Regina Claudia Setiawan, a student from the Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Study Program, Department of Agricultural Socioeconomics, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), Class of 2022, had the opportunity to participate in the 2024 Six University Initiative Japan Indonesia – Service Learning Program (SUIJI-SLP).
This program is part of a consortium between six universities in Japan and Indonesia, including Ehime University, Kagawa University, Kochi University, IPB University, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Universitas Hasanuddin. In 2024, 24 students from UGM’s Agro Cluster participated in the SUIJI-SLP program, including Regina Claudia Setiawan (EPA 2022), known as Eca. She took part in the program from September 7 to 24, 2024, at Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan, as well as in Ainan-Cho for the service-learning activities.
The 17-day program provided Eca with a deep understanding of the values and culture of the local community, as well as their way of life. She contributed to strengthening and developing the cultural potential and local resources of the community. As one of the selected students, she gained not only new insights but also actively participated in the community-based learning process that supports local potential development. This experience enriched her cultural understanding, fostered a sense of responsibility, and honed her skills.
“I’m very happy. I hope my friends will also join and enjoy this program. I hope this program can serve as a great steppingstone for agro-cluster students at UGM to gain knowledge and experience while still in college,” Eca shared.
The participation of Faculty of Agriculture students in this program reflects UGM’s efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Wilhelmina Alexandra Valmay Putri Aberth Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami
Documentation: Regina Claudia Setiawan