As part of the series of activities in the summer course program organized by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), Victoria University (VU), and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta (ISI), a public lecture on the Indonesian Diaspora was held. This lecture took place on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Siti Baroroh Building, Room 201, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (GMT+7).

The public lecture featured Dr. Arifah Arum Candra as the keynote speaker. Dr. Arum is an expert in diaspora studies with extensive experience and in-depth research on this topic. In her lecture, Dr. Arum discussed various aspects of the Indonesian Diaspora, including its history, challenges, and contributions in various countries.

Throughout the event, participants consisting of students from UGM, VU, and ISI Yogyakarta were very enthusiastic about the presentation. They not only listened attentively but also actively participated in the discussion sessions that were conducted in a conducive manner. Many participants asked questions and shared their views on various issues discussed, creating an interactive and vibrant atmosphere.

Dr. Arum also encouraged participants to understand the importance of the diaspora’s role in national development and how the younger generation can be more actively involved in strengthening ties with the diaspora community. The ongoing discussion demonstrated the participants’ keen interest in delving deeper into the topic of diaspora and finding ways to contribute to this global network.

This public lecture is an important part of the summer course program aimed at enriching students’ understanding of various global issues and providing a more profound learning experience. The summer course program itself is a collaboration between FIB UGM, VU, and ISI Yogyakarta, focusing on interdisciplinary and international learning.

With the conclusion of this public lecture, it is hoped that participants will take away valuable knowledge about the Indonesian Diaspora and apply it in their academic and professional lives. This lecture also strengthens academic cooperation between the three institutions and provides a meaningful learning experience for all parties involved.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is proud to host the prestigious international conference “Association for Asian Studies in Asia 2024” (AAS-in-Asia). The conference takes place over three days, from Tuesday, July 9th to Thursday, July 11th, 2024, and is attended by approximately 1,400 participants from 43 countries.

On this occasion, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM serves as one of the main venues for various panel discussions and academic presentations. As a center for cultural and humanities studies, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM provides adequate facilities to support the smooth running of this international conference.

The “Association for Asian Studies in Asia 2024” conference brings together academics, researchers, and practitioners from various disciplines interested in Asian studies. With participation from 43 countries, this conference offers an extraordinary opportunity to share knowledge, research findings, and perspectives on various important issues related to Asia.

Over the three days, conference participants attend various panel sessions discussing topics such as politics, economics, culture, history, and social issues in Asia. These discussions are led by leading experts in their fields, providing in-depth insights and valuable new perspectives.

In addition to panel discussions, the conference also includes other sessions such as interactive workshops. Participants have the opportunity to interact directly with speakers and fellow attendees, expanding their academic and professional networks.

This conference not only serves as a platform for sharing knowledge but also introduces the beauty and cultural diversity of Yogyakarta to international participants. As a city of culture and education, Yogyakarta offers a rich experience in history and tradition, adding value to the conference.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted the opening of the summer course program held at the University Club UGM. This program is a collaboration between UGM, Victoria University (VU), and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta (ISI). The event took place on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM WIB.

The event began with a warm welcome from Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A., the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM. In her speech, Dr. Mimi expressed her hope that this program would serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, skills, and culture among students from the three universities.

Following Dr. Mimi’s remarks, the event continued with a presentation from representatives of Victoria University. They provided an overview of the film project that participants will work on during the program. This presentation was intended to inspire and guide participants in developing their creative ideas.

Next, representatives from ISI Yogyakarta delivered a presentation on the technical aspects of filmmaking. This presentation covered various technical aspects such as shooting, editing, and production. With this technical briefing, participants were expected to understand and master the skills required in the filmmaking process.

After the presentations, there was a traditional dance performance by Sastra Oebah featuring the Birawa Girjita dance. All participants were captivated by the performance.

The event concluded with a discussion and a communal meal held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This activity provided an opportunity for participants to get to know each other and discuss their projects informally. Additionally, the communal meal served as a moment to strengthen the relationships among students from the three universities.

In this program, participants from UGM, VU, and ISI were divided into several groups. Each group will collaborate to produce a short film as the output of this activity. Through this collaboration, students are expected to develop practical skills in filmmaking while enriching their cultural and academic insights.

This summer course program is expected to serve as a tangible example of successful and sustainable international collaboration, providing significant benefits for all participants and the institutions involved.

Two female students from the Arabic Literature Program at UGM are participating in an internship program at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for three months from April to June 2024. The two students are placed in two different directorates, namely the Directorate of Protocol and the Directorate of Protection for Indonesian Citizens (WNI).

The first student, Eurrydice Setianingroem, is placed in the Directorate of Protocol. During the internship, Eurry is involved in various tasks related to diplomatic relations, diplomatic receptions, and diplomatic administration. This experience is expected to provide practical insights into how protocol is applied in various events and diplomatic activities. According to her, “Interning at the Directorate of Protocol gave me the opportunity to see firsthand how diplomacy is conducted and to meet important people, of course. This experience is very valuable and will serve as a foundation for my future career.”

Meanwhile, the second student, Aisyah Dina, is placed in the Directorate of Protection for Indonesian Citizens (WNI). Aisyah is involved in various activities related to the protection and support for Indonesian citizens abroad, including handling cases, case documentation, and providing legal assistance. Aisyah gains understanding and insights into the challenges faced by Indonesian citizens abroad, especially in the Middle East, and how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a role in protecting their rights. This aligns with the efforts to achieve SDG 16, which is peace, justice, and strong institutions.

By directly participating in activities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, these two students are expected to apply the knowledge they have gained in college to real-world practice, as well as to develop skills that will be useful in their future careers. They not only gain valuable practical experience but also contribute directly to the process of diplomacy and citizen protection, which are essential elements in achieving sustainable development goals.

In June 2024, Leni, an English Literature student from the 2020 batch at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), embarked on a journey that enriched her experiences through the Global Experience (GEx) program organized by the National University of Singapore (NUS).

This program held from June 2nd to 28th, 2024, with the aim of introducing NUS students to the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia through visits to creative artists in Bandung and Yogyakarta. In Bandung, the activities took place at various locations such as Navetta, Dago Pojok, Cibunut Creative Village, and Omah Budaya Cigondewah. In Yogyakarta, they visited places like IVAA, Cemeti Art Institute, Street Art Tour, and Heri Dono Studio. The program consisted of one professor from NUS, one student assistant from NUS, 15 NUS students, and two student assistants from UGM. Leni was lucky to receive this valuable opportunity.

Leni joined the program after meeting Prof. Kiven during the 2023 Cultural Exchange, an annual collaboration between the UGM English Literature Program and NUS. Before the Cultural Exchange began, Leni was asked to assist three professors from NUS, including Prof. Kiven, in their preliminary survey in Yogyakarta. During the survey, they visited the Tactic Plastic community, a group of artists who create art from plastic waste. A few months later, UGM students who participated in the Cultural Exchange had the chance to visit Singapore and study at NUS, with one of the lectures delivered by Prof. Kiven. During this time, Prof. Kiven invited Leni to join as a fixer or liaison to help communicate with the artists in Yogyakarta for the GEx Bandung-Jogja program.

While working with the NUS team, Leni experienced a high level of professionalism. They highly valued punctuality, adhered to the schedule, and had detailed and clear work contracts. Prof. Kiven and the NUS students left a very positive impression on Leni due to their appreciative, caring, and understanding attitudes, and they never judged her shortcomings. From this experience, Leni gained many valuable lessons and the opportunity to build and strengthen her international network.

Through this program, Leni learned that seemingly ordinary things around her, such as artists, actually play a significant role in society. Art as a medium of expression often becomes an effective tool to deliver social issues. Moreover, in Singapore, artists are not as free as in Indonesia due to many regulations that restrict them, making the art in Indonesia feel more honest. This realization made Leni appreciate the freedom that can still be enjoyed in Indonesia, a great blessing often taken for granted.

Leni strongly encourages her fellow students to join and engage with international communities. She believes that such involvement can enrich one’s perspective on social phenomenas around us. Although geographically close, Singapore and Indonesia have culturally different habits and traditions. In conclusion, Leni believes that being involved in international communities can provide valuable insights that serve as a crucial life resource.

Photo 1: Leni with NUS Students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM