Yogyakarta, 6 May 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), officially inaugurated Prof. Dra. Anggraeni, M.A., Ph.D. as a Professor in the field of Prehistoric Archaeology. The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday (6/5) from 09.00 to 10.00 WIB at the UGM Senate Hall, attended by family members, academic colleagues, and invited guests from various institutions.

In her inaugural speech titled “Adaptive Strategies in Prehistoric Societies and Their Relevance Today”, Prof. Anggraeni delivered an in-depth reflection on how prehistoric communities—particularly hunter-gatherers and early village societies—developed adaptive strategies to survive in response to various environmental and social challenges.

She emphasised that these strategies were not only shaped by regional trends that occurred thousands of years ago but were also passed down and remain recognisable in contemporary Indonesian life. “Today, we admire the beautiful, colourful woven fabrics, yet few may realise that the art of weaving in Indonesia has roots dating back at least two millennia,” she noted.

Prof. Anggraeni highlighted that weaving patterns and colours are not chosen arbitrarily; rather, they are shaped by collective social agreements that reflect local values and social structures. She cited the Sekomandi weaving tradition from Kalumpang as an example, where the motifs symbolise the human life cycle—from birth to death.

Through her inauguration, Prof. Anggraeni reaffirmed the importance of prehistoric archaeological studies in understanding cultural roots and local wisdom that remain relevant in addressing modern-day challenges. She encouraged the public to appreciate and study cultural heritage as part of a collective strategy toward a more adaptive and sustainable future.

This inauguration marks a significant milestone in Prof. Anggraeni’s academic journey, known for her extensive contributions to prehistoric research and the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

I Putu Adhimas Radiansyah Aryawan, a student of the Archaeology Study Program from Jakarta, is one of the inspiring young figures who excel at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Besides being active in the academic world, Radian also utilizes his time to work part-time at the Cooperation and Public Relations Unit of the Faculty.

Radian has qualified organizational experience, starting from his school days. He was the Chairperson of the Student Council in junior high school and Vice Chairperson of the Student Council in high school, as well as carrying out duties in the field of Public Relations at both levels. This experience honed his interpersonal and professional skills, especially in establishing relationships with various parties.

His interest in competitive debating has led Radian to become the President of the English Club of SMA Negeri 27 Jakarta, as well as representing his school in the National School Debating Championship (NSDC) at the City level. As a student, he joined Gadjah Mada Debating Society UGM, competing in various debate events, including being a semifinalist in Philo Day Debate.

In addition, Radian is also active in UGM Buddy Club, a community that assists international students at UGM. Through this activity, he gained cross-cultural experience and expanded his international network.

Interestingly, Radian’s interests are not limited to archaeology. He also ventured into the business world by participating in competitions such as the National Business Model Canvas (NVMC) Entrepreneurship Festival at Syiah Kuala University, where his team made it into the Top 10. He also joined 180 Degrees Consulting UGM to support non-profit foundations (NGOs) in finding impactful business solutions.

In 2024, Radian won 2nd place in the EGSA Essay Competition with the theme “Pentahelix Synergy in Realizing Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission 2060 Commitment.” This victory is a tangible manifestation of his contribution to the issue of sustainability (SDGs) which is also the focus of his interest.

With a diverse background, Radian shows that archaeology students can also excel in various fields. He aspires to build collective awareness on the importance of innovation and a sustainable environment, while continuing to develop his skills in Public Relations, which has been his main passion since childhood.

Radian is proof that with hard work, broad exploration of interests, and dedication, a student can make a real impact in multiple fields at once.

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Mandala Majapahit, managed by the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), received a visit from the Faculty of Engineering, Parahyangan Catholic University. This visit was part of the Architectural Heritage and Restoration Study activities involving a supervisor and ten students.

The lecturer was Dr. Rahadhian Prajudi Herwindo, IAI, who together with the students aimed to deepen their understanding of cultural heritage architecture and restoration techniques applied at Mandala Majapahit.

The activity began in the afternoon with an introductory session hosted by Dra. D.S. Nugrahani, M.A., an expert from the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts UGM. In the session, participants gained in-depth insight into the history and value of Mandala Majapahit architecture, including the preservation efforts made to maintain its authenticity and sustainability.

This activity not only provides educational benefits for participants, but also strengthens collaboration between Parahyangan Catholic University and UGM, especially in the field of architectural studies and cultural heritage preservation. 

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.

Hari Setyawan, who took the Humanities Sciences Study Program (Archaeology doctoral program), conducted an Open Doctoral Promotion Examination on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10.00 WIB in the Multimedia Room on the Second Floor of the R.M. Margono Djojohadikusumo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The Team of Examiners entered the room followed by Promovenda / Promovendus, Chair of the Examination Team Prof. Dr. Heddy Shry Ahimsa-Putra, M.A., M.Phil. opened the meeting to hold the Open Examination. The Examination Team consists of: Dr. Niken Wirasanti, M.Si. (Promoter), Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A. (Co-Promoter), Prof. Dr. Purnomo, M.S. (Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. Tjahjono Prasodjo, M.A., and Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, M.Sc.

Mr. Hari Setyawan, S.S., M.T. on the occasion presented his dissertation entitled “Pemaknaan Tumbuhan pada Relief Karmawibhangga Candi Borobudur: Perspektif Semiotika Peirce”. Narrative reliefs at Borobudur Temple are archaeological data that can be used, among others, as data for reconstructing the environment of Ancient Java. Hisresearch discusses the law of karma and the depiction of plants in narrative reliefs to be identified by species, interpreted based on inscription sources and relevant literary texts to find out their meaning using Charles Sanders Peirce Semiotics. The novelty in the research is to get an explanation of how the karma scene is depicted on the Karmawibhangga relief and why the plants depicted are very varied in species.

After the Team of Examiners considered the results of the examination, the Team of Examiners stated that the dissertation of Mr. Hari Setyawan PASSED the doctoral program at the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Gadjah Mada with the title Cum Laude / Praise. This is also based on the consideration of lecture results, dissertation grades, and study period. Dr. Hari Setyawan, S.S., M.T. is the 6216th doctor to pass the exam at Universitas Gadjah Mada, the 443rd doctor to pass the exam at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, the 403rd doctor to pass the exam in the Humanities Sciences Study Program, and the 21st doctor in Archaeology. Congratulations and success to all new doctors. Hopefully the knowledge will be more useful!