Bandung, July 20, 2025 — Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participating in the KKN-PPM Sekocihampelas program conducted a creative community empowerment initiative titled “Reusing Eggshell Waste as Calligraphy Decorations.” The workshop, held at Bening Saguling Foundation in Cihampelas, West Bandung Regency, engaged local Karang Taruna youth in transforming everyday waste into meaningful works of art.

The activity began with a presentation on the potential of eggshells as recyclable art materials, followed by a hands-on session where participants crafted calligraphy pieces using the discarded shells. This initiative served not only as a creative outlet but also as an environmental awareness campaign, encouraging responsible household waste management through artistic reuse.

This program was spearheaded by the KKN-PPM UGM student team and reflects the core values of the Arabic Study Program, which envisions language and art as powerful tools for community engagement. During the practical session, participants created a variety of calligraphy designs, including names, Islamic expressions, and animal motifs like birds. The energy and enthusiasm from the youth showcased their strong interest in art and sustainable practices.

Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh, the student unit coordinator and lead organizer, expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a catalyst for sustainable waste management habits in the community.

“We hope that this activity not only teaches participants to create art but also raises awareness about environmental conservation. What was once discarded waste, like eggshells, now has artistic and economic value,” she explained.

The program actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by creatively repurposing organic waste into useful and aesthetic products. Furthermore, it aligns with SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as the activity was conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders—Karang Taruna youth and the Bening Saguling Foundation—underscoring the importance of community-based partnerships in promoting sustainability.

More than just an art workshop, this initiative became a collaborative platform for education, environmental awareness, and community empowerment. Through this participatory and cross-sector approach, UGM’s KKN-PPM students successfully delivered a program that combined creativity, sustainability, and local engagement.

Author: Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Department of Archaeology and the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), returned cultural heritage items to the Warloka community in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (14/7). This significant event involved the handover of approximately 40 kilograms of artifacts that had been excavated 15 years ago and stored at UGM for research purposes. The artifacts are categorized into 15 types, including jewelry, tools, ceramics, pottery, coins, and the remains of three ancestral individuals.

This initiative is part of a repatriation process that emphasizes the ethical responsibility within the academic world. Beyond the physical return of items, this repatriation reflects a critical reflection on the role of researchers and the necessity of sharing research benefits equitably. The act of returning these artifacts is a significant step towards acknowledging cultural diversity and the rights of local communities.

Dr. Tular Sudarmadi, the head of the repatriation team, highlighted that cultural heritage should not be managed through exploitative approaches rooted in colonial practices. He emphasized the need for academics to build equitable relationships with the communities that are part of their research subjects. Dr. Sudarmadi expressed a moral imperative to return these artifacts to the Warloka community, reinforcing the importance of civil society partnerships in preserving cultural heritage.

In addition, Dr. Rucitarahma Ristiawan from FIB noted that the return of these artifacts is a crucial part of the struggle for epistemic justice. He stated that this action is not merely symbolic but reflects a transformation in academic practices towards a more ethical direction. He stressed the importance of recognizing the value of local knowledge systems and providing space for communities to narrate their own histories.

The repatriation process also involved UGM’s postgraduate archaeology student, Oto Alcianto, and received support from art crime and criminology researcher Dr. Emiline Smith from the University of Glasgow. Dr. Smith views this repatriation as a symbol of a significant shift that encourages academics to be more aware of their ethical responsibilities. She also emphasized the need for government support in helping institutions manage the respectful storage and return of cultural heritage.

The remains of the ancestors are planned to be reburied according to the customs and beliefs of the Warloka community. Meanwhile, other cultural artifacts will be temporarily stored at the local Tourism Office until a dedicated exhibition space in Warloka is completed. The local government and community plan to use this momentum to enhance tourist education regarding local history and the importance of collaborative research in preserving cultural heritage.

The Warloka community has expressed its commitment to safeguarding and protecting the archaeological findings in the area. This event not only marks a significant milestone in the repatriation of cultural heritage but also serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and community engagement in the preservation of history.

As UGM continues to develop institutional guidelines for the management of archaeological excavation artifacts, this initiative stands as a pioneering effort in Indonesia. It highlights the need for ethical practices in academia and the importance of civil society partnerships in fostering a more inclusive approach to cultural heritage management.

Source: ugm.ac.id
Photos: Dok. Research Team

Who says Arabic Literature students only deal with texts and Middle Eastern culture? Faris Zaky, an active student from the Arabic Literature program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proves otherwise. He has successfully demonstrated that a background in the humanities is not a barrier to making a real contribution in the professional world.

Starting with a desire to fill his semester break with productive activities, Faris discovered an internship opportunity. Upon reading that one of the positions available was in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he immediately felt intrigued, even though he initially hesitated, thinking his major was not directly related. With the courage to try, he decided to seize the opportunity. This decision turned out to be fruitful. He was accepted and began an internship experience that introduced him to various community dynamics.

Faris’s interest in social issues is not new. Since the beginning of his studies, he has been active in various community activities such as Ikmasa Mengabdi, Gemilang Desa, Ramadhan di Kampus, and being part of the organizing team for PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024. From these experiences, his sensitivity to social issues and planning skills have grown, which are now essential assets in his role in CSR.

Despite coming from an Arabic Literature background, Faris found that many skills he acquired during his studies are highly useful in the workplace. The writing and communication skills he honed during his studies became his main assets in conveying information to the community in a clear and understandable manner. Additionally, his experience in managing organizational programs equipped him with the ability to accept criticism, respond to problems with solutions, and prepare public communication materials with appealing visuals—such as graphic design and video editing—all of which support CSR work in the field.

During his internship, Faris was involved in various community development programs covering agriculture, livestock, health, tourism, and the economy. One of the programs he is most proud of is the development of the Bina Mandiri Farmer Group in Pulosari Village through the innovation of biodigester technology that produces bio slurry. This product was then developed into Bio Slurry Plus, an original innovation from PLTP Gunung Salak that has not been implemented elsewhere. This program has proven to increase productivity in the agricultural and livestock sectors and is one of the reasons why the CSR program of PLTP Gunung Salak received the Gold award—the highest level in the national CSR program assessment.

In carrying out his role, Faris also faced challenges, especially in changing the habits of the community that were not entirely appropriate, particularly in agriculture and livestock. He and his team chose to educate gradually, consistently, and with a persuasive approach so that the messages of change could be accepted without offending deeply rooted habits. Throughout this process, Faris upheld local values and culture. He believes that the principle of “where the earth is stepped, there the sky is upheld” is key to building community trust, especially when working in an environment rich in cultural values, such as the area around the Halimun Gunung Salak National Park, even though the program’s target area is outside the conservation zone.

This internship experience has transformed Faris’s perspective on the relationship between literature, social issues, and the professional world. He realized that the knowledge he studied, which he initially thought was only relevant in academic or cultural studies, actually has a close connection to practical needs in the field. Literature is not just about texts; it is also about understanding social contexts, building empathy, and effectively conveying ideas—elements that are crucial in community development. For him, the worlds of literature and work do not oppose each other; rather, they support and strengthen one another.

After completing his internship program, Faris is determined to continue engaging in social activities and deepen his knowledge in community development. He also wants to explore the skills he has honed, such as event planning, design, video editing, and writing, which he believes are highly needed in the social work sector. Faris Zaky’s story is a testament that the courage to step forward, consistent interest, and adaptability can lead students from any discipline to make a real impact on society—even within state-owned enterprises.

Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – Internship students from National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, participated in the Kamis Pon Berbudaya (Cultural Thursday) event, a regular celebration held by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity is part of FIB UGM’s initiative to introduce international students to the values of Javanese culture particularly those rooted in the Special Region of Yogyakarta through participatory and educational approaches.

The NCCU students wore traditional batik attire and were accompanied by part-time staff members from FIB UGM’s Public Relations team, Alma and Candra. Through this event, they gained a deeper understanding of the meaning and philosophy of Kamis Pon in Javanese tradition, especially in the Yogyakarta context.

Alma and Candra explained that Kamis Pon refers to the convergence of Thursday (Kamis) and Pon, one of the five-day Javanese market cycles (pasaran). They also shared that previously, traditional dress days were observed on Kamis Pahing, commemorating the relocation of the Yogyakarta Palace from Ambarketawang to its current site. In 2024, however, the Yogyakarta Regional Government designated Kamis Pon as the official commemoration day of Yogyakarta’s founding, following Governor’s Circular No. 400.5.9.1/40 dated January 8, 2024.

This day carries strong symbolic meaning within Javanese society, particularly in the Kraton (palace) of Yogyakarta, where Kamis Pon is considered sacred. It is often used for spiritual activities, reflection, and cultural preservation as a form of respect for ancestors.

“This is something completely new for us—wearing batik on a specific day,” shared one of the NCCU students.

The active involvement of international students in this cultural activity aligns with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting cross-cultural education and the safeguarding of intangible heritage.

By consistently organizing Kamis Pon Berbudaya, FIB UGM continues to foster an inclusive space for intercultural dialogue, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and build a broader understanding of cultural diversity.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, July 14, 2025 – Eka Nur Cahyani, a 2023 student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has embarked on a long journey in the world of dance. Since the age of 7, Eka has been acquainted with and has loved classical dance, particularly the Yogyakarta style, thanks to the support of her late father, who was a court servant (abdi dalem) at the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace.

“I started dancing since I was little, often brought to the palace by my father. Since then, I fell in love with classical dance and have continued learning until now,” she recalled.

Although she never studied at a formal dance studio, Eka gained knowledge from art teachers since elementary school and is now active as a member of UGM’s Swagayugama Student Activity Unit. There, she learns directly from the palace’s dance instructor, Dra. Veronica Ratnaningsih (Nyi Mas Riya Murtiharini).

Eka’s dedication to dance extends beyond performing. She has served as an instructor in the “Kampung Menari” program by the Yogyakarta City Cultural Office and has taught children in Pakembinangun. Since 2024, she has joined the Pamulangan Hamong Beksa at the palace, where she delves deeply into techniques, movement variations, philosophy, and ethics of Yogyakarta-style classical dance.

In addition to mastering Yogyakarta-style classical dance, Eka has broadened her horizons by studying Surakarta-style classical dances, such as Gambyong and Srimpi. Currently, she actively participates in the Pamulangan Hamong Beksa at the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Every Sunday at 12:00 PM, Eka attends the palace wearing full traditional attire (jangkep), consisting of a kebaya tangkeban, jarik seredan, sanggul tekuk and subal, subang, and carrying a Sampur Gendala Giri.

“I am motivated to keep learning because I come from an artistic family—my grandfather was a puppeteer (dhalang), my paternal grandfather was a court servant, and my mother is a sindhen (traditional singer),” she said.

For Eka, dancing is not merely about aesthetic movements but also a spiritual and personal expression. She believes that each dance movement embodies the philosophy of patience, sincerity, and harmony between the body, feelings, and rhythm.

“Dancing is a form of prayer. The movements teach us to be sincere and patient in facing life,” Eka expressed.

Since beginning her journey in dance, Eka has performed on numerous stages, from campus events like the Kraton Performance Tourism Package featuring the Senggana Duta play by Swagayugama at Bangsal Srimanganti, Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace, and the Grand Swagayugama Performance at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, to national and international forums such as the 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA IV) and ASEAN in Today’s World.

Despite frequent performances, Eka maintains her enthusiasm for learning. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the concepts of wiraga (physical movement), wirama (rhythm), and wirasa (feeling), as well as knowing the names and meanings of various dance movements. According to her, consistency stems from love and the desire for continuous growth.

Eka Nur Cahyani’s journey in dance since the age of seven not only reflects her love for the art but also her tangible contribution to sustainable development. Through her activities in learning and teaching dance, especially to children, Eka supports SDG 4: Quality Education. Her role as an active woman in preserving culture aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality. Moreover, her involvement in maintaining and revitalizing classical dance art strengthens SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by preserving intangible cultural heritage as the identity of Yogyakarta’s society.

Eka proves that cultural preservation is not solely the responsibility of previous generations but also a duty for the current generation to ensure a more cultured future.

“If we feel we have talent, it needs to be developed through continuous practice and not being afraid to try, because I believe learning will never lead to regret, and every process in learning will shape us into individuals with true identity.” – Eka Nur Cahyani

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]