Wisuda 2012

During each of my 3 visits to Dhyana Pura I’ve been present for the Wisuda.  On past occasions the 2 components of Dhyana Pura had separate ceremonies.  The PPLP awarded its certificates and diplomas quite separately from the STIM (management school) which awarded degrees (see 2010 and 2011 archive entries).

 

This year was different. The PPLP (the tourism and hospitality training centre) became Universitas Dhyana Pura (or Undhira – Bali) last year and this year the 2 “wings” celebrated a joint occasion.  They had separate Yudisiums (or is it Yudisia?) but a joint Wisuda.  Wisuda, Yudisium – what are they? 



With some of the members of one of
my 2011 classes after the Yudisium

 The Indonesian practice is to hold an internal ceremony for students where they receive statuettes, medallions and the like. Here they listen to talks about vocational prospects and hear a lot of practical stuff. That is the Yudisium and with us it is held on campus.



Happy graduates hold their statuettes at
the Yudisium for STIM graduates (Ayu and
Stefani in centre).  Ayu may have been the
the first student I spoke with in 2010.

The Wisuda is similar in intent (but very different in content) to the Award granting ceremonies we are used to at Australian universities.  The students are able to invite families, they are robed (different types of “toga” for the graduates and the certificate students) and the girls are elaborately and beautifully dressed,  The University Senate members come in academic gowns, and guests are welcomed by the traditional Balinese dancers who perform to music provided live by the Gamelan orchestra.  It is a big and colourful occasion followed by lunch for the guests.

 

Naturally there are speeches but there are also prayers,  the singing of the University hymn (Hymne Guru - Teachers' Hymn) and march.  The students also recite an oath of allegiance to there Alumni institution (Undhira) and the nation.   In that respect it is quite unlike a corresponding Australian occasion.

 

I have attended 2 University graduation ceremonies of my own, and one for each of my sons Michael and David.  Now instead of graduate, or parent I attend as a teacher and take great delight in seeing the successful outcome of the work of the teaching staff on campus.  It was a real pleasure to see students I had taught gain their qualifications, and it also brought confirmation of some predictions I made to myself after first encounters with some of the classes.

 

This year the Wisuda was held on Friday 7th September at the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel.  This large hotel was built on the “monumental” style in the Sukarno era (60s) on the beach front at Sanur, to the east of Denpasar.

 

Its size so appalled the local people that eventually laws were introduced to prevent another high-rise like it.  Now buildings are limited to the height of a tall palm tree – about 4-5 floors.

 

Regardless of other considerations (size, location, external appearance), I can say that the main auditorium (Agung Room) and the restaurant areas are comfortable and reasonably attractive.

 

No function in Bali (be it a Wisuda, a wedding, or
opening of a cafe) would be complete without a 
large number of these congratulatory placards.

 

The 4 volunteer teachers (3 from Adelaide) and one from Japan were highly visible in the red shirts provided for us. 

Bu Jan (UW volunteer for 6 months) and Bu
Laurel (a 2011 volunteer; in Bali for a couple
of weeks) with VIPs before the ceremony.

 

The escort for the academic procession
assembles, ready for the ceremonial entry

 

 

Closest to camera:  Toar, Pricilla, Stefani
and Suryani wait for the presentation

 

Ayu and Vebriana - new graduates

The Dhyana Pura dancers welcome guests.  Two of the dancers
are students from one of my 2011 classes - with makeup and costumes I find it quite difficult to recognise them.

Same students as above - now with their degrees.

 

Probably the biggest cheer was for Barnabas who has studied for
years whilst working at Dhyana Pura.  He has been a great help to
me in many ways, and is always a careful and knowledgeable driver.

Two of the outstanding students lead the new
alumni in an oath of dedication and allegiance.

 

A new face amongst the photographers.  One
of our High School students helps her father,
the regular photographer for campus events.

Ni Made Ayu Pertiwi ("Tiwi") was an outstanding
student  and prize winner.  I'm not surprised as
last year she impressed me with her attitude.

Some of the Kantor Depan (Front Office) class.  They were
a good group to teach, and a fun class. I was sad to lose
them after a few weeks because of a timetable change

 

Serani ("Ika") - one of my students in the
past 2 years with "not the boyfriend".

Perhaps the greatest reward was after the ceremony when one of the students I taught last year asked my to come and meet his “sponsor”. I wasn’t sure what he meant but he quickly introduced my to a German hotel manager who had sponsored 2 students to complete their 1 year course in “Tata Graha” (Housekeeping studies). He said the boys spoke of me and he wanted to meet me thank me for encouraging them in their study activities. For me that was a real honour to hear. I've spoken with teachers about the special deep satisfaction they have experienced when hearing from some unexpected source that something they did or said, often without knowing at that time, had a special impact on students and encouraged them to enjoy learning and reach their potential.  In just a small way now I have shared that feeling in a very humbling way.  Fuad – if by chance you ever read this, I thank you for the reward and the honour you have given me.