Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Amid the shifting focus of American Studies, which is no longer confined to the geographical boundaries of the United States, the Master’s Program in American Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada demonstrates how a transnational approach opens up a broader and more relevant scope of study. Students not only study America as a nation but also explore how American values, culture, and ideologies move across borders, infiltrate local spaces, and interact with the social realities in Indonesia. From street music to beauty pageant stages, this transnational approach places American Studies as a critical space to understand the intersection of global and local cultures, while also uncovering the power relations that accompany it.

One clear example of how American culture transforms into a local form can be found in the heart of Yogyakarta, specifically in the Wijilan area. A. Fahmi Dahlan, S.S., M.A., examines the hip-hop community in Wijilan, Yogyakarta. With a transnational approach in American Studies and Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, Fahmi explores how the hip-hop culture, originating from America, is not merely imitated but reinterpreted and adapted to the local context. In the hands of the youth in Wijilan, hip-hop becomes more than just music or fashion—it becomes a medium for social criticism, identity expression, and community empowerment. Through activities like Kidz on the Beat, the Soringin festival, and distinctive fashion styles, it is evident how global culture is negotiated into a form that is both contextual and meaningful locally. This research shows that popular culture can create participatory spaces that are inclusive and promote social transformation from the grassroots.

Fahmi Dahlan, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Meanwhile, Aprilia Nilham, S.Pd., M.A., in her study of the Puteri Indonesia pageant, uncovers another side of American cultural hegemony, this time through international beauty contests, which often influence local cultural values in Indonesia. This study reveals how American culture, through the influence of Miss Universe, shapes the Puteri Indonesia pageant and reflects the evolving global cultural hegemony. Using Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, the research shows that while Puteri Indonesia is supposed to reflect Indonesian cultural identity, American culture has subtly integrated into various aspects, from lifestyle to language. Controversies surrounding issues such as bikinis, transgender participants, and cooperation with Israel highlight the tensions between local and global values. On the other hand, this hegemony also underscores the importance of critical understanding of the media and global culture, so that society can balance external influences while maintaining local values in the effort to create an inclusive, just, and competitive society.

Aprilia Nilham, S.Pd., M.A., with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Through a transnational approach in American Studies, both studies encourage us not to passively accept the influence of global culture but to critically reexamine, question, and transform it into something more relevant and meaningful within the local context. American Studies, in this regard, serves not only as a study of America but also as a tool to understand and respond to global forces critically, opening spaces for more just and sovereign discourses. Thus, the contribution of American Studies in responding to global cultural dynamics is significant, both in understanding the influence of America in Indonesia and enriching global discourse with empowered local perspectives.

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Amid the buzz of graduation celebrations, students of the American Studies Master’s Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada carry stories of struggle that go far beyond academic achievements. Through their theses, they have examined the voices of women, minority groups, and religious discourses in America—not merely as research subjects, but as mirrors reflecting pressing social issues with deep relevance to global life and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

One of the most prominent themes is the matter of religiosity in contemporary American society. In her research, Eliyawati, S.S., M.A., explores the representation of American women’s religiosity in the TV series Young Sheldon. By combining Stuart Hall’s theory of representation and the Post-Nationalist approach in American Studies, she dissects how the religious beliefs of American women—from Baby Boomers to Generation X—are portrayed through intergenerational female characters. Her findings reveal a range of religious expression: from spiritual devotion that positions women as the “church within the family” to a shift toward secularism influenced by modernity, media, and education. This study not only captures the transformation of religious values in American society but also opens a space for reflection on the role of women within religious institutions and public life.

Eliyawati, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Leny Roslinda Sinaga, S.S., M.A. also explores gender representation in her study of the hit romantic thriller series You. The series becomes a reflective medium to examine how masculine dominance—disguised as romance—often manipulates women’s perceptions in popular culture. Leny investigates how love can become a veil for abuse and how American pop culture constructs and perpetuates such narratives. Using deconstruction theory, her research emphasizes the urgency of gender equality and the need for women to be conscious of power relations, both in personal relationships and in the public sphere, especially within the media industry that remains heavily influenced by masculine narratives.

Leny Roslinda Sinaga, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

A similarly powerful lens is offered by Zahra Kamila, S.Pd., M.A., whose thesis focuses on the film On the Basis of Sex, which portrays the real-life struggles of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she challenged a male-dominated legal system. The film serves as a gateway to examine masculine social structures while mapping strategies such as legal advocacy, access to higher education, and cross-gender collaboration. Zahra’s research underscores that the fight for gender equality is not only about breaking barriers but also about reinforcing values of justice and inclusive institutions—two critical elements in shaping a just and civil society.

Zahra Kamila, S.Pd., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

In the digital realm, Annida Ul Marhamah, S.S., M.A. investigates the identity struggles of Bretman Rock, a Filipino-American LGBTQ+ influencer who uses new media as a platform for self-expression and resistance against stereotypes. Amid the prevailing heteronormative narratives in American pop culture, Bretman emerges as an alternative voice who boldly challenges the limits of racial, gender, and sexual identity representation. Through Jacques Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, Annida dissects how microaggressions—often expressed through public comments and social expectations—are not merely personal but deeply structural. Her study reveals that digital media narratives can be reclaimed as emancipatory spaces where authenticity becomes a form of resistance. In addressing SDGs related to reducing inequality and gender equality, the research highlights the power of authentic digital storytelling and advocates for broader cross-cultural understanding and self-representation as foundations for a more equitable society.

Annida Ul Marhamah, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

These four studies affirm that academia is not merely a place to learn theory, but a space to voice injustice, deconstruct dominant narratives, and celebrate diversity. From films and television series to digital platforms, these students demonstrate that American Studies is no longer just about “America”, it is a critical tool to understand the world, others, and even ourselves in the midst of global transformation.

[Public Relation of American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – On Wednesday, 23 April, six students from the American Studies program of FIB, Gadjah Mada University, finished their studies by producing a thesis focusing on social issues and culture that was part of American popular culture. Those six students who graduated consist of Eliyawati and Zahra Kamila from Angkatan 2022 genap, A. Fahmi Dahlan, Leny Roslinda Sinaga, Annida Ul Marhamah from Angkatan 2022 Ganjil,  and Aprilia Nilham from  Angkatan 2021 Genap. In their thesis, not only the graduate show deep examination of America internally, but also study on America influence that was felt by another country, which is Indonesia.

One thesis written by A. Fahmi Dahlan, “American Hegemony in Indonesian Mass Culture: A Case Study on Hip-hop Community in Wijilan Yogyakarta,” examined how Indonesian hip-hop music was influenced by American hip-hop music through its complex elements. This thesis found that the hegemony in Wijilan hip-hop music could be seen through its cultural empowerment and use of hip-hop as a tool to criticize social issues. In other words, they adapt and merge the global influence with local identity.

As a comparison to previous theses that connected America with Indonesia, the thesis written by Eliyawati titled “The Representation of American Women’s Religiosity in Young Sheldon” found that the concept of Christianity embraced by American women can be observed through their attitudes and the implementation of religious values, including in the roles of women within the family—roles that show a stark contrast when compared to women who do not adhere to any particular faith. In her thesis, she also argues that this representation is evident across the three generations portrayed in Young Sheldon.
Through research that employs a variety of perspectives and issues, their writings are expected to enrich and become references for future studies, especially those related to America, popular culture, and social issues both within America and globally, in order to help build a more open society.

[Public Relation of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, March 21, 2025 – RUBIKON: Journal of Transnational American Studies has officially achieved SINTA 3 accreditation, as stated in the Decree of the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology Number 0173/C3/DT.05.00/2025, issued on March 21, 2025. This achievement further strengthens Rubikon’s position as one of the most influential academic journals in Indonesia in the field of American Studies and expands its reach in global academic discourse.

Managed by the Master’s Program in American Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Rubikon is an academic journal that focuses on transnational studies, particularly examining American influences beyond its borders, including in Indonesia. The journal is led by Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., and Managing Editor, Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum., and supported by an editorial team consisting of scholars from various universities in Indonesia and abroad, such as Northeast Normal University (China), Deakin University (Australia), and Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand). Since its inception, Rubikon has also collaborated with the American Studies Society of Indonesia (ASSINDO), strengthening its academic network in American Studies.

As a transnational journal, Rubikon explores a wide range of topics, including American literature and culture, society and minority groups, popular culture and globalization, politics and foreign policy, as well as American hegemony in the digital era. The name Rubikon is derived from the historic Rubicon River, which symbolizes a point of no return—a philosophy that reflects the journal’s mission to open new perspectives and provide fresh insights into academic studies.

The achievement of SINTA 3 accreditation not only serves as a testament to Rubikon’s academic quality but also reinforces its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an open-access journal, Rubikon supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing free academic publications accessible to anyone, ensuring the broad dissemination of knowledge without financial barriers. Moreover, many published articles focus on SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, addressing the representation of minority and gender groups in American culture and examining how these issues resonate in global contexts, including Indonesia. On a larger scale, Rubikon also aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering international academic collaborations, enriching scholarly discussions, and strengthening research networks in transnational studies.

Published twice a year and free of charge, Rubikon continues to provide opportunities for academics and researchers to contribute their ideas and expand the horizons of transnational studies. With its SINTA 3 accreditation, the journal is now more firmly positioned as an innovative, inclusive, and impactful academic platform.

For more information and article submissions, visit Rubikon’s official website at: https://jurnal.ugm.ac.id/rubikon/.

[Public Relations of American Studies UGM, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 27/3/2025 – The Master of American Studies program presents a new course that attracts the attention of many students, namely “Superheroes and Cultural Identity.” This course is taught by Dr. Ashika Prajnya Paramita, M.A., and aims to explore the meaning of superheroes in the social, political, and cultural context of the United States.

In the first meeting, Dr. Ashika invited the students to introduce themselves and tell about their favorite superhero. From Superman to X-Men, each superhero has its own place in the students’ hearts. This activity not only built an interactive class atmosphere but also initiated a discussion on the role of superheroes in shaping cultural identity.

Dr. Ashika explained that in American studies, superheroes are not just fictional characters, but also symbols that reflect social and political dynamics in the United States. One of the concepts discussed was how superheroes represent the American Dream-the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and perseverance.

For example, Superman is portrayed as an immigrant from the planet Krypton who grew up in Kansas, USA. This character reflects the hopes of immigrants who want to be part of the American nation. His dual identity as Clark Kent, a journalist, also emphasizes the importance of press freedom as a fundamental value in American democracy.

This course discusses “Primary Conventions” in the world of superheroes, which are distinctive elements that often appear in various media. Dr. Ashika outlined some of the primary conventions, such as dual identity, where a superhero has two personas, for example Clark Kent as Superman. Their superpowers can come from mutations, technology, magic, or extreme training. Each superhero also has an iconic costume, such as the spider logo on Spider-Man’s costume. Their main mission is to fight evil for justice and protect society. In addition, many superheroes have a signature city setting, such as Gotham City for Batman, as well as sidekicks or support teams, such as Robin who helps Batman.

The students showed great enthusiasm in this lecture. Discussions on the relevance of superheroes in real life became an interesting part that made the class more lively. The participants actively expressed their opinions on how superhero characters reflect current social issues, including gender, politics, and cultural diversity.

With this course, students are expected to have a deeper understanding of the role of popular culture in shaping people’s identities and values, especially in the context of the United States. The “Superheroes and Cultural Identity” course is a step forward in modern cultural studies and enriches the academic horizons of Master of American Studies students.

[Public Relations of American Studies UGM, Gilang Hardian]