EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, MADIUN – In the 2026–2027 academic year, Muhammadiyah University of East Java (UMJT), formerly known as Muhammadiyah Univesity of Madiun (UMMAD), has welcomed several new students from Christian background.
Five new Christian and Catholic students from East Nusa Tenggara Province have enrolled in several study programs offered by UMJT.
They are Irene Nata Wea and Fransiscus Vian Baok, both from the Health Administration study program.
Three others are Benedikta Yuyun Toda and Shallom Putri Zefanya from the Social Welfare study program, as well as Miranda Emilia from the Elementary School Teacher Education program.
A First Experience
The five students are currently taking part in the UMJT Menyapa and MASTA 2026 programs. Moving from school life into university and meeting other new students has naturally brought some initial awkwardness.
Yuyun, the nickname of Benedikta Yuyun Toda, said she had rarely interacted with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds before.
“At first, it was nerve-racking. From childhood through high school, I had never met people from different cultures and religions, so I felt awkward,” Yuyun said in a statement received Thursday (24/9).
After participating in a two-day soft-skills program and interacting with other participants, however, Yuyun said she had begun to feel more comfortable.
“Now things are starting to feel normal. It is not as awkward as before. I have started interacting with other students,” said Yuyun.
Fransiskus Vian Baok reported a similar experience. He said he initially felt awkward while adjusting to a new academic culture.
“At first, I felt awkward, hesitant and even embarrassed. But after meeting other students and lecturers, I have started to get used to it,” said Vian.
Irene Nata Wea, meanwhile, said she did not feel particularly unfamiliar with the atmosphere on her first day on campus. Having previously attended university, she found it easier to interact with others.
“It was fine. I was able to interact with others by introducing myself and talking with other students,” Irene said.
Meanwhile, UMJT Vice Rector I Fajar Junaedi said the presence of students from diverse backgrounds demonstrates that UMJT is a university open to everyone.
“UMJT provides space for tolerance and diversity through adaptive learning. Anyone has the right and opportunity to study at UMJT. The university upholds tolerance. So, come and join UMJT,” Fajar Junaedi said.
