A total of six students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences underwent a Certified Cultural Internship program placed at the Balai Pelestarian Kebudayaan region X (Yogyakarta – Central Java), this internship is part of the Certified Internship and Independent Study activities. They came from several study programs namely Cultural Anthropology (Amandha Eva, Gemma Padira, Via Vitarina, and Widya Pandega), History (Duhita Prananing Tyasayu), and Arabic Literature (Salma Shidqiyah). The six students were divided into two fields, namely Assistant Cultural Heritage Recorder and Assistant Recorder of Cultural Promotion Objects. For four months from September to December 2024, they had the opportunity to expand their knowledge related to cultural heritage preservation, starting from multi tagging analysis, documentation, the process of determining cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage, data collection, to interviews.

Documentation of internship students while exploring Ijo Temple

Not limited to data collection, interns also have the opportunity to participate in the process of the Cultural Heritage Expert Team hearing and play a direct role in the formation of Regional Cultural Thoughts (PPKD). Before collecting data directly in the field, they were introduced to the Directorate General of Culture and its duties and functions, they also received briefings related to the types and legal protection of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Promotion Objects,

As a final project, they translated the cultural heritage into a magazine entitled Tracing the Charm of Ijo Temple: Civilization Above the Clouds, a “Cultify” podcast inviting KI Gondo Suharno, and flashcards containing several Objects of Cultural Advancement as learning media for students in kindergarten. In addition, they also worked on individual assignments in the form of scientific papers on critical reviews of various aspects of cultural heritage.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sandya Kirani]

In order to support the sustainability of inclusive and sustainable development, it is important to understand how anthropology graduates can utilize their competencies to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) A sharing session held at Sambi Resort on Friday, December 4, 2024 provided interesting insights related to the career journey of anthropology alumni in the development sector and the challenges faced. The event was presented by Reza Altamaha, an alumnus of the cultural anthropology undergraduate program class of 2016 who currently works as a Technical Assistant at Folur Project Indonesia.

With the title “From Theory to Action: Practitioners’ Experience in Driving Change,” Reza talked about the importance of knowledge and learning in building competence, both from a technical perspective and in understanding the various positions available in the development sector. According to him, career paths in this sector have clear stages, starting from entry level roles such as technical assistant and field coordinator, to senior positions such as project director or project advisor. In addition, there are also opportunities for those interested in working as freelancers or consultants.

Challenges in a Development Career

The main challenges faced by those working in the development sector, including in projects such as FOLUR, are funding and bureaucracy. Reza emphasized that communication with project heads is sometimes an obstacle, especially in coordination that involves many parties. In addition, mental health is also an important issue, given the high work pressure in this sector.

Photo of Reza during Sharing Session

Career development and extensive networking are also key in this sector. Reza emphasized the importance of deepening specialization through training and joining mentoring programs to get work-related guidance. In addition, volunteering and hands-on experience with social issues in Indonesia can help build sensitivity to the real conditions faced by society.

Reza also explained the importance of building a contextual CV or CV that is relevant to previous experience and the job being applied for. This is very important to show how academic background and practical experience can be integrated with the desired position in the world of work.

Another topic highlighted next was morality at work. Reza emphasized the importance of personal integrity and considered resigning from a job if moral values are threatened. The decision should be made carefully, considering factors such as financial condition and long-term career choices.

The event was closed with the distribution of one free book entitled “Shadow Play” by Sheri Lynn Gibbings by asking the best question. This was followed by a group photo with all participants.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sandya Kirani]

The Department of Anthropology UGM hosted a significant guest lecture by Dr. Edna Agyepong, an academic from the University of Energy and Natural Resource. The guest lecture aimed to explain the complexities of cultural diversity and economic development in Africa, particularly in developing countries.

Dr. Agyepong began her lecture by emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity in shaping land use practices. He argued that understanding local customs and traditions is crucial for effective land management. “Cultural diversity is not just a matter of heritage; it is a vital resource for sustainable development,” he said. This perspective is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which encourages quality education that promotes sustainability.

The lecture also highlighted the role of education for sustainability in empowering communities. Dr. Agyepong pointed out that education initiatives must integrate local knowledge and practices to be effective. “When we educate people about their land and its significance, we empower them to make informed decisions,” he explained. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, which is crucial for sustainable economic development.

Dr. Agyepong also discussed the economic development challenges facing many African countries. He noted that while there is potential for growth, external factors such as climate change and global market fluctuations often hinder progress. “Developing countries must navigate these challenges while also preserving their cultural identity,” he said. This balancing act is critical to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The guest lecture also discussed the importance of civil society partnerships in driving development assistance. Dr. Agyepong emphasized that collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities is essential for effective resource management. “Civil society plays a critical role in championing the needs of the people and ensuring that development initiatives are inclusive,” he said. This collaborative approach can lead to more sustainable outcomes and greater community engagement.

As the lecture progressed, Dr. Agyepong shared case studies from various African countries, illustrating successful initiatives that integrate cultural diversity and sustainable practices. These examples served as inspiration to the participants, demonstrating the potential for positive change when local knowledge is valued and integrated into development strategies.

The audience was highly engaged during the Q&A session, where students asked questions about the practical application of Dr. Agyepong’s theories. Many expressed a desire to learn more about how they can contribute to sustainable development efforts in their own communities. Dr. Agyepong encouraged them to seek partnerships and engage with local organizations to make a meaningful impact.

In conclusion, Dr. Agyepong’s lecture provided valuable insights into the complexities of land use and cultural diversity in Africa. The emphasis on education for sustainability and the importance of civil society partnerships resonated strongly with participants, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts in achieving the SDGs. As the event drew to a close, participants left with renewed vigor and commitment to drive sustainable development in their own contexts. Dr. Agyepong’s lecture was a significant step in this direction, inspiring the next generation of leaders to embrace cultural diversity and work towards a sustainable future.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Sandya Kirani]