Yogyakarta, October 15, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from MAN 2 Cianjur on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The event took place in the Auditorium of Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, attended by students and accompanying teachers from MAN 2 Cianjur. The activity began with an official opening, followed by the presentation of the vision and mission of the visit by the school. They expressed the hope that this visit can provide a deeper insight into the role of universities, especially UGM, in the field of cultural sciences and the contribution of students in society. 

After that, the participants were treated to a video that introduced Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. To enliven the atmosphere, the event continued with a quiz session about the information that had been conveyed in the video, which was greeted enthusiastically by the students. They actively answered the questions posed and competed healthily in a spirited atmosphere. Continuing to the main session, the students received a more in-depth presentation about FIB UGM. The question and answer session was interactive, where the students did not hesitate to ask about student life at FIB UGM, how they are involved in cultural preservation, and how students maintain religious values in the campus environment.

Uniquely, after the official event ended, the students carried out an assignment from their teacher to interview students of FIB UGM. The questions asked revolved around the role of students in preserving culture and religion. This task aims to make students not only listen to the material, but also directly interact with students to get a more real and personal perspective, and MAN 2 Cianjur gave a token of gratitude to the speakers for the knowledge and experience that had been shared. This activity not only provides academic insights to students, but also instills the importance of cultural and religious preservation in everyday life, especially among the younger generation.

Good news came from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), which managed to pass ten students in the 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). This prestigious event will be held at Airlangga University on October 14-19, 2024.

PIMNAS is an annual competition organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI) under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. This activity is the culmination of the Student Creativity Program (PKM) which provides an opportunity for students to present their scientific work at the national level.

The students who passed are:

1. Muhammad Fahmi Rafsanjani – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
2. Muhammad Hafidz Zidan – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
3. Pamula Nur Kriswardhani – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
4. I Ketut Aditya Prayoga – Tourism Study Program
5. Ilham Andriyanto – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
6. Aqilurrachman Abdul Charitz – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
7. Yuni Setya Ningrum – History major
8. Muhammad Fernanda Dhiyaul Hak – Archaeology Study Program
9. Fatiya Hasna Alifan – History Program
10. Laras Tristanti – Archaeology Study Program

This success is the fruit of hard work and dedication of students in developing creativity and scientific reasoning. Hopefully, this participation will not only provide valuable experience for students, but also increase the reputation of the Faculty of Humanities UGM in the national arena.

With the spirit of collaboration and innovation, students are expected to bring home achievements and positive contributions to the development of science and culture in Indonesia. Congratulations to all students who have successfully passed in PIMNAS 37!

Yogyakarta, October 9, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from SMAN 1 Cluring, Banyuwangi, and MA Binaul Ummah, Bantul, at the faculty auditorium. This activity aims to give insight to the students about the existing study programs as well as the important role of the faculty in preserving culture. 

In the question and answer session, students from SMAN 1 Cluring asked questions about FIB’s contribution in preserving local culture and the challenges faced in the era of globalization. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences explained that the faculty plays an active role through research and community service, developing programs that promote local culture, although they face challenges such as the influence of foreign cultures and the lack of attention of the younger generation to cultural heritage. Students also asked about steps students can take to join the global exchange network, where it was explained that students are advised to be active in international organizations and develop foreign language skills.

Meanwhile, from MA Binaul Ummah, students asked about the UGM entrance pathway for tahfidz. The faculty explained that UGM provides special pathways for prospective students who have achievements in the field of tahfidz, with an emphasis on the importance of following the appropriate selection. Students can apply through the achievement pathway. They also questioned the job prospects for Arabic Literature graduates. It was explained that Arabic Literature graduates have extensive career opportunities, including in education, translation, diplomacy, and the media industry. This visit is expected to give students a better understanding of the importance of education in the field of cultural sciences as well as the opportunities that exist at UGM, hopefully students will be inspired to continue their studies to a higher level and contribute to the preservation of local culture.

On October 1, 2024, the Folklore Class of the Cultural Anthropology Undergraduate Study Program, Department of Anthropology held a cultural workshop by inviting a guest lecturer. This Folklore class was taught by Dr. G.R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A. and Mubarika D.F.N, M.A. and what attracted the attention of the students this workshop discussed the Polonez Dance. The dance is an intangible cultural heritage from Poland. The material was delivered by Dr. Marzanna Popławska from the University of Warszawa, Poland. The workshop successfully highlighted the specialty of Polish performing arts and showed how intangible cultural heritage can optimize its role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The opening began with a warm welcome from Dr. Marzanna Popławska in Polish, “dzień dobry,” or “good morning” in Indonesian. The atmosphere immediately became intimate with the enthusiasm of the participants who wanted to learn more about the history and meaning of the Polonez Dance. Dr. Marzanna Popławska has been researching cultural heritage both in Poland and in other countries for more than 10 years, and has experience in studying the development of cultural heritage in Indonesia, which further enriched the discussion during the event.

The history and meaning of the Polonez or Polonaise Dance comes from the French “polish” which means “from Poland”, so this dance is one of the famous traditional dances from Poland. Its history can be traced to the Middle Ages and Renaissance with the name Polonaise becoming widely known in the 18th century. Dr. Popławska explained that Polonez is a very important intangible cultural heritage for Poland, being a symbol of nationality, honor, and unity. In 2015, Polonez Dance was recognized as Poland’s national dance alongside four other traditional dances. In 2019, Polonez was listed as one of the elements of Poland’s intangible cultural heritage and in 2023 Polonez Dance was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Polonez is a unique dance because it harmonizes performing arts with aspects of anthropology and folklore. This dance is not just a tradition or ritual, but a living and dynamic culture in Polish society. Polonez is also often performed at various state and ceremonial events, with costumes varying depending on the region of origin of the dancers. In Kraków, for example, dancers wear royal costumes and traditional clothes that reflect the nuances of Polish history.

In relation to the SDGs, Dr. Marzanna Popławska also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage such as Polonez Dance in a global context, especially in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, Polonez Dance contributes to the achievement of SDG 11, namely “Sustainable Cities and Communities”, which aims to protect and maintain the world’s cultural heritage as part of the sustainability of communities and cities. Polonez Dance as an intangible cultural heritage has a vital role in maintaining the cultural identity of a nation while promoting togetherness, equality and harmony in its society. With its characteristic slow movements, Polonez Dance has signaled the values of honor, cooperation, and unity needed in the era of globalization. This is also in line with SDG 4, namely “Quality Education”, where the preservation of traditional culture provides a rich education about history and cultural identity to the younger generation, both at home and abroad.

In conclusion, this workshop not only successfully introduced the beauty and depth of meaning of Polonez Dance to the participants, but also showed how intangible cultural heritage can contribute to the achievement of sustainable global development goals. Through Polonez Dance, people can learn about the importance of appreciating cultural diversity and promoting universal values such as unity, honor, and peace.

The event was closed with an interactive Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to ask more about Dr. Marzanna Popławska’s experience in researching intangible cultural heritage in various countries, as well as how Polonez Dance can continue to be preserved in the midst of modernization and changing times. This workshop inspired the participants to continue preserving and promoting their own cultural heritage, while supporting the achievement of the SDGs through education, cultural preservation, and international collaboration.

Muhammad Lodhi Firmansyah
Photo: Puspita Nindya Sari
Translator: Sandya Kirani

On 2nd of October 2024, at Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was honored to receive a visit from students of SMAN 2 Kuta Selatan. This activity aims to provide insight into the excellence of FIB UGM and explain the career prospects for graduates.

In the event, representatives of undergraduate and postgraduate students of FIB UGM shared their experiences and reasons why they chose this faculty. Aisyah Riska, a graduate student majoring in Linguistics, revealed that her initial interest came from the many renowned linguistic experts who teach at the Faculty. “This faculty has experienced and well-known lecturers in their fields, which is certainly an added value for us as students,” said Aisyah.

Meanwhile, Sandya Kirani, an undergraduate student from Anthropology department, added that the Faculty is ranked first in Indonesia and around 50th in the world. “I feel proud to be able to study at this highly reputable faculty. This is an important consideration for me in choosing a major,” she explained.

The event also discussed job prospects for graduates of FIB UGM. Many alumni have successfully pursued careers as ambassadors, translators, lecturers, and CEOs in the tourism sector. This shows that education at FIB UGM is not only qualified, but also relevant to the needs of the current world of work.

In the context of international cooperation, FIB UGM also establishes partnerships with various institutions abroad. This cooperation includes student exchange programs, joint research, and international seminars, which certainly enrich students’ learning experience. Hopefully, this visit can provide inspiration and motivation for them in determining their next educational steps.