The Master’s Program in Literature (Magister Susastra) of Diponegoro University successfully conducted an Undip Global Classroom on Friday, May 29, 2026, via Microsoft Teams. The event brought together international scholars and graduate students in an engaging academic discussion on comparative literature and literary history.
The session featured two distinguished speakers: Dr. Suryadi from Leiden University and Assist. Prof. Bambang Moh Said from Southern University Malaya. The class was coordinated by Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, M.Hum. and attended by students of the Master’s Program in Literature.
This Global Classroom focused on the theme of Comparative Literature: Malay Literature and Indonesian Literature, as well as Fundamental Topics in Indonesian Literature, particularly the historical development of Indonesian literature and its connections with Dutch literary traditions. The activity formed part of a 3-credit course, with two scheduled meetings combined into one intensive session.
During his presentation, Dr. Suryadi discussed the historical development of Indonesian literature within the broader context of colonial encounters and cultural exchanges between Indonesia and the Netherlands. He highlighted how literary production, publication practices, and intellectual networks contributed to the emergence and growth of modern Indonesian literature. Participants were encouraged to examine literary works not only as artistic expressions but also as reflections of historical and social transformations.
Assist. Prof. Bambang Moh Said, meanwhile, explored the development of Malay literature and its relationship with Indonesian literature. His presentation emphasized both the similarities and differences between the two literary traditions, including their linguistic characteristics, cultural backgrounds, themes, and representations of identity. The discussion provided valuable insights into the shared roots and distinctive trajectories of Malay and Indonesian literary developments.
The class featured an active and lively discussion session. Students raised questions regarding the influence of colonial literary traditions on contemporary Indonesian literature, the position of Malay literature within Southeast Asian literary studies, and the potential for comparative literary research at the graduate level. The speakers also emphasized the importance of understanding literature as a product of cultural interaction, historical experience, and cross-border intellectual exchange.
As a result of the session, students gained a deeper understanding of the historical, cultural, and literary connections among Indonesian, Malay, and Dutch literary traditions. They also broadened their perspectives on comparative literary studies and strengthened their ability to analyze literary works within regional and global contexts.
Through initiatives such as the Undip Global Classroom, Diponegoro University continues to promote international academic collaboration and provide students with meaningful global learning experiences. The program supports the university’s commitment to internationalization while enhancing students’ academic competence, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.