On the 8th day of SUNTOPiS Program Participants went on a trip that broadened their understanding of Indonesia’s social and political dynamics through a visit to the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP).

The agenda of the visit to FISIP began with the screening of a short and thought-provoking documentary film, entitled “Deep in: Indonesia.” The film provides an in-depth insight into the daily lives of the Indonesian people, expressing their views, values, and experiences. This documentary showcases the cultural richness that unites the vast Indonesian archipelago.

Participants were highly engaged with the movie and eagerly shared the similarities and differences between their cultures and Indonesian culture. For example, participants from Pakistan noted several cultural similarities, attributing them to both countries being in the Asian region and having a majority Muslim population.

After the screening, participants were divided into small groups to take part in an interactive “Small Group Discussion”. Each group discusses a predetermined theme, with diverse topics designed to spark critical thinking. These topics include The Nusantara Capital City Project (IKN) and Its Impact on Southeast Asia, Corruption and Development in Indonesia, Energy and Environment in East Kalimantan, Understanding Global Politics and its Issues, and Digital Security in Indonesia.

For lunch, FISIP provided Soto Banjar, offering participants a glimpse of a traditional dish often served at formal and family occasions by the locals. This added a cultural touch to the day’s activities, allowing participants to experience the rich culinary heritage of the East Borneo region.

The day’s activities concluded on a unifying note with a “Sing Along” session of Michael Jackson’s song “Heal the World,” which carries a message of peace and hope for a better world. 

Rapporteur: Zhafira Shifahana