Surakarta, July 4, 2026 – Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), through its Directorate of Reputation, Partnership, and International Affairs (DRKUI), successfully organized Cultural Immersion 2026 as part of its international student support program. A total of 110 international students from various countries participated in the event, held in the scenic Kemuning area, Karanganyar Regency, on Saturday (July 4). The program was designed to introduce participants to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local community life beyond the classroom.
Ir. Wijianto, S.T., M.Eng.Sc., Head of the Hospitality Subdirectorate of DRKUI UMS, explained that Cultural Immersion is one of UMS’s flagship initiatives to provide international students with a holistic learning experience during their studies in Indonesia. Beyond academic excellence, the university encourages students to engage directly with Indonesian culture to support their adaptation and enrich their overall educational journey.
“Cultural Immersion 2026 reflects UMS’s commitment to providing a comprehensive learning experience for our international students. In addition to academic learning, we encourage students to experience Indonesia’s cultural values firsthand so that their adaptation process during their studies at UMS becomes more meaningful and rewarding,” said Wijianto.
He added that the participants represented various scholarship schemes, including the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship, The Indonesian AID Scholarship (TIAS), and the International Priority Scholarship (IPS) offered by UMS. The program serves as a complementary learning experience that enhances students’ academic journey while fostering interaction among international students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“We organize Cultural Immersion for all international students studying at UMS. After several weeks of academic activities, we hope this program provides them with new insights and experiences. It is an opportunity to strengthen friendships, enjoy a refreshing outdoor experience, and gain a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture and local community life,” he added.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in a variety of activities that combined cultural exploration with outdoor adventure. They experienced river tubing at Kalipucung and visited the Kemuning Tea Plantation, where they enjoyed the region’s natural landscapes while learning about local traditions and community life. These activities provided students with valuable opportunities to interact with local residents and gain firsthand insights into Indonesia’s cultural diversity.
More than a recreational trip, Cultural Immersion 2026 served as a platform to promote intercultural understanding and strengthen friendships among international students from different countries. The shared experiences encouraged participants to appreciate Indonesia’s cultural richness while building meaningful connections within UMS’s global community.
Through Cultural Immersion 2026, UMS reaffirmed its commitment to providing an inclusive, globally oriented learning environment rooted in Indonesia’s cultural values. By integrating academic excellence with cultural engagement, the university continues to ensure that international students enjoy a well-rounded educational experience and leave Indonesia with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of its people and traditions.
