
   video first. The form takes about 15 minutes once your materials are ready.
2. Submit the online application form at bit.ly/ApplyIYCF2026 no later than 4 October 2026,
   23:59 WIB.
3. You will receive an automatic confirmation upon submission. Keep the reference number
   it contains.
4. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly for an interview between 12 and 16
   October 2026. All applicants are notified of the outcome by the end of October 2026.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at
partnership@indonesianyouthdiplomacy.org or WhatsApp +62 813-2999-9814 (Adhan).

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) concluded PIONEER (Program for International Orientation and New-student Empowerment to Enhance Readiness) on Friday, 25 September 2026, with International Cultural Day as its final programme. The event brought together UGM international and local students to celebrate cultural diversity through performances, international cuisine, cultural booths, and cultural exchange activities.

Held at Museum UGM, the event offered participants an opportunity to experience diverse cultures while connecting with members of the UGM international community. Through cultural performances, international culinary offerings, and interactive booths, participants were invited to explore cultural traditions and learn from one another in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

The final day of PIONEER 2026 began with opening remarks from the Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in fostering connections among students and creating opportunities for members of the UGM community to learn from one another and appreciate different cultural backgrounds.

“In higher education, especially at UGM, it is not only about learning in the classroom, studying statistics and mathematics, or learning Bahasa Indonesia. More importantly, it is about building friendships. With the facilities, connections, and environment available at UGM, you have the opportunity to learn from one another and gain a better understanding of different perspectives. Hopefully, when you return to your home countries, you will bring your experiences from Yogyakarta with you and share the connections you have made,” he said. 

The event also featured two talk show sessions with high-achieving local and international UGM students, providing a platform for participants to exchange experiences and perspectives. Through the discussions and Q&A sessions, participants gained insights into academic life and cross-cultural experiences at UGM while fostering greater understanding and connections among students from diverse backgrounds. The cultural celebration continued with cultural performances by international students from Thailand, Lithuania, and South Korea, showcasing diverse musical and cultural expressions. 

Not only UGM local and international students, the event was also attended by representatives from various UGM faculties, reflecting the university’s efforts to create a welcoming and engaging learning environment for international students beyond the classroom. 

Visitors explored a diverse range of flavours from various countries, including Myanmar’s Three Styles of Tea Leaf Salad, Pakistani Biryani, Turkmenistan’s Traditional Turkmen Pilaf, Afghanistan’s Kabuli Palau, and Timor-Leste’s Batar Daan, alongside specialties from France, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, and other countries. Through the cultural booths, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of culinary offerings while gaining deeper insights into the cultures and traditions behind them.

Additionally, the event also featured a cultural booth by the Yogyakarta Special Region Tourism Office, which introduced local cultural heritage through a live cooking demonstration of traditional apem, traditional clothing try-on activities, and a batik experience. The collaboration provided international students with opportunities to engage directly with Yogyakarta’s cultural traditions while strengthening connections between the university and local stakeholders in promoting cultural exchange.

As the final programme of PIONEER 2026, International Cultural Day brought the series to a close by celebrating diversity and intercultural connections within the UGM community. The event provided a platform for students to exchange experiences, appreciate different cultures, and build meaningful connections across cultural backgrounds, reflecting UGM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community that is locally rooted and globally respected. 

What does it mean to become part of an international organization as a university student? Beyond joining a community, it is an opportunity to develop leadership, expand global perspectives, and contribute to meaningful change. These values were reflected in Youth Today x Join AIESEC (YTJA) 2026, organized by AIESEC in UGM as part of its annual membership recruitment.

Held on September 12, 2026 at the Harjono Danoesastro Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture UGM, YTJA 2026 served as a continuation from the AIESEC 2026 recruitment process. It also served as a platform for students to gain a deeper understanding of AIESEC’s values, leadership development, and opportunities for global engagement.

The recruitment process was held in August during the Gelanggang Expo 2026, attracting more than 850 applicants from the 2025 cohort and new UGM students, reflecting students’ enthusiasm for opportunities to learn, connect, and grow through an international youth-led organization. 

In YTJA 2026, through leadership discussions and sharing sessions, participants were introduced to the idea that leadership is shaped through experience, continuous learning, and the willingness to step beyond one’s comfort zone. The stories of AIESEC in UGM members who participated in international exchanges in Vietnam and Thailand also highlighted how cross-cultural experiences can foster adaptability, intercultural understanding, and a commitment to creating social impact.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, these exchange experiences demonstrated how youth can contribute to communities through education while learning from diverse cultural environments. For AIESEC in UGM, international exchange is not merely about travelling abroad, but about empowering young people to become globally minded individuals who are ready to take action and contribute to sustainable development.

Participants were also given the opportunity to interact directly with members from various AIESEC in UGM departments. This allowed them to explore different areas of organizational work, understand the responsibilities of each department, and discover opportunities for personal and professional growth.

“This event gives an opportunity for new students to get to know various campus organizations, like AIESEC in UGM. In AIESEC, we value learning and development, so new students have nothing to fear from us,” explained Falah Aqlyalanadhif, Staff Member of Talent Analytics & Consultant.

Karin, one of the YTJA 2026 participants, shared her positive experience of the event.

“It was very fun,” she said. “From the beginning, the seniors welcomed us with such warm energy. Then we were divided into several groups, in which I got the chance to interact with many people, share stories, and expand our networks.”

She also highlighted how YTJA helped her gain a deeper understanding of AIESEC.

“YTJA leaves a positive impact for us. Through this session, I get to know more about AIESEC, what its aim is, and how AIESEC in UGM is organized,” she added.

Through Youth Today x Join AIESEC 2026, AIESEC in UGM continues to provide a platform for students to develop a leadership mindset, broaden their international outlook, and engage with opportunities that create social impact. As part of UGM’s vibrant student community, AIESEC in UGM contributes to nurturing globally aware and socially responsible young leaders who are ready to take initiative and support sustainable development.

The event reflects the importance of international student engagement in preparing young people to navigate an interconnected world, embrace diversity, and translate their experiences into meaningful contributions to society.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a courtesy visit from a delegation of the University of Tartu, Estonia, on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The visit marks a new milestone in the partnership between the two universities under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme.

The visit served two main purposes, a courtesy call combined with the implementation of staff mobility activities under the Erasmus+ Programme for the Mobility of Higher Education Students and Staff, and academic discussions with UGM faculty members through guest lecture sessions, podcast, field trips and networking sessions to build people-to-people connections between the two institutions.

The partnership between UGM and the University of Tartu began with an introduction facilitated by the Indonesian Ambassador to Finland in April 2026. This visit is aimed to strengthen institutional ties between UGM and the University of Tartu, opening pathways for expanded staff and student mobility, joint research initiatives, and collaborative teaching across disciplines including law, social and political sciences, economics, and religious and cultural studies. 

Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc. said that the signing of the Erasmus+ agreement earlier this year marked a significant step forward for the university’s international engagement. “Our centre for Islamic and cross-cultural studies reflects Indonesia’s remarkable diversity, and we see real potential to collaborate deeply with the University of Tartu, given their long-standing experience with Europe. This partnership matters to us, building on our existing cooperation schemes, with programmes we hope to bring nationwide and introduce across our Faculty of Economics and Business and Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, ” he said.

Associate Professor of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies; Head of the Centre for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Dr. Elo Süld remarked, “Tartu and UGM share a genuine commitment to academic exchange and mutual learning. This first mobility under our Erasmus+ project is an important step, and we hope it will open the door to broader people-to-people connections between our two universities,” she said. 

With the visit, UGM and University of Tartu reaffirm their commitment to advancing international academic collaboration. Looking ahead, both universities are building on this first mobility under the Erasmus+ programme to develop long-term partnership in research, teaching, and cross-cultural exchange, further strengthening ties in the years ahead. 

A delegation from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) visited Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Monday, 14 September 2026, to discuss the expansion of academic cooperation between the two institutions. The visit served as an opportunity for both universities to explore potential areas of collaboration and to strengthen institutional ties between Indonesia and Namibia. 

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation between NUST and UGM beyond existing arrangements, with discussions centered on joint research collaboration in agriculture, food security, and public health, as well as capacity-building initiatives.

The Discussion with Prof. Dr. Ir. Taryono, M.Sc. from Faculty of Agriculture and his team, further identifying potential areas of cooperation in agriculture, health, and nutrition, including curriculum development, infrastructure planning, laboratory facilities, and specialized equipment. These areas of mutual interest could provide opportunities for students, academics, researchers from both universities to engage in future collaborative activities.

As a next step, the two institutions formalize the expanded cooperation through signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining specific fields of collaboration. UGM and NUST also established joint working groups to identify concrete research and academic exchange initiatives for further collaboration.

Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc. said the signing marked a significant step forward for the university’s international engagement. “We are pleased to welcome the delegation from NUST and to further strengthen the cooperation between our two institutions. This visit reflects our shared commitment to advancing higher education and research that benefits both Indonesia and Namibia,” he said. 

The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and foster cross-cultural academic synergies. By combining UGM’s established academic strengths with NUST’s specialised expertise in technological advancement in Southern Africa, both institutions seek to address pressing global challenges through joint academic publications, joint grant applications, and enhanced mobility opportunities for researchers and students alike, opening new avenues for collaborative research that addresses shared development challenges faced by both countries.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Teaching and Learning Namibia University of Science and Technology Prof. Teresia Kaulihowa remarked, the collaboration reflected the shared values of the partner organisations. “’This visit to UGM is an important step in expanding our institutional partnership. We see great potential for collaboration in agriculture and we look forward to building a long-term relationship that benefits both our students and researchers,” she said.

Looking ahead, UGM and NUST will continue to explore the identified potential areas for further collaboration, an initiative that also aligns with UGM’s commitment to expanding meaningful global partnerships and fostering international cooperation that contributes to academic excellence, research development, innovation, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

 

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed representatives from Boeing for a meeting to explore potential collaboration in education, research, and talent development on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at UGM Central Office.

The meeting brought together Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, and Boeing representatives Veronika Andrews, MBA, Project Manager at Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), and Bramantya Djermani, BSIE., MBA., CAAS, Production Engineer Lead and Senior Industrial Engineer for BCA Advisor.

The discussion focused on identifying potential areas of collaboration by aligning Boeing’s industry expertise with UGM’s academic and research strengths. 

Dr. Danang highlighted UGM’s multidisciplinary expertise and diverse talent pool as potential areas for collaboration with Boeing, particularly in fields relevant to the aerospace and aviation industry.

“If Boeing is looking for talent, UGM has a strong pool of talent across various fields that can support Boeing’s development needs,” he stated.

Bramantya Djermani also expressed interest in exploring collaboration, particularly in science and engineering. “We are interested in exploring opportunities for collaboration in the fields of science and engineering, where UGM has strong academic and research capabilities,” he said.

During the meeting, Boeing presented its Indonesia University Roadshow, an initiative aimed at identifying potential areas of collaboration with Indonesian universities. The presentation outlined several programs to engage with universities and support talent development, including Lectures Series, Mentorship, and Internship Programs.

Among the programs discussed was the Lectures Series, an eight-week program covering various topics related to engineering and the aerospace industry. The program would provide university students with opportunities to learn from Boeing professionals in areas such as standardized production systems, aircraft product development, airplane structure analysis, experimental flight testing, and professional development.

Boeing also introduced its mentorship program, which aims to help fresh graduates and early-career professionals prepare for the engineering work environment. Internship opportunities were also presented as part of Boeing’s talent development initiatives. 

Veronika Andrews encouraged UGM students to explore opportunities to gain industry experience and build their careers in the aerospace industry.

“I would like students to learn more about Boeing’s internship opportunities and explore the possibilities of building their careers with Boeing,” she said.

Moving forward, UGM and Boeing will continue discussions to explore further collaboration, particularly the proposed eight-week lecture series in 2027. The initiative is expected to broaden UGM students’ understanding of the aerospace industry and its professional opportunities. 

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Robert Gordon University (RGU) on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the UGM Central Office. The MoU provides an umbrella for both universities to initiate academic cooperations and develop mutual areas of collaboration. 

Welcoming the partnership, UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., expressed hope that the collaboration would grow beyond the education sector and lead to a deeper partnership between the two universities. 

“RGU’s experience in online teaching provides an opportunity for us to explore and develop joint educational programs that can further strengthen our academic collaboration,” he stated.

The relationship between UGM and RGU was initially developed through the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), which has a strong connection with RGU’s Aberdeen Business School through membership in the Network of International Business and Economic Schools (NIBES). Building on this connection, both institutions have explored opportunities to expand their cooperation at the university level. 

Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Partnerships and Alumni of FEB UGM, Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., outlined several potential programs that could be developed through the partnership, including collaborative teaching, double-degree programs, summer programs, internships, and entrepreneurship programs.

“There are several areas that we can explore together, including collaborative teaching, double-degree programs, summer programs, internships, and entrepreneurship programs,” he stated.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Resources) of RGU, Dr. Duncan Cockburn, welcomed the opportunity to establish a broader institutional relationship with UGM. He described the partnership as a privilege and pointed to several similarities between the two universities.

“It is a great privilege to be able to collaborate with one of the oldest universities in Indonesia. UGM and RGU have many things in common, including the fact that both universities are named after prominent figures,” he said.

Dr. Cockburn further identified entrepreneurship, sustainability education, and environmental science as areas with potential for future cooperation. He also expressed hope that the MoU would mark the beginning of closer collaboration between the two universities.

“We see strong potential for collaboration across a range of areas, including entrepreneurship, sustainability education, and environmental science, where our universities share common interests and values. We look forward to exploring these and other opportunities as the partnership develops,” he added.

Moving forward, two RGU delegates are scheduled to visit the UGM Faculty of Engineering in October to discuss potential areas of cooperation in greater detail. The visit will provide an opportunity for both universities to further explore areas of mutual interest and develop potential collaborative initiatives.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with EducationUSA Indonesia, hosted an information session titled “Graduate Study in USA” on Tuesday, 15 September 2026. The session was open to the entire UGM civitas academica, including students, alumni, staff, and lecturers interested in pursuing postgraduate study in the United States. Participants received direct guidance from EducationUSA advisors, covering general information on higher education opportunities in the U.S., insights into studying at American universities, preparation for postgraduate study, an introduction to Education USA’s advising services, and information about the upcoming EducationUSA Fair Yogyakarta 2026.

The session featured Zaki Masani Zulkarnain from EducationUSA Indonesia, who delivered a presentation on graduate study opportunities in the United States, followed by an interactive discussion with participants.

The session was designed to equip participants with a clearer understanding of the pathway toward postgraduate study in the U.S. from exploring university and program options, to navigating the application process, and identifying the resources available to support a successful transition into American graduate education. Through direct guidance from EducationUSA advisors, the program aims to bridge the information gap that often becomes a barrier for prospective applicants, particularly around admissions requirements, funding opportunities, and academic preparation.

Beyond providing general information, the session also supported members of the UGM academic community in preparing for postgraduate study abroad. Participants gained insights into studying at U.S. universities, along with guidance, resources, and advising services to help them navigate their preparation for graduate-level education.