The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Humanities, Diponegoro University successfully organized the UNDIP Global Classroom for the Multiculturalism course on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The program was conducted as an international academic collaboration aimed at strengthening global learning experiences and enhancing students’ intercultural understanding through direct interaction with international scholars.
The activity was held for students enrolled in the Multiculturalism course (3 credits) under the supervision of Dr. Sukarni Suryaningsih, M.Hum. The session was designed as an intensive lecture equivalent to two class meetings in one implementation. The program featured two distinguished international speakers: Dr. Gautam Kumar Jha from Jawaharlal Nehru University and Bart P. Roccoberton, Jr. from University of Connecticut.
During the session, Dr. Gautam Kumar Jha discussed multiculturalism from the perspective of cultural interaction, religious diversity, and social identity in South and Southeast Asia. He highlighted the long historical relationship between India and Indonesia, emphasizing how intercultural exchanges through religion, literature, and traditions contributed to the development of plural societies. He also explained the importance of tolerance, cultural dialogue, and mutual respect in maintaining harmony within multicultural communities.
Meanwhile, Bart P. Roccoberton, Jr. presented multiculturalism through the lens of performing arts, particularly puppet arts and wayang traditions. He explained how puppetry serves as a medium of cultural communication, education, and international collaboration. Through various examples of global puppet performances, he demonstrated how traditional arts can connect people across cultural and national boundaries while preserving local identities and values.
The UNDIP Global Classroom received enthusiastic participation from students who actively engaged in discussions and question-and-answer sessions throughout the program. The activity provided students with broader international perspectives on multiculturalism, cultural diversity, and global citizenship. In addition, the program strengthened students’ academic communication skills in an international learning environment.
This activity also reflects Diponegoro University commitment to supporting the internationalization of higher education through collaborative academic programs with global institutions. Through initiatives such as the UNDIP Global Classroom, the university continues to promote intercultural dialogue, international networking, and globally oriented learning experiences for students and academic communities.