I belong to people who refuse to surrender to any form of globalization that resulted in the domination of one culture over others. Globalization, in my perspective, should in fact enrich the world culturally. It should open the possibility for cultural exchange that promote friendship, commonality, and humanity. As humans are gifted with the ability to create, understand, and use language, I believe that we can use language to bridge cultural differences and to cope with globalization. By learning other languages, one could discover many interesting characteristics about other cultures – DARMASISWA offers this opportunity to the world.

DARMASISWA is a one year non-degree scholarship program offered to all non-Indonesia citizens from countries which Indonesia has diplomatic relations to study Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia), arts, music, crafts and other specific subjects at 68 Indonesian higher education institutions (for 2023/2024 academic year). This program was established in 1974 as part of ASEAN initiative, admitting only students from ASEAN. However, in 1976 DARMASISWA was extended further to other countries. Until to date, the number of countries participating in this program has exceeded more than 111. DARMASISWA is organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

The main objective of the DARMASISWA program is to increase and cultivate interest in Indonesian language and Indonesian culture among citizens from other countries. It also designed to increase mutual understanding and provide stronger cultural bonds between different nations.

I would like to convey my sincerest gratitude and highest appreciation to students of the DARMASISWA for their enthusiasm and participation in this program.

Last but not least, allow me to remind all of us that we are now citizens of the world. Let us learn other languages and cultures, go global, and make the world a better place.