SDGs 4: Quality Education
Jhony Fonsen, a bachelor student majoring in Tourism at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is one of the accomplished and talented individuals behind the establishment of the Semi-Autonomous Body (BSO) “Sastra Oebah,” which is now widely recognized.
It all began with his concern, which later turned into a significant question within himself, “Why doesn’t the Faculty of Cultural Sciences have a dance BSO?” He was puzzled; how could a faculty labeled “cultural” lack a dance community, especially covering creative, traditional, and modern dances? From this concern emerged the idea of establishing Sastra Oebah. Initially, doubts surrounded his journey, considering this was not an easy thing to be done. However, with the assistance of Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., commonly known as Madame Wulan, they eventually agreed on this intriguing idea. Subsequently, the faculty endorsed this idea, starting from the issuance of official documents (SK), until the formation of the name “Sastra Oebah.”
The year 2023 marked the beginning of the formation of this BSO, which became a significant identity and new face for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The name of this BSO was derived from the background of the faculty, which was formerly known as the Faculty of Literature and Oebah, which means movement in Indonesian. From these two words, he elaborated a living symbol that the Sastra Oebah BSO is active in the field of dance arts, particularly in creative, traditional, and modern dances.
Sastra Oebah itself is open. This means that although this BSO is within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, its membership is not limited to students within the faculty alone. Sastra Oebah BSO opens up opportunities as much as possible for students outside the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who have an interest in dance arts.
During the formation of this BSO, Jhony naturally involved several people around him. One of them is Mbak Ninda, a student majoring in Archaeology who deeply embodies art. Then, after successfully forming and gathering many members, he decided to organize the management of this organization. Along with his equally talented friends, Jhony and 9 others agreed to be at the forefront of Sastra Oebah. They are Jhony Fonsen, Putri Dea Amara, An’cahya Titin Nafisa, Dewi Masyifa Antaningrum, Novalia Hidayatus Sholihah, Puspita Sari Dwi Apriyanti, Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah, Galuh Dhinar Divanka, Bening Embun Pagi, Ervita Ninda Iswantari.
Interestingly, although classified as a new BSO, this organization has already caught the attention of the wider community and has achieved several accomplishments in dance competitions over the past year. Some of these include:
- Indonesian Tourism Competition in Bandung (2nd place)
- Kulon Progo Carnival
- Participation in the International Students Gathering event
- Esqa Collaboration
- UGM museum anniversary
- Porsenigama 2023 (1st place in Traditional Dance)
- Porsenigama 2023 (2nd place in Modern Dance)
- Regular performances at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences graduation ceremonies
- Participation in the Tourism Business Travel Olympiad
- Participation in the Village Chief Festival
- Participation in the National Zoology Olympiad FKH
- Participation in the Chemistry Futsal League
- Collaboration in the Malaysia-Indonesia Art Integration Program
- Participation in the 2023 Family Day of the Anniversary celebration
- Participation in Pionir PPSMB 2023
- Participation in Kampung Budaya PPSMB 2023
- Participation in Gelex 2023
- Participation in the 2024 Family Day of the Anniversary celebration
The strong cultural element inherent in the faculty’s identity cannot be separated from dance arts. It is hoped that the Sastra Oebah BSO can become a new color that strengthens the identity of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.
