SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On March 8, 2024, coinciding with the 48th Anniversary of the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Syria, Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. served as the sole speaker in the Academic Discussion with PPI Syria at the Hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Damascus. The discussion titled “American Dominance in the Middle East: Past, Present, Future” was attended by 86 Indonesian students in Damascus and several staff members of the KBRI. In his opening remarks, the Indonesian Ambassador to Syria, Dr. Wajid Fauzi, expressed his utmost gratitude to the delegation from the Department of Inter-Cultural Studies at UGM consisting of Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., Dr. Hindun Ichsan, M. Hum., Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., and Rudi Candra, L.C., M.A. for their willingness to share knowledge with Indonesian students in Syria.

Prof. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. initiated the discussion by explaining why dominance is an interesting issue to examine. As an expert in American Studies, Prof. Ida explained Gramsci’s Theory of Hegemony as a basis for understanding American hegemony in the Middle East. Furthermore, American Dominance in the Middle East was discussed from a cultural studies perspective.

The discussion sparked many critical questions from students: What is the actual role of America in the Middle East; how to break free from the mindset that the West is superior to believe in equality; why Indonesia, which has tried to break free from American dominance, but invites the dominance of other powers (China); and why Indonesia, which actually has great ideas but has not been able to match the power of Iran, which is under American embargo.

During the session, Prof. Ida provided motivation to the students through the adage: “Squat to jump high.” This means that earnest preparation will lead someone to great achievements. Therefore, while studying in Syria, one should be diligent so that upon returning to the homeland, they can carve out various great achievements.

(Aris Munandar, March 8, 2024)

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In the series of visits by the Department of Intercultural Studies, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada to Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia from March 3rd to March 15th, 2024, the Master’s Program in American Studies collaborated with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beirut to provide a guest lecture for Indonesian students in Lebanon. The guest lecture was held on March 5th, 2024, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia’s Auditorium in Beirut. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Lebanon, Mr. Hajriyanto Y Tohari, conveyed information that the number of Indonesian students in Syria has decreased, with only 65 students currently enrolled. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., discussing the importance of multidisciplinary education and educational standardization to produce graduates with competence. One important aspect emphasized was education as a process of logic maturation.

During the dialogue session, students raised many questions related to academic linearity and the development of academic writing skills. Most Indonesian students in Lebanon are studying religious fields and feel they lack understanding of research methodology and academic writing skills. Therefore, they lack confidence in continuing their studies in Indonesia, especially considering the final assignments such as the thesis and dissertation.

Responding to students’ questions regarding academic linearity, Prof. Ida discussed the current development of science, which is moving towards interdisciplinarity and even multidisciplinarity. Regarding the lack of mastery of research methodology and academic writing skills, the advice given was to practice creating specific statements. The dialogue concluded with an emphasis on the fact that the success of studies is determined by the students’ contributions. Therefore, Indonesian students should condition themselves to become active learners who contribute to the learning process.

(Aris Munandar, March 5th, 2024)

SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions | SDGs 16: Accountable institutions | SDG 10: Reduced inequalities | SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth | SDG 5: Gender equality: Feminism

Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. was a Professor in the field of American Studies, Department of Intercultural Studies, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. Before becoming a professor in this field from 1995 until now, she started his career as a lecturer in 1980 in the Master of Management study program for 15 years. Gadjah Mada University could be said to be a second home for her. How could it not be, she has been part of this university since taking undergraduate studies from 1976 to 1980 majoring in English. From 1985 to 1987, she continued her studies in a master’s program in American studies. Then from 2000 to 2003, he took his doctoral program at Gadjah Mada University. Because of all this, she received the UGM 25 Years of Loyalty award two years in a row, in 2007 and 2008.

Time flies so fast. Now she is at the end of his service and entering her retirement period. To appreciate her services and provide memorable memories, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences team consisting of lecturers, staff, alumni and students prepared special events and offerings as a form of love and gratitude. The event was presented in the form of a seminar on Monday, February 19 2024 at the Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. At this event, her work in the form of a book she wrote was dissected and became a souvenir for everyone who attended. She also received song offerings, greetings and gifts from his colleagues. In her speech, she felt very grateful and did not expect that she would get so much love from the people around him.