Indonesian inquiry: A narrative of biocultural teaching on Sulawesi Utara

Abstract

Using phenomenology, narrative inquiry and autoethnographic approaches, this study analyses a program of faculty development conducted alongside the delivery of an international field school. Through this study, we explore the value and benefits of inter-cultural field programming and how these might serve to complement or to redress prevailing university practices in Indonesia. As we describe in the included narratives, Indonesia provides ideal opportunities to explore intercultural and international approaches to education as part of a set of unique and immersive field experiences. Using the complementary theoretical lenses of biocultural diversity and sustainability, our coursework and faculty development opportunities are delivered together in cooperation with local partners and involve short or extended visits to local communities, national parks, cultural events and volunteer work with community organizations. These experiences are centred in Sulawesi Utara, within easy transportation from Manado and our academic home: a small Indonesian university that serves as lead for the program. Our experiences demonstrate that the inclusion of local and community-based forms of knowledge can serve to broaden and enrich student learning while also increasing student engagement and cultural sensitivity.