By: Cantik Gemilang Kasih Purba, Vidiajeng Maretha, Sefina Triadinda Veronica
Thailand – Students from the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta participated in International Summer School Program 2026: Thai Art, Culture, and Contemporary Creative Exchange organized by the Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts, Silpakorn University. This international program serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and cultural art creativity for students and lecturers from various Asian countries.
This event, taking place from May 4–10, 2026, was attended by participants from Thailand, Indonesia, China, and Vietnam. Indonesia was represented by ISI Yogyakarta and Telkom University. Besides aiming to broaden academic and artistic understanding, this program also served as a means to strengthen international cooperation networks between higher education institutions.
On the first day, all participants arrived in Thailand and began initial interactions with students from various countries. The sense of togetherness was further enhanced the following day through introductory sessions, group discussions, and creative activities that encouraged the exchange of ideas and cross-cultural experiences. Participants also had the opportunity to explore the academic environment and art facilities through a campus tour of Silpakorn University, including a visit to the campus art gallery.
One of the important agendas in this program is the cultural presentation from each participating country. ISI Yogyakarta students, consisting of Cantik Gemilang Kasih Purba, Vidiajeng Maretha, Sefina Triadinda Veronica, Nathania, and Naura, introduced the richness of Indonesian culture through presentations and workshops on Pendet Dance from Bali and Tortor Dance from North Sumatra. This activity received high enthusiasm from international participants who also tried to learn the movements and understand the cultural values contained in both dances.
The program also presents cultural experiences firsthand through cultural study visit in the Nakhon Pathom region of Thailand. Participants visited various cultural and historical sites, including Wat Phra Pathom Chedi, which is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Thailand. In addition to learning about the history and spirituality of Thai society, participants also enjoyed a tour of the Don Wai River and visited a gallery that houses various prehistoric Thai artifacts and art relics.
In the field of fine arts, participants followed Collaborative Studio Workshop which introduced printmaking techniques (printmakingThrough this activity, students from various countries collaborate to create works based on personal identity and experiences, which are then applied to glass media using special printing techniques. The workshop serves as a learning space that fosters creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural communication.
The culmination of the activities took place during the closing ceremony, which featured art performances and final exhibition. On this occasion, Indonesian students once again showcased the Pendet Dance and Tortor Dance as representations of Nusantara culture in an international forum. In addition, various works from the workshop were exhibited as a form of appreciation for the creative process and collaboration that occurred during the program.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to all participants and lecturers, accompanied by a touching atmosphere as participants from various countries exchanged souvenirs and bid farewell. As the closing agenda, participants attended city trip in Bangkok before returning to their respective countries.
The participation of ISI Yogyakarta students in the International Summer School 2026 is tangible proof of the institution's commitment to expanding its international network while introducing the richness of Indonesian art and culture on a global scale. This program not only provides academic and artistic experiences but also builds valuable international friendships for the future development of art and culture.
