Semarang – A total of 13 students from the Sociology and Anthropology Education Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES), are participating in GIAT International VI, hosted by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The 15-day international program runs from July 28 to August 11, 2026, and has been officially recognized as equivalent to the Community Service Program (KKN) and the School Field Experience Program (PLP).
The participating students are Jill Charissa Nurul Farhanisya, Ina Budiasti, Kezia Gloria Nababan, Alia Mufidah Rahmah, Muhammad Bhakti Afani, Mutiara Ningrum, Novan Denis Hardinata, Alya Ifanka, Afzi Auda Fatiroh, Muhammad Hendrie Fauzan, Laras Destri Ananda, Chantiqa Nurul Nisa Dharma Putri, and Ahda Sabila. During their stay in Malaysia, they will engage in a variety of academic activities, community engagement programs, cultural exchanges, and environmental conservation initiatives alongside the academic community of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
GIAT International VI is designed to strengthen students’ global competencies through cross-border collaboration and experiential learning. The program includes Community Engagement Programs (Program Khidmat Komuniti) in Kalumpang and Kuala Lumpur, cultural and heritage exploration activities, language classes, handicraft workshops, traditional culinary workshops, environmental conservation projects, exhibitions, and a Closing Ceremony showcasing collaborative achievements between Indonesian and Malaysian students.
On August 1, 2026, the participants will introduce the cultural heritage of Semarang through the “All About Semarang” program, featuring a workshop and tasting session of Semarang’s traditional cuisine, as well as a Batik Fan-Making Workshop. This activity aims to introduce Indonesian culture to the Malaysian community and students through interactive and educational experiences.
The following day, August 2, the students will organize a Jumputan Batik Workshop and introduce traditional Indonesian games to the community in Kuala Lumpur. These activities are intended to promote Indonesia’s cultural heritage while fostering intercultural interaction and strengthening friendship between the people of Indonesia and Malaysia.
The cultural exploration program continues on August 3 with language classes and a Bottle Cap Souvenir Workshop, encouraging participants to learn about language, culture, and creative recycling by transforming simple waste materials into meaningful souvenirs. On August 4, the students will conduct a Traditional Indonesian Food and Beverage Workshop, featuring jamu (traditional herbal drink), pecel (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), and gethuk (cassava cake), introducing Malaysia to Indonesia’s rich culinary heritage while sharing the cultural philosophies behind these traditional foods.
In addition to promoting Indonesian culture, GIAT International VI also emphasizes environmental sustainability. On August 9, the participants will take part in a Community Engagement Program focusing on charcoal briquette production as an environmentally friendly alternative energy initiative. The activity provides students with practical knowledge on converting biomass waste into sustainable energy while fostering greater awareness of global environmental challenges.
The program will conclude with the Closing Ceremony and Exhibition on August 8, where UNNES students will showcase the outcomes of their activities through cultural performances and exhibitions. The event symbolizes the strong friendship, academic collaboration, and cultural exchange between Universitas Negeri Semarang and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
The participation of Sociology and Anthropology Education students in GIAT International VI reflects the study program’s commitment to preparing graduates with global perspectives, intercultural competence, and strong collaborative skills. Through direct engagement with Malaysian communities and the academic environment at UTM, students are expected to strengthen their intercultural communication skills, leadership abilities, and social sensitivity—essential competencies for future educators and social scientists.
This international program also aligns with Universitas Negeri Semarang’s commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GIAT International VI contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing international experiential learning opportunities and enhancing students’ global competencies. The cultural exchange and promotion of Indonesia’s cultural heritage support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by preserving local traditions and strengthening cultural identity. The charcoal briquette conservation program contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting environmental awareness and the use of alternative, sustainable energy sources. Furthermore, the collaboration between UNNES and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia represents a tangible implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international academic networks, promoting student mobility, and fostering cross-border cooperation in advancing high-quality and sustainable higher education.
