The American Studies Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is currently preparing for the 2nd American Studies International Conference (ASIC), which will be held on September 10-11, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

This international conference marks the second implementation of ASIC after the first conference was successfully conducted in 2018. After several years of hiatus, ASIC returns as an academic forum that brings together researchers, lecturers, students, and practitioners from various fields of study.

ASIC 2026 carries the theme “Global America: Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges.” The theme highlights the dynamics of America in a global context, particularly related to cultural exchange, migration, territorial borders, digital media, and various other transnational issues.

The organizing committee stated that the conference is expected to become a platform for academic discussion that encourages interdisciplinary and international collaboration. In addition, ASIC 2026 is also part of the effort to strengthen the position of American Studies in Indonesia in responding to contemporary global issues.

Various subthemes will be discussed during the conference, including:

• American Literature
• American Transnational Culture
• Politics in the US
• Film and Media Studies
• Religion in the US
• Environmental and Ecological Issues in the US
• Diaspora in the US
• American Border
• Digital Lives and Virtual Realities
• Migration to and from the US

Currently, the committee continues to finalize various preparations, ranging from academic coordination and conference publication to the opening of the call for papers for both national and international participants. ASIC 2026 is also supported by several institutions and communities, including American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), American Studies Society of Indonesia (ASSINDO), Jogja Film Academy, PTA Sinematik Indonesia, and CARITRA Indonesia.

Previously, the first ASIC conference in 2018 brought together academics and researchers to discuss globalization and cultural identity issues within the perspective of American Studies. Through its second implementation, ASIC 2026 is expected to once again become a space for academic exchange that remains relevant to current global developments. 

Further information regarding ASIC 2026 can be accessed through the official ASIC website at asic.fib.ugm.ac.id

[American Studies]

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is hosting a Wayang Exhibition and Bazaar from Thursday to Saturday, May 21 to 23, 2026. Held at the UGM Center for Javanese Studies (Pusaka Jawa), this event is part of the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 series and also commemorates the 80th anniversary (Dies Natalis) of FIB UGM.

The exhibition is organized as part of the implementation of the EQUITY program by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). This year, the festival adopts the main theme “Kita. Butuh. Wayang.” (We. Need. Wayang.). This theme carries a profound meaning regarding cultural preservation efforts that must work in synergy with the empowerment of the artisan community behind it.

Through the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026, FIB UGM builds a balanced synergy between UGM’s academic thought and the heartbeat of wayang artisans in Butuh Hamlet, Sidowarno, Klaten Regency. Based on this event concept, the organizers issued a cultural proclamation through their official statement.

During the three-day exhibition, visitors can attend from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM WIB to enjoy various cultural educational showcases. The exhibition features several exploration areas, including the Photo Exhibition Zone, the Wayang Bazaar Zone, and the Audio-Visual Zone, which specifically screens the “Butuh Documentary.”

In the Wayang Display Zone, the organizers showcase various highly artistic panels and puppet characters. The works presented to the public include the Ramayana Panel, Arjuna Wiwaha, Dewaruci, Wirata Parwa, Sembadra Larung, Bhagavad Gita, and the figure of Mahapatih Gadjah Mada.

Ultimately, this Wayang Exhibition and Bazaar underscores the importance of safeguarding civilizational heritage while advancing the grassroots economy. The direct involvement of local artisans ensures that the wheels of the village-level creative economy keep turning alongside the preservation of tradition. This concrete step serves as a vital foundation for building a community that is economically independent and resilient in maintaining its cultural identity amidst changing times.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an evaluation meeting for its student exchange programs. These programs are the result of collaboration between FIB UGM and its national and international partner universities. The meeting, which took place in the Multimedia Room, was conducted in view of the upcoming conclusion of teaching and learning activities for the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The evaluation was attended by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni. The forum also invited national and international exchange students, including master’s and doctoral students specifically for the international cohort.

The participants of the exchange program for this academic year came from various domestic and international partner universities. International students were registered from Kokushikan University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, National Chengchi University, University of Naples L’Orientale, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Palacky University Olomouc, Kobe University, and Daito Bunka University. From the international postgraduate level, students attended from the Doctorate in Humanities, Doctorate in Anthropology, Master in Anthropology, Master in Linguistics, Master in Archaeology, and Master in Literature programs. Meanwhile, national students came from Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Udayana, and Universitas Andalas.

In his remarks, Professor Setiadi expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm throughout their studies. He emphasized the academic excellence and supportive social environment within the faculty that facilitate the students’ learning process.

“FIB is the right choice for all of you, especially international students. In addition to having various departments where courses can be taken even if they do not strictly align with your major, FIB also offers a wide range of student activities that you can participate in to get to know each other’s backgrounds and cultures,” Professor Setiadi said.

During the main session of the meeting, several students shared their evaluations, impressions, and feedback. Student representatives from various partner universities shared their valuable experiences, input for program improvement, and the positive impressions they gained while participating in the exchange and studying at FIB UGM.

This evaluation meeting is a crucial step in maintaining and enhancing the quality of student exchange programs in the future. By strengthening academic partnerships across nations and regions, FIB UGM continues to strive toward creating an adaptive learning space and supporting equal access to quality education that respects global cultural diversity.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

The Tourism Study Program Class of 2023 conducted a field observation program titled Parkouris Goes to Bali from May 10–14, 2026, at several leading tourist destinations in Bali. This activity became part of practice-based learning aimed at broadening students’ understanding of destination management, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism development.

The observation program, chaired by Jonathan Kefas, began with a visit to the Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden. During this visit, students learned about the management of conservation areas and environmentally based educational tourism. The observation aligned with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 on Life on Land through efforts to preserve terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as SDG 4 on Quality Education through direct field-based learning.

The students also conducted observations at Penglipuran Tourism Village to study the development of culture-based tourism villages rooted in local wisdom. In addition to observing destination management, participants gained insights into the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness, preserving cultural heritage, and encouraging community involvement in the tourism sector. This activity supported SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth through the development of community-based sustainable tourism economies.

The observation activities continued with a visit to the Bajra Sandhi Monument accompanied by the site management team. During the visit, students learned about the management of historical and cultural tourism as a medium for public education and as an effort to preserve regional historical values.

Furthermore, participants conducted observations at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park to understand the management of an international-scale cultural tourism destination. Students gained experience related to tourism attraction management, visitor services, and destination promotion strategies that contribute to the growth of the creative economy and tourism sector.

The observation program concluded with a visit to Jimbaran Beach. At this location, students observed the potential of coastal tourism as well as the economic activities of local communities that have developed through the marine tourism sector.

Through the Parkouris Goes to Bali program, students of the Tourism Study Program Class of 2023 are expected to gain a deeper understanding of adaptive, sustainable, and culture-based tourism management practices as preparation for contributing to the development of the tourism sector in the future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]