MIDSEA Summer School 2025 not only offers academic activities in the classroom, but also broadens participants’ horizons through cultural excursions held on Thursday (June 26). This excursion invites more than 80 participants from various countries to explore the rich history and performing arts of Javanese culture, from Borobudur to the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan.
Participants began the excursion with a visit to Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, built in the 8th century during the Syailendra Dynasty. During the visit, participants not only enjoyed the beauty of the towering multi-level structure set against a backdrop of hills and rice fields, but also received in-depth explanations from professional tour guides. Participants were also invited to explore and understand the stories depicted in the reliefs adorning the temple walls, ranging from Buddhist moral teachings, the life of society at that time, to the story of the Buddha’s rebirth. Some participants were enthusiastic about asking questions about the symbolic meaning of the main stupa and the Buddhist cosmological concepts reflected in the structure of Borobudur.
The journey continued to Resto Jejamuran, one of the popular culinary destinations that serves a variety of mushroom dishes typical of Yogyakarta. Here, participants not only enjoyed local dishes, but also exchanged stories about their experiences so far in the program.
The next destination was Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia dedicated to Trimurti, the three main gods in Hinduism: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer. During the visit, participants received a thorough explanation from the tour guide about the structure and spiritual meaning behind each building. The main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands towering in the center, flanked by the temples of Brahma and Vishnu on either side. In addition, participants were also invited to understand the role of the “priest figures” or accompanying figures in Hindu mythology, represented by the accompanying temples, including the statues of Nandi (Shiva’s bull), Angsa (Brahma’s vehicle), and Garuda (Vishnu’s vehicle). Not to be missed, the group photo session became a favorite moment, with the towering temple as a backdrop blending seamlessly with the blue sky and the bright afternoon atmosphere.
As evening approached, the group headed to the Ratu Boko area to enjoy dinner at Andrawina Restaurant. With a breathtaking view of the sunset, the dinner atmosphere felt special and became a moment of relaxation before the final activity.
The excursion ended with a Ramayana Ballet performance, held on an open stage with the Prambanan Temple as a backdrop. Gamelan music, dance, and the epic narrative of Ramayana created a magical atmosphere that mesmerized the audience. The Ramayana ballet performed that evening recounted the epic portion of the Ramayana story, including the abduction of Dewi Sinta by Rahwana, Rama’s struggle alongside his brother Laksmana and the monkey army led by Hanoman to rescue Sinta, and the dramatic climactic battle between Rama and Rahwana. For many participants, this was their first experience of witnessing a traditional art performance with world-class production quality.
Kata Kunci: MIDSEA, Modelling, Infectious Diseases Modelling
Penulis: Priscilla Deviana T.
Foto: Lucetta Amarakamini