Yogyakarta – Polanco S. Achri, a writer born in Yogyakarta and currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues to make waves in the art scene. Known for his poetry, prose, and essays on performance and visual arts, Polanco also actively contributes as a scriptwriter and musician in the Utusan Negeri Dongeng community. He is the mind behind the management of Pendjadjaboekoe and a member of Sindikat Muda Liar Ngantukan. His achievements include curating exhibitions such as Soil Distortion #2 (2024) and Membaca Jokpin (2024), as well as directing documentary films Di Balik Merangkul (2021) and Sangu Rasa (2023).

Most recently, Polanco has taken on the role of curator for the Moda-Modif Exhibition, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 11, 2025, at Rumah DAS Gallery, Condongcatur. Open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the exhibition invites visitors free of charge, with no prior registration required.

About Moda-Modif: Youthful Energy in Motion
The Moda-Modif Exhibition (Creativity in Visual Arts by Youth) embodies the ideas of Moda (movement) and Modif (modification). These concepts reflect the continuous exploration, learning, and innovation of young artists who push boundaries to create new narratives.

This exhibition serves as a stepping stone, offering young artists a bridge to larger platforms. Their art is a result of a journey that is both creative and reflective. Beyond a mere display of visual arts, Moda-Modif fosters interaction through activities such as Artist Talks, Curatorial Tours, Reading Space Activations, and collaborations with local communities. Every aspect of the exhibition is designed to bring art closer to the public.

Featuring works by 17 young artists over three weeks, the exhibition highlights not only the aesthetic aspects of their creations but also stories of transformation, adaptation, and the dynamic spirit of youth.

Polanco’s Aspirations
Polanco hopes that the Moda-Modif Exhibition will encourage young artists from Yogyakarta and Solo to continue evolving, taking bold steps, and finding creative strategies to thrive.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing works; it’s about building courage and ingenuity in navigating the art world,” he remarked.

Through his role as curator, Polanco reaffirms his dedication to bridging artistic expression with broader societal engagement, ensuring that the voices of young creators are heard and appreciated.

Photo Source: Doc. DAS House

Yogyakarta, December 14, 2024 – The Student Association of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Student Family (HMJ Kamastawa) Study Program. Literature, and Javanese Culture held a big year-end deliberation to read out all the accountability sheets (LPJ) of the events that had been carried out in the 2024/2025 period, agreeing on the Basic Bylaws (ADRT), and determining the chairman of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2025/2026 period. The event took place in room 709 Soegondo Building from 08.00 WIB to 17.00 WIB.

Presidium of the Great Deliberation of HMJ Kamastawa

The event was opened by Nadiffa Setya (class of 2023) as Master of Ceremony followed by singing Indonesia Raya and Gadjah Mada Hymn, followed by remarks by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum. and Kamastawa Advisor, Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. who attended the event online. The discussion of LPJ and ADRT was led by Saktia Hidayah (class of 2022) as the first presidium, Haryo Untoro (class of 2022) as the second presidium, and Dhiny Maulina (class of 2022) as the notetaker. 

Atmosphere of HMJ Kamastawa’s Great Deliberation

The first discussion began with the reading of accountability sheets (LPJ) for several activities that have been carried out by HMJ Kamastawa such as Gugur Gunung, Abhiseka Kramasisya and Temu Budaya Nusantara. The LPJ was read by the chief executive of each event. Then continued with the reading of the LPJ of each division of HMJ Kamastawa, which is:

– Chairman

– Vice Chair

– Secretary

– Treasurer

– Human Resources Division (HR)

– Public Relations and Organization Division (RPO)

– Social Society Division (Sosmas)

– Media and Information Division (Medinfo)

– Scientific Division

– Entrepreneurship and Logistics Division (Kewirugistik)

– Interest and Talent Division (Mikat)

The event was paused with a prayer break and lunch. Followed by a discussion about the election of the new chairman of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2025/2026 period. There were three candidates proposed, namely M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, Fega Achillea Maydena, and Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan, all three of whom are students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2023. The three of them read the vision and mission that will be held for one period. After reading the vision and mission, entering the question and answer session, each candidate received questions from the chairman and several members of HMJ Kamastawa. Then continued with the deliberation session, with the deliberation of all participants, Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan was determined as the Chairman of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2025/2026 period. The discussion of the determination of the chairman of HMJ Kamastawa ended the entire series of Great Deliberation events. The Great Conference was closed with a group photo documentation session.

Elected Chairman of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2025 Period

Deliberation teaches students to socialize with others, communicate, and express opinions. It is hoped that with this deliberation, students will be able to learn to organize well and carry out their responsibilities.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a release ceremony for staffing education personnel, Mr. Suwanto, on Monday, December 30, 2024. The event took place solemnly in the Auditorium of Building R. Soegondo 709 from 09.00 to 12.00 WIB.

The event began with remarks from representatives of faculty leaders, who expressed their gratitude for Mr. Suwanto’s dedication over the years. In his speech, the Dean of FIB UGM appreciated his contribution and hard work that had supported various faculty programs with full responsibility.

Furthermore, an emotional atmosphere was felt when Mr. Suwanto gave his parting words. He expressed his gratitude and happiness for the opportunity he had been given to be part of the big family of FIB UGM.

The event continued with the handover of mementos as a form of respect and appreciation for Mr. Suwanto’s service. The presentation was made by representatives of the education staff and faculty leaders.

The event ended with a group photo and social gathering, where all participants offered their prayers and best wishes for Mr. Suwanto’s next journey in life. The ceremony was an important moment to commemorate Mr. Suwanto’s service as well as to strengthen family ties within the Faculty.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Prof. Dr. Kodiran, M.A., Professor of Anthropology. He passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 12.45 at the age of 85.

During his lifetime, Prof. Kodiran was known as a friendly, patient figure, and always created a comfortable atmosphere, both in the academic and work environment. His determination and dedication in developing the scientific field of anthropology became a role model for colleagues and students.

Born in Semarang, Central Java, on August 15, 1939, Prof. Kodiran began his career as an educator at Gadjah Mada University in 1967. In 1999, he obtained the title of Professor, which was then officially confirmed at the University Open Meeting on June 3, 2000. During his service, he received the 25-Year Loyalty Award from UGM in 1992, as a form of appreciation for his outstanding dedication and contribution.

The departure of Prof. Dr. Kodiran left a deep sorrow for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, especially the Anthropology Study Program, which greatly lost a diligent scientist and a persistent educator. May the deceased get the best place by His side and the entire family left behind be given strength and fortitude.

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) received a visit from Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) in order to benchmark the Tourism Study Program. The meeting took place at Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, and was attended by representatives of lecturers and students from both institutions.

This visit aims to deepen ITERA’s understanding of the management of the Tourism Study Program. During the discussion, representatives from the Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM explained their curriculum structure, including the number of credits and courses offered in each semester. ITERA got a detailed description of the learning patterns and various best practices applied at FIB UGM.

In addition, the discussion also covered the challenges faced in running the study program, such as curriculum development, implementation of field practice, and management of human resources and infrastructure. Both institutions exchanged ideas to overcome these obstacles, and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.

This activity is expected to provide inspiration for Institut Teknologi Sumatera in managing similar study programs, as well as strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two institutions in supporting the advancement of tourism education in Indonesia.