The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), welcomed a visit from students of Osnabrück University, Germany, on Tuesday (October 21, 2025). The program aimed to provide international students with the opportunity to directly learn about the dynamics of the local economy, innovation in creative industries, and the sustainability values embedded in Yogyakarta’s MSME ecosystem.
The first industrial partner visited was Mazaraat Artisan Cheese, a family-owned and operated business specializing in the production of handcrafted cheese. The students listened to the story behind the company’s establishment, its sales system, production process, and product distribution network, which spans various regions in Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara.
They also had the chance to visit the cheese storage room and taste a variety of cheeses, including Athan (Camembert du Merapi), Khayya (Crottin Blue Goat Cheese), Ibra (Blue Cheese), Halloumi (Hard Cheese), and Ghee (Clarified Butter). One of the most exciting moments was the mozzarella stretching demonstration, where students enthusiastically observed how the mozzarella became elastic and ready to be sliced and eaten.
Aya Al Nouri, a student from Osnabrück University, was momentarily speechless upon entering the cheese storage room. A look of awe and curiosity appeared on her face as the pungent aroma of fermentation filled the air.
“The smell is really intense, but this is such a unique and fun experience since I’ve never visited a cheese-making industry before. It’s truly inspiring to see how a small-scale place like this can produce so many varieties of cheese,” Aya said.
The next destination was PT. Bambu Nusa Verde (BNV) is a biotechnology company focusing on micropropagation to multiply new bamboo seedlings in the laboratory using small parts of the parent plant.
At BNV, students explored the laboratory, greenhouse, and nursery areas, learning about the plant propagation process from initiation to the stage at which the seedlings are ready for planting.
Another Osnabrück University student, Jan Markmeyer, shared that the visit broadened his perspective on how Indonesia’s green industries can integrate technology with environmental preservation efforts. He noted that in Germany, bamboo is not yet widely used for construction or similar purposes.
Jan was also deeply impressed during his visit to Hamzah Batik, where he witnessed the batik-making process for the first time and gained a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture.
“This experience is truly memorable and something I will never forget,” Jan expressed.
This visit became a valuable opportunity for the Osnabrück University students to gain a deeper understanding of Yogyakarta’s culture, industries, and entrepreneurial spirit. Through this activity, they not only acquired academic insights but also gained new perspectives on the potential and diversity of Yogyakarta’s creative economy.
Reporter: Shofi Hawa Anjani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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