Monday, October 6, 2025 – What if development did not have to repeat the same failed models?

This question is the main premise of the book Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements. On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Department of Anthropology held a soft launch of the book Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements. This book is the result of collaboration between a number of researchers who highlight various social, political, and geographical contexts in the Southeast Asian region. Through various field studies and theoretical reflections, this book places alternative development as its main focus, while inviting readers to reimagine the meaning of progress from the perspective of communities that have often been marginalized in mainstream development discourse.

Furthermore, the authors also invite us to question the perspective that limits people’s experiences within the framework of the nation-state. The division of regions such as “Southeast Asia” is in fact inseparable from the excesses of colonialism, which sought to compartmentalize social and cultural spaces into separate entities. Through this lens, Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia not only discusses alternative forms of development, but also how we can reimagine cross-border relationships—both historical and cultural—which are in fact a vital source for the emergence of grassroots development practices.

At the book’s soft launch on Monday, two of its authors, Ananeza P. Aban, PhD Researcher from Ghent University, and Jose Monfred C. Sy, PhD Researcher from the University of Hong Kong, were present to give a brief presentation on the outline of the book and the main topics discussed. Both highlighted how local initiatives and social movements in various Southeast Asian countries can become forms of alternative development that seek to break away from colonial formats and renegotiate power relations in the global context.

This event also provided a space for participants to revisit the concept of development, which has been dominated by global perspectives and mainstream economic policies. Through this launch, the authors hope to open a broader conversation about the future of development in the region, how grassroots experiences can be a source of inspiration for a more inclusive and sustainable direction of development, and encourage researchers to participate in documenting local development practices—especially in Southeast Asia.

[Antropologi Budaya, Daiva Keefe Kalimasadha]

Yogyakarta, 15 Oktober 2025 – Fakultas Ilmu Budaya (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada menerima kunjungan dari SMA Nasima Semarang dan SMAN 9 Surabaya dalam rangka kegiatan edukatif yang bertujuan untuk memperluas wawasan siswa mengenai studi budaya serta memperkenalkan lingkungan akademik di FIB UGM.

Kegiatan diawali dengan sambutan pembuka oleh Humas FIB UGM, yang kemudian dilanjutkan oleh perwakilan guru dari kedua sekolah. Dalam kesempatan tersebut, para guru menyampaikan apresiasi dan antusiasme atas kesempatan belajar langsung di lingkungan perguruan tinggi yang memiliki reputasi tinggi dalam bidang kebudayaan dan humaniora.

Selanjutnya, Humas FIB UGM memaparkan materi yang mencakup berbagai aspek kehidupan akademik di fakultas, antara lain pengenalan program studi, Badan Seni Otonom (BSO), International Center for Cultural Studies (INCULS), fasilitas dan sarana prasarana fakultas, serta beragam jalur masuk ke UGM. Melalui sesi ini, para siswa memperoleh gambaran yang lebih komprehensif mengenai peluang studi dan pengembangan minat di bidang budaya dan bahasa.

Acara kemudian dilanjutkan dengan tur fakultas yang mencakup kunjungan ke Museum Arkeologi Mandala Majapahit dan Pusaka Jawa UGM. Dalam tur tersebut, para siswa dapat secara langsung menyaksikan berbagai koleksi dan warisan budaya yang menjadi bagian penting dari proses pembelajaran dan penelitian di FIB.

Setelah tur fakultas, rombongan dari SMA Nasima Semarang dan SMAN 9 Surabaya melanjutkan kegiatan dengan Campus Tour UGM yang dipandu oleh tim resmi kampus, memberikan pengalaman menyeluruh tentang suasana akademik dan kehidupan mahasiswa di lingkungan UGM.

Kegiatan ini sejalan dengan Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (SDGs), khususnya SDG 4: Pendidikan Berkualitas, melalui upaya memberikan akses dan pemahaman yang lebih luas mengenai pendidikan tinggi kepada generasi muda. Selain itu, kegiatan ini juga mendukung SDG 17: Kemitraan untuk Mencapai Tujuan, dengan menjalin kolaborasi antara lembaga pendidikan menengah dan perguruan tinggi dalam meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran serta pemahaman lintas budaya.

Melalui kunjungan ini, diharapkan para siswa memperoleh inspirasi baru untuk melanjutkan pendidikan tinggi, serta menumbuhkan minat terhadap kajian budaya sebagai bagian dari upaya pelestarian dan pengembangan nilai-nilai kebangsaan.

[Humas FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, October 15, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed students and teachers from SMA Nasima Semarang and SMAN 9 Surabaya in an educational visit aimed at broadening students’ understanding of cultural studies and introducing them to the academic environment at FIB UGM.

The event began with an opening speech delivered by the Public Relations representative of FIB UGM, followed by remarks from teachers of both visiting schools. During the session, the teachers expressed their appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn directly within a university renowned for its excellence in culture and the humanities.

Following the opening, the Public Relations team of FIB UGM presented an overview of various aspects of academic life at the faculty. The presentation included introductions to the study programs, autonomous arts organizations (BSO), the International Center for Cultural Studies (INCULS), faculty facilities and infrastructure, as well as various admission pathways to UGM. Through this session, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available to explore their interests in language and cultural studies.

The event continued with a faculty tour that included visits to the Mandala Majapahit Archaeological Museum and the UGM Javanese Heritage Collection. During the tour, students had the opportunity to directly observe cultural artifacts and heritage collections that play a vital role in the learning and research process at the faculty.

After the faculty tour, the delegation from SMA Nasima Semarang and SMAN 9 Surabaya proceeded with the UGM Campus Tour, guided by the university’s official campus team. This provided the students with an immersive experience of the academic atmosphere and student life at UGM.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing broader access and understanding of higher education for young learners. It also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration between secondary schools and higher education institutions in enhancing learning quality and cross-cultural understanding.

Through this visit, it is hoped that students will gain new inspiration to pursue higher education and develop a deeper interest in cultural studies as part of the effort to preserve and promote national values.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, October 9th, 2025 – Students from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), are actively participating in the Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025, an international Arabic speech contest organized by the Omani Research and Studies Centre in collaboration with Istiqama Academy and the Arabic Debate Club. This prestigious event, held under the theme of nurturing eloquence, leadership, and global understanding, gathers high school and university students from around the world to showcase their Arabic communication skills.

The competition features two stages: the online qualifying round, where participants submit a 3–5 minute speech video by October 10, 2025, and the semi-final and final rounds, which will take place on November 7, 2025, at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Contestants will address one of several themes, such as “Education and Innovation as Our Path to Leadership” and “The Role of Youth in Building a Peaceful Future.” Winners will receive total prizes amounting to RM 20,000 (approximately USD 4,700).

The Arabic Study Program at UGM provides full support for its students joining this competition. The department organizes intensive coaching sessions, helps students record and edit their competition videos, and provides academic and technical assistance to ensure the best possible preparation. This initiative reflects the program’s dedication to encouraging students to hone their public speaking, linguistic, and intercultural communication skills on the international stage.

Through this participation, UGM continues to foster an environment that empowers students to represent Indonesia in global academic and cultural arenas while embodying the values of confidence, eloquence, and collaboration. The Arabic Study Program’s support for this event also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)—by promoting global educational collaboration and student empowerment through language and culture.

[Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, 4 October 2025 – The Arabic Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed the Arabic Literature Student Association (HIMASA) from Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) during their comparative study visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event aimed to strengthen academic and organizational ties while fostering collaboration and friendship between student associations.

The SANJUNG program was attended by all representatives of IKMASA UGM’s 2025/2026 management board from each department, accompanied by IKMASA Chairperson Candra Solihin. Meanwhile, the HIMASA UNPAD delegation, consisting of around 60 members, was led by HIMASA Chairperson Moch Cahya Kurnia.

The event began with welcoming remarks from both organization leaders, followed by presentations of work programs from each department and division. The participants then engaged in focused discussion sessions organized into small groups, each consisting of one to two departments, allowing for deeper exchanges of ideas and experiences. The program concluded with a documentation session held in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building.

This visit served not only as a platform for sharing organizational best practices but also as a meaningful step toward building lasting partnerships and academic collaboration among Arabic student associations across Indonesia.

Author: Department of External Relations of IKMASA