Yogyakarta, August 15, 2024 – In an effort to improve cooperation and academic development, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Andalas (UNAND) conducted a benchmarking visit to the Archaeology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Thursday, August 15, 2024. This visit aims to obtain valuable input in the context of establishing a new Archaeology Study Program at FIB UNAND.

The visit from FIB UNAND was led by Prof. Dr. Herwandi, M.Hum., Dean of FIB UNAND, along with Dr. Zulqaiyyim, M.Hum., Head of History Department, and Alfa Noranda, S.S., M.A., Lecturer of History Study Program. They were welcomed by Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FIB UGM, as well as Dr. Mahirta, M.A., Head of the Department of Archaeology, Dr. Anggraeni, M.A., Head of the Archaeology Study Program, and Drs. Musadad, M.Hum., Secretary of the Archaeology Study Program in Room C103 of FIB UGM.

In this meeting, Dr. Zulqaiyyim said that FIB UGM, as the “elder brother” of FIB UNAND, is expected to provide guidance and constructive input related to the improvement of the proposal for the establishment of the Archaeology Study Program at FIB UNAND. This discussion aims to optimize the quality and relevance of the new study program to be established.

This benchmarking event is part of the commitment of both institutions to improve the quality of education and research in the field of archaeology, as well as strengthen collaboration between FIB UGM and FIB UNAND. With this exchange of experience and knowledge, it is hoped that the new study program at FIB UNAND can soon be realized with high standards.

FERDEO, S.Sos., is a student of the Master of Anthropology program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, since August 2023. He is very committed to growing through his experiences, and is passionate about education. With more than five years of experience as a public speaker, Ferdeo currently serves as a Mental Health Ambassador and Postgraduate Ambassador at his university. In his role as a mental health ambassador, he contributes to creating a campus environment that supports student well-being. In addition, Ferdeo is active in academic and cultural activities at the national and international levels and is a frequent MC and moderator in various faculty and university events.

Currently, Ferdeo is also active in various organizations. Since August 2023, Ferdeo has served as a Mental Health Ambassador in the Mental Health Ministry of BEM KM Universitas Gadjah Mada, which focuses on student mental health advocacy through psychological education, research studies, mental health service monitoring, and collaboration with related parties. In his role, Ferdeo initiated and leads the advocacy program “Journey to Joy”, which is open to the general public in Yogyakarta. He is also a frequent speaker and advocate of mental health discussions in the Universitas Gadjah Mada community, faculties, and surrounding high schools. In addition to being honored as Gadjah Mada University’s Mental Health Ambassador, Ferdeo was also selected as Gadjah Mada University’s Postgraduate Ambassador from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

Ferdeo also has a lot of work experience as a freelancer since 2020, where he performed various roles with high professionalism. As a speaker, Ferdeo delivers engaging presentations at events on a variety of topics. As a Master of Ceremony, he organizes events smoothly and elegantly, while his skills as a moderator enable productive discussions and collaborations. In addition, Ferdeo also contributes as a model, adding elegance and credibility to visual representations. With more than five years of experience, he has spoken at many events, ranging from school and university events to regional, national, and international platforms. Since 2021, Ferdeo has also been active as a photography model for various salons and boutiques, as well as appearing as a runway model and usher at various regional events.

From his many experiences and achievements, it can be seen that he has various skills that support his performance both in work and other activities. Ferdeo is highly skilled in public speaking, interpersonal communication, problem solving, critical thinking, adaptation, time management, and working to achieve targets. He even received an A certificate in public speaking skill development training from the Directorate of Student Affairs (DITMAWA) Unit of Universitas Gadjah Mada. With a combination of strong skills and dedication in various fields, Ferdeo shows outstanding commitment in academic, professional, and organizational roles. His active role as a Mental Health Ambassador, his involvement in national and international events, and his expertise as a speaker, moderator, and model, make him an inspiring and influential figure in his community. Ferdeo continues to strive to advance her field of interest and contribute significantly to the well-being and development of her community.

In an effort to improve the achievement of Key Performance Indicators, especially in point five of the publication field, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences organizes various research publication facilitation programs. One of the programs held is Publication Assistance through the “PAPERING TOGETHER” Program. The program aims to accelerate the publication process both in reputable international journals and accredited national journals through a mentoring process with mentors. Program participants are lecturers who already have a draft article with a 75% completion value. Articles included in this program have gone through a review process and during the program participants can consult with mentors.

In 2024, the Research and Publication Unit organized the “MENYEPI BERSAMA” Program in two batches. The first batch was held on July 15-19, 2024 at Grand Edge Hotel, Semarang and the second batch was held on July 22-26, 2024 at Oak Tree Emerald Hotel, Semarang by presenting mentors according to their fields of expertise such as culture, literature, history, and linguistics. The mentors who support this program are Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, Prof. Dr. Faruk, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, Dr. Agus Suwignyo, M.A., and Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum. and the number of participants who take part in this program is 20 people. By participating in this program, participants are expected to be able to complete the article and the article is ready to be submitted to the target journal.

Aisyah Riska, a student from the Master’s Program in Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is an inspiring figure hailing from South Sulawesi. Aisyah’s decision to continue her studies at UGM was a great decision. She aimed to earn her master’s degree and develop her potential in both academic and non-academic fields.

In the academic sphere, Aisyah has shown outstanding achievements. However, her excellence is not limited to academics alone. Aisyah is also active in various non-academic activities that enrich her experience and contribute positively to her surroundings.

As a person with a talent for the arts, Aisyah joined the Seni Pascasarjana UGM and served as the Head of the Theater Division. Additionally, she is active in Theater Gadjah Mada, a prominent theater organization at the university. Aisyah’s skill in theater not only hones her acting abilities but also enhances her communication and teamwork skills.

Not only active in arts organizations, Aisyah is also highly dedicated to the field of education. She actively teaches students from elementary to high school levels who are preparing for graduation exams or entrance exams for the next educational stage. Through this teaching, Aisyah hopes to make a tangible contribution to improving the quality of education for the younger generation.

Aisyah’s public speaking ability also allows her to have an exposure to the role of Master of Ceremony (MC) or moderator at various important events, both at the university level and events organized by local government agencies. Her role as an MC or moderator not only proves her communication skills but also showcases her confidence and high professionalism.

In addition to her academic achievements and involvement in various activities, Aisyah is also focused on being a content creator. Currently, she is part-time worker at the Unit of Public Relations and Cooperation FIB UGM. There, she is responsible for producing content focused on the TikTok platform.

Aisyah has produced many creative contents that have gone viral, demonstrating her ability to understand trends and audience needs. Through the content she has created, Aisyah not only promotes faculty activities and achievements but also provides inspiration and valuable information to many people.

Aisyah Riska’s story is a true example of a student who not only pursues academic excellence but also actively contributes in various fields. Despite her busy schedule and responsibilities, Aisyah continues to show high commitment and dedication. She is an inspiration to many other students to keep striving for their dreams and making a positive impact on society.

Aisyah Riska proves that with hard work, passion, and dedication, one can achieve various accomplishments and make a real contribution to their surroundings. May Aisyah’s inspirational story motivate more students to keep creating and achieving.

Davina Santosa, a student from the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the opportunity to undertake the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) on Nusi Island, Padaido Islands, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua. Together with the KKN team “Biak Elok,” they began their journey on June 29, 2024, under the guidance of Dr. Eng. Ir. R. Rachmat A. Sriwijaya, S.T., M.T., IPM., ASEAN, and will complete their activities on August 20, 2024.

Davina chose to join this team because she wanted to explore the lives of people outside Java. She was interested in understanding the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the local community. Davina felt it was important to know the characteristics of the community, the social approaches they take, and the challenges they face daily.

On Nusi Island, Davina and her team identified several key issues that need attention. First, there is economic disparity where job options are very limited as fishing is their only option. Second, accessibility to meet daily needs is very difficult. Third, lack of basic knowledge about cleanliness and health. Fourth, the allocation of village funds is uneven.

Their KKN theme is “Development of Tourism Potential and Human Resource Improvement Based on Community-Based Tourism Framework to Achieve Independence, Inclusivity, and Sustainability on Nusi Island, Padaido District, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua.” In implementing this program, Davina found that there was no active tourism awareness group in the Padaido Islands. The last one was in Samberpasi, formed by the Biak Elok KKN Team in 2019, but it is no longer active. This shows that public awareness of the importance of sustainable tourism management is still very limited.

Additionally, Davina also found that community knowledge about waste management is very lacking. In Nusi and several other islands such as Samberpasi, Pasi, and Auki, garbage bins are rarely found in residents’ homes. Organic waste is usually given to their pets such as dogs and pigs, while other waste is collected and burned. Therefore, one of their KKN programs focuses on educating about better and sustainable waste management.

Despite the social issues they face, Nusi Island has extraordinary natural wealth. The sea water, which is still relatively unpolluted, is a clear blue. Additionally, there are many World War II relics both on land and in the sea, such as the foundations of war vehicle runways in every house on Wundi Island.

The culture of sirih pinang here becomes a social interaction medium. Additionally, traditional dances like Yospan and various musical instruments such as tifa are part of the rich culture. The community also has interesting Christian worship traditions; if there is grief or a send-off of children for education, it is celebrated with worship from night until dawn. Furthermore, they believe that Sunday is God’s day, so they are not allowed to work. Children attend Sunday school every Sunday at 8 a.m., followed by church service at 9 a.m.

Socially, the people of Nusi Island are very friendly. There is a market day, which is a day when the market is held. Market days are held three times a week, namely on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, they usually go fishing, and their catch will be sold the next day on market day. Because not all residents have boats, they often hitch rides to the market in the city, which adds to the closeness among the residents.

After several weeks living in Nusi, Davina experienced the simple and full-of-struggle life of the community to meet their daily needs. Limited infrastructure and electricity make it difficult for the community to explore new things that could support their livelihoods or improve their quality of life. One of the challenges they face is that electricity is only available for 12 hours a day, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. As a result, ice blocks are very difficult to find. In fact, ice blocks could be used to preserve their catch, which could create new business opportunities such as making shredded fish, fish sticks, etc.

In addition to having the opportunity to explore the easternmost region of Indonesia, Davina also learned that economic and educational disparities still exist. People on the other side of Papua still really need help, both in terms of funding, accessibility, infrastructure, and knowledge expansion. However, despite living in simplicity, they can still be happy.

The KKN experience on Nusi Island provided many valuable lessons about the lives of Papuans, especially those on Nusi Island, Padaido Islands, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua. With enthusiasm and hard work, Davina and her team hope that this KKN program can contribute positively to the development of tourism potential and human resource improvement in the Padaido Islands, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua.