After almost two weeks of an adventurous journey, finally came the last day of SUNTROPiS 2024 summer school. Almost all participants wore attires that resembled the culture where they originally came from to the Prof. Dr. H. Masjaya, M.Si Building’s theater room.

The Vice Head of the Committee, Mrs. Dr. RR. Dirgarini Julia Nurlianti S.Si.,M.Sc. said that it was like a deja vu in her heartfelt opening remark, as she recalled SUNTROPiS was the fourth successful summer school program from Mulawarman University. She thanked all the participants that had given their all during the whole program, as well as acknowledging the hard work that people worked behind the curtain.

Mr. Andi Ansharullah from Indonesia was the first to give the participant’s impression. He noted that it was never about being a particular group, a particular country member, nor a representative of self; it has always been about each other. He remembered that on the first day they were like strangers, but now the others have become part of the family as well. Then Ms. Khwunruthau Jeyalee from Thailand also had the opportunity for another participant’s impression. “It is not a farewell, but a new beginning. The spirit of SUNTROPiS will live on each other,” she said with gleams in her eyes.

Active scoring of group assignments were also done through presentation of 3D posters and video projects each group had made. Every representative of each group would do a brief presentation on their poster. They talked upon the background, concept, and the meaning of their work. Their video was also screened and watched together in the theater room. During the whole screening, participants and committee alike were seen shedding tears in the dim light. But when a humorous recollection appears, laughter spreads in the solemn moment.

Sulistyo Prabowo, S.TP., M.P., M.PH., Ph.D., as the Head of International Office & Excellent Program of Mulawarman University also delivered his speech, of where he jokingly poke fun of the “Suntropit-pit-pit” pun among the participants. His speech then ended with a sing along of the SUNTROPiS unofficial song, Heal the World by Michael Jackson.

Then a certificate handing session was also carried on for all of the participants as they completed the summer school program. On top of that, awarding sessions for several categories, winners for every game and projects were announced. Khwunruthau Jeyalee or Nadea from Thailand won the best participant category for her contribution in the program and her social presence.

Several performances from every country’s representatives were also seen during the whole ceremony. The Nigeria representative sang a “dangdut” solo with a monologue intro, Pakistan trio sang and danced together on stage, Thailand group showcased their traditional dance, and the Indonesian group gave a heartwarming surprise video dedicated to the buddies of SUNTROPiS. Not long after exchange of tearful hugs, the final performance was delivered by the buddies themselves. It ended with a high note, where the participants joined them on stage.

Then when it was officially closed by the masters of ceremony, all of the people in the room gave each other farewell hugs with misty eyes. Nevertheless, they were glad that they have made wonderful friends and memories in the SUNTROPiS 2024 program.

Rapporteur: Ester Lina