Cycling Through Yogyakarta

This summer VIA launched the new Indonesia Summer Immersion Program and it’s off to a great start. Kim Yaeger, a graduate student at American University, and Jill Ferraro, a student at Tulane University, describe a day spent cycling through Yogyakarta with students at BIAS, a local Islamic school.

Making burlap sack clothing

Although taking to the crowded streets of Yogya was somewhat terrifying at first, we had the best of guides in the students of BIAS. In my group were four smiling teenage girls who happily took me under their wing and made sure I was all set before we took off down the street in signal file line to one of a few historical sites. Shamefully, it had been about ten years since I had last ridden a bike, so I wasn’t the smoothest of riders. One student announced that she would follow behind me, and as I rode the students ahead of me would periodically look back to check on me and give me a smile.

The highlight of the trip was an assignment to make clothing out of burlap sacks; meant to understand the effort required of political prisoners in the 1960’s to make their own clothing in pretty stark circumstances. Afterwards the students presented their work, with many of the VIA participants as models. I was really impressed by how innovative all the students were and especially by how well they worked together!

All the VIA participants agreed that it was a really memorable day.
- Kim Yaeger

Jill and the BIAS students

Weaving in and out of Jogjia traffic quickly shed light on yet another unique component of Indonesian culture. Our bike tour to archeological sites in Yogyakarta gave cycling a whole new meaning, combining both adventure and education. With the help of the BIAS students, we survived a fateful venture to a number of historic locations around the city, including the Sultan’s forts and a traditional mosque.

The BIAS students were happy to share their knowledge regarding Indonesian culture and very excited to hear about our own experiences as students in America. I truly enjoyed getting to know students in the Jogjia community and hope to stay in touch!!
- Jill Ferraro