ENG
INA
The Inauguration of BIPAS Spring Semester 2026: Faculty of Humanities Udayana University Welcomes 33 International Students
On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Opening Ceremony and Orientation Day for the Bali International Program on Asian Studies (BIPAS) Spring Semester 2026 were successfully held. Taking place at the Widya Sabha Mandala Auditorium, 3rd Floor of the IB Mantra Building, Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University, the event was attended by the BIPAS Coordinator, a representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, the First Vice-Rector representing the Rector of Udayana University, representatives from Asia Exchange, the International Office of Udayana University, the Bali Study Guide team, and approximately 33 participants from 10 different countries.
Commencing the event, I Made Sena Darmasetiyawan, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., as the BIPAS Coordinator, welcomed the 33 international students undertaking their studies in the BIPAS program at the Faculty of Humanities, with the academic term scheduled to run from February 23 to June 12, 2026. He expressed his hope that the students would fully embrace and enjoy their academic and cultural experiences over the coming months in Bali.
Representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr. Ni Ketut Widhiarcani Matradewi, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Learning Development and Quality Assurance Unit (UP3M), opened the orientation by presenting the history of the oldest faculty at Udayana University, established on September 29, 1958. She further encouraged the BIPAS students to actively explore the island's natural beauty and Balinese cultural traditions to enrich their academic experience during their period of study. The procession continued with the official handover of responsibility from Asia Exchange to Udayana University, which was subsequently formalized by the striking of a gong, symbolizing the commencement of the orientation period.
Furthermore, the First Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Udayana University, Prof. Ir. I Nengah Sujaya, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., extended his profound appreciation to the international students and Asia Exchange for their trust and the established collaboration. He emphasized Udayana University's commitment, as a leading educational institution in Eastern Indonesia, to continuously upgrade its infrastructure and human resources to provide global-standard services and an academic atmosphere for all students.
Following the opening ceremony, the agenda proceeded with the presentation of profiles of the lecturers from various faculties who will be teaching during the Spring Semester 2026. This was followed by a comprehensive briefing from Putu Eka Ariady Putra, S.P., representing the Udayana University International Office, regarding the mandatory compliance for students holding a Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) Visa E30 to focus exclusively on academic activities, strictly prohibiting any form of employment or business engagements. He additionally mandated the BIPAS students to consistently report any travel itineraries, changes of residential address along with the requisite documentation, and procedures concerning lost passports.
The material presentation continued by Prof. Dr. Drs. I Made Rajeg, M.Hum., as a representative of the BIPAS teaching faculty, elaborated on the essence of Balinese local wisdom grounded in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy and the harmony of religious tolerance. The BIPAS students were explicitly instructed to apply fundamental etiquette, including utilizing traditional greetings, dressing modestly with a sash when visiting temples, and strictly adhering to traffic regulations. Furthermore, they were sternly warned against violating crucial cultural taboos in Bali, such as touching another person's head, stepping on canang sari offerings, pointing with their feet, or entering sacred temple areas while menstruating.
During the end of the orientation day, the BIPAS Coordinator, I Made Sena Darmasetiyawan, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., outlined the academic requirement for BIPAS students to undertake one compulsory Indonesian Language class alongside two to six elective courses. Eligibility to participate in the final examinations necessitates a minimum class attendance rate of 75 percent, allowing a maximum of three days of excused absences supported by valid documentation, alongside attendance penalties for lateness exceeding 10 minutes. During lectures, the BIPAS program strictly prohibits the wearing of sleeveless tops, shorts, sandals, and miniskirts within the campus premises. Beyond the academic routine, the Bali Study Guide, acting as the partner of Asia Exchange, facilitates the students' logistical needs through services such as accommodation and scooter rentals, as well as driver's license processing, while simultaneously coordinating a diverse array of optional recreational activities to enrich their cultural experience during their stay in Bali.
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY