Monday, October 6, 2025 – What if development did not have to repeat the same failed models?

This question is the main premise of the book Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements. On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Department of Anthropology held a soft launch of the book Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia: Alternative Practices from the Grassroots and Social Movements. This book is the result of collaboration between a number of researchers who highlight various social, political, and geographical contexts in the Southeast Asian region. Through various field studies and theoretical reflections, this book places alternative development as its main focus, while inviting readers to reimagine the meaning of progress from the perspective of communities that have often been marginalized in mainstream development discourse.

Furthermore, the authors also invite us to question the perspective that limits people’s experiences within the framework of the nation-state. The division of regions such as “Southeast Asia” is in fact inseparable from the excesses of colonialism, which sought to compartmentalize social and cultural spaces into separate entities. Through this lens, Reimagining Development in Southeast Asia not only discusses alternative forms of development, but also how we can reimagine cross-border relationships—both historical and cultural—which are in fact a vital source for the emergence of grassroots development practices.

At the book’s soft launch on Monday, two of its authors, Ananeza P. Aban, PhD Researcher from Ghent University, and Jose Monfred C. Sy, PhD Researcher from the University of Hong Kong, were present to give a brief presentation on the outline of the book and the main topics discussed. Both highlighted how local initiatives and social movements in various Southeast Asian countries can become forms of alternative development that seek to break away from colonial formats and renegotiate power relations in the global context.

This event also provided a space for participants to revisit the concept of development, which has been dominated by global perspectives and mainstream economic policies. Through this launch, the authors hope to open a broader conversation about the future of development in the region, how grassroots experiences can be a source of inspiration for a more inclusive and sustainable direction of development, and encourage researchers to participate in documenting local development practices—especially in Southeast Asia.

[Antropologi Budaya, Daiva Keefe Kalimasadha]

Yogyakarta, October 15, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed students and teachers from SMA Nasima Semarang and SMAN 9 Surabaya in an educational visit aimed at broadening students’ understanding of cultural studies and introducing them to the academic environment at FIB UGM.

The event began with an opening speech delivered by the Public Relations representative of FIB UGM, followed by remarks from teachers of both visiting schools. During the session, the teachers expressed their appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn directly within a university renowned for its excellence in culture and the humanities.

Following the opening, the Public Relations team of FIB UGM presented an overview of various aspects of academic life at the faculty. The presentation included introductions to the study programs, autonomous arts organizations (BSO), the International Center for Cultural Studies (INCULS), faculty facilities and infrastructure, as well as various admission pathways to UGM. Through this session, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available to explore their interests in language and cultural studies.

The event continued with a faculty tour that included visits to the Mandala Majapahit Archaeological Museum and the UGM Javanese Heritage Collection. During the tour, students had the opportunity to directly observe cultural artifacts and heritage collections that play a vital role in the learning and research process at the faculty.

After the faculty tour, the delegation from SMA Nasima Semarang and SMAN 9 Surabaya proceeded with the UGM Campus Tour, guided by the university’s official campus team. This provided the students with an immersive experience of the academic atmosphere and student life at UGM.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing broader access and understanding of higher education for young learners. It also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration between secondary schools and higher education institutions in enhancing learning quality and cross-cultural understanding.

Through this visit, it is hoped that students will gain new inspiration to pursue higher education and develop a deeper interest in cultural studies as part of the effort to preserve and promote national values.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 24 September 2025 – The Arabic Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed members of the French Student Association (HIPER) from Yogyakarta State University (UNY) during their comparative study visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event aimed to strengthen ties, foster collaboration, and build sustainable relationships between student associations.

The Sanjung program was attended by all representatives of IKMASA UGM’s 2025/2026 management board from various departments, accompanied by IKMASA Chairperson Candra Solihin. Meanwhile, the HIPER UNY delegation consisted of around 60 members, led by HIPER Chairperson Moch Cahya Kurnia.

The event began with opening remarks from both association leaders, followed by presentations of each department’s or division’s work programs. Participants then joined breakout discussion sessions in small groups comprising one to two departments from each association. The program concluded with a photo session held in Room 209 of the Soegondo Building.

This Sanjung activity aligns with the 17th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 17): Partnership for the Goals, which emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving shared objectives. Through this initiative, IKMASA UGM and HIPER UNY not only strengthened inter-organizational relationships but also contributed to building interdisciplinary academic and cultural networks. Such collaborations are expected to inspire new sustainable ideas, enhance student solidarity, and take a meaningful step toward creating a more inclusive and empowering educational environment.

[Publication Division of IKMASA]

Yogyakarta, October 13, 2025 — The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized a book distribution event for History of Korea to students enrolled in the course Cross-Cultural Understanding Between Korea and Indonesia. The event took place in Room 305, Building F, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, alongside the KAGAMA Korea Scholarship Award Ceremony for the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The History of Korea book, authored by Prof. Yang Seung-yoon, Head of the Special Branch of KAGAMA South Korea, was symbolically presented by the Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. This initiative represents a form of academic support aimed at enhancing the quality of learning and enriching students’ understanding of Korean history and culture.

Through this activity, students are expected to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Korea’s historical development over time. The book also serves as an additional learning resource to support the History of Korea course and to strengthen students’ global literacy in understanding diverse socio-cultural contexts.

Moreover, this activity reflects the ongoing synergy between the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM and KAGAMA Korea in fostering sustainable international academic collaboration. This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing educational quality and promoting cross-national cooperation in alignment with the principles of sustainability.\

[Language and Korean Culture, Eunike Serafia N.S]

Banjarmasin, October 5, 2025 — Three students from the Arabic Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, proudly represented UGM as delegates in the 18th National University Qur’an Recitation Competition (MTQMN XVIII), held at Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

The delegates were Muhammad Candra Solihin (Arabic Literature, Class of 2023, Contemporary Calligraphy Male category), Pandhita Hapsari (Arabic Literature, Class of 2023, Qur’anic Debate in Arabic), and Hasifa Zara (Arabic Literature, Class of 2024, Qur’anic Debate in Arabic). In addition, Muhammad Shofyyulloh (Cultural Anthropology 2023) as an official, also accompanied the group from UGM.

Before advancing to the national stage, the three students had to undergo a series of rigorous selection processes. These included internal selection at UGM, followed by an online pre-national selection involving hundreds of students from various universities across Indonesia, before finally being chosen as UGM’s official representatives.

The 18th MTQMN brought together around 1,500 students from universities throughout Indonesia, with the competition running over five days. The event featured an opening ceremony, preliminary rounds, final rounds, and a closing ceremony.

This prestigious competition aims to strengthen students’ Qur’anic character, nurturing a generation with noble character, academic excellence, and the ability to contribute to the nation.

UGM provided full support for its delegates, including regular training, academic guidance, and full facilitation of competition needs. Such support reflects the university’s commitment to fostering achievements while upholding UGM’s reputation on the national stage.

The participation of Arabic Literature students in categories such as Qur’anic debate in Arabic highlights the strong relevance between academic learning and competition. It not only sharpens language mastery but also broadens networks and strengthens the tradition of Islamic scholarship on campus.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]