On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Prof. Bambang Hudayana delivered a public lecture on culture as part of the Opening Ceremony of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. This lecture successfully captured the attention of many participants with its highly relevant and profound topic on the importance of becoming a cultural activist.

In his presentation, Prof. Bambang emphasized the importance of being a cultural activist. According to him, cultural activists must have awareness and sensitivity towards cultural issues present in society. He also stressed the roles of companion and cultural advocate that these activists must undertake. He added that promoting regional culture is crucial as it holds significant value for our lives.

Moreover, he highlighted that whatever is taught at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM always includes cultural elements that can serve as guidelines for empowering our culture.

Prof. Bambang also raised the issue of gender equality in all aspects of life. He reminded us that our culture contains values that elevate the dignity of women, making it essential to continue empowering them.

This public lecture provided valuable insights to the participants about the importance of preserving, maintaining, and empowering local culture. Prof. Bambang Hudayana successfully conveyed important messages that inspired the participants to become cultural activists committed to the preservation and development of culture in Indonesia.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, marked a historic day for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) with the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. The event was held in the front yard of the Margono Building, commonly known as Greenland, and was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Setiadi, Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. In his speech, Prof. Setiadi introduced the vice deans, heads of study programs, and unit coordinators at FIB UGM. “I hope the students get to know the people who will assist them during their studies at FIB UGM,” said Prof. Setiadi. This introduction aimed to create a closer and more familiar relationship between students and the faculty, fostering a conducive and supportive learning environment.

The event’s excitement continued with various performances from semi-autonomous bodies (BSO) of FIB UGM. Among them were Sastra Oebah with a captivating theater performance, Rampoe with energetic traditional Acehnese dances, and Buchaechum showcasing the elegant and mesmerizing Korean fan dance.

Another highlight was a cultural discussion session featuring Prof. Bambang Hudayana as the speaker. This discussion covered current issues in the cultural world and how students can actively participate in the preservation and development of local culture. This session served as an inspirational moment that motivated students to delve deeper into and appreciate the cultural wealth they possess.

Additionally, there was a sharing session with successful alumni from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. There was also a session led by Mrs. Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs., about the administrative procedures for borrowing rooms and facilities at FIB UGM.

The Opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 was not only an introduction and entertainment event but also a means to strengthen the relationship between students and the faculty and enrich cultural insights. With high spirits, it is hoped that FIB UGM students will continue to contribute to preserving and developing Indonesian culture.

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a graduate program graduation for period III of the 2023/2024 academic year with a different feel. The event that took place at Grha Sabha Pramana was opened with a cucuk lampah procession by students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program who are members of Ratnaraya, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program Student Dance unit.

The students who performed in the cucuk lampah procession included Dhiny, Nanda, Audrey, and Ganes. The procession was followed by the rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., chairman of Kagama Pusat, Ganjar Pranowo, and the deans of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s master program. They were accompanied by gending Sesanti Gadjah Mada, a composition created by Djoko Walujo.

In an interview conducted on July 26, 2024, Audrey, one of the students who participated in the procession, expressed her experience. “Usually we perform traditional dances in an event, but this time we did the cucuk lampah tradition, accompanying the Rector, Mr. Ganjar, and the postgraduate deans. This is a very memorable new experience for us,” she explained.

Reported in desatepus.gunungkidulkab.go.id (2023, September 07), the cucuk lampah tradition is a traditional Javanese wedding tradition in the form of a procession, accompanying the bride and groom to the aisle. The position of the cucuk lampah dancers is in front, followed by pager ayu and pager bagus, the bride and groom, and the bridal family. The purpose of cucuk lampah for Javanese people is as a repellent that can interfere with marriage. However, in this postgraduate graduation ceremony, the tradition is adjusted so that it is relevant to the atmosphere and purpose of the event.

The preservation of Indonesian traditions and culture has deep aesthetic, teaching, and philosophical values. Activities such as these demonstrate effective efforts in preserving and passing on the nation’s identity with adjustments to the relevance of the times. Cooperation from various parties is needed to encourage cultural preservation and inheritance. By presenting cucuk lampah in the graduation ceremony, thus, the presence of cucuk lampah in the graduate program graduation ceremony is in accordance with the 4th point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), namely improving the quality of education, and the 17th point, namely partnerships to achieve goals.

Author: Haryo Untoro

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Desatepus.gunungkidulkab.go.id (2023, September 07), Cucuk Lampah dalam Pernikahan Jawa: Simbolisme dan Tradisi yang Mengesankan. Diakses pada 29 Juli 2024, dari https://desatepus.gunungkidulkab.go.id/first/artikel/2708-Cucuk-Lampah-dalam-Pernikahan-Jawa–Simbolisme-dan-Tradisi-yang-Mengesankan#:~:text=Cucuk%20Lampah%20adalah%20salah%20satu,keindahan%20dan%20makna%20dalam%20pernikahan.

On Saturday (15/6/2024), students of English Literature Study Program batch 2023 held a theater performance and exhibition with the theme “Ru(me)nation” which was held at Soegondo Building 7th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The theater performance entitled Carol ad Caroline and the exhibition entitled 1001: One Frame, A Thousand Pictures is a part of their final project that must be fulfilled in the Language and Literature Production course. The event was organized by all students of English Literature UGM class of 2023 and attended by lecturers, students, parents of students of English Literature UGM, and also by the public.

This event aims to improve students’ ability to work in the use of English, increase students’ appreciation of art and literature, and develop students’ talents, potential, and soft skills. The benefits of this activity are no other than equipping students with non-technical skills in terms of organizing and running events, improving their ability to use English in oral and written form in academic and non-academic environments, and enriching students’ knowledge in their artwork appreciation and self-confidence through artwork production.

The event was opened with much enthusiasm by the host, followed by a warm welcome by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum. and Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed. as the lecturer of the course. In the welcome speech, Mrs. Alvanita mentioned that the students have been practicing for months in order to present this theater performance to the whole audience. 

The theme of the theater performance was a topic related to mental health and self-acceptance, which is no longer out of place, especially among fellow students. This performance is expected to open a broader perspective to the audience, the committee, and the actors on the issue of mental health. This performance is also a picture and a reminder to be fully accepting of ourselves and loving it by being gentle to our own selves and hearts. 

The event ended with a standing ovation as the audience stood up in appreciation of the spectacular performance. After this point, all the committee and performers danced together with lively music while the host read out the names of the committee and performers involved. Not to forget, all 2023 students of the UGM English Literature Study Program expressed their gratitude for the enthusiasm and participation of the audience in the success of the event.

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, a lecturer from the Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies attended the National Seminar and Central Management Working Meeting of IMLA’ Indonesia held at Pondok Modern Tazakka Batang. The event was attended by the Chair of the Board of Trustees of IMLA’ Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Tulus Mustofa, and the Chair of PP IMLA’ Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Uril Bahruddin, along with several participants from various institutions in Indonesia. The theme of the event was “Utilizing AI in Arabic Studies and Learning.” The event was opened by the Head of Pondok Modern Tazakka, KH. Anang Rikza Masyhadi, M.A. Ph.D, with a discussion on the Haram Ma’hady concept, which encourages the use of Arabic in the pesantren environment.

The second speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Tulus Mustofa, who emphasized the importance of cooperation and unity within IMLA’ Indonesia, where all parties, including pesantren leaders, university leaders, experts, and Arabic language practitioners, gather to advance Arabic language education in Indonesia. The final speech was given by the Chair of PP IMLA Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Uril Bahruddin. He summarized various activities that have been carried out since the election of the Chair of PP IMLA Indonesia in 2023 in Mataram until the celebration of International Arabic Language Day 2023. In 2024, IMLA Indonesia successfully maintained the accreditation of the Arabi Journal at the second national rank. Additionally, IMLA’ Indonesia has established collaborations with several universities and institutions abroad through MoU activities. The MoU to be signed at this event is between IMLA Indonesia and the Alsun Foundation for Arabic Studies and Teaching.