A lecturer from the Department of Indonesian Language and Literature Education (PBSI), Faculty of Languages, Arts, and Culture (FBSB), Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Dr. Ari Kusmiatun, participated as a visiting lecturer in the SPARK (Supporting Program for Academic and Research Knowledge) 2025 program. The event was held at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) in China from October 28 to November 27, 2025.

In this program, Dr. Ari Kusmiatun delivered a series of lectures on the theme “Ethnicity and Religion in Indonesia.” Her lectures covered comprehensive topics including the historical background, social dynamics, and relationships between religion, local culture, and Indonesian society. Through these sessions, students at GDUFS gained a deeper understanding of Indonesia as a multicultural nation that upholds values of tolerance and harmonious living.

The teaching activities also included interactive discussions, during which students actively asked questions about religious practices, interethnic relations, and the challenges of maintaining social harmony. One GDUFS student expressed that the material enriched their knowledge of Indonesia’s diversity and fostered interest in Indonesian culture and society.

Aside from academic lectures, Dr. Ari introduced Indonesian culture through a batik workshop held as part of the 60th anniversary celebration (Dies Natalis) of GDUFS, attracting participants from various age groups. She noted that while participants were learning basic batik techniques, many showed interest in continuing to explore batik further in Indonesia.

Dr. Ari’s involvement in the SPARK 2025 program reflects UNY’s commitment to internationalizing higher education, fostering academic cooperation, and promoting Indonesian language and culture on the global stage. Representatives from GDUFS expressed hopes that similar programs will continue and serve as models for introducing Indonesian culture at universities in China.