The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), and Hiroshima University of Economics (HUE) successfully presented an intercultural experience through the Indonesia International Contribution Project (IICP-HUE) 2025. For nearly two weeks, students from both countries learned firsthand about Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, particularly Tenun Lurik (traditional, striped, woven fabric). They participated in a series of activities that connected local communities, creative industries, and education.
This collaborative project between HUE and the Department of External Relations and Diplomacy of the Student Executive Board (BEM) FEB UGM involved nine HUE students and one accompanying lecturer, along with UGM students who actively participated in various activities. From August 29 to September 10, 2025, participants visited Pakel Arum in Moyudan, Sleman, to observe the traditional weaving process with the local Sleman weaving association. They also explored the Sonobudoyo Museum to study the history of tenun, met with local textile producers to help expand their markets, and visited Lawe Indonesia, a creative industry promoting woven products.
One of the program highlights was introducing Tenun Lurik to elementary school students. A total of 53 students from grades 1–3 and 6 learned about the history, types, and meanings of the motifs while receiving pencil cases with Tenun Lurik patterns as souvenirs—an effort to foster appreciation for local culture from a young age.
The opening session also featured a cultural exchange activity with Japan. UGM students learnt to play Paper Sumo, a traditional Japanese game, sparking friendly competition and laughter among the participants. This fun interaction strengthened bonds between students from both nations.
Wilma Juliana Margaretha Aguw (Management–IUP 2024), the Chair of IICP HUE Program, explained that the initiative aims to empower rural communities by promoting Tenun Lurik and other locally crafted products. It also provides UGM students with opportunities to build international relations, enhance collaboration skills beyond Indonesia, and broaden their cultural perspectives.
“We hope to continue this partnership in the future,” she said.
Dr. Takahiro Yamate, the accompanying lecturer from HUE, shared that this program has been running since 2006. Over the past two decades, more than 536 students from Japan and Indonesia have participated in it.
“Through this program, we hope to strengthen the relationship between Indonesian and Japanese students and encourage continued collaboration during their two weeks in Yogyakarta,” he expressed.
HUE delegation leader, Toshitaka Sago, also shared his impressions of the program. Having joined the IICP-HUE twice, he said that despite his prior experience, he still gained many new insights.
“Since this was my second time, I thought there wouldn’t be many surprises. However, I learned to broaden my perspective on challenges and issues that arise,” Toshitaka explained.
Meanwhile, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of FEB UGM, Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., expressed appreciation and gratitude to the HUE delegation and BEM FEB UGM for their commitment and cooperation throughout the program. He also hoped that participants would gain valuable lessons and insights from their time in Yogyakarta.
“We hope your experience here provides meaningful learning. FEB UGM is always open to discussing future collaborations. May the values you gained here serve as inspiration when you return to Japan,” he said.
Reporter: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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