Stefani Adelia Tiurma Mukti from the Department of Archaeology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with Fadel Ilham Dzulkarnain from the Multimedia Engineering Technology program at Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya (PENS), has introduced an innovative framework for cultural heritage preservation. Presenting at the interdisciplinary iCAST-SS 2026 conference held in Surabaya on October 9–10, 2026, the duo unveiled their research titled “From Prediction to Preservation: An Explainable AI and WebGIS Framework for Simulated Archaeological Heritage Conservation in Trowulan, Indonesia.” Their study focuses on the historical Trowulan site in East Java, a vital zone containing the grand remains of the ancient Majapahit Kingdom, proposing a digitally simulated approach to its ongoing conservation planning.

This interdisciplinary research merges Explainable AI (XAI) and Web-based Geographic Information Systems (WebGIS) to transform conventional archaeological mapping into transparent and precise spatial predictive models. By utilizing Explainable AI, the framework ensures that machine learning predictions are fully interpretable, giving experts clear insights into the environmental and historical factors driving the model’s outputs. Simultaneously, the WebGIS platform serves as an accessible digital interface that visualizes spatial analysis in real time. This synergy successfully bridges the gap between traditional archaeological spatial context and advanced computational data handling, offering a highly communicative tool for heritage management.

Although currently structured around a simulated environment, this pioneering research opens up new avenues for modernizing cultural site management across Indonesia. The findings set the foundation for future field validation and algorithmic refinements, aiming toward real-world applications that can assist policymakers and conservationists in making data-driven decisions. Through their participation in iCAST-SS 2026, Stefani and Fadel demonstrate the powerful potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration—uniting the humanities with technology—to effectively address the complex challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the modern era.

Author : Muhammad Irsyad
Photo Credits: Stefani Adelia Tiurma Mukti

On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Department of Anthropology at UGM held a
celebration featuring a “tumpeng”. This celebration was held to commemorate the 62nd
anniversary of the Department of Anthropology at UGM. At 1:00 p.m., right at lunchtime, the
staff and faculty members moved the yellow rice tumpeng—which had previously been in the
Reading Room—to the tables and chairs in front of the Anthropology Library on the 5th floor of
the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The tumpeng was moved in front of the
library so that students on the 5th floor could join the staff and faculty for the communal meal.

In front of the library tables, faculty and staff stood in a circle facing the tumpeng. Students who
were in the library at the time were also asked to step outside and participate in the celebration. Dr.
Agung Wicaksono, M.A., Chair of the UGM Department of Anthropology, led the celebration
while inviting those in the vicinity of the fifth floor to join the event. Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo
Yuwono, M.A., led the opening prayer in Javanese before the event began. The prayer was offered
for the continued success of the Department of Anthropology, for the retired faculty members who
have passed away, and for the current faculty and students, so that academic activities in the UGM
Department of Anthropology may proceed smoothly.

After the opening prayer, Dr. Agung Wicaksono, M.A., cut the yellow rice tumpeng and
presented the first few slices to Fajrul Falah Nazarudin, S.E. as a representative of the Anthropology
faculty, and to Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A., and Dr. Elan Ardri
Lazuardi, S.Ant., M.A., as faculty members. As for the student representative, a Cultural
Anthropology student from the class of 2026 named Sham was also given one of the first slices of
the yellow rice tumpeng. The yellow rice tumpeng, along with its side dishes such as chicken,
tempeh, tofu, and others, was then served to every faculty member, staff member, and student who
joined in the celebration. Happy 62nd anniversary to the Department of Anthropology.

Author: Leonard Dimas 

Students from the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), achieved notable accomplishments at the 32nd Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), organized by the Indonesian Association of Regional Language and Literature Students (Ikatan Mahasiswa Bahasa dan Sastra Daerah Indonesia, or Imbasadi) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) on October 12–15, 2026. Carrying the theme “Muda Berkarya, Kami Bhima Budaya” (Young People Creating, We Are Bhima Budaya), the event provided a platform for students from various universities to develop their potential, broaden their cultural knowledge, and strengthen connections among students.

As an annual Imbasadi event, the 32nd Temu Budaya Nusantara featured a range of cultural and academic activities. These included a National Deliberation Meeting, cultural seminars, and a closing ceremony featuring an awards presentation and the inauguration of the new Imbasadi board for the 2026/2028 period. Through these activities, students from universities across Indonesia offering regional language and literature study programs had the opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and broaden their cultural perspectives.

FIB UGM’s Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture participated in the event by sending six delegates. The delegates were Shabrina Fitra Azzahra (class of 2024), Eva Wulandari (class of 2025), Yogi Setiyawan (class of 2025), Muthiah Rahmadani (class of 2026), Januar Aziz Maulana (class of 2026), and Fabiola Anenina Karissa (class of 2026). 

UGM’s participation in the 32nd TBN was marked by several notable achievements. Two students, Januar Aziz Maulana and Fabiola Anenina Karissa, received nominations for Runner-Up II Imbasadi 2026. Meanwhile, Muthiah Rahmadani won third place in the batik design competition. In addition to these achievements, Yogi Setiawan was entrusted with the role of Imbasadi President for the 2026/2027 term. These accomplishments reflect the contributions of students from FIB UGM’s Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture to appreciating, preserving, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago through academic and cultural activities. They also demonstrate the students’ active role in strengthening collaboration and fostering connections among students from universities throughout Indonesia.

Through the organization of Temu Budaya Nusantara and the achievements attained, it is hoped that students will become increasingly committed to safeguarding and preserving regional cultural heritage. The event is also expected to further strengthen ties among regional language and literature students throughout Indonesia.

FIB UGM’s Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture extends its appreciation to all parties who supported the event. A spirit of togetherness and a shared appreciation for culture are expected to continue serving as the foundation for students to pursue creative endeavors and contribute to preserving Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

Indonesia is diverse, Imbasadi unites.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

YOGYAKARTA – Students enrolled in the Arabic Gastronomy course held a joint cooking practice at the Soegondo Building Hallway on Thursday, October 15, 2026. This event served as a hands-on opportunity to apply theories of Middle Eastern culinary culture in practice.

The two main dishes prepared during this practical session were samosa and isy baladi. Samosa a triangular pastry filled with spiced meat, vegetables, or cheese reflects the footprint of cultural acculturation along ancient trade routes. Meanwhile, isy baladi, a traditional Egyptian baked wheat flatbread, was presented not only as a staple food, but also as a symbol of food security and social identity deeply rooted for thousands of years.

In addition to honing teamwork, this activity aimed to deepen students’ understanding of spice characteristics and the philosophical values behind Arabic culinary traditions. This interactive practice not only enriched students’ academic literacy in international gastronomy, but also opened up entrepreneurial perspectives on authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

Author: Syifa Khoirunisa