Indonesia is a fascinating, rapidly growing South East Asian country. The program begins in Bogor, a short distance from the bustling capitol city of Jakarta. At the Institute Pertanian Bogor, participants will receive an orientation, attend presentations and have the opportunity to engage with a range of Indonesian and international conservation and development agencies. We then set out overland towards Yogyakarta, the “cultural capitol” of Indonesia. En route, participants will visit national parks, bio-diversity and wildlife protection areas, community managed forestry projects and observe diverse agricultural landscapes such as tea plantations and coffee growing areas of the Dieng Plateau. Along the coast, participants will get hands on experience with mangrove restoration and marine protection efforts. The ancient ruins of Borobodur, stunning views of Mt. Merapi, a social forum with Indonesian students, gamelan music, Ramayana dance and other cultural events are some of the highlights during our stay in Yogyakarta.

Throughout the program, our focus will be on exploring the interactions of Nature, Culture and Agriculture in the Indonesian Context, while considering the complex development and conservation challenges facing the country.

Location

Tea plantation. Photo credit: Java Tourism.

Indonesia is an island nation in Southeast Asia. Home to rainforests, ancient cultures, bustling metropolises and seemingly endless coastline (There are over 17,000 islands!) The weather is warm and tropical, a perfect contrast to the snowy weather back home during winter break.

The MU instructor is Dr. Shibu Jose, Director of the Center for Agroforestry, assisted by UMCA staff Gregory Ormsby Mori who has lived and worked in Indonesia over many years.

Academics

Students earn three credits of AFNR 2190: International Agriculture and Natural Resources (graded A/F) and should work with their advisors to determine how these credits will count toward their individual graduation plans.

Please be aware that there will be mandatory orientation meetings prior to departure. These meetings typically occur November. Dates and times for the meetings will be available shortly after the confirmed program participant list is finalized. Participants will be notified of the meeting details via email.

Gunung Bromo. Photo credit: Michael Day.

Accommodations

All housing and most meal costs are included in the program fee. While in Indonesia, students will stay at guesthouses and dormitories of the host institutions. Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) in Bogor and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta. While in-transit between Bogor and Yogyakarta accommodations and meals are arranged at each field visit site. While meals are included in the program fee, students may wish to budget some funds for additional discretionary spending.

Estimated Cost

*Non-resident students will also be billed non-resident fees, but 80% of the non-resident fees will be returned to the student.

Ready to get started? Apply now!

Requirements

• 2.5 GPA
• Good academic standing.
• Open to all MU students.