Kate and Ervin on a jukung boat at the Floating Market (Doc. Unit MBKM)
Banjarmasin – Two students from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Philippines, had an unforgettable experience during their participation in the SEA Teacher program coordinated by the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM). Over the course of three weeks, they not only focused on their teaching practicum but also explored a variety of cultural and natural destinations unique to South Kalimantan through a series of field trips organized by the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Unit of FKIP ULM.
Students trying on traditional Banjar wedding attire (Doc. Buddies)
In the first week, the students visited the Lok Baintan Floating Market, a cultural icon of South Kalimantan’s river life. There, they observed traditional trade activities taking place on boats, interacted with local vendors, learned about the region’s unique fruits, and immersed themselves in the river culture that defines the Banjar community.
Bamboo rafting activity (Doc. Unit MBKM)
The second week continued with a trip to the Loksado area in Hulu Sungai Selatan. The students explored the natural beauty of the Meratus Mountains, visited traditional houses of the Dayak Meratus people, and experienced bamboo rafting and river tubing on the Amandit River. This activity offered insights into the rich cultural diversity and natural heritage of South Kalimantan.
Kate enjoying river tubing (Doc. Unit MBKM)
In the third week, the students were taken to the Martapura Diamond Market, a hub for gemstone trading and traditional crafts. They witnessed firsthand the buying and selling of precious stones and learned about the history and cultural significance embedded in Banjar traditional jewelry.
Through this program, FKIP ULM and the MBKM Unit have not only enriched the academic and personal experiences of the SEA Teacher participants but also created meaningful cultural exchanges that strengthen international relationships. By using local heritage as a bridge for learning, this initiative stands as a true reflection of ULM’s commitment to internationalizing education grounded in local wisdom.
Group photo (Doc. Unit MBKM)
