UPJ Students Explore European History and Politics in a Visit to Bonn

Bintaro, South Selatan 01/10/2024 – Students from Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) participating in the Cologne International Summer School visited Bonn, a historic city that once served as the capital of West Germany. This visit offered a significant opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of European history and politics. 

At the European Commission, participants received an in-depth briefing on the crucial role of this institution in European integration. The students were introduced to how European Union policies impact member states, including Germany, and their relevance to international relations with non-European countries like Indonesia. "This explanation opened our eyes to the global impact of EU policies, including in Indonesia," said one UPJ student. 

Following this, participants visited the House of History (Haus der Geschichte), an interactive museum documenting Germany's history from the end of World War II to the present day. The museum provided direct insights into Germany's post-war transformation and reunification process. "The museum gave us a real understanding of how German history has shaped the world today," a student commented. 

The visit to Bonn offered deeper insights into how history influences the future. The day concluded with a group reflection session, where participants discussed how to apply this experience in their local contexts, particularly in terms of international collaboration and sustainable development. "We learned about the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals," a UPJ participant concluded. 

Through this visit, UPJ students are expected to apply the knowledge gained to develop sustainable policies and foster international cooperation in their home countries.