Yogyakarta, June 19, 2025 – The Department of Cultural Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a heartfelt retirement ceremony for Dr. G.R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., a distinguished academic whose career has profoundly shaped the landscape of education and cultural studies in Indonesia. The event served as a moment of appreciation and reflection on a journey marked by dedication, critical thinking, and cultural advocacy.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a commemorative book consisting of thirty essays contributed by Dr. Lono’s colleagues and students. These writings represent a tapestry of reflections, thoughts, and shared experiences, serving as both an intellectual tribute and an emotional homage to his enduring influence.

The ceremony also featured artistic performances from students and faculty members, adding a vibrant and celebratory tone to the evening. The first performance—a dangdut remix song performed by students—paid tribute to Dr. Lono’s pioneering work in elevating dangdut as a serious subject of academic inquiry. For him, dangdut was not merely entertainment but a habitus—a cultural form that embodies the joys and struggles of everyday life.

“Dangdut is all about broken huts, sharing one plate of food, poverty… but it’s danced to, not cried over,” he remarked during the talk show segment.

In the same session, Dr. Lono shared insights into his early days as a lecturer and his involvement in a national NGO in Semarang in 1986. There, he led a community empowerment program through urban microfinance, a grassroots initiative that enhanced the economic resilience of urban communities. His work directly aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The final and closing act of the event was a dramatic performance of Reog Ponorogo, collaboratively staged by students and lecturers. The performance revisited Dr. Lono’s in-depth research on this traditional art form within the framework of performance anthropology. This act was not just symbolic, but a living embodiment of the cultural practices he explored, taught, and preserved throughout his academic career.

Beyond the performances, Dr. Lono’s commitment to bringing popular culture—such as dangdut and reog—into academic spaces illustrates his advocacy for contextual and critical education. His approach embodies the spirit of SDG 4: Quality Education, promoting inclusive, relevant, and culturally responsive learning systems.

Alumni from the class of 1995 also attended the event, presenting a symbolic gift through their representative, Ani Himawati. This gesture reflected the deep emotional connection shared between Dr. Lono and generations of students he mentored and inspired.

Dr. Lono’s retirement does not mark the end of his contributions but rather a continuation of his intellectual legacy. His work lives on not only in academic texts but also in music, folklore, and the everyday stories he transformed into meaningful knowledge. His legacy will continue to inspire critical awareness and cultural sensitivity for years to come.

[Public Relation of FIB, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, June 17, 2025 – Fourth- and sixth-semester undergraduate students of the Archaeology Program held an exhibition across various corners of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This exhibition was organized as part of their final semester assignment (UAS), with each group presenting a different theme. One of the highlighted themes was “The Lifestyle of UGM Students Through the Ages,” which described the daily lives of UGM students and how they have changed over time.

The everyday life of students has shaped a unique lifestyle, influenced by technological advancements. From food choices to how meals are stored and carried, such as lunchboxes, to the evolution of fashion trends among students and the shift in study habits from handwriting to typing—all of these reflect the dynamics of student life.

Another group presented the theme “Reading Pop Culture: Its Influence on UGM Students’ Lifestyle and Identity.” Pop culture has become an inseparable part of students’ daily lives. Through digital media, music, film, fashion, and fandom practices, pop culture has created unique communities. Within the campus dynamic, this culture continues to shape students’ identities through the encounter between local values and global currents.

The exhibition attracted many visitors. It provided students the opportunity to showcase their research and creativity while raising awareness about the importance of education in understanding cultural dynamics.

In this exhibition, each group displayed unique objects and explained each item. This practical approach not only made the exhibition more enjoyable but also emphasized the importance of experiential learning in education, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education.

The students expressed that the exhibition was a valuable experience that enhanced their understanding of archaeology and cultural studies. They highlighted the importance of collaboration and teamwork in preparing the exhibition, which helped them develop essential skills for their future careers.

Their hard work and creativity underscored the importance of such exhibitions in fostering critical thinking and cultural awareness among students. They encouraged more initiatives like this to promote a deeper understanding of the relationship between education and cultural identity.

Overall, the exhibition was a resounding success, showcasing the creativity and dedication of UGM archaeology students while contributing to a broader discourse on education and cultural identity.

[Public Relations of FIB, Alma Syahwalani]

The English Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is pleased to announce the names of students who have been officially selected to join the prestigious RWS Internship Program – Batch 2025.

After a rigorous selection process and thorough evaluation of academic performance, motivation, and readiness for professional development, the following students have been accepted:

1. Adeline Diva Hanjani
2. ⁠Nurainina Berliani Natanda
3. ⁠Bathari Sekar Dewangga

We are especially delighted to highlight that this marks the second consecutive time that students from the English Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, have successfully secured all available internship slots at RWS, an impressive achievement that reflects their academic excellence, professionalism, and global readiness.

These outstanding students will represent the English Studies Program in their internship with RWS, a leading global provider of language services and technology solutions. During their internship, they will gain invaluable experience in the field of language, translation, and content management in a professional international setting.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the selected interns and wish them a fruitful and inspiring journey. This achievement reflects their hard work, commitment, and potential to grow as globally competent graduates.

Amid the surge of technology and the rise of artificial intelligence capable of arranging sentences neatly, Kumala–student of Arabic Literature–chose writing as her path of expression and contribution. “AI-generated writing may be neat, but the emotion and meaning can only come from humans,” she said.

For Kumala, being a student of Arabic Literature is not just about reading classical works or understanding the Arabic language in depth, but also about learning how to voice stories powerfully. Content writing became the medium she chose to bridge theory with practice. She believes that good writing can serve as a bridge connecting emotion, information, and action.

From Interest to Action: How Kumala Began Writing Content

Kumala’s interest in content writing grew alongside her curiosity about the creative process behind content itself. For her, the brainstorming stage is the most crucial. “That’s where it all starts–before the visuals and editing, there’s an idea that needs to be packaged attractively and powerfully,” she explained.

Kumala also brings her academic passion for literature into the world of content. One of her favorite courses is Geoculture and Geopolitics of the Middle East, which opened her eyes to major issues that could be conveyed through writing. “One day, I want to write content that acts as a catalyst to voice issues in the Middle East,” she added.

First Steps at UNAI and Valuable Lessons from One Piece of Content

Although she’s still new to her role as a content writer at UNAI, Kumala has already experienced the challenges of this world. She started by writing carousel content for Instagram, a format that may seem simple but demands high precision. Her biggest challenge? “Finding ideas that are relevant, trending, and emotionally engaging enough to capture the audience’s attention. It’s not easy, but it’s very rewarding,” she said.

Of all the content she has created, her first piece remains the most memorable, not just because it was the first, but because she had to carefully listen to a speaker with an American accent, filter out many sentences, and condense them into a single impactful paragraph. “That’s where I learned how to craft a sentence that truly ‘says something’,” she shared.

The Content Writer as a Communication Bridge

According to Kumala, the role of a content writer is crucial within an institution. “At UNAI, content writing is part of the communications department. So we don’t just create content, we deliver the institution’s messages, vision, and values to the public,” she explained. This shows that good writing isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s also about strategy.

A Message to Students: Dare to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Amid her academic and non-academic commitments, Kumala continues to strive to stay motivated. She holds on to one principle: “The life we live today is the dream we had yesterday. So make the most of it and live it wholeheartedly.”

For students who still hesitate to explore beyond their field of study, Kumala has a message: “Being different isn’t bad. Try as many new things as possible, as long as they don’t harm others or yourself. Don’t reach old age with regret, be a youth who explores, and an elder with stories to tell.”

In this digital era, Kumala believes it’s essential for students to equip themselves with various skills. “We don’t know which skill will open the door to our future career. So don’t be afraid to explore. Technology may be advanced, but we humans must be even more advanced.”

And for fellow Arabic Literature students interested in content writing, Kumala ends with one practical tip: “Write what you think. Set small milestones for your skill development so you don’t get stuck in one place and can keep growing.”

[Public Relations 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]