Student Initiative in IO UIN SSC Internship Program Drives Film Production Supporting Internationalization and Creative Academic Development
Cirebon, October, 1st 2025 — At UIN SSC, the International Office continually fosters innovation and creative student initiatives. Under the leadership of Lala Bumela, Ph.D., Director of International Office and Partnerships, internship students, known as GET members, launched a landmark project: the production of a film designed to support both academic and international engagement. The project, led by Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir, involved over 40 students, including Muhammad Ridho, Muhammad Fatih, Gus Samas, Tri Cakra Prawira, and Istiqomah Islamiyah. The film, Tamyiz Season 3, integrates John Dewey’s progressive education principles with Sufi philosophy inspired by Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi. Lala Bumela remarked, “This initiative highlights how student creativity can align with institutional goals, bridging local talent with global opportunities and fostering a culture of experiential learning.”
Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir explained how the film was structured as a learning laboratory for progressive education. “I designed this project based on Dewey’s philosophy—students actively learn by doing, reflecting on experiences, experimenting with solutions, and collaborating on complex tasks. They develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and apply theory to practice in real contexts,” he said. The film also incorporated Sufi themes from Rumi, allowing students to explore ethical and spiritual dimensions alongside practical filmmaking skills, creating a holistic learning experience that merges intellect, creativity, and introspection.
The project exemplifies experiential learning, a cornerstone of progressive education, where knowledge is constructed through active engagement rather than passive instruction. Students honed technical skills in directing, cinematography, and editing, while simultaneously practicing reflection, ethical reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving. Observers noted that the internship environment encouraged experimentation, iterative learning, and peer mentorship, producing outcomes that were both technically proficient and philosophically informed, reflecting Dewey’s principles in action.
Lala Bumela emphasized the broader educational and international significance of the initiative. “Supporting student-driven projects like Tamyiz Season 3 aligns with our vision of preparing globally minded and academically versatile learners. These initiatives foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, while also enhancing UIN SSC’s international profile,” he said. He highlighted that such projects exemplify the synergy between institutional guidance and student initiative, demonstrating how experiential and reflective learning can produce transformative educational experiences.
Collaboration and mentorship were central to the project’s success. Students reported that working collectively enhanced their understanding of project-based learning, inquiry-based problem solving, and reflective practice. Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir added, “Through this initiative, students experience progressive education firsthand—taking ownership of their learning, testing creative solutions, and reflecting critically on outcomes, which fosters both personal growth and collective achievement.” By integrating technical filmmaking with philosophical and ethical reflection, students cultivated a holistic understanding of knowledge as both practical and meaningful.
Looking ahead, Lala Bumela reflected on the lasting impact of the internship initiative on internationalization, academic development, and progressive learning. “Tamyiz Season 3 demonstrates how student creativity, supported by institutional guidance, can advance global engagement, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and contribute to academic and ethical growth. With projects like this, students are not just learning content—they are learning how to think critically, create responsibly, and act as globally aware leaders,” he affirmed. The film stands as a testament to the power of progressive, experiential learning combined with Sufi-inspired reflection, preparing UIN SSC students to excel in both local and international contexts.
Author: Muhammad Azkiya Bahtsulkhoir