"In recent years, there have been issues of intolerance and holes in unity, so this PMM is one of the solutions (to the issues)," Arruzzi noted at the Freedom in Learning, Freedom in Campus (MBKM) cultural performance show at the Muhammadiyah University of Magelang (Unimma) on Thursday.
The event was held along with the release of PMM II participants at Unimma. Through the exchange program, Arruzzi said, students can gain extraordinary experiences and learn about diversity and unity, thereby upholding the nation's motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, or Unity in Diversity.
Through PMM, students get the opportunity to network throughout Indonesia, as in the program, students can only go to universities located on other islands outside their home university. This program policy aims to allow students to meet friends from different backgrounds and cultures from outside their origin island.
The Muhammadiyah University of Magelang Rector, Dr. Lilik Andriyani, said the PMM program has run for four months there.
"We have implemented the second PMM. Alhamdulillah (Thank God), there is development. There were 24 (exchange students) in the first batch, and then it increased to 38 students. More students are likely to come, as the offer increases," she stated.
She noted that in PMM, students can expand their network, knowledge, and insights about culture and language.
She said that the MBKM cultural performance on Thursday was themed "From the Archipelago to the Universe."
Through the show that presented dances, drama, and music performances, students from different regions and ethnicities preserve their own cultural identities while strengthening relationships with people of other cultures, as they have similarities in terms of ideology, namely the Nusantara or Archipelago.
Related news: How "merdeka belajar" changing Indonesia's higher education landscape
Related news: Students can benefit from learning outside their majors: ministry
Related news: Education Ministry dispatches 970 Indonesian students to 28 countries
Translator: Heru S, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
