Explore the evolving relationships among religion, fine arts, performing arts, and social organization in contemporary Indonesia

Explore the evolving relationships among religion, fine arts, performing arts, and social organization in contemporary Indonesia.

Students at Lempuyang temple

This program takes students on a tour through the history of Indonesia as seen through the lens of the major religions, societies, and art forms of Java and Bali. By learning with respected masters in their field, students discover how religion, society, and the arts have developed side-by-side on each island.
Coursework explores the ancient roots of Javanese and Balinese culture and the history of the republican movement that led to the formation of modern Indonesia. Students also analyze current debates on the future of Balinese culture and society in relation to global pressures such as increased development and international tourism. The program’s Field Methods and Ethics seminar provides instruction on conducting field work in new cultural and physical terrains. 

Learning how to make a Balinese shadow puppet

Visit historic and cultural sites, religious rituals, performances, and local ceremonies. Throughout the semester, students participate in activities aimed at highlighting the important roles played by majority and minority religions and the arts in shaping cultural and social discourses. Students may also have the opportunity to pursue practicum lessons of local art forms such as Balinese dance and music.

Learn from Indonesian and international academics, local writers, artists, and community members.Lecturers are drawn from the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Sanata Darma (Sadar) in Central Java, the Faculty of Letters of Udayana University in Bali, the Institute of Arts of Indonesia (ISI) in Bali, and other well-regarded institutions.
Instruction in Bahasa Indonesia—among the most accessible of all Asian languages—and homestays with local families help students integrate into the daily life and society of Java and Bali. Students also have excursions with Indonesian students from local universities.