The World Meteorological Organization estimates that the global average temperature is expected to rise by 1.5°C by 2025 compared to the 1900s. One of the contributing factors is deforestation. In Indonesia, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the area of Indonesia’s forests decreased by 956,258 hectares (0.5% of the total land area) between 2017 and 2021. One example of successful conservation is Wonosadi Forest in Gunungkidul, which has been restored thanks to community awareness and the oral tradition of Sadranan Wonosadi.

Wonosadi Forest is a forest located in Duren Hamlet, Semin District, Gunungkidul Regency. It is classified as SG (Sultan Ground) and functions as a protected forest that safeguards life support systems. In 1960, Wonosadi Forest experienced massive deforestation due to the ideological shift of the PKI. Currently, thanks to the Sadranan oral tradition, the community has successfully restored the forest’s sustainability.

An important oral tradition in the conservation of Wonosadi Forest is the will of Ki Onggoloco, which states that:

• Wonosadi Forest must be preserved for the prosperity of future generations.
• This forest contains many medicinal plants.
• The Sadranan ritual is held annually to strengthen social bonds.

According to Muhammad Lodhi Firmansyah (Cultural Anthropology, 2023), “We are conducting research on the Sadranan tradition as a collective awareness to preserve Wonosadi Forest from deforestation, using ecocriticism as our main approach. Our main goal is to find new formulas to internalize the values of the Sadranan Oral Tradition as an effort to preserve the environment and curb climate change.” Besides Lodhi, the research team consists of Ghina Danilah as the leader (Indonesian Language and Literature, 2022), Syifa Hasna Yunifa (Forestry, 2023), Afif Naufal Widiadi (Cultural Anthropology, 2021), and Febriano Agung Nugroho (Law, 2023), under the guidance of Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, S.S., M.Hum., DEA.

This research involves surveys of 78 residents of Duren Hamlet using observation and interviews with key figures such as the gatekeeper, forest rangers, village officials, and the head of Beji Village. “As supporting data, we conducted archival readings and a population census,” said Lodhi.

Survey results show that the majority of respondents (43.9%) are in the group that is active and committed to preserving the tradition. A small portion (8.5%) is in the group that participates and believes but does not understand or spread the tradition.

Ecocriticism analysis of the Sadranan Oral Tradition shows that human awareness of nature can maintain ecosystem balance and create ecological conservation. However, social and economic factors can threaten this sustainability, especially the low participation rate among the younger age group (<25 years), which risks eroding local culture.

Active participation and community commitment in preserving the Sadranan oral tradition indicate that the social system in Duren Hamlet has achieved balance and sustainability. Through this tradition, the community has successfully built social systems and structures that support the conservation of Wonosadi Forest.

With the ecocriticism approach, this research emphasizes the importance of integrating local traditions into ecological conservation strategies for climate change mitigation, and opens new perspectives on conservation efforts in other forests in Indonesia.

As part of the series of activities in the summer course program organized by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), Victoria University (VU), and the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta (ISI), a public lecture on the Indonesian Diaspora was held. This lecture took place on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at the Siti Baroroh Building, Room 201, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (GMT+7).

The public lecture featured Dr. Arifah Arum Candra as the keynote speaker. Dr. Arum is an expert in diaspora studies with extensive experience and in-depth research on this topic. In her lecture, Dr. Arum discussed various aspects of the Indonesian Diaspora, including its history, challenges, and contributions in various countries.

Throughout the event, participants consisting of students from UGM, VU, and ISI Yogyakarta were very enthusiastic about the presentation. They not only listened attentively but also actively participated in the discussion sessions that were conducted in a conducive manner. Many participants asked questions and shared their views on various issues discussed, creating an interactive and vibrant atmosphere.

Dr. Arum also encouraged participants to understand the importance of the diaspora’s role in national development and how the younger generation can be more actively involved in strengthening ties with the diaspora community. The ongoing discussion demonstrated the participants’ keen interest in delving deeper into the topic of diaspora and finding ways to contribute to this global network.

This public lecture is an important part of the summer course program aimed at enriching students’ understanding of various global issues and providing a more profound learning experience. The summer course program itself is a collaboration between FIB UGM, VU, and ISI Yogyakarta, focusing on interdisciplinary and international learning.

With the conclusion of this public lecture, it is hoped that participants will take away valuable knowledge about the Indonesian Diaspora and apply it in their academic and professional lives. This lecture also strengthens academic cooperation between the three institutions and provides a meaningful learning experience for all parties involved.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is proud to host the prestigious international conference “Association for Asian Studies in Asia 2024” (AAS-in-Asia). The conference takes place over three days, from Tuesday, July 9th to Thursday, July 11th, 2024, and is attended by approximately 1,400 participants from 43 countries.

On this occasion, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM serves as one of the main venues for various panel discussions and academic presentations. As a center for cultural and humanities studies, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM provides adequate facilities to support the smooth running of this international conference.

The “Association for Asian Studies in Asia 2024” conference brings together academics, researchers, and practitioners from various disciplines interested in Asian studies. With participation from 43 countries, this conference offers an extraordinary opportunity to share knowledge, research findings, and perspectives on various important issues related to Asia.

Over the three days, conference participants attend various panel sessions discussing topics such as politics, economics, culture, history, and social issues in Asia. These discussions are led by leading experts in their fields, providing in-depth insights and valuable new perspectives.

In addition to panel discussions, the conference also includes other sessions such as interactive workshops. Participants have the opportunity to interact directly with speakers and fellow attendees, expanding their academic and professional networks.

This conference not only serves as a platform for sharing knowledge but also introduces the beauty and cultural diversity of Yogyakarta to international participants. As a city of culture and education, Yogyakarta offers a rich experience in history and tradition, adding value to the conference.

In June 2024, Leni, an English Literature student from the 2020 batch at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), embarked on a journey that enriched her experiences through the Global Experience (GEx) program organized by the National University of Singapore (NUS).

This program held from June 2nd to 28th, 2024, with the aim of introducing NUS students to the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia through visits to creative artists in Bandung and Yogyakarta. In Bandung, the activities took place at various locations such as Navetta, Dago Pojok, Cibunut Creative Village, and Omah Budaya Cigondewah. In Yogyakarta, they visited places like IVAA, Cemeti Art Institute, Street Art Tour, and Heri Dono Studio. The program consisted of one professor from NUS, one student assistant from NUS, 15 NUS students, and two student assistants from UGM. Leni was lucky to receive this valuable opportunity.

Leni joined the program after meeting Prof. Kiven during the 2023 Cultural Exchange, an annual collaboration between the UGM English Literature Program and NUS. Before the Cultural Exchange began, Leni was asked to assist three professors from NUS, including Prof. Kiven, in their preliminary survey in Yogyakarta. During the survey, they visited the Tactic Plastic community, a group of artists who create art from plastic waste. A few months later, UGM students who participated in the Cultural Exchange had the chance to visit Singapore and study at NUS, with one of the lectures delivered by Prof. Kiven. During this time, Prof. Kiven invited Leni to join as a fixer or liaison to help communicate with the artists in Yogyakarta for the GEx Bandung-Jogja program.

While working with the NUS team, Leni experienced a high level of professionalism. They highly valued punctuality, adhered to the schedule, and had detailed and clear work contracts. Prof. Kiven and the NUS students left a very positive impression on Leni due to their appreciative, caring, and understanding attitudes, and they never judged her shortcomings. From this experience, Leni gained many valuable lessons and the opportunity to build and strengthen her international network.

Through this program, Leni learned that seemingly ordinary things around her, such as artists, actually play a significant role in society. Art as a medium of expression often becomes an effective tool to deliver social issues. Moreover, in Singapore, artists are not as free as in Indonesia due to many regulations that restrict them, making the art in Indonesia feel more honest. This realization made Leni appreciate the freedom that can still be enjoyed in Indonesia, a great blessing often taken for granted.

Leni strongly encourages her fellow students to join and engage with international communities. She believes that such involvement can enrich one’s perspective on social phenomenas around us. Although geographically close, Singapore and Indonesia have culturally different habits and traditions. In conclusion, Leni believes that being involved in international communities can provide valuable insights that serve as a crucial life resource.

Photo 1: Leni with NUS Students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM

Vienna, Austria—On June 29, 2024, the University of Vienna, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and the Austria-Indonesia Fellowship Association held an international workshop titled “Insular Southeast Asia,” initiated by Dr. Gabriele Weichart with the support of ASEA UNINET. The workshop aimed to bring together scholars and students in the social sciences and related fields, focusing on the islands of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, and Timor-Leste). Participants were invited to share their latest research, research experiences, and explore new areas and opportunities for future projects in research, teaching, and other collaborative models.

Three lecturers from the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, contributed to the workshop. Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A., and Gabriele Weichart (University of Vienna) presented a project titled “From cash crop to lifestyle: the long history of coffee in Indonesia,” Dr. Sita Hidayah, S.Ant., M.A. presented a brief project titled “Participatory Digital Ethnography Learning Center: teaching e-fieldwork, digital ethnography and collaborative research at UGM,” and Wahyu Kuncoro, S.Ant., M.A. presented a brief project titled “Nurturing the future: pesantren, piety, and ‘good citizen’.” In this workshop, Dr. Sita Hidayah, S.Ant., M.A. served as an organizer from Universitas Gadjah Mada along with Gabriele Weichart, Sanderien Verstappen, and Daniela Paredes Grijalva from the University of Vienna.

Author: Daiva Keefe Kalimasadha