Yogyakarta, 3/2/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada held an open session of the doctoral program on Monday, February 3, 2025 in the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building on the 2nd floor. On this occasion, Dr. Surahmat, S.Pd., M.Hum., a student of the Doctoral Study Program in Humanities at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada with a field of linguistic studies who is also a lecturer at the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program at Universitas Negeri Semarang, raised a dissertation with the topic “Discourse Analysis of Ethnic Humor in Indonesia: A Study of Eight Ethnic Groups”.

The research conducted by Dr. Surahmat, S.Pd., M.Hum. aims to analyze ethnic humor discourse in Indonesia by describing its type, form, structure, and language use, as well as explaining its ideology and social function in a multicultural society. He revealed that efforts to reveal the ideological meaning of humor are not simple because how humor shapes the knowledge, attitudes, and social practices of a society can differ from one another depending on personal preferences and the influence of the environment or other contexts.

The event started at 10.00 WIB with Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. as the session leader. The session was held with a dissertation test session where there were various questions from each promoter who attended the session. One of the promoters, Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A., started the dissertation test session with a question related to the existence of humor which is likened to a double-edged knife where humor can bring joy, but can also bring sadness to wrath if the recipient of humor feels hurt by the humor directed at him.

Related to this question, in his dissertation, Dr. Surahmat, S.Pd., M.Hum. revealed that humor creators and users should be more observant in creating and using humor so as not to reinforce unfair values, such as marginalization and discrimination. Instead, humor creators and users can use ethnic humor to build collective awareness as a multiethnic nation that must respect each other.

In the final decision of the trial, Surahmat, S.Pd., M.Hum. officially holds a doctoral degree in the field of linguistic studies in the S3 Study Program in Humanities Sciences, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Congratulations to Dr. Surahmat, S.Pd., M.Hum.! Hopefully, his research can contribute to the development of knowledge on humor and linguistic studies.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogyakarta, 31/1/2025 – On January 30, 2025, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took an important step in development planning by moving three significant archaeological statues: Ganesha, Prajnaparamita, and Agastya. These statues, which symbolize knowledge and wisdom, were moved to a new location in front of the faculty pond due to the upcoming demolition of Buildings A and B.

The Moving Process of Three Archaeological Statues

The Faculty of Humanities is known for its Department of Archaeology, which specializes in the study of past human cultures through the systematic study of material data left behind. This systematic study includes the discovery, documentation, analysis and interpretation of artifacts and ecofacts, as well as cultural values, norms, customs and customary laws. The removal of these statues is thus not just a logistical task; it reflects the faculty’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to the needs of modern development. These statues, acquired through alumni donations, serve as a reminder of the rich cultural history that the department seeks to study and protect.

Before and After Relocation of the Three Archaeological Statues

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is widely recognized as the god of knowledge and wisdom in Hindu culture. Prajnaparamita, often depicted as a female figure, symbolizes the perfection of wisdom, while Agastya is a rishi revered for his contributions to ancient Indian literature and science. Together, these statues embody the values of education and enlightenment that the Faculty of Humanities aims to promote.

The decision to relocate the statues came with the planned demolition of the old buildings, which will be replaced to improve the learning environment for students. This development is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in promoting quality education and sustainable practices in higher education institutions.

In addition to the physical removal, the faculty also plans to document the process and meaning of these statues in a comprehensive report. This documentation will be a valuable resource for future research and educational purposes, ensuring that the legacy of these artifacts continues to inspire generations of students.

The Faculty of Humanities UGM remains committed to its mission to advance knowledge and understanding of human culture, while also meeting the challenges of modern development. The transfer of these statues is a testament to this commitment, demonstrating the balance between preserving the past and planning for the future.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 23/1/2025 – The third day of the 20th International Conference of the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM20) was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. A series of agendas on the third day included plenary sessions, Ignite State, various parallel and virtual sessions, and closing.

The agenda on the last day began with a plenary session entitled “Multidimensionality in Urban Displacement and Knowledge Production”. The plenary session discussed the paradigm shift in studies and practices related to forced migration where the knowledge of refugees is increasingly recognized as an important source of information. Refugees are no longer simply seen as objects of research, but as witnesses with valuable life experiences, and can even position themselves as partners in the production of knowledge related to forced migration.

In the context of this discussion, some refugees no longer live in camps under the supervision of humanitarian agencies, but settle in urban environments and interact with diaspora communities, fellow refugees, and even local communities so that the role of international organizations such as UNHCR and IOM becomes less dominant, while refugee-led organizations become increasingly important. Recognizing refugees’ knowledge can change the way refugees are perceived and policies related to refugee issues. The discussion session also explored the new perspectives that can emerge with this approach and how more inclusive knowledge production methods can reshape the relationship between researchers and research subjects.

After the plenary session, there was an “Ignite State” session that discussed the leadership role, creativity, and achievements of refugee youth in developing community-based initiatives. In recent years, refugee youth have shown remarkable resilience of innovation in addressing various issues faced by refugee communities. However, their efforts still need further attention in the global discussion on displacement and migration.

Through this one-hour session at IASFM20, young leaders are given the space to share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in running community-based programs. The main objective of the session is to amplify the voices of refugee youth and showcase the tangible results of their initiatives. In addition, the session also aimed to change the narrative of refugees from being a vulnerable group to innovative and independent agents of change.

The 20th IASFM International Conference at Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakata is not only an academic event, but also a space for researchers to share their experiences and demonstrate their active role in creating solutions for the international community. With refugees’ knowledge and leadership increasingly recognized in forced migration issues, the conference emphasized the importance of a more inclusive and collaborative approach in refugee-related research and policy.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogyakarta, 22/1/2025 – The second day of the 20th International Conference of the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM20) was held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta. A series of agendas on the second day included public lectures, plenaries, various parallel and virtual sessions, and a welcome by the Resilience Development Initiative Urban Refugee Research Group (RDI UREF).

Department of Anthropology UGM Documentation

The first agenda on the second day was a public lecture entitled “The Urban Perspective on Forced Displacement” delivered by Prof. Dr. Stephen Cairns, an academic from Monash University Indonesia who has expertise in urban and architectural studies at the Soegondo’s Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Prof. Dr. Stephen Cairns has conducted several studies focusing on the overlap between architecture, urbanism, and environmental sustainability with a strong emphasis on Southeast Asia. Prof. Cairns has contributed extensively to urban studies, particularly in understanding city dynamics in the context of climate change and sustainability.

Before continuing with the coffee break session, there was a plenary session with the topic “Reflection on the (Re)conception of Urban Displacement and the Right to the City”. The plenary session began with the presentation of the material “Cosmological Markings and Erasures: The Politics of Heritage, Gentrification and Displacement in Yogyakarta’s Kraton” which examines a study on the reconstruction of the fort wall around the Yogyakarta Kraton area. There are three main elements discussed in the delivery of presentations at this plenary. First, the reconstruction is related to economic development based on tourism. Second, planning and development have been characterized by observations to create and recreate the authenticity of the built environment. Third, the project appeals to the authorities because the Sultan, the sovereign leader of the Province and owner of the land that used to be palace grounds, is respected and known for his kindness in terms of public housing.

The second presentation was delivered by Marco Kusumawijaya, a professional and activist in the fields of architecture, environment, art, cultural heritage, planning, and urban development. He delivered a presentation titled “Gentrification + Suburbanization = Ab-urbanization” which discussed the population shift from depleting city centers to increasingly dense suburban areas in several small, medium, and large cities in Indonesia. The current trend, driven by neoliberal gentrification and suburbanization, is resulting in “ab-urbanization”, urbanization “away from the city” that is getting further and further away without boundaries.

In the last presentation, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wiwandari Handayani, a professor at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, explained that land subsidence in several major cities along the north coast of Java reaches 15 cm per year because it is very vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. According to him, this pressure is exacerbated by the rapid urbanization taking place in Java, where it is recorded by the Central Bureau of Statistics that 56.10% of Indonesia’s population inhabits Java in 2021. This double pressure exposes northern coastal residents to higher threats. However, despite these challenges, migration or mobility has not emerged as a solution to address environmental risks for communities living in coastal areas.

With the end of the series of public lectures and plenary sessions on the second day of the 20th IASFM International Conference at Gadjah Mada University, it is hoped that participants will increasingly realize the complexity of the challenges faced by communities affected by forced migration in urban areas. The various perspectives raised, ranging from gentrification, environmental change, to the right to the city, emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach in finding sustainable solutions. This conference is not only a space for exchanging ideas, but also a momentum to strengthen collaboration between academics, practitioners, and policymakers in designing more inclusive and equitable strategies for affected communities.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogyakarta, 21/1/2025 – The first day of the 20th International Conference of the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM20) was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. A series of agendas on the first day included welcome speeches, public lectures, plenary sessions, creative presentations, various parallel sessions, the IASFM General Meeting, and dinner together.

Department of Anthropology UGM Documentation

After the opening ceremony held at Grha Sabha Pramana, the agenda continued with a public lecture entitled “International Migration and Forced Displacement in the Southeast Asia Region” delivered by Prof. Dr. Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, M.A., a professor specializing in national security and strategic issues in Indonesia. She holds a key position at the Center for Political Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), where she has dedicated her career to migration, human security, and international relations, particularly in the Southeast Asia region. Prof. Pudjiastuti is a recognized expert in the field of forced migration and human smuggling. Her research significantly influences policy-making and academic discourse on these issues.

After a coffee break, there was a plenary session with the topic “Reflection on the Global Agenda for International Migration”. The plenary session began with the presentation of “Global Migration Agenda and Realities in Southeast Asia” which examined the relationship between the global migration agenda and the reality on the ground in Southeast Asia. The presentation investigated the impact of ASEAN migration and asylum policies (or lack thereof) on the protection of migrants’ rights, debates on order and disorder in the Southeast Asian context with a particular focus on how ASEAN dealt with migrants from Myanmar after the February coup and the issue of transnational repression. The presentation concludes with some thoughts on rethinking the implications of ASEAN’s lack of migration governance and commitment to migrant rights protection in the region. The presentation was delivered by Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamesree, an expert in human rights, ASEAN/SEA studies, migration, citizenship, business and human rights, and international relations.

The second presentation was delivered by Prof. Ranabir Samaddar, an Indian political scientist who serves as Distinguished Chair in Migration and Forced Migration Studies at the Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group. He presented the material with the title “Protection as Punishment” which in his explanation, Prof. Ranabir Samaddar revealed that the figure of refugees in certain situations represents illegal existence – which is “legally” deprived of rights, modes of mobility, and resources. Humanity in such conditions binds this illegal figure to the state for the continuation of illegal or semi-legal life. Sovereignty is restored by neoliberalism in this way. Digital and other modes of control are used. And, remember, here too, the reason at the beginning is always protection. Indeed, the global compact’s push to use new technologies to protect refugees and migrants is loud and clear.

In the last keynote, Dr. Susan Banki, an expert in political, institutional, and social affairs, explained the roots of and solutions to human rights violations and social justice abuses, delivering a keynote entitled “What Refugee Activists Contribute to Global Protection Regimes”. According to her, the global migration agenda, processes, and actors associated with it can be distinguished from the Global Protection Regime which unequivocally prioritizes the protection of migrant populations over the control of them. In this material, Dr. Susan Banki shows that migrants and refugees play an important role in forms of activism that advance the Global Protection Regime.

As the first day of the 20th IASFM International Conference at Universitas Gadjah Mada comes to a close, the in-depth discussions have opened a portal for further collaboration on regional and global forced migration issues. Participants, whether they are researchers or individuals interested in the topic, not only gained new insights from renowned experts, but were also invited to reflect on the role of policy, technology and activism in creating more inclusive and equitable protection systems for migrants and refugees.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]