Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Amid the buzz of graduation celebrations, students of the American Studies Master’s Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada carry stories of struggle that go far beyond academic achievements. Through their theses, they have examined the voices of women, minority groups, and religious discourses in America—not merely as research subjects, but as mirrors reflecting pressing social issues with deep relevance to global life and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

One of the most prominent themes is the matter of religiosity in contemporary American society. In her research, Eliyawati, S.S., M.A., explores the representation of American women’s religiosity in the TV series Young Sheldon. By combining Stuart Hall’s theory of representation and the Post-Nationalist approach in American Studies, she dissects how the religious beliefs of American women—from Baby Boomers to Generation X—are portrayed through intergenerational female characters. Her findings reveal a range of religious expression: from spiritual devotion that positions women as the “church within the family” to a shift toward secularism influenced by modernity, media, and education. This study not only captures the transformation of religious values in American society but also opens a space for reflection on the role of women within religious institutions and public life.

Eliyawati, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Leny Roslinda Sinaga, S.S., M.A. also explores gender representation in her study of the hit romantic thriller series You. The series becomes a reflective medium to examine how masculine dominance—disguised as romance—often manipulates women’s perceptions in popular culture. Leny investigates how love can become a veil for abuse and how American pop culture constructs and perpetuates such narratives. Using deconstruction theory, her research emphasizes the urgency of gender equality and the need for women to be conscious of power relations, both in personal relationships and in the public sphere, especially within the media industry that remains heavily influenced by masculine narratives.

Leny Roslinda Sinaga, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

A similarly powerful lens is offered by Zahra Kamila, S.Pd., M.A., whose thesis focuses on the film On the Basis of Sex, which portrays the real-life struggles of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she challenged a male-dominated legal system. The film serves as a gateway to examine masculine social structures while mapping strategies such as legal advocacy, access to higher education, and cross-gender collaboration. Zahra’s research underscores that the fight for gender equality is not only about breaking barriers but also about reinforcing values of justice and inclusive institutions—two critical elements in shaping a just and civil society.

Zahra Kamila, S.Pd., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

In the digital realm, Annida Ul Marhamah, S.S., M.A. investigates the identity struggles of Bretman Rock, a Filipino-American LGBTQ+ influencer who uses new media as a platform for self-expression and resistance against stereotypes. Amid the prevailing heteronormative narratives in American pop culture, Bretman emerges as an alternative voice who boldly challenges the limits of racial, gender, and sexual identity representation. Through Jacques Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, Annida dissects how microaggressions—often expressed through public comments and social expectations—are not merely personal but deeply structural. Her study reveals that digital media narratives can be reclaimed as emancipatory spaces where authenticity becomes a form of resistance. In addressing SDGs related to reducing inequality and gender equality, the research highlights the power of authentic digital storytelling and advocates for broader cross-cultural understanding and self-representation as foundations for a more equitable society.

Annida Ul Marhamah, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

These four studies affirm that academia is not merely a place to learn theory, but a space to voice injustice, deconstruct dominant narratives, and celebrate diversity. From films and television series to digital platforms, these students demonstrate that American Studies is no longer just about “America”, it is a critical tool to understand the world, others, and even ourselves in the midst of global transformation.

[Public Relation of American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – On Wednesday, 23 April, six students from the American Studies program of FIB, Gadjah Mada University, finished their studies by producing a thesis focusing on social issues and culture that was part of American popular culture. Those six students who graduated consist of Eliyawati and Zahra Kamila from Angkatan 2022 genap, A. Fahmi Dahlan, Leny Roslinda Sinaga, Annida Ul Marhamah from Angkatan 2022 Ganjil,  and Aprilia Nilham from  Angkatan 2021 Genap. In their thesis, not only the graduate show deep examination of America internally, but also study on America influence that was felt by another country, which is Indonesia.

One thesis written by A. Fahmi Dahlan, “American Hegemony in Indonesian Mass Culture: A Case Study on Hip-hop Community in Wijilan Yogyakarta,” examined how Indonesian hip-hop music was influenced by American hip-hop music through its complex elements. This thesis found that the hegemony in Wijilan hip-hop music could be seen through its cultural empowerment and use of hip-hop as a tool to criticize social issues. In other words, they adapt and merge the global influence with local identity.

As a comparison to previous theses that connected America with Indonesia, the thesis written by Eliyawati titled “The Representation of American Women’s Religiosity in Young Sheldon” found that the concept of Christianity embraced by American women can be observed through their attitudes and the implementation of religious values, including in the roles of women within the family—roles that show a stark contrast when compared to women who do not adhere to any particular faith. In her thesis, she also argues that this representation is evident across the three generations portrayed in Young Sheldon.
Through research that employs a variety of perspectives and issues, their writings are expected to enrich and become references for future studies, especially those related to America, popular culture, and social issues both within America and globally, in order to help build a more open society.

[Public Relation of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, 1 May 2025 — In a relaxed and warm atmosphere, the staff of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a recreational activity titled “FIB Mancing Mania” on Thursday (1/5). The event took place from 07.00 to 12.00 WIB at the fishing pond owned by Mr Suwanto, a retired FIB UGM staff member, located in Gondangan, Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman.

This inaugural fishing gathering served as a special moment for the staff to unwind and refresh, while also acting as a communal activity to strengthen collegial ties. The event was officially opened by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., who expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm and team spirit of the staff. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of kinship and teamwork beyond formal institutional settings.

The warm atmosphere was evident in the participants’ interactions—fishing, sharing stories, and enjoying leisure time together in a natural, open-air setting. More than just a source of entertainment, the event became an informal space to foster solidarity and togetherness in the workplace.

Through “FIB Mancing Mania”, it is hoped that the spirit of cooperation, camaraderie, and a positive work environment will continue to grow and thrive among the FIB UGM staff.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 25/04/2025 – The visit of INCULS students from the Indonesian Tourism Specialization Class to Ullen Sentalu Museum opened new horizons in understanding the Javanese cultural heritage that lives and breathes through every corner of the museum. Located in the cool air of Kaliurang, the museum not only presents a collection of historical objects, but also serves as a dialogue space between the past and the present, where students can dive into noble values that remain relevant in modern tourism development. Each exhibition room, from Gua Selo Giri that showcases the palace’s batik to Kampung Kambang that tells the story of the palace princesses’ lives, holds lessons about the balance between preserving tradition and adapting to changing times.

Through direct interaction with museum guides from the local community, students realized the importance of involving the community in cultural heritage management. The way the museum empowers local residents as active custodians of traditions provides a clear example of how cultural preservation can go hand in hand with improving welfare. This experience taught them that authentic cultural tourism should grow from the roots of the community, not just be a show to fulfill market tastes. The students also learned that every batik motif, building architecture, and room layout in this museum contains a deep philosophy of life about human relationships with nature and each other.

The next activity was a session to try the freshly made jadah tempe. Students experienced firsthand the harmony of the savory taste of fermented tempeh with the sweetness of jadah from sticky rice, all wrapped in the fragrant aroma of banana leaves. Through this culinary experience, they understand how traditional food is not just a matter of taste, but also a medium for cultural preservation and local wisdom in processing natural resources. The visit to the jadah tempe producers completed their understanding of the full ecosystem of Javanese culture – from the philosophical values displayed in the museum to the real practices in people’s daily lives.

This direct interaction with traditional food artisans also opened the students’ eyes to the potential of culinary tourism as part of a holistic cultural tourism experience. They saw opportunities to develop tour packages that not only showcase historical objects, but also bring culture to life through sensory experiences such as tasting and making traditional food. This learning further strengthened their understanding of the importance of involving local communities in any tourism destination development, as well as maintaining the sustainability of culinary traditions as a priceless intangible cultural heritage.

This visit was also a living laboratory for students to observe best practices in cultural destination management. They saw how museums are able to create educational tourism experiences without reducing the sacred value of their collections, as well as how technological adaptations are made while maintaining the essence of tradition. This kind of learning shapes the perspective that tourism development must always consider sustainability. Not only in the environmental sense, but also the sustainability of cultural values and economic benefits for local communities. This experience at Ullen Sentalu and the jadah tempe production site is an important foundation for future tourism professionals to build a more responsible and meaningful destination development model.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 29/4/2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. as a Full Professor in the field of Literary Sociology. The inauguration ceremony took place at the UGM Senate Hall and was attended by family members, academic colleagues, and guests from various institutions.

In his inaugural speech titled “Literature, SARA, and the Politics of Misunderstanding”, Prof. Aprinus delivered a critical reflection on the role of literary works in Indonesia’s social and political dynamics. According to him, literature is one of the procedures through which truth is sought—whether by revealing it openly or by not revealing it at all. Literature, he argued, is not merely a work of art, but a human endeavour to explore and assert what is true and what remains questionable.

He further emphasised that the state should function to ensure a life that is more prosperous, just, secure, and peaceful for all its citizens. Therefore, society—including state institutions and civil society activists—must work together to foster intelligence and wisdom in nationhood and statehood.

Prof. Aprinus also criticised the limitations imposed on literary expression, especially regarding issues deemed sensitive such as ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations (SARA). “It is time we allow literature to explore freely, without being shackled by fear or excessive censorship. No theme should be considered ‘forbidden’ to write about. It is precisely in those spaces that literature performs its function: to trace truths that have yet to be uncovered,” he stated.

This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the career of Prof. Aprinus Salam, who is widely known as a scholar, writer, and artist committed to raising issues of culture, literature, and diversity in Indonesian society. The event concluded with congratulatory remarks and hopes that Prof. Aprinus will continue to contribute to the strengthening of critical intellectual traditions and freedom of expression in both academic and public spheres.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]