Surakarta, May 9, 2025 — Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to internationalizing higher education through its Inbound Mobility Program. On Friday, May 9, 2025, students from Uzbekistan—representing Bukhara University of Innovation and Millat Umidi University—took part in a thrilling Jeep Tour exploring the scenic tea plantations of Kemuning, located in Karanganyar, Central Java.
The activity marked the fifth day of the week-long Inbound Mobility agenda at UMS, designed to immerse international students in Indonesia’s academic and cultural life. Beyond campus experiences, the program offers real-life engagement through cultural exchange, nature exploration, and social interaction with local communities and UMS students.
In Kemuning, a highland area known for its sweeping green tea fields and fresh mountain air, the students were treated to a unique off-road adventure aboard open-air jeeps. The journey through the winding hill trails not only offered stunning landscapes but also an unforgettable cultural and environmental experience.
The tour also served as a platform for meaningful exchanges between the visiting students and the local community. Along the route and during stops at various points of interest, they engaged in conversations, shared perspectives, and built new friendships. These interactions became a highlight of the day and a valuable addition to their cultural learning journey.
One of the participants, Gulrukhsor, expressed her excitement:
“Hello, I am Gulrukhsor. I am so happy because of this exchange program. This 1-week program gave us many opportunities. Also, people are very friendly and we have made a lot of friends here. We visited several places like Batik Laweyan, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and also we did jeep tour. Thanks for everyone who helped us and gave us this chance.”
Another student, Sakhlo, shared how the jeep tour left a lasting impression:
“This is my first time doing a jeep tour, and it was truly unforgettable. The fresh air, the green hills, and the whole experience were so exciting. I have never done anything like this before, and I feel very lucky to be part of this program.”
Prior to the jeep tour, the students visited several key cultural and educational landmarks including Batik Laweyan, where they learned the traditional art of batik directly from local artisans, and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Solo, a symbol of tolerance and diversity.
Through the Inbound Mobility Program, UMS reaffirms its dedication to fostering a globally engaged academic environment. The program is part of UMS’s broader institutional efforts to create an inclusive, human-centered, and transformative educational ecosystem. By bringing together students from across borders, UMS promotes intercultural understanding and builds international networks rooted in peace, learning, and collaboration.
By integrating academic, cultural, and social components, UMS remains committed to offering impactful learning experiences for both international and local students—strengthening its role in shaping global citizenship through higher education.
