Yogyakarta, 17 September 2025 - Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) welcomed a group of students from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore through the Overseas Education & Learning Programme (OELP) Batch 5. One of the main highlights of their visit was a batik workshop, aimed at introducing Indonesia’s cultural heritage while strengthening academic and cultural collaboration between the two institutions. The activity also reflected several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The batik workshop began with an introduction to the history, philosophy, and types of batik, delivered by a UNY lecturer and artisan. The session then moved into a hands-on practice where the Singaporean students tried using the traditional canting tool and melted wax to create patterns on cloth. They were accompanied by UNY students from various Faculty who helped foster interaction and cultural sharing throughout the event.
Excitement filled the atmosphere as the participants proudly completed simple batik motifs with colors of their choice. For many of them, it was their first time experiencing the patience and precision required in batik-making. “Joining this batik workshop was truly exciting. It’s not only about learning a traditional craft, but also about understanding Indonesian culture and building new friendships here,” said one of the exchange students from Nanyang Polytechnic. The involvement of more than a dozen students from Nanyang Polytechnic also highlighted the workshop’s role in promoting international collaboration. In addition to cultural appreciation, the activity supported SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as batik plays a key role in Indonesia’s creative economy.
Through the OELP program, UNY reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the SDGs by integrating cultural heritage into globally oriented education. The university expressed hope that similar workshops and exchange activities will continue in the future, enabling international students to experience Indonesia’s rich traditions while expanding global academic partnerships.
