Yogyakarta, June 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially signed a collaboration agreement with HOMSEA (History of Medicine in Southeast Asia) to co-host The 10th International Conference on the History of Medicine in Southeast Asia. The symbolic signing ceremony was held at Soegondo Hall, FIB UGM, with the Deans of FKKMK and FIB in attendance.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., Dean of FIB UGM, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to host such a significant international gathering and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in understanding the historical roots of health systems. Representing FIB UGM, Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A. served as the Person-in-Charge (PIC) of the event, actively coordinating the collaboration with HOMSEA and FKKMK UGM.

Held under the theme “The History of Medicine in Colonial, Post–Colonial, and Global Worlds,” the four-day conference takes place from June 23 to 27, 2025. The event began with a Pre-Conference Workshop on June 23, followed by the main conference sessions from June 24 to 26, and concludes with an optional Historical Hospital Tour on June 27.

This year’s conference addresses several vital subthemes

• Health, Medicine, and Decolonization,
• Community Health vs Medical Specialization,
• Connections and Differences within Southeast Asia,
• The Anthropocene from a Southeast Asian Perspective,
• Medicine, Ethics, Politics, and the Sustainable Development Goals,
• and Climate Change and Environmental Degradation.

Founded in 2005 by Prof. Laurence Monnais (University of Montreal) and Dr. Rethy Chhem (former Executive Director of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute), HOMSEA has served as a platform for scholars and practitioners to share insights and research on the history of health and medicine in the region.

To foster inclusivity, HOMSEA continues to provide travel bursaries and waived conference fees for participants from countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. These bursaries are made possible through support from institutions including the Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Pluralism, the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV), and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre.

This collaborative effort is expected to strengthen the development of research on the history of medicine in Southeast Asia and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of equitable and sustainable global health systems.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 12/06/2025 – The Department of Anthropology held a dissertation proposal seminar on June 12, 2025, featuring Tri Isnani’s research titled “The Existence of the Brandu Tradition Amid the Anthrax Outbreak in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).”

The brandu tradition is a community-based fundraising practice in which local residents collectively contribute money to ease the financial burden of livestock owners whose animals are either sick or have died. Livestock holds deep cultural and economic significance for the community. The term brandu originates from minterke anak—meaning “to support a child”—highlighting the role of animals such as cows and goats as a form of savings, often used to finance children’s education, weddings, and traditional ceremonies such as rasulan, ingkung sewu, nyumbang, and others.

However, Isnani noted growing public concern over the anthrax outbreak, which has become a serious public health crisis in the region. The issue has drawn the attention of not only the public but also government bodies and health agencies. In response, Isnani proposed a deeper investigation through the lens of medical anthropology.

Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A., as Isnani’s main supervisor, and Dr. M. Choirul Hidajat, SKM., M.Kes., both emphasized the need for anthropological research grounded in an emic perspective, employing ethnographic methods in the formulation of health-related programs and policies. They stressed that such an approach is crucial for effective disease control under the “One Health” framework—a multidisciplinary strategy encompassing both prevention and treatment.

The seminar also featured Dr. Elan A. Lazuardi, a faculty member in the Department of Anthropology with a focus on health studies. He underlined the importance of researcher positionality in fieldwork. Additional discussants—Ahriyadi Sofyan, Rizqi R., Ayu F., and Dyah Ayu—offered constructive feedback to help strengthen Isnani’s research. The event was also attended by students from the Master’s and Doctoral programs in Anthropology, as well as from the Doctoral Program in Humanities.

In closing, Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati reminded participants that doctoral research should arrive at a philosophical understanding rooted in community values—specifically, exploring the deeper meaning behind the brandu tradition. Once such a philosophy is grasped, it can shape the direction of the research more profoundly.

Furthermore, Dr. M. Choirul Hidajat, a researcher at BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency), highlighted the relevance of anthropological perspectives in medical studies. He emphasized that the novelty of such research lies in anthropology’s ability to interpret health phenomena in culturally grounded ways. “This is crucial,” he said. “Perhaps the true contribution of this study is its potential to offer input into health programs that empower, rather than intimidate, the community—ultimately supporting inclusive program development.”

[Cultural Anthropology, Dewi Widyastuti]

Yogyakarta, 8/6/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a sacrificial animal slaughter event on 8 June 2025 as part of its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ending poverty and hunger. The event began at 08:00 AM and continued until all activities were completed.

This year, the faculty sacrificed three healthy and well-sized cows, ensuring that the meat could benefit as many underprivileged families as possible. Beyond fulfilling a religious obligation, the sacrificial event also served as a social initiative aimed at alleviating hunger and supporting vulnerable communities.

The event opened with a prayer led by Mr. Jawat, which reminded participants of the spiritual importance of sharing and caring for others. The atmosphere encouraged reflection on the values of togetherness and compassion that lie at the heart of the sacrificial tradition.

The Dean of FIB UGM delivered a speech affirming the faculty’s role in upholding social responsibility. The event was viewed not only as a religious tradition but also as a meaningful contribution to addressing social issues such as poverty and food security, in alignment with the SDGs.

Following the Dean’s remarks, Mr. Musadad, Chairman of the Takmir, expressed his appreciation for the active participation of faculty members and students. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts and the spirit of solidarity in supporting those in need.

The meat from the sacrificed animals will be distributed to various local communities with the goal of reaching as many families as possible and ensuring their access to nutritious food. This initiative directly supports the SDGs’ mission to end hunger and promote food security for all.

Through the implementation of this sacrificial event, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences demonstrates its ongoing commitment to social responsibility and sets an example for other institutions in fostering compassion and driving positive change in society.

[Humas FIB, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, June/10/2025 – The UGM Senate Hall was filled with a sense of anticipation as members of the academic community gathered to witness the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A., a prominent figure in the field of Health Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event, held from 09:00 to 10:00 WIB, featured an inspiring inaugural speech titled “Masuk Angin as a Cultural Phenomenon.”

In her address, Prof. Atik emphasized that three cultural dimensions—systems of ideas, cultural behavior, and cultural artifacts (Spradley, 1972)—can be used to understand the concept of masuk angin. She explained that masuk angin as a system of ideas reflects cultural conceptions of health, illness, and traditional healing philosophies.

As cultural behavior, masuk angin is evident in how the Javanese people choose various healing methods. Prof. Atik highlighted traditional practices such as using ancient coins for kerokan (a traditional scraping therapy), along with balms, oils, and spices—whether in drink form or packaged in sachets—as important components of the healing process (Triratnawati, 2012).

She also pointed out that the term masuk angin has evolved beyond its original health-related context and is now used metaphorically in political and economic discourse. This shift illustrates the dynamic nature of cultural expressions and their relevance in multiple aspects of daily life.

Prof. Atik’s research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting access to affordable medicine and achieving health equity. She stressed that understanding cultural practices surrounding health is key to developing effective and inclusive healthcare strategies.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including academics, students, and health practitioners, all eager to engage with Prof. Atik’s insights. The atmosphere reflected deep academic interest and enthusiasm, as attendees acknowledged the importance of integrating cultural perspectives into health discourse.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Atik encouraged the audience to appreciate the richness of cultural knowledge and its impact on health and well-being. She called for collective efforts to promote affordable healthcare and to consider cultural contexts when addressing health issues.

The inauguration of Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A. marked a significant milestone in her academic journey and underscored the vital role of anthropology in understanding health practices. Her work serves as a strong reminder of the need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare to help achieve the SDGs.

As the event concluded, participants left with renewed inspiration, motivated by Prof. Atik’s dedication to bridging the worlds of culture and health. The UGM academic community looks forward to her continued contributions to the advancement of Health Anthropology and inclusive healthcare solutions.

[Humas FIB, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, May 24, 2025 – In the spirit of promoting fitness, team spirit, and athletic potential among students, the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada launched its first basketball training session called Basket Asik IKMASA on Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, at the Faculty of Psychology Basketball Court, UGM.

Starting at 7:00 AM, the session was free of charge and open to all Arabic Study Program students from any year. Participants didn’t come alone—friends, family members, and partners were also welcome, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere on the court.

While the activity was held in a casual and cheerful tone, it also served as an initial step toward discovering promising basketball talent who could represent IKMASA in future sports competitions. 

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by encouraging physical activity and fostering healthy social networks through sports.

Basket Asik IKMASA is a testament to how a culture of health, camaraderie, and positive competition can thrive in a lighthearted and joyful environment—one basketball game at a time.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]