DARMASISWA is a scholarship program offered to all foreign students from countries which have diplomatic relationship with Indonesia to study Bahasa Indonesia, arts, music and crafts. Participants can choose one of 45 different universities located in different cities in Indonesia. This program is organized by the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) in cooperation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

 

    The DARMASISWA program was started in 1974 as part of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) initiative, admitting only students from ASEAN. However, in 1976 this program was extended to include students from other countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and USA. In early 90's, this program was extended further to include all countries which have diplomatic relationship with Indonesia. Until to date, the number of countries participating in this program is more than 75 countries.

 

    The main purpose of the DARMASISWA program is to promote and increase the interest in the language and culture of Indonesia among the youth of other countries. It has also been designed to provide stronger cultural links and understanding among participating countries.

 

    Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia is one of among many universities in Indonesia that hold the Darmasiswa program. Since 2008, Atma Jaya has accepted more in upcoming academic years. Atma Jaya provides some chances for foreign students to learn Bahasa Indonesia, and practice gamelan, a traditional Javanese music orchestra regularly in one of Atma Jaya students’ activities (Karawitan Jawi). They will also be accompanied by Atma Jaya students who understand English well. They called as Buddies. The Buddies will help them to adapt and explain many things about campus life. They can also join student activities that they are interested without considering their Bahasa Indonesia’s proficiency.

 

    The program also provides foreign students chances to come and join regular classes if their Bahasa Indonesia’s proficiency is considered enough to follow the lecturers. There are also some activities out of classrooms such as study tour to museums or tourist destinations which will help the foreign students to understand Indonesian cultures more.