By Muhammad Adam Haikal bin Mohamad Zahimi, Associate Professor Dr. Shakinaz Desa, Ts Dr. Afiq Radzwan, and Dr. Riswan Efendi.
Malang, Indonesia – A group of 20 students together with three lecturers and one strategic partner from the Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM) joined an academic mobility programme at Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia. The programme was organised by Associate Professor Dr. Shakinaz Desa, Dr. Afiq Radzwan, and Dr. Riswan Efendi.
This meaningful programme gave FSM students the chance to experience international learning environments, build new global friendships, and gain more knowledge to improve their academic and personal skills. At the same time, FSM lecturers focused on building long-term collaborations that could benefit future students and research opportunities.
The programme started with an exciting field trip to explore Indonesia’s natural biodiversity. Led by lecturers and students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Negeri Malang, and supported by local zoology experts, FSM participants visited the Lutong Jawa Conservation Centre. The area was full of beautiful plants and animals, and students learned directly about local conservation efforts to protect the Lutong Jawa. This hands-on activity helped the students understand more about environmental science and opened ideas for future research related to forest and wildlife conservation.
In the afternoon, students joined several workshops to make their learning more interesting. One of the cultural highlights was a traditional Javanese dance performance called Tari Gambyong, presented by students from Universitas Malang. The dance was full of graceful hand and body movements, colourful traditional clothes, and expressive facial gestures. It also carries deep meanings from Javanese culture and teaches moral values and harmony with nature. FSM students were amazed by the performance and said it gave them a new appreciation for Indonesian culture and art.
During the visit, Associate Professor Dr. Shakinaz Desa also gave a lecture at Universitas Brawijaya. The lecture introduced an innovative teaching approach in biochemistry known as heutagogy, which focuses on self-determined learning. This method encourages students to think critically and take more responsibility for their own learning. The talk gave FSM students new motivation to explore different ways of studying and problem-solving.
Besides the academic activities, the group also joined a jeep off-road trip around Batu, Indonesia. The adventure took them through mountains, plantations, and rocky rivers, giving them the chance to see the natural beauty of Batu. They also saw how the local people do farm and learned about the region’s fertile volcanic soil. Many students said this activity was one of their favourite parts because it built teamwork and created unforgettable memories.
Another special activity was a community outreach at a traditional Javanese village. The students got to experience the local lifestyle, try traditional food, and interact with the villagers. They were also asked to make a short promotional video about the village. Through this project, the students not only learned about local culture but also developed communication and teamwork skills. It also helped them understand more about the daily lives and values of the Javanese people.
At the end of the programme, Dr. Afiq Radzwan led a reflection session where students shared their experiences and feelings. Many students said the trip changed the way they think and gave them more confidence. They felt more open-minded after experiencing a new culture and academic system.
Overall, the FSM mobility programme in Malang was a valuable and unforgettable journey. It combined academic learning, culture, and adventure in one meaningful experience. The participants went home with new knowledge, friendships, and motivation to apply what they have learned. This programme also helped to strengthen the connection between FSM, Universitas Negeri Malang, and Universitas Brawijaya, opening new doors for future cooperation and exchange.