Yogyakarta, June 6, 2024 – The Soegondo Auditorium on the 7th floor of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) witnessed a solemn and emotional valedictory ceremony for Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, M.A., M.Phil. After nearly 40 years of dedicated service at UGM, the esteemed Professor of Anthropology officially concluded his tenure as an active lecturer. The event, held from 08:45 AM to 10:40 AM, was attended by colleagues, students, and the general public who wished to honor Prof. Heddy’s academic journey.

Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra is a highly respected figure in academic circles, particularly in Anthropology. Born in Yogyakarta on May 28, 1954, he pursued his education in Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Undergraduate, 1973-1976), Universitas Indonesia (Bachelor, 1978-1980; M.A., 1983), Rijksuniversiteit Leiden in the Netherlands (Postgraduate, 1980-1982), and Columbia University in the United States (M.A., 1986; M.Phil., 1989; Ph.D., 1993). Additionally, he received higher education in English at IKIP Sanata Dharma Yogyakarta and Dutch at Universitas Indonesia. His dedication to research and teaching made him a significant figure in the development of Anthropology in Indonesia. He has been an extraordinary lecturer at various universities in Indonesia and a guest lecturer at Dagon University, Myanmar. Furthermore, Prof. Heddy has served as the Head of the Anthropology Study Program and the Chair of the Senate at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM. His research covers various socio-cultural issues in Indonesia and several other countries, resulting in important works such as “Lévi-Strauss Structuralism, Myth and Literature” and “Patron and Client in South Sulawesi: A Functional-Structural Study.”

The event began with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si. (Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM) and Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, M.A. (Head of the Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM). Prof. Setiadi expressed appreciation and recalled Prof. Heddy’s career, highlighting his contributions in various fields and his role in producing outstanding scholars across many regions. “Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra is not just a teacher, but truly a luminary, like a lighthouse for our academic community,” he remarked. Subsequently, the Head of the Department of Anthropology, Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, M.A., conveyed deep appreciation for Prof. Heddy’s dedication. He emphasized that Prof. Heddy has brought many innovations and introduced various new perspectives in the study of Anthropology in Indonesia.

The event continued with the screening of a short documentary depicting Prof. Heddy’s life and struggles in the field of Anthropology. This video, presented by his students, featured significant moments in his career and interesting stories from his life, narrated by Prof. Heddy himself. Additionally, the event was enlivened by traditional dance (Srimpi Dhempe Dance) and musical performances by students and faculty members as a form of appreciation and respect.

Prof. Heddy’s colleagues from his time at Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, Netherlands, joined the celebration by sharing stories and singing together. They were Laksono, Sylvi, Yani, and Ratna, who recounted moments from their youth during their studies. After sharing their stories, they sang together in Dutch, accompanied by Prof. Heddy on the guitar. This moment added warmth and camaraderie to the event, reminding everyone of their close-knit bond and cherished memories.

The highlight of the event was the valedictory speech by Prof. Heddy titled “Building Bulaksumur Anthropology – From ‘Life-History’ to ‘Paradigm’.” In his speech, Prof. Heddy recounted his long and dynamic journey in Anthropology, from his undergraduate studies at UGM, his bachelor’s studies at Universitas Indonesia, postgraduate studies at Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, to his postgraduate and doctoral studies at Columbia University. His speech illustrated the immense dedication and effort he has invested in developing Anthropology in Indonesia.

The event concluded with the cutting of the tumpeng and the presentation of a memento from the Department of Anthropology to Prof. Heddy as a symbol of appreciation for his service. Afterward, the guests were invited to enjoy a meal together in the courtyard of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), with various food and drink stalls provided by those who wished to contribute to the celebration. The warmth of this event reflected the deep respect and gratitude of the academic community towards Prof. Heddy.

Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, M.A., M.Phil., of UGM is a distinguished professor who has made significant contributions to the development of Anthropology. His spirit and dedication will continue to be remembered and serve as an inspiration for future generations. Thank you, Prof. Heddy, for all the knowledge and service you have provided. May your retirement bring happiness and well-being.

Writer: Afif Naufal Widiadi

To support the innovation and accommodate the aspirations of Master of Linguistics students in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, KALINGGA (Keluarga Mahasiswa Linguistik Gadjah Mada) has created several work programs for the next 1 year. The event was opened by Dr. Sailal Arimi advised KALINGGA to become a forum that could be useful for developing UGM Linguistics and have an impact on the general public. Chairperson of KALINGGA 2024 Yuliana Kristianti also said several things, one of which was that KALINGGA could be a place to channel various abilities and develop the portfolio of each individual member of KALINGGA 2024.

The first presentation was from the ‘Minat dan Bakat’ division which presented various activities to facilitate students channelling their hobbies and talents in the fields of arts and sports. Furthermore, the PSDM (Human Resources Development) division presented its work program to strengthen relations between Master of Linguistics students in various classes. There is also a Social and Community Action division which explains various social activities of Master of Linguistics students which can be useful for the general public. Then, the LITBANG (Research and Development) division conveyed programs related to Linguistics, one of which was making books. Followed by the MEDINFO (Media and Information) division which explained programs related to delivering various innovations in reporting activities on the timeline through the KALINGGA mascot named Lingga.

The next presentation was from the ADHUMJAR (Advocacy, Public Relations and Networking) division which delivered programs related to communication between students at the Master of Linguistics UGM and outside the Master of Linguistics UGM, one of the programs was creating a Masters of Linguistics Student Association throughout Indonesia. The presentation was closed by the BPH who said that KALINGGA members could work together to build a Masters in Linguistics at UGM together.

Through the working meeting activities, each division conveys its own work program so that the implementation objectives are correct, so that activities within the Master of Linguistics UGM can run effectively, and have an impact on the general public.

KALINGA, Dr. Suhandano, Dr. Sailal Arimi, and Drs. Tatang Hariri along with Master of Linguistics students across generations, carried out a ‘Students Gathering’ as well as the ‘The KALINGGA Handover Ceremony 2024’. In this activity, various discussions related to academic activity in the Master of Linguistics UGM took place actively, such as transparency of student assessments and holding a prayer room in the Soegondo building so that lectures took place more efficiently. On this occasion, Dr. Suhandano also said that there would be a new application related to assessment, namely ‘Sioba’. Furthermore, final semester assignments also need to provide options other than articles and there is also a need for thesis research mentoring by lecturers. It is hoped that through this activity students will be more motivated to publish journals and be fluent in compiling their theses so they can complete lectures on time.

The system of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embraced in September 2015 by the UN, the worldwide improvement motivation for the primary time alludes to culture. The benefits of keeping up and progressing culture are accomplished through socially educated and viable execution of advancement objectives. Thus, discussion forums between lecturers and students can be a good culture to support and improve the quality of the learning environment.

In this activity, the stewardship of KALINGGA for the next 1 year was also officially appointed by Dr. Suhandano, witnessed by the previous year’s KALINGGA Management and students from across generations who were present. In the next 1 year, KALINGGA is expected to become a forum that can accommodate the aspirations of Master of Linguistics students, support the growth of student achievement and innovation, including creating useful activities in the field of Linguistics and society.

KPG Publisher (Kepustakaan Populer Gramedia) together with Palmerah, Yuk!, and Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada have successfully organized a cultural event entitled “Celebrating Indonesian-Chilean Poets’ Poetry: Discussion/Reading/Music Performance”. The event took place at the 7th floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Yogyakarta on Monday, May 27, 2024 from 3 to 5 pm.

The event was held to commemorate the launch of “Para la Vida: Antologi Puisi Indonesia-Chile”, which is the first poetry anthology that combines the works of Indonesian and Chilean poets. The anthology is the result of a residency program conducted by FX Rudy Gunawan and Afnan Malay in Chile in late 2022, supported by the Directorate General of Culture.

In addition to poetry readings from the anthology “Para la Vida”, the event also included a discussion with Rudy Gunawan, Ramayda Akmal, Annecy NM, hosted by Ni Made Purnamasari. Jubing Kristianto also presented music that responds to one of the poems that tells the story of Victor Jara and a composition about Chile. The event was open to the public and free of charge, so anyone interested could attend the event on the day of the event free of charge.

Adil Ka’ Talino, Bacuramin Ka’ Saruga, Basengat Ka’ Jubata, Culture Friends! Cultural Festival UGM Residence was back this year with a variety of appreciation and celebration of the diversity of the archipelago. Cultural Festival 13 comes with the theme “ , ” which was held on Saturday, June 1 until 2, 2024 at 14.00 – 22. Cultural Festival 13 was enlivened by Cultural Festival 13 Collaboration works, Cultural Art performances from Regional Student Organizations, Cultural quizzes for UGM Residence Dormitory Residents, titles of UGM Residence Works, UGMR Club, PMM MBKM, as well as Faculties and Schools, selection of Putra-Putri Culfest from Regional Student Organizations, and Guest Stars performances. This event was open to all UGM students, lecturers, education staff and the general public free of charge. A festive atmosphere was created at Cultural Festival 13 also with the presence of 23 fully participating student organizations, adding color and spirit to each of their actions and performances!

On this valuable occasion, of course, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences did not want to be left behind to introduce its culture. Assisted by members of the Lembaga Eksekutif Mahasiswa  Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Gadjah Mada or abbreviated as LEM FIB UGM, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences set up a booth at the Cultural Festival. At the booth, many of the best cultural works of the Faculty students were exhibited such as fabrics, dresses, musical instruments, accessories, poetry, and many more. Interestingly, they also provided games with prizes for the visitors who came to make the booth look not boring and could attract people to visit. The requirement to play the prize game in the form of Spin Wheel was to follow Instagram @fib_ugm and @lemfib_ugm or upload an instastory by tagging the two accounts. Visitors who wanted to take pictures could take photos in front of the beautiful mirror that had been provided. The prizes provided for visitors who won the game were very diverse ranging from drinking water bottles, stickers, stationery, and others. Many visitors felt satisfied and entertained.