A taste of Balinese culture
KNOWLEDGE on the local broadcasting industry, in addition to being immersed in the diverse culture of the Balinese lifestyle, was what broadcasting students from Rembau Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Negri Sembilan gained from their recent trip to Bali, Indonesia.
Under the 2019 International Broadcasting Academic Exchange (IBAE) programme, the group from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) visited Televisi Republik Indonesia — an industry pioneer and longest existing TV station in Indonesia — and Radio Republik Indonesia broadcasting centre on the the resort island, where students received first-hand experience of working in a studio.
FCMS lecturer and IBAE project adviser Muhammad Azril Izuan Ramlan said the purpose of the visit was to learn the ropes of the broadcasting industry in Bali as well as develop an in-depth understanding by assessing differences between Malaysian and Indonesian broadcasting industries.
“Like Malaysia, Indonesia is rich in culture.
Therefore, it is interesting to see how broadcasting has helped in preserving the culture here, especially with the passage of time and vast advancements in technology.”
Apart from that, the visit also laid the foundation of an international relationship between Rembau UiTM and
Institut Seni Indonesia (ISI) as they strive to become leading institutions for learning broadcasting and communication in their respective countries.
The UiTM group was warmly welcomed by lecturers and students of ISI.
The guests joined a dialogue hosted by deputy ISI rector IV Ketut Garwa, together with his lecturers and students.
The session enabled students from both higher-learning institutions to discuss the aspects of broadcasting in both countries, as well as gaining a better understanding of Malaysian and Balinese cultures.
The students then made their way to Ubud for a social project with Yayasan Cahaya Mutiara, a local foundation established by and for people with disabilities. Fond memories were forged among participants through singing and dancing. The visitors also presented a donation to the foundation.
The five-day tour had given the students an opportunity to discover authentic Balinese culture by exploring tourists attractions, such as the Jatiluwih terrace rice fields, Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, Kintamani Highlands, Mount Kawi Temple and Beratan Lake.
IBAE project manager Syamin NaIllah said the trip was a wonderful experience.
“It’s amazing that everywhere you go, there is a bit of the Balinese culture embedded in every corner. Seeing how they preserved their culture has made me realise the importance of preserving our own culture and identity.”
Student Mohd Hanif Hairon said the programme had taught him how to network and establish a tighter international bond.
The group comprised FCMS Studies Centre head Wan Admiza Wan Hassan, three other lecturers and 16 final-year broadcasting students.
IBAE is a series of international academic and technical visits organised by Rembau UiTM’s FCMS. It aims to establish a platform for knowledge sharing with academics and media stakeholders of other nations.