The UGM Archaeologist Team held a “Mejan Milik Kita” Workshop on Monday, July 15, 2024 at Balai Sada Arih, SINDEKA Complex. This workshop discussed topics related to the conservation of mejan findings that are widely owned by Pakpak Bharat Regency and also discussed related to community-based cultural heritage preservation. Pakpak Bharat is one of the regions in North Sumatra Province that has many potentials, such as natural, cultural, and archaeological potentials. The UGM Archaeologist Team has conducted research to determine the distribution of archaeological potential in the form of mejan in Pagindar District and several other areas around Salak District. This research is a follow-up research to the previous research conducted in 2023. The interesting thing that was done in this research was targeting the potential of nature to become a leading tourist destination in Pakpak Bharat Regency in addition to digging deeper related to archaeological remains in the form of mejan.

UGM Archaeologist Team Coordinator, Mimi Savitri, M. A., Ph. D., said that “Pakpak Bharat, especially Pagindar Sub-district which yesterday became the object of research, has the potential of an extraordinarily interesting area to be developed in the future, ranging from archaeological remains to natural potential”. On this occasion, representatives of the district government represented by the Regional Secretary, Jalan Berutu, S.Pd., M. M. warmly welcomed and gave full support to the running of research in the Pakpak Bharat area. He also said “Great appreciation for the cooperation between the Pakpak Bharat Regency Government and Gadjah Mada University so that hopefully this will be the first step that can be used as a basis for the promotion and development of the Pakpak Bharat region,” he added.

In this workshop activity, 2 resource persons were presented, namely Dr. Mahirta, M. A who is a lecturer in the Archaeology Study Program at Gadjah Mada University, where in his presentation he discussed stone conservation. This material aims to provide knowledge to the wider community in Pakpak Bharat Regency represented by attendees from various circles ranging from school students, teachers, village heads, sub-district heads, traditional leaders, and representatives of community institutions engaged in cultural development. Of course, understanding related to stone conservation is a provision that must be owned by every element of society, given the many potentials in the form of mejans scattered throughout the Pakpak Bharat region. Then, the second speaker, Mimi Savitri, M. A. Ph. D. explained the topic related to the preservation of community-based cultural heritage so that in this case it emphasizes good cooperation in the community for the sake of preserving the cultural heritage owned. She said that, “The community is at the forefront and closest around the object of cultural heritage, so it is necessary to have knowledge related to the preservation of cultural heritage and good cooperation in it so that the value of the object is not lost, and the existing heritage can survive for future generations”.

The workshop went well because of the active participation of the participants in conveying their ideas. One of them came from a high school student representative named Sodik who said that, “As a young generation, we should love and have a sense of pride in our cultural heritage so that it can prevent our culture from being claimed by others”. In addition, issues related to the preservation and development of cultural heritage were also raised. One of them was conveyed by Budi Rasmianto Berutu, S. T., M. AP., as a representative of the regional cultural institution, “The potential possessed by Pakpak Bharat, especially the Pagindar area, is an extraordinary asset. However, we need an easy access road so that tourists will easily reach the Pagindar area. In addition, we also want assistance for tourism publications in the form of promotions on social media and in the form of booklets so that when there are tourists who will come to Pakpak Bharat, it will be easy to know what tourist destinations can be visited according to their interests.” The audience also agreed with what was said. Furthermore, there were many inputs from the stakeholders present, where knowledge related to mejan also needs to be given to school materials so that it can foster a sense of love and belonging to the cultural heritage owned by the region.

This activity was closed with the delivery of conclusions by Plt. Head of Pakpak Bharat Tourism and Culture Office, Maranatha M. Padang, S. Pd., M. Si., “Once again, I greatly appreciate the research that has been carried out by the UGM Archaeology Team and to the attendees who have attended this opportunity. Hopefully, what is obtained today can be conveyed to the wider community so that the existing knowledge can be known to more people. I hope that cooperation can be maintained among the community in maintaining and preserving the culture that we have so that the cultural heritage in Pakpak Bharat will continue to be sustainable, Lias Ate, Njuah – Njuah Banta Karina “.

Author: Resti Wulandari, S. Ark.

Saturday, July 20th, 2022, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, was invited to participate in the closing ceremony of the Summer Course program between UGM, Victoria University, and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta. The event was held in the Dean’s Building of the Faculty of Arts, Media, and Recording, ISI Yogyakarta, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Western Indonesian Time. The closing ceremony began with an opening speech from Mr. Kiernan, a representative from Victoria University, followed by an opening speech from Dr. Edial Rusli, S.E., M.Sn, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Media, and Recording, ISI Yogyakarta. The event was enlivened by video presentations from each group. As we know, the output of this activity was a short video about their journey in Yogyakarta. Each group presented diverse videos, ranging from the process of making traditional apem cakes, visits to Malioboro and Beringharjo Market, and musical collaborations.

After the official closing, the event continued with a group photo session to capture the moments of togetherness among the participants, the committee, and the lecturers. This group photo was taken inside the Dean’s Building of the Faculty of Arts, Media, and Recording, ISI Yogyakarta, in a friendly atmosphere.

Next, all participants were invited to enjoy a dinner prepared by the committee. The dishes served included various Indonesian specialties such as pastel and solo sausage. This dinner together was not only a moment to enjoy local cuisine but also an opportunity to chat, share stories, and strengthen relationships among participants from various universities and cultural backgrounds.

The dinner was accompanied by traditional music, adding to the warm and friendly atmosphere. The entire series of closing events went smoothly and left a deep impression on all participants. They not only gained new knowledge and experiences but also beautiful memories that will always be remembered throughout their lives.

In an effort to improve the achievement of Key Performance Indicators, especially in point five of the publication field, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences organizes various research publication facilitation programs. One of the programs held is Publication Assistance through the “PAPERING TOGETHER” Program. The program aims to accelerate the publication process both in reputable international journals and accredited national journals through a mentoring process with mentors. Program participants are lecturers who already have a draft article with a 75% completion value. Articles included in this program have gone through a review process and during the program participants can consult with mentors.

In 2024, the Research and Publication Unit organized the “MENYEPI BERSAMA” Program in two batches. The first batch was held on July 15-19, 2024 at Grand Edge Hotel, Semarang and the second batch was held on July 22-26, 2024 at Oak Tree Emerald Hotel, Semarang by presenting mentors according to their fields of expertise such as culture, literature, history, and linguistics. The mentors who support this program are Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, Prof. Dr. Faruk, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, Dr. Agus Suwignyo, M.A., and Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum. and the number of participants who take part in this program is 20 people. By participating in this program, participants are expected to be able to complete the article and the article is ready to be submitted to the target journal.

On Monday, July 15, 2024, Professor Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., a Professor of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada, was invited as a speaker at the Graduation and Scientific Oration event for prospective graduates of the Faculty of Ushuluddin Adab and Dakwah at Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah State Islamic University, Tulungagung, for the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. This event carried the theme ‘Graduates of Ushuluddin Adab and Dakwah and the Challenges of the Intelligence World’ and was also attended by Professor Dr. Masdar Hilmy, S.Ag. M.A., Ph.D., a Professor at Sunan Ampel State Islamic University, Surabaya, the Rector of Sayyid Ali Rahmatullah State Islamic University, Prof. Dr. H. Abd. Aziz, M.Pd.I., the Dean of the Faculty of Ushuluddin Adab and Dakwah, Prof. Dr. H. Akhmad Rizqon Khamami, Lc., M.A., vice deans, lecturers, and prospective graduates of the July 2024 period.

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M. Hum., explained that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an intelligence system that allows a set of computers or other machines to think and work like humans. The era of artificial intelligence (AI) brings significant changes in various sectors, including the education sector. Therefore, both lecturers and students need to understand and adapt to these developments to maximize the benefits of AI in the teaching and learning process.

In response to the presence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, some members of the community are anxious and worried, even outright rejecting its presence. Nevertheless, it must be realized that the emergence and presence of AI cannot be blocked, rejected, or hindered, as this development is a testament to the progress of humanity in the world. Therefore, graduates of Ushuluddin Adab and Dakwah are expected not to be defensive but to seize the opportunity, adapt to the development and advancement of AI while adhering to ethics and morals based on agreed norms and conventions. The challenges faced by graduates of Ushuluddin Adab and Dakwah are not only the rapid presence of AI but also other challenges, such as deviant ideologies, secularism, and the demographic bonus of 2030. Despite this, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., urged the prospective graduates to not be afraid and to continue adapting and innovating to realize the nation’s aspiration of becoming a Golden Indonesia by 2045.

Aisyah Riska, a student from the Master’s Program in Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is an inspiring figure hailing from South Sulawesi. Aisyah’s decision to continue her studies at UGM was a great decision. She aimed to earn her master’s degree and develop her potential in both academic and non-academic fields.

In the academic sphere, Aisyah has shown outstanding achievements. However, her excellence is not limited to academics alone. Aisyah is also active in various non-academic activities that enrich her experience and contribute positively to her surroundings.

As a person with a talent for the arts, Aisyah joined the Seni Pascasarjana UGM and served as the Head of the Theater Division. Additionally, she is active in Theater Gadjah Mada, a prominent theater organization at the university. Aisyah’s skill in theater not only hones her acting abilities but also enhances her communication and teamwork skills.

Not only active in arts organizations, Aisyah is also highly dedicated to the field of education. She actively teaches students from elementary to high school levels who are preparing for graduation exams or entrance exams for the next educational stage. Through this teaching, Aisyah hopes to make a tangible contribution to improving the quality of education for the younger generation.

Aisyah’s public speaking ability also allows her to have an exposure to the role of Master of Ceremony (MC) or moderator at various important events, both at the university level and events organized by local government agencies. Her role as an MC or moderator not only proves her communication skills but also showcases her confidence and high professionalism.

In addition to her academic achievements and involvement in various activities, Aisyah is also focused on being a content creator. Currently, she is part-time worker at the Unit of Public Relations and Cooperation FIB UGM. There, she is responsible for producing content focused on the TikTok platform.

Aisyah has produced many creative contents that have gone viral, demonstrating her ability to understand trends and audience needs. Through the content she has created, Aisyah not only promotes faculty activities and achievements but also provides inspiration and valuable information to many people.

Aisyah Riska’s story is a true example of a student who not only pursues academic excellence but also actively contributes in various fields. Despite her busy schedule and responsibilities, Aisyah continues to show high commitment and dedication. She is an inspiration to many other students to keep striving for their dreams and making a positive impact on society.

Aisyah Riska proves that with hard work, passion, and dedication, one can achieve various accomplishments and make a real contribution to their surroundings. May Aisyah’s inspirational story motivate more students to keep creating and achieving.