Leaving Home for UKSW, Returning with Global Perspectives: The Journey of Two Pegunungan Bintang Students
From Pegunungan Bintang to Global Horizons: Two UKSW Students Gain International Experience in Taiwan
What began as a simple dream of earning a university degree has grown into a remarkable international journey for Karolina Okwin Hitokdana and Inna T. Kalakmabin, two students from Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua, studying at Satya Wacana Christian University (UKSW).
Selected as delegates for the Global Education Experience (GlobEEs) 2026 at Chang Jung Christian University (CJCU), Taiwan, the pair spent May 4–14, 2026, participating in academic, cultural, and intercultural activities. Beyond the classroom, they proudly represented Indonesia by performing the musical Malin Kundang alongside fellow UKSW delegates while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their home regions through traditional attire.
Both students are recipients of a scholarship supported by the Pegunungan Bintang Regional Government. Although they initially faced challenges adapting to life in Java, their determination and willingness to embrace new opportunities enabled them to thrive on the international stage.
“We came to UKSW to study, but we gained much more than that,” said Karolina, while Inna encouraged fellow young people to believe in their abilities and seize every opportunity.
Their inspiring journey reflects UKSW’s commitment to expanding global learning opportunities, promoting cultural exchange, and advancing inclusive, high-quality education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
