UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta inaugurated the students of the Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka (Independent Student Exchange) program Batch 3 of 2023 and students of the exchange program under the Independent Campus Competition Program (PKKM) initiative. The inauguration took place at the UNS Inn’s Indraprasta Room on Tuesday (22/8/2023). A total of 219 students from both programs were inaugurated directly by the Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs UNS, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ahmad Yunus, M.S.
The inauguration began with a report from the Coordinator of the UNS PMM Program, Dr. Emmy Latifah, S.H., M.H. There were 194 PMM students from 40 universities outside of Java. In addition, three universities independently sent their students. These three universities are Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat, which sent 11 students; Universitas Andalas, which sent 9 students; and Universitas Negeri Makassar, which sent 5 students.
“This data shows that UNS is attractive. UNS is one of the places of study that is a reference for students. When there is a student exchange program, UNS always gets an overwhelming number of participants,” Dr. Emmy said.
During this opportunity, Dr. Emmy also introduced the UNS PMM team, Nusantara Lecturers, and Liaison Officers (LO), who can be contacted by students when needed. In addition to studying, Dr. Emmy encouraged students to gain more experience and get to know the culture of Solo City.
The PMM UNS students are led by someone known as the ‘tribal leader’. He is Jodi Eryansyah, a student from Universitas Sriwijaya (Unsri). In his remarks, Jodi expressed his gratitude on behalf of his fellow students for being accepted into the UNS PMM program. He encouraged the PMM students to explore more broadly and not just be ‘butterfly’ students, attending classes and returning home.
“Relationships, experiences, and insights are important. Don’t be ‘butterfly’ students. There are many facilities, experiences, and knowledge that you can’t find in your hometown but are provided at UNS,” Jodi said.
The diversity of cultures that the PMM students have will enhance each other’s perspectives while studying at UNS. Exploration is the key to broadening these perspectives. Jodi also encouraged his peers to explore Solo City and its surroundings. He urged the PMM students to take advantage of the exploration opportunities they might not have had in their hometown.
Furthermore, he reminded everyone to maintain harmony and camaraderie among the PMM students. As social beings, students need to collaborate and unite to help each other.
At the end of the session, Prof. Yunus delivered a speech and directly inaugurated the PMM students and the exchange students under the PKKM initiative. He said that students are fortunate to be able to participate in exchange programs. This is because during his time as a student, exchange programs were not yet available.
Prof. Yunus agreed that students should get to know and learn about the culture in Solo City. There are various remarkable places that are worth exploring during this student exchange opportunity. He also advised the students to prepare for global competition. This can be achieved through student exchange programs, internships, and collaborative research abroad.
“Now you should not only consider competition from within the country but also competition from friends from abroad,” Prof. Yunus said.
Humas UNS
Reporter: R. P. Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti