Characteristic of previous study trips, the travellers documented their experiences in a collective blog (http://insearchofyogyakarta.blogspot.com) set up and managed by themselves.  

What was different about this year’s trip was the diverse backgrounds of the travellers who came together, hungry for fresh experiences in a foreign land. The trip brought together Monash University's Arts students from Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. In addition, two alumni members, Aron Raj and Eunice Phang also accompanied the travellers on this trip. Organized and planned by our pathfinder, Dr Yeoh Seng Guan, in consultation with a former traveller and Monash Arts graduate, Nurina Malinda, we embarked on a journey in the land of the arts. Our first session was a timely visit to the Centre for South East Asian Social Studies (CESASS), Universitas Gadjah Madar in light of the Indonesian presidential elections that had just taken place. Our host, Dr Aris Arif Mundayat, the director of CESASS, together with his colleague Mr Budi Irwanto, gave their analysis on the results of the elections and the nature of the political arena in Indonesia. After that the travellers adjourned to the office compound of INSIST (Indonesian Society for Social Transformation) situated about 18 kms to the north of the city.

Here, Mr Roem Topatimasang, a committee member of INSIST, gave the travellers insights into the political economy of modern day agriculture and their experiments in encouraging self-sufficient agricultural production among rural farmers.

Day 3 in Yogyakarta signalled our first foray at sightseeing. We were treated to the incredible views of Indonesia's active volcano, the famous Mount Merapi and other surrounding highlands from Ketep Pass. We then visited the Borobudur Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Parangtritis Beach, a site rich with myths and legends. Its high surging waves made swimming impossible in its clear waters.

Day 4 was a day filled with what seemed like endless walking. First we walked to visit Kampung Kauman, a famous and old Muslim neighbourhood. Some of the travellers visited Kampung Kauman once again in the subsequent days to learn the art of batik-making from a resident master. From this neighbourhood, we trudged for an hour northwards along the banks of Kali Code (Code river) to meet up with one of the leaders of the many communities nested there.

On Day 5, we visited Rifka Annisa, a women crisis center (WCC) catering to the needs of the female population as well as educating men on women's rights. The next session held at the artists’ commune of Taring Padi gave us an insight into the creativity of street political art in raising awareness about the freedom of expression and enlivening democracy in Indonesia.

On Day 6, during our official sightseeing day, travellers ventured into the palace walls of the two-century old Kraton, the royal residence of the current Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. The Kraton has an area that spans approximately 14,000 metres square. Later that day, we also visited the ancient Hindu temple of Prambanan. In the evening, the Prambanan towers served as a picturesque backdrop for the much awaited Ramayana Ballet that we watched.

Day 7 marked the final official session attended by the travellers. It involved visiting street children supported by HUMANA. Travellers enjoyed (and tired) themselves playing a series of games with the children, and bringing them small gifts in the form of toys and candies.

For the final two days of our stay in Yogyakarta, travellers shopped vigorously for souvenirs and gifts for their families and friends back home. It proved to be an interesting experience for all as everyone learnt quickly the art of bargaining and negotiating gracefully with vendors.

The trip to Yogyakarta has been one replete with experiences of the stunning landscapes, vivid batik art-forms, and warm welcomes that we have received from the people whom we met in Yogyakarta. It has provided us a window into appreciating the Javanese way of life.

By SITI NUR FARHANAH

Editor-in-chief http://insearchofyogyakarta.blogspot.com

PT Foundation and Chow Kit, 2008

In mid-April, 2008, the Arts Programme together with COSTA (Communication Students Association) organised a study visit to the PT (Pink Triangle) Foundation, an NGO located in the infamous Chow Kit area. Chow Kit lies near to the heart of old Kuala Lumpur and is the well-known haven for drug addicts and sex workers.

“What we are doing in the PT foundation is basically AIDS/HIV awareness and prevention. We also have free and anonymous aids testing and screening,” said Jeremy Kwan, the chief officer at PT Foundation.

PT foundation was started in 1987. This was also during the time when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was first detected in Malaysia. However, the logo and phrase of the “Pink Triangle” dates back to the holocaust period in the 1940s when homosexuals were thus marked to signify their deviant sexuality.  “Today it has been appropriated as a symbol of empowerment for sexual minorities,” said Jeremy Kwan.

Students were briefed on the concept of safe sex, shown the right way to put on a condom, and helped assemble safe sex packs.  Inside the safe sex pack, which the PT Foundation calls the “survival kit of today”, are usually 2 condoms,  a packet of lubricant and information cards on help hotline and places to go for free HIV/AIDS testing.   

Later on, the students were taken for a short walk through the back alleys of Chow Kit before arriving at a place of refuge for the vulnerable communities in the area. Here, they can sleep, clean up, do their laundry, given food, and even have their small children attend tuition classes. Damsha, the Senior Program Manager, said that no matter how bad the situation could be for them, the center provided them with that little bit of hope. “No one will be left behind here. They are all treated the same and no one is different. No one gets special treatment and no one is treated badly,” she added

It was an eye opening afternoon that challenged most of our perceptions on taboo subjects. According to Max Tan, a final year Communication student, “Just because they are sex workers doesn’t mean they should be discriminated against. Many did not choose this kind of life and even if they did, they may have much choice in the matter.” One of the key objectives of PT Foundation is to break the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.  As the main NGO working on HIV/AIDS prevention among marginalized groups on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, it has faced several serious challenges. In 2005, it was almost shut down due to lack of funding. Recently, the organization has turned twenty-one years of age.

 “It’s good to know that there are people right here in Malaysia who will not succumb to the norm,” said Anthea Haryoko, an Indonesian student.   

“PT Foundation inspires me in its efforts to make us understand the importance of safe sex in a society like today,” added Kelvin Tan, a first year Arts student. - by  Batul Mohsinali

Baguio and Sagada, Philippines 2007

An eye opening Philippines experience for Monash students

6 February 2008

A group of 18 students from the School of Arts and Sciences, along with two lecturers acting as chaperones had a taste of the Philippines when they visited the country for a study tour from 12 – 21 December. The study tour was hosted by the Cordillera Studies Centre of the University of the Philippines, Baguio City Campus.

The 10-day trip saw the students visiting two cities namely Baguio and Sagada. Baguio which is also known as the Summer City of Philippines, is in the seat of the Cordilerra Administrative Region.

At Baguio’s University of the Philippines’ Cordilerra Studies Centre, the students were first briefed on the historical, socio-political, geographical and economic background of the city, as well as current issues it faced.

On their second day in Baguio City, the students attended an afternoon seminar with the Cordillera People’s Allliance (CPA), an organization representing the rights of indigenous people in the region, and a session with the Baguio City Muslim Association. The interactive and informal talks gave students an insight into issues affecting minorities in the region and an opportunity to interact with local people.

Apart from these organizations, the students also attended a talk by representatives from the Northern Dispatch Weekly (NORDIS), a weekly newspaper covering the three regions of Northern Luzon, Cordillera, and the Cagayan Valley.

The fourth day of the study tour took the students to Sagada city, where they saw for themselves its famed rice terraces. During their stay there, the students had a chance to go hiking and spelunking at the Sumaging Caves.

During their caving expedition, the students had to maneuver themselves through tiny passages that opened up to fascinating chambers and splendid rock formations. To make it easier for them to go through the caves, their guides advised them to walk barefooted and this gave them the experience of walking on a ‘bed’ filled with bat guano!

In Sagada, the students also had a chance to see the famous Hanging Coffins. The 200 year-old coffins are neatly stacked and hung onto a limestone cliff.

The students also visited the Sagada National High School, where they met local residents. In Sagada, the group also tried out some of the local delicacies like balut. Balut is a nearly developed duck embryo which is boiled and eaten.

All in all, the students learned much about life in Baguio City and Sagada. The different people they met, the things they saw and experienced were truly an eye-opener for them.

One of the trip’s chaperones, Dr Yeoh Seng Guan said, “If there are any learning points that my fellow travelers can discern from this year’s trip to what may seem to be exotic and unfamiliar worlds, I believe there are two.”

“Firstly, it is the tenacity of the human spirit in search for better livelihoods as embodied in the courageous daily struggles of local communities and civil society groups.”

“Secondly, the singular wisdom and necessity of valuing and protecting cultural diversities wherever they may be found in order to shape a more convivial place for all,” he added. – by Anita Hadi