Yogyakarta, March 31, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) organized a Syawalan and Halalbihalal event to strengthen the bonds of kinship among the campus community. Various elements of the academic community, including lecturers and educational staff, both active and retired, participated in this Syawalan. The event was filled with various religious and cultural agendas that carried the spirit of togetherness following the fasting month.

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by a student representative from the Arabic Literature Study Program. It was then followed by opening remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. On this occasion, he invited all faculty members and invited guests to forgive one another to cleanse their hearts and begin a better new chapter.

The main agenda of this commemoration was the delivery of the Syawalan reflection by Professor Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. He highlighted the history behind the use of the term halalbihalal, which has become a strong tradition for the Indonesian people every time they celebrate Eid al-Fitr. He also explained the symbolic meaning of ketupat through the approach of linguistic philosophy.

“The use of the word halalbihalal during Eid al-Fitr originated from President Soekarno’s request for advice and opinions from KH. Wahab regarding the unhealthy political conditions at that time. KH. Wahab suggested organizing a gathering for silaturahim. However, Soekarno refused because the term was considered too common,” explained Professor Sangidu as he shared his knowledge with the attendees.

In Professor Sangidu’s explanation, the word halalbihalal was proposed as an alternative to the word silaturahmi. History records that this term was born in the middle of Ramadan in 1948 when President Soekarno asked for advice from KH. Wahab Chasbullah to ease national political tensions. KH. Wahab initially proposed a silaturahmi event ahead of Eid al-Fitr, but Bung Karno wanted a fresher designation. KH. Wahab then coined the name halalbihalal, reasoning that political elites who blamed each other had committed sins or forbidden (haram) acts. Therefore, they needed to sit at the same table to forgive each other and “make halal” (resolve) the hostility.

In another explanation, Professor Sangidu also touched upon the philosophy of ketupat, which has become a signature Eid dish. Etymologically, the term “ketupat” or “kupat” is rooted in a Javanese phrase, namely ngaku lepat. This generational phrase literally means admitting one’s mistakes.

The philosophy of ngaku lepat carries a moral message that is highly relevant to the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The presence of ketupat serves as a reminder medium for Muslims to be magnanimous and cast aside their respective egos. Every individual is encouraged to be brave enough to admit the mistakes they have made toward their fellow human beings.

The series of activities concluded with a prayer recitation session. This closing session was led by Dr. Nur Kholid, M.Pd. to pray for goodness, safety, and blessings for everyone in attendance.

This kind of tradition of forgiving each other and gathering together plays an important role in strengthening social harmony within the academic environment. A harmonious and respectful relationship between individuals is the main foundation for building a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient campus community to support collective well-being in the future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2025 – A choir composed of students, lecturers, and administrative staff enlivened the Open Senate Meeting celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada by performing two popular Indonesian songs, “Ondel-Ondel” and “Rumah Kita.” The performance created an atmosphere of togetherness while celebrating cultural diversity through specially prepared musical arrangements.

The performance was arranged and conducted by Muhammad Rasyid Ridho, who also served as the trainer and conductor. The choir was supported by several accompanying musicians, including Riski Puluhulawa on piano, Emilia Widya Pranasari on viola, Sekar Arrum Sri Kinanthi on violin, and Fairuz Aufa Anza on kendang.

The first song performed was “Ondel-Ondel,” popularized by Benyamin Sueb in 1971. The song is widely recognized as a lively representation of Betawi culture that developed amid the dynamic life of Jakarta. Through its simple yet energetic lyrics, the song portrays ondel-ondel as a cultural icon in the form of giant puppets that were once believed to symbolize protection for the community.

Over time, ondel-ondel has become not only part of tradition but also a symbol of identity and cultural pride for the Betawi people. The song also reminds audiences of the importance of appreciating cultural heritage and preserving local wisdom amid ongoing societal change.

The choir then performed “Rumah Kita,” a song popularized by Achmad Albar together with the legendary band God Bless. Widely known since the late 1980s, the song conveys a heartfelt message about the meaning of home as a space for togetherness.

In the context of the FIB UGM anniversary celebration, the song was interpreted as a symbol of unity among members of the academic community. The campus environment, particularly at Universitas Gadjah Mada, is seen as a shared home where people from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, create, and build their future.

This choir performance, involving members from different groups within the faculty, added vibrancy to the series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. Through music and performing arts, messages about the importance of unity, respect for diversity, and the preservation of local culture were warmly conveyed to the audience. These values form an essential foundation for fostering an inclusive and sustainable academic community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – Coinciding with its 80th anniversary, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada launched a historical book titled Mengeja Waktu Merajut Warna, 80 Tahun Perjalanan Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Gadjah Mada. The book was presented to the Chair of the FIB Senate, Professor Bambang Hudayana, M.A., and UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia, Ph.D., as part of an effort to document the faculty’s long journey in developing literary and cultural studies in Indonesia.

The book was written by a team consisting of Abdul Wahid, Tatag Andriawan, Soraya Anugra Lia, and Lenna Aurelia Amalia. Although the writing process was completed within a relatively short period, it is expected to serve as an initial step in reconstructing the institutional history of FIB UGM over the past eight decades.

In the book’s introduction, the authors explain that this work represents an early effort to document more comprehensively the history of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as one of Indonesia’s oldest higher education institutions in the fields of literature and culture. Through this historical exploration, the book also seeks to understand the meaning behind the transformations experienced by the faculty over time.

“This book is the first attempt to comprehensively reconstruct the 80-year journey of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as the oldest higher education institution in Indonesia in the field of literature and culture, while also seeking meaning from this long historical process,” the authors wrote.

As a study of institutional history, the book explains the development of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM as an organization shaped by internal dynamics as well as external changes, including government policies, developments in higher education, and social dynamics. The institutional history approach does not merely record a chronology of events but also explains how an institution evolves and responds to changes over time.

Writing institutional history also plays an important role in preserving institutional memory. This memory includes physical aspects such as buildings, classrooms, organizational structures, and institutional artifacts, as well as non-physical aspects such as norms, rules, and workplace culture that develop within the institution.

For an academic institution, institutional memory has strategic value as it provides a basis for reflection in understanding the formation of collective identity while helping to shape future development.

In its preparation, the book was written chronologically to help readers understand the faculty’s development. The periodization used in the book is based on the changes in the faculty’s name throughout its history.

The discussion is divided into four main chapters. The first chapter covers the early development period from 1946 to 1955. The second chapter discusses the period of the Faculty of Letters and Culture from 1955 to 1982. The third chapter explores the Faculty of Letters period from 1982 to 2001. The fourth chapter discusses the Faculty of Cultural Sciences period from 2001 to 2025.

The authors acknowledge that the book still has limitations and does not yet fully capture the complexity of the faculty’s long history. Therefore, they hope the publication will serve as a starting point for more in-depth research on institutional and academic development within FIB UGM.

“We realize that this book is far from complete, let alone perfect. With humility, we hope it will receive constructive input so that it can be improved in the future,” the authors wrote.

The authors also expressed their gratitude to various parties who supported the writing process, particularly the FIB UGM Dean’s Office for the 2021–2026 period, which entrusted the team with the project.

The publication of this book is expected to serve as a reflection for the academic community to better understand the institution’s journey while strengthening its commitment to advancing knowledge, culture, and academic contributions to society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada presented awards to five outstanding members of its academic community during the 80th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration at the FIB UGM Poerbatjaraka Auditorium. This initiative serves as an institutional appreciation for the dedication and achievements of both lecturers and educational staff in advancing science, education, and community development.

In the outstanding lecturer category, FIB UGM presented an award to Dr. Elan Ardri Lazuardi, S.Ant., M.A., from the Anthropology Study Program. Dr. Lazuardi possesses specialized expertise in medical anthropology and public health services. Throughout his career, he has received various prestigious academic recognitions. These include the High-Quality Scientific Article Award in Health and Medicine from the Ministry of Research and Technology in 2020, as well as the Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses from the University of New South Wales in the same year. Previously, he earned the Early Career Research Award for the best oral presentation category from the Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine in 2018.

The next recipient of the outstanding lecturer award is Dr. Raden Rucitarahma Ristiawan, S.Par., M.Sc., from the Tourism Study Program. This tourism and cultural landscape expert earned a doctorate in Cultural Geography from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, in 2024. His dissertation discusses the commodification of landscapes in the development of geopark tourism in Indonesia. Dr. Ristiawan has consistently researched community-based tourism practices from his undergraduate studies at UGM to his master’s program at the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2017.

The third lecturer to receive a similar award is Wildan Sena Utama, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., from the History Study Program. This historian focuses on modern international and transnational relations between Indonesia and the Afro-Asian world in the 20th century. Dr. Utama completed his doctoral education at the University of Bristol in 2023. His dissertation highlights the role of Indonesian figures in the Afro-Asian movement during the 1950s and 1960s to demonstrate the importance of South-South solidarity in the history of national independence, anti-imperialist movements, and efforts to build a more decolonial world order.

From the educational staff ranks, FIB UGM appreciated the performance of two staff members who are considered to have made major contributions to the smooth operation of the faculty. Dyah Ayu Retnowati, A.Md., received the outstanding award in the Academic and Student Affairs division. Meanwhile, Tri Iswanto received an award in the General Affairs division for his crucial dedication in supporting the smooth running of administrative services and activities within the faculty.

This appreciation is expected to boost the motivation of the entire academic community to continue innovating and providing the best service in the future. This step aligns with the higher education institution’s commitment to continuously building a high-quality, inclusive, and resilient learning ecosystem to produce human resources capable of bringing a positive impact to the advancement of civilization.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) marks its 80th anniversary in 2026. This eight-decade journey serves as a moment of reflection as well as a source of hope to continue contributing to the advancement of the humanities. Carrying the theme “Eight Decades of Building Civilization,” this year’s Dies Natalis celebration reaffirms FIB UGM’s commitment to strengthening the role of the humanities in building a knowledgeable, inclusive, and culturally enriched society.

Reaching the age of 80 symbolizes a long journey marked not only by various academic achievements but also by challenges that have been successfully overcome together by the academic community. Over the past eight decades, FIB UGM has continued to develop as one of the main pillars for the advancement of humanities studies in Indonesia. Numerous important achievements have been attained, ranging from improved rankings in the QS World University Rankings and the EduRank ranking in literature, to outstanding study program accreditations and contributions through publications and news coverage that support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

In terms of educational quality, FIB UGM has demonstrated remarkable achievements. In 2025, out of a total of 21 study programs within FIB UGM, 20 study programs received the “Excellent” (Unggul) accreditation from Badan Akreditasi Nasional Perguruan Tinggi (BAN-PT), while the Master’s Program in American Studies obtained an “Excellent” accreditation from Lembaga Akreditasi Mandiri Sosial Politik Administrasi dan Komunikasi (LAMSPAK). In addition, several study programs have gained international recognition through accreditation by global institutions. A total of 10 undergraduate programs and 2 master’s programs have been accredited by ACQUIN with an Unconditional rating, five undergraduate programs and one master’s program have received international certification from ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), while the French Literature Program and the Master’s Program in Linguistics have obtained accreditation from Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) with an Unconditional rating.

FIB UGM’s achievements are also reflected in international rankings. Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject, the Anthropology, Archaeology, and English Literature programs ranked first nationally, with global positions within the 101–170 and 151–200 ranges worldwide. In addition, the fields of Modern Languages, Arts and Humanities, and Linguistics have also been listed in the QS WUR. Meanwhile, in 2025, EduRank ranked the literature field of FIB UGM first among 68 literature education providers in Indonesia. This achievement is a particular source of pride for the Department of Language and Literature, which serves as a driving force for the development of literary studies within FIB UGM.

The commitment to the internationalization of education continues to be strengthened through various student mobility programs. FIB UGM actively promotes Student Exchange and Fast Track programs to broaden students’ academic experiences. In 2025, a total of 31 students participated in the Fast Track Program for the 2024–2025 period, 28 students joined exchange programs with other universities within Indonesia, 16 students took part in the Merdeka Student Exchange Program 2025–2026, and 64 students participated in International Student Exchange programs during the 2024–2026 period.

Through these achievements, FIB UGM reaffirms its commitment to continuously strengthening the quality of education, research, and community service. The eight-decade journey is expected to serve as a strong foundation for FIB UGM to continue contributing to the development of civilization through the humanities, while also supporting the global development agenda through the implementation of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) in strengthening research, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through international academic collaboration.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]