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!