Weaving Togetherness in Diversity: International Students of the Faculty of Law UII Explore Culture and History in Magelang
The Undergraduate Study Program in Law of the Faculty of Law, Universitas Islam Indonesia, successfully organized the “Cultural Program, 2026” which took place over two days from Monday to Tuesday, January 26-27, 2026. This annual agenda is specifically designed to foster togetherness while providing international students at FH UII with a profound understanding of local culture.
The event was attended by 16 participants, consisting of international students and lecturers. Among them were Tom Oscar Burgess (Griffith University, Australia), a recipient of the New Colombo Plan scholarship, and four recipients of the Future Global Leaders Scholarship (FGLS UII): Feisal Saleh Bashir (Kenya), Abdulkadir Aminu Bichi (Nigeria), Adedoyin Yusuff Olatunji (Nigeria), and Firdoos Khan (Pakistan). Also in attendance were four Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship students: Ahmad Mansour Azimi (Afghanistan), as well as Muhammad Tahir Yahya, Faidat Temitope Balogun, and Rabiu Abdulmudallib Bello from Nigeria. Two international lecturers, Frances Annmarie Duffy, LL.M. (Ireland), and Ahmad Saad Ahmad Al-Dafrawi, Ph.D. (Iraq), also participated in the festivities, accompanied by five student buddies from the International Program class of 2025: Feivel Fathirulhaq, Nanda Julyan Nugraha, Fadhlan Novrizal Dwi Saputro, Aliyah Dwi Meisya, and Elza Aurelya.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Law UII, Prof. Dr. Budi Agus Riswandi, S.H., M.Hum., emphasized the importance of cultural adaptation. “This program is vital for introducing the richness of Indonesian culture and the social landscape of the country so that international students can adapt more easily. We hope that after completing their studies, they will become ambassadors for Indonesian culture and the education provided at UII,” said Prof. Budi Agus Riswandi, S.H., M.Hum.
The choice of Magelang as the location was intentional. The Head of the Undergraduate Program in Law, Dodik Setiawan Nur Heriyanto, S.H., M.H., LL.M., Ph.D., explained that Magelang possesses a noble and high cultural heritage, such as the Borobudur and Mendut temples. “This location holds a powerful history of interfaith harmony in Indonesia. We want international students to understand that Indonesia is known not only for its natural beauty—like its beaches and mountains—tbt also for its historical symbols of tolerance that have flourished for centuries,” explained Dodik Setiawan Nur Heriyanto, S.H., M.H., LL.M., Ph.D.
Beyond the cultural aspects, participants were also provided with legal insights through a session titled “Introduction to Indonesian Employment Law and Working in Indonesia as a Foreigner,” presented by Ayunita Nur Rohanawati, S.H., M.H. During the session, which was moderated by Siti Hapsah Isfardiyana, S.H., M.H., students enthusiastically discussed opportunities to contribute to Indonesia, ranging from professional employment to supporting the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector by building international business networks.
The excitement of the event continued as participants engaged in traditional games at Kampoeng Dolanan Borobudur, including the angklung (bamboo instrument), dakon (mancala), egrang bambu (bamboo stilts), gasing (spinning tops), and bakiak (long wooden clogs). To conclude the program, participants explored the majesty of Mendut Temple and enjoyed an adrenaline-pumping rafting session on the Elo River. At the end of the program, students were assigned a reflective task to create a creative piece about their most memorable experiences during the event.
