Strengthening the Social Capital through the Local Wisdom of Indonesia's students in Thailand

Abstract

Abstract. As a long-time friend of Indonesia, Thailand is among the countries of choice for Indonesians to live overseas. This community services program has the main objective of developing social capital among the diaspora in Thailand, especially in Khon Kaen province. Most of the diaspora in Khon Kaen consists of undergraduate and postgraduate programs that receive scholarships from the Indonesian government or their internal institutions. Social capital, as in Islamic perception, “Ukhuwah Islamiyah,” and togetherness could increase their strength to bring great values to living abroad. The main problem is differences in human behaviour, human traditions, race, perspectives, and many other aspects that could decrease the togetherness value and lack of nationalism and pride in Indonesian culture. Living as a diaspora has many advantages, one of which is knowing things that one's surroundings do not, for example, culture. Diaspora Indonesia in Thailand has many greater benefits in terms of sharing Indonesian local culture in art, culinary arts, dancing, etc. Thailand citizens are mostly welcome to cultural sharing events from other countries due to receiving new knowledge concerning Indonesia. By sharing the culture and introducing Indonesia, it could increase the nationalism and togetherness of the Indonesian Diaspora. Therefore, making an event to share the local culture, which consists of many races in Indonesia, and introduce Indonesia's uniqueness is the solution to strengthening the social capital of the Diaspora Indonesia at Khon Kaen University. By collaborating with Persatuan Mahasiswa Indonesia di Thailand (PERMITHA) in the Khon Kaen branch, the community services could elaborate on local culture sharing with all Diaspora students who study at Khon Kaen University. One of the local cultures that could be shared is making batik. Sharing steps and how to make batik could interest many other Diaspora members from other countries.