By Ibu Joanne & Pak Michael

From September 16-20, Year 7 was away for the Jogja Camp. It is an annual event for Year 7 in order to strengthen the bond between the existing Global Jaya students and those who have just joined the school. Our focus this year was Self-awareness and Teamwork. The students were supervised by Pak Edi, Pak Anto, Ibu Joanne, Pak Michael, Ibu Krisna, Ibu Estina, Pak Ali and Nurse Vika.

The trip itself began with a visit to Borobudur Temple (we were forced to cancel the planned visit to the Keraton due to a flight delay). Students learned about the historical background of Borobudur and inspected some of the 2,670 narrative relief panels carved in the stone. The second day was Rafting Day! It was so much fun and educational at the same time. The students learned to perform as a team to paddle together to the finish line.

Later in the afternoon, students went to see the Ramayana Ballet in Purawisata Amphitheatre, which used the legend of Rama and Shinta to tell a story about how good will always win against evil.

On Wednesday, students gathered in Tembi Rumah Budaya to do some cultural activities, such as rice planting, soil ploughing, playing gamelan, mask painting, and batik painting. In the evening, they prepared and practiced for their group performances as well as prepare for their SA Activities at SD Umbulharjo 1 and SD Umbulharjo 2.

Day 4 was the busiest day, and it started with a visit to SD Umbulharjo 1 to do reading activities, and to SD Umbulharjo 2 to do some bonding games. Around midday, students gathered in the campground and engaged in several team building activities before they had their dinner and gathered for the bonfire. Just before the bonfire started, the students were given a dance performance by local performers called Jatilan, a traditional Javanese dance used as a welcoming dance. At around 20.00, the bonfire was lit and was followed by a performance from each group on the theme of Self-awareness and Teamwork, hosted by Ibu Estina and Pak Michael. At around 23.00, Pak Anto closed the day by taking command of the barbecue grill and inviting all mentors and students to eat grilled corn-on-the-cob, baked potatoes, and grilled sausages together. Students then retired to their tents where they fell asleep to the sounds of nature and the footsteps of mentors who patrolled the camping area throughout the night to make sure everyone was safe.

The last day included a visit to Ullen Sentalu Museum, where the students learned about the Royal Families of the Yogyakarta Keraton. Some male students also joined Friday Prayer, accompanied by Pak Anto and Pak Ali at a nearby mosque. Before going to Adi Sutjipto Airport, the entire group had lunch together and went souvenir shopping at Bakpia and Batik Shop. We arrived at the airport just in time to check-in and fly back to Soekarno Hatta Airport where parents were already gathering to await the arrival of their tired, but happy children.

It was such a fun and exciting week, during which the students were able to have a good time, learn new things, practice being more self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and create good memories. All students, along with the mentors, were also able to strengthen their bond with each other and we began to see that this is going to be a great Year level. Go, Class of 2025! Great job everyone! We’ll see you on the next trip!