An awareness of the inequalities in the production and dissemination of knowledge between the Global North and the Global South forms the basis for the development of the discourse on decoloniality within both academic and artistic spheres. This new awareness that reality is not universal but rather pluriverse has prompted academics and art practitioners to re-examine everyday life to develop a sensitivity to the roots of power imbalances that may otherwise go unnoticed. The latest issue of Lembaran Antropologi vol. 4 no. 2 explores the theme “Anthropology and Decolonialisation in Performance Studies and Art Criticism” and features Rachmi Diyah Larasati from the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Global Change, University of Minnesota, as editor, inviting readers to engage and gain a deeper understanding of how art and performance now reflect anthropological critique in artistic practice.

This edition discusses artistic practice not merely from an artistic perspective, but also in terms of efforts to convey concerns and social critique regarding everyday social phenomena. Issues concerning narratives of governance, expression, and living spaces form the core of the contributions in this edition. Moving beyond artistic practice based on established standards or conventions, attention is also drawn to the figures who determine these standards. Articles by Chaterji & Loravianti and Pangastuti re-examine the conventions or standards of artistic practice in the MTQ competition and the trans-cultural experiment of ‘Swan Lake’ using gamelan instruments. The presence of standards or conventions as criteria for artistic evaluation must be re-examined: which narratives or values predominantly influence artistic judgement?

Turning to the aspect of dance as a symbolic embodiment that takes root in the human body, rich in meaning and social messages. The article by Sekar Sari and Listyorini demonstrates that dance or choreography conveys messages and expressions to highlight issues regarding care work and forms of resistance against the narrative of global capitalism embedded in daily life. The final topic in this edition discusses the living spaces of folk arts such as Reog Ponorogo (Nurdiyanto, Amrullah, Mahadewa) and Horeg (Nursilah, Gietty, Setyani, Yoesoef). Both forms of folk art, which were originally performed in daily life through communal spaces, are now increasingly being featured in festivals, indicating the commodification of folk art as part of the tourism industry. Does this shift from communal activity to institutionalised practice create a space for negotiation between artists and audiences? To explore this discourse further, please access this edition via the following link: https://journal.ugm.ac.id/v3/LA/issue/view/916

[Okky Chandra Baskoro]

The third day of the Sibuya Program went smoothly. This program, which has become a regular feature of every semester, reflects the faculty’s commitment to ensuring that students can take their exams with focus and energy, as well as in good physical condition. Through the Sibuya Program, students receive a free breakfast to enjoy before taking their exams.

The Sibuya event received support from various food vendors at the Kantin Sastra (cafetaria) FIB UGM, who helped prepare services for the students. One of the vendors, Bakso dan Mie Ayam, said they had begun preparations early in the morning to ensure that the students’ needs were well met.

“I start getting ready at 6 a.m. By 6 a.m., everything is all set. It makes me happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment to see the students eating. I hope they’re happy and satisfied with our service,” said the tenant manager.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the manager of Nieta Kitchen, who adjusted production plans to ensure the smooth running of the Sibuya program.

“Start preparing earlier, arrive earlier, and cook more,” he said. He also offered words of encouragement to the students taking their final exams. “Those taking their finals today must succeed.”

The students’ enthusiasm for the Sibuya program demonstrates that a simple gesture of support such as providing breakfast can have a positive impact on students’ readiness for exams. This program not only helps maintain students’ health and concentration but also reflects the spirit of care that continues to be fostered within the FIB UGM community.

The Associate Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., emphasized that this program is one of the faculty’s efforts to provide moral support to students throughout their academic journey.

“Whatever the form, this is an effort by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences to encourage students. Hopefully, next year more parties will help make Sibuya a success. This is a small contribution from the faculty to embrace students as part of the larger Faculty of Cultural Sciences family. Enjoy Sibuya, and may everyone continue to support this event,” he concluded.

[Humas FIB, Putry Salsabila Septivanny]

Yogyakarta, June, 8 2025 – Students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Class of 2023, successfully conducted their Thesis Proposal Seminar from 8 to 10 June 2026. The three-day academic event marked an important milestone as students presented their research proposals before proceeding to the next stage of their undergraduate thesis projects.

This year’s seminar showcased a wide range of research topics, reflecting the growing diversity of contemporary Arabic language and literature studies. Beyond traditional scholarly approaches, students explored issues related to artificial intelligence, digital media, social dynamics, and global geopolitical developments, demonstrating the relevance of Arabic studies in addressing contemporary challenges.

A significant number of research projects focused on translation studies, examining translation strategies and translation quality in novels, poetry, films, classical Islamic texts, and social media content. Notably, several students investigated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in translation, including studies on the translation quality produced by ChatGPT. These topics illustrate how technological advancements are increasingly becoming an integral part of academic inquiry within the Arabic Literature Program at UGM.

In the field of literary studies, students analyzed various humanitarian and social issues represented in modern Arabic literary works. Topics such as war trauma, power relations, feminism, diaspora identity, family conflicts, and the struggles of the Palestinian people emerged as prominent themes. These studies highlight literature not only as an artistic expression but also as a reflection of complex social realities and human experiences.

Meanwhile, linguistic research offered equally compelling perspectives. Students examined topics including code-switching, code-mixing, pragmatics, discourse analysis, media framing, and the use of Arabic in digital spaces. These studies demonstrate how language continues to evolve and interact with various aspects of contemporary society.

Throughout the seminar, students presented their research backgrounds, research questions, and proposed methodologies. Supervisors and examiners provided constructive academic feedback to help refine and strengthen the proposed studies. The active discussions created a valuable learning environment that encouraged critical thinking, analytical skills, and academic argumentation.

The Thesis Proposal Seminar serves as an important academic milestone for the Class of 2023 as they prepare for the next phase of their research journey. Through the diverse range of topics presented, Arabic Literature UGM students continue to contribute to the development of Arabic language, literature, translation, and media studies while engaging with issues of global significance.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida

Students of the Undergraduate Archaeology Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a field visit on iconography at Plaosan Temple, Klaten, on Sunday (June 7, 2026). Led by Sir Aditya Revianur, M.Hum., the activity introduced students to Buddhist iconography through direct observation of statues and reliefs found within the temple complex. During the visit, students learned to identify various visual attributes, postures, and symbolic elements that play an important role in recognizing Buddhist figures in archaeological remains.

In addition to learning the fundamentals of Buddhist iconography, students were assigned to describe selected statues and reliefs observed during the visit. This exercise provided an opportunity to develop observation and documentation skills while engaging directly with archaeological remains. By studying the monuments firsthand, students were able to connect classroom knowledge with practical field experience and gain a deeper understanding of iconographic studies in archaeology.

Nama Penulis: Muhammad Irsyad

Pemilik Foto: Aditya Revianur, M.Hum.

Two students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Michelle Anastasia Budiman (Class of 2022) and Listu Prajna Anggana (Class of 2023), have been selected to participate in the Ferris University Exchange Program in Japan. The one-year exchange program commenced in March 2026 and is scheduled to continue until February 2027, providing students with the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture through direct experience.

Through the program, Michelle and Listu will receive various forms of support, including a tuition waiver and scholarship assistance from Ferris University throughout their period of study in Japan. The program is designed to support students’ academic development while encouraging cultural exchange and international engagement.

Ferris University also offers a range of support services for international students, including a mentorship program with Japanese students, academic tutors, and dormitory facilities. Through these opportunities, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, strengthen their Japanese language proficiency, and gain valuable intercultural experiences.

The participation of Michelle and Listu in this program reflects the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to encouraging students to take advantage of international opportunities and develop their academic competencies in a global environment.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]