Good news came from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), which managed to pass ten students in the 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). This prestigious event will be held at Airlangga University on October 14-19, 2024.

PIMNAS is an annual competition organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI) under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. This activity is the culmination of the Student Creativity Program (PKM) which provides an opportunity for students to present their scientific work at the national level.

The students who passed are:

1. Muhammad Fahmi Rafsanjani – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
2. Muhammad Hafidz Zidan – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
3. Pamula Nur Kriswardhani – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
4. I Ketut Aditya Prayoga – Tourism Study Program
5. Ilham Andriyanto – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
6. Aqilurrachman Abdul Charitz – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
7. Yuni Setya Ningrum – History major
8. Muhammad Fernanda Dhiyaul Hak – Archaeology Study Program
9. Fatiya Hasna Alifan – History Program
10. Laras Tristanti – Archaeology Study Program

This success is the fruit of hard work and dedication of students in developing creativity and scientific reasoning. Hopefully, this participation will not only provide valuable experience for students, but also increase the reputation of the Faculty of Humanities UGM in the national arena.

With the spirit of collaboration and innovation, students are expected to bring home achievements and positive contributions to the development of science and culture in Indonesia. Congratulations to all students who have successfully passed in PIMNAS 37!

Yogyakarta, October 9, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from SMAN 1 Cluring, Banyuwangi, and MA Binaul Ummah, Bantul, at the faculty auditorium. This activity aims to give insight to the students about the existing study programs as well as the important role of the faculty in preserving culture. 

In the question and answer session, students from SMAN 1 Cluring asked questions about FIB’s contribution in preserving local culture and the challenges faced in the era of globalization. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences explained that the faculty plays an active role through research and community service, developing programs that promote local culture, although they face challenges such as the influence of foreign cultures and the lack of attention of the younger generation to cultural heritage. Students also asked about steps students can take to join the global exchange network, where it was explained that students are advised to be active in international organizations and develop foreign language skills.

Meanwhile, from MA Binaul Ummah, students asked about the UGM entrance pathway for tahfidz. The faculty explained that UGM provides special pathways for prospective students who have achievements in the field of tahfidz, with an emphasis on the importance of following the appropriate selection. Students can apply through the achievement pathway. They also questioned the job prospects for Arabic Literature graduates. It was explained that Arabic Literature graduates have extensive career opportunities, including in education, translation, diplomacy, and the media industry. This visit is expected to give students a better understanding of the importance of education in the field of cultural sciences as well as the opportunities that exist at UGM, hopefully students will be inspired to continue their studies to a higher level and contribute to the preservation of local culture.

On Tuesday, The UGM History Department held a public lecture titled “How to Teach the History of Timor Timur in Indonesia” (9/10). Prof. Dr. Asvi Marwan Adam, a historian and researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), was the keynote speaker for this lecture. The primary goal of this public lecture was to raise awareness about the history of Timor Timur, which is often presented with a limited or biased perspective.

In his opening address, Dr. Abdul Wahid, Head of UGM’s History Department, noted that this topic is particularly intriguing since it deals with a former Indonesian province and is rarely discussed in depth by academics.

“Timor Timur is our neighbor. We are so close to each other, yet unfortunately, very few Indonesians have thoroughly studied its history,” said Abdul Wahid.

In his lecture, Prof. Dr. Asvi Marwan Adam explained that his deep interest in the history of Timor Timur stemmed from the fact that it has largely disappeared from the history curriculum in Indonesia.  

“With Prabowo’s election as president and the appointment of several ministers who previously served in Timor Timur, could this pose a challenge in teaching Timor Leste’s history? Will the history being written or taught be aligned with those currently in power, meaning that military violence in the past could be covered up?” he questioned.

He emphasized that writing the history of Timor Timur is incredibly complex, especially due to the numerous human rights violations that occurred there. This complexity is reflected in the many films, books, novels, and memoirs focusing on human rights abuses in Timor Timur. Prof. Asvi’s presentation sparked an engaging and lively discussion, with the audience enthusiastically asking questions over two separate discussion sessions.

The panel concluded that a deep understanding of Timor Timur’s history is crucial to be presented objectively and openly within Indonesian education. Understanding the historical events in Timor Timur will help Indonesians view the past with a broader perspective and comprehend its impact on regional relations and humanitarian issues. By studying this history, young generations can become more critical of political interference in historical narratives and better appreciate the importance of justice and reconciliation processes.

[PR of FIB UGM: Aldiza, Translated: Aldiza, Photo: Adnan, Putu]

Bachelor student of Cultural Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Ida Ayu Purnama Novanka Larasati, who is familiarly called Dayu, recently recorded a brilliant achievement in the world of acting. Dayu won 2nd place in the Playwriting Competition at the 2024 National Student Arts Week (PEKSIMINAS) held at Jakarta State University on September 4, 2024. The event lasted for one week, from September 2-7, and was attended by participants from 24 provinces, including West Java, West Sumatra, Maluku, and Kalimantan.

As a student who is active in arts activities, Dayu has been involved in theater since high school grade 1. Currently, she is also active in Teater Gadjah Mada as Coordinator of Human Resource Development, where her duties include developing members’ skills and managing external and internal projects. In her role, she and her team have successfully organized external projects with Pionir UGM 2024 and Gelanggang Expo 2024, as well as participated in events such as “Agustusan with TGM” and PEKSIMIDA DIY 2024.

Her extensive experience in theater, from directing, to writing, to backstage, has strengthened her skills in leadership and teamwork, which is evident in the various projects she has managed. Her win at PEKSIMINAS adds to her list of prestigious achievements in the field of literary and acting arts. With this achievement, she became one of the outstanding students of the Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Yogyakarta, September 30, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a farewell lecture for Prof. Dr. Phil. Vincent Houben, a distinguished professor of Southeast Asian history and society, on Monday morning at the 7th Floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building. The event was attended by students in general, especially UGM history students, as well as Prof. Houben’s fellow lecturers.

In a lecture entitled “Area History in the Age of (De)globalization – a Retrospective and Prospective View,” Prof. Houben discussed the dynamics of regional history in the context of globalization and deglobalization, highlighting how these changes affect historical understanding. In his presentation, he invited students to reflect on the historical journey that has been taken and the challenges that will be faced in the future.

Prof. Houben recounted his academic journey, which began with the study of Indonesian history and Indonesian language at Leiden University from 1980 to 1987. He then continued his career as a lecturer in Indonesian history at Leiden from 1986 to 1997, before entering the maturity phase of his career by becoming a professor at Passau University and Humboldt University until 2022.

This event was a valuable opportunity for students to learn directly from the experiences and insights of an academic who has contributed greatly to the study of Southeast Asian history. With the spirit of sharing knowledge, this farewell lecture is expected to motivate students to continue to explore and develop the field of history in Indonesia. FIB UGM will always remember Prof. Houben’s contribution and wish him all the best for his next journey in retirement and future projects.