General

 From May 28 to June 3, 2025, the Southeast Asian Studies Program at Chulalongkorn University successfully conducted its annual Travelling Classroom in the Republic of Indonesia. The program brought together 22 participants—including faculty members, program staffs, and graduate students—for an immersive academic and cultural experience across Bali, Yogyakarta, and Jakarta.

 The delegation was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Chairat Polmuk (Program Director), accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Montira Rato, Assistant Professor Dr. Theera Nuchpiam, Dr. Klairung Amratisha, and Dr. Arthit Jiamrattanyoo.

 The primary goal of the Travelling Classroom was to provide students with hands-on, field-based learning experiences focusing on the historical, cultural, artistic, and social dimensions of Southeast Asia. The week-long program in Indonesia combined academic lectures with visits to major cultural and historical landmarks.

 The journey began in Bali, where participants explored iconic religious and cultural sites such as Uluwatu Temple, Pura Besakih (the Mother Temple of Bali), and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park. The day concluded with a captivating Kecak fire dance performance, which offered profound insights into Balinese artistic traditions rooted in indigenous beliefs and Hinduism.

 In Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, the group visited notable landmarks including Borobudur Temple, Candi Mendut, and Candi Pawon, where students learned about Buddhist influences in Java. At the Ulen Sentalu Museum, students were introduced to a history of Indonesian sultanates and royal families. In the evening, students visited the Sonobudoyo Museum, where they experienced a traditional Wayang Orang performance based on an episode of the Indian epic Mahabharata.

 A highlight of the Yogyakarta segment was the academic exchange with the State Academy of Arts and Culture Community of Yogyakarta. The visit included a lecture on “Indonesian Art and Culture” by Dr. Sumaryono, M.A, and a hands-on workshop on traditional Indonesian dance facilitated by Ms. Luvita Pradana Puspita Sari, S.Sn., M.A. This collaboration was officiated by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dr. Chairat Polmuk and Dr. Kuswarsantyo, M.Hum, Director of State Academy of Arts and Culture Community Yogyakarta. The day concluded with a visit to Prambanan Temple and a stunning Ramayana Ballet performance.

 The final session of the program took place in Jakarta, where the group explored the Museum Indonesia at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), which showcases cultural artifacts and traditions from all 34 Indonesian provinces. Participants also attended an academic session at Universitas Indonesia, which included a lecture on “Modern Indonesian History” by Dr. Yudi Bachrioktora, followed by a cultural tour of the Fatahillah Museum in the historic Kota Tua (Old Town) district. A special lecture titled “Jakarta at 500: Memory, Imagination, and the Making of a City” was delivered by Professor Hilmar Farid, offering deep insights into the capital’s layered urban identity.

 Throughout the seven-day journey, students engaged deeply with Indonesian culture and society through interdisciplinary learning, intercultural dialogue, and academic collaboration. The program not only broadened their understanding of Southeast Asia but also strengthened academic networks between institutions in Thailand and Indonesia.

 The Travelling Classroom directly supports Chulalongkorn University’s strategic goals, including International Growth (enhancing global visibility and recognition), Integrated Growth (fostering academic partnerships and collaboration), Impactful Growth (positioning the university as a regional leader), and Intellectual Growth (developing graduates equipped for global leadership and impact).

 The Southeast Asian Studies Program extends its sincere appreciation to all students, faculties, staffs, institutional partners, and cultural experts in Indonesia for their invaluable support and warm hospitality. The Program looks forward to continuing this meaningful academic initiative in the years to come.