Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU) has welcomed a group of international students as part of its Indonesian Jamu program, a unique offering that has drawn interest from students worldwide. SCU’s Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Business Development, Dr. R. Probo Y. Nugrahedi, together with the International Affairs and Cooperation Office (IACO), warmly welcomed the new students at SCU’s Mikael Building, Bendan Campus 1, on Thursday, October 2, 2024. 

This year, SCU has accepted 10 international students, including four Darmasiswa scholarship recipients: Yuki Matsumoto (Japan), Taysir Slimi (Tunisia), Rajo Nirina R. (Madagascar), and Nikita Emamjomeh (Iran). The Darmasiswa program is a prestigious scholarship initiative aimed at facilitating foreign students from countries with diplomatic ties to Indonesia to study within the country. 

These four Darmasiswa students will be enrolled at SCU for two semesters, from September 2024 until June 2025. In addition to taking part in the Indonesian Language Program for Foreign Speakers (BIPA) managed by the Faculty of Language and Arts, they will also study three courses under the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP): Indonesian Cuisine, International Cuisine, and Herbal Food and Drink. The highlight of their program will be a hands-on course in Indonesian Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal medicine and beverage.

Attracted by the unique curriculum that includes Jamu studies, Taysir Slimi explained, “SCU is the only university offering studies in Jamu, which made it an obvious choice for me.” Yuki Matsumoto, a student from Keio University in Japan, shared a similar interest in Jamu, having visited Indonesia for the first time in 2023. Intrigued by the history and popularity of Jamu among Indonesians, he hopes to delve deeper into research on this traditional drink after completing his studies at SCU. “My first experience trying Jamu was in Yogyakarta. I sampled various types, and it was fascinating to see how popular this drink is in Indonesia and its long historical journey,” Yuki shared.

Beyond traditional Indonesian food and beverages, the students will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture and customs. Alongside students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), they will study Indonesian Tradition and Multi-Ethnicity, which explores the diversity of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

The Darmasiswa program remains a vital bridge for international academic exchange, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening ties between Indonesia and partner countries through educational collaboration.

Source: SCU