Experiencing Jakarta Through Urbanisation on Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) 2026
1/4/2026 12:00:00 AM
Jakarta, 4-30 January 2026 – Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia (AJCUI) once again had the pleasure of welcoming participants of the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) Summer Program 2025/2026, held in Jakarta from January to early February 2026. The program brought together nearly 180 Monash University students, supported by Monash academics, ACICIS staff, and local partners, for an immersive learning experience centered on Urbanization and Energy Security in Indonesia. Throughout the program, Jakarta became a living classroom. Students were invited to move beyond theory and engage directly with the social, cultural, and environmental realities of one of Southeast Asia’s largest metropolitan cities. This year’s GIG was divided into two batches, in which each batch experienced Jakarta for two weeks.
By beginning their journey with Jakarta Quest, the students of Monash University immersed themselves in cultural activities and places outside the university. During their time at AJCUI, the students joined language classes, local insight lecturers, and reflective discussions that were guided by Monash and Atma Jaya academics. The local insight sessions were led by many lecturers of AJCUI such as Prof. Fransisca Saveria Sika Ery Seda, M.A., Ph.D., Harry Seldadyo Gunardi, Ph.D, Dr. Ir. Lukas, MAI, CISA, IPM, and Dr. Ir. Marsul Siregar, M.Eng. These sessions provided a strong conceptual foundation, linking global urbanisation theories with Indonesia’s specific socio-economic conditions. In addition to seminar and classroom learning, students were encouraged to engage actively with local perspectives as one of the defining elements of the GIG program. Students visited key sites in Jakarta and its surroundings to observe the city’s historical context and current condition, including Kampung Nelayan Cilincing, Hunian Komunitas Akuarium, and Kota Tua Jakarta. By staying true to the main theme of GIG “Energy Security & Urbanization”, the program addressed sustainability and energy issues by conducting a visit to Bantar Gebang Waste-to-Energy Facilities. These site visits enabled participants to connect academic concepts with lived realities, making learning tangible and impactful.
Cultural exchange became furtherly enriched through close interactions with UNIKA Atma Jaya Student Buddies, who played an essential role in enhancing the students’ overall experience in Jakarta. Serving not only as companions but also as cultural bridges, the buddies supported participants throughout the program by sharing local insights, facilitating informal discussions, and helped the students to navigate daily life in Indonesia. Their presence created a more welcoming and relatable environment, allowing visiting students to engage more deeply with local culture and campus life. A highlight of the interaction was Sports Day, held on Saturday and led by the Student Buddies. During the event, participants engaged in various traditional Indonesian games, allowing them to experience local culture in a fun and interactive manner. The buddies also introduced the students to a variety of traditional Indonesian snacks, increasing culinary dimension to the cultural exchange. To foster greater camaraderie, the Student Buddies presented light-hearted awards and gifts, such as Funniest Student and Most Indonesian Student, creating moments of laughter and connection.
The cultural exchange culminated in theclosing ceremony, during which the Student Buddies performed an Indonesian dance medley showcasing the richness and diversity of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The performance, together with the final student presentations, marked a meaningful conclusion to the program, celebrating not only academic learning but also the strong interpersonal bonds formed throughout the immersion. Through its continued collaboration with Monash University, UNIKA Atma Jaya reaffirms its commitment to international education initiatives that emphasize experiential learning, intercultural dialogue, and student-centered global engagement. (RBA)
