Graduation at Dhyana Pura College

The STIM Class of 2010 at Dhyana Pura graduated last week. The occasion was much more spectacular and fun than I remember either of my 2 graduation days being. STIM (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Manajemen - roughly  “Tertiary School of Management Science”) offers a 4-year degree course in Tourism and Hotel Management. The other parts of Dhyana Pura are the PPLP which offers certificate and diploma courses of 1 to 3 years, and the senior high school with vocational emphasis.


The STIM graduation was a 2 stage process. On Tuesday 10th August the “Yudisium” ( “Inauguration”) was held. This was an in-house occasion for students, lecturers and some other staff (and guests, of course). The successful students had their achievements recognised, and were each presented with a medal and a desk trophy. Music throughout the occasion was provided by a well-drilled choir, led by a Heldy, a "1st semester" student. Director Joko addressed the graduating students.

The STIM course is very practical. One guest speaker detailed the opportunities and pitfalls of work in hotels or tourism agencies around the world. Another speaker gave advice on how recruitment agencies can help students find positions on cruise ships and the river boats of Europe. The College maintains a “jobs” website, and there is a small recruitment office on campus.

A student proudly displays his medal

On Thursday 12th August the more formal and public stage of the graduation was held. This was the “Wisuda” where parents and friends can see their students graduate. It was held in the ballroom of the Dhyana Pura Resort Hotel (another Facility of the Dhyana Pura Foundation, an agency of the GKPB, or Protestant Christian Church in Bali). Students wore gowns and caps, and their medals. The Academic Procession was led into the hall by students dressed in traditional ceremonial costumes and carrying symbols of office and wisdom. A Balinese gamelan orchestra played traditional music and 5 young women performed traditional dances in beautiful costumes.

Dancers perform at Graduation Ceremony. 
Members of the Senate look on.

Students in traditional costume
assisted during presentations

The Graduation Day had much in common with a graduation ceremony in an Australian University. Familiar elements were the presentation of degree certificates, the awarding of prizes, the speeches and the recognition of the students. Essential differences included the Balinese cultural elements woven through the occasion, the singing of national anthems and school hymn, and the pledging of allegiance by the students.

As students and audience left the ballroom they were invited to join in a fine traditional buffet in the beautiful and restful grounds of the hotel.

It was an event at which I could appreciate the value placed on education and citizenship by those present, and the importance of the work of the GKPB through the Foundation in providing a quality and culturally sensitive education which will equip students to work in the tourism industry which dominates the modern economy of Bali. But perhaps the most lasting impression is indicated by a word I’ve used several times - tradition. The students receive a modern, quality education, in an environment which recognises the importance of tradition and is respectful of the Balinese cultural heritage.