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!

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, on Thursday, May 30, 2024, provided training to students, especially the 2023 linguistics master study program on academic writing. The activity was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and was opened by remarks from the Head of the Linguistics Master Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, Dr. Suhandano. He also introduced the speakers and activities that would be delivered by the speakers to students. He expressed his gratitude to the speakers who had been willing to share their knowledge. In addition, he also gave advice to students about the importance of this activity to support academic careers, especially the requirements for thesis exams so that students must take a lot of knowledge from these activities.

The first speaker at the Academic writing workshop was Dr. Badli Esham Ahmad. He conveyed the importance of publishing journals for master students and shared tips on choosing journals to be published, namely as follows: Journals that match the theme of the article, be careful with predatory journals, and the need to pay attention to the open access offered by the journal, whether it is paid or not, what the index of the journal is, and how the review process is. In publishing a journal, what needs to be done first is to complete the journal article first, then search and find a suitable journal as a place for publication of the journal article. After finding a suitable journal, make sure the topic, theme, and scope are appropriate, follow the journal’s provisions, and can also send an email to the editor to ensure the topic or theme of the journal article matches the scope requested by the journal.

The second speaker was Prof. Madya Dr. Kamisah Binti Ariffin (S.A.P.). She motivated the students to stay in the process of writing and publishing journals. Her tips were that first, in choosing the title (topic) of the article, we need to see something that is still less researched on the topic, so that the topic will be interesting and unique, different from the research that has been done. Second, we can search for previous research related to the topic through Google to find out the gaps that are still under-researched from the topic. Third, we must look at the scope of a journal, find the appropriate one, and follow the writing guidelines. The event was closed by handing over souvenirs from the Head of the UGM Master of Linguistics Study Program and a group photo.

The 4th semester students of French Language and Literature study program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada held a photo exhibition entitled “Problème du Jour: Bonjour” from May 3-17, 2024 at Luweng Soegondo, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. This exhibition is part of the project of the Introduction to French Literary Theories class with lecturers Prof. Wening Udasmoro, M.Hum, DEA, Dr. Arifah Arum Candra Hayuningsih, M.A, and guest lecturer Prof. Elizabeth Drexler from Michigan State University.

The exhibition was designed in the form of project-based and case-based to apply the theories learned in class in a real context. Through the photographs on display, the students raised various social issues and inequalities that exist in Indonesian society. The exhibition is divided into several small themes covering poverty and inequality, the paradox of life in Indonesia, as well as social and educational issues. The themes raised in this exhibition are in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 4 on quality education and SDGs point 10 on reducing inequality. Through their work, students are trying to express the importance of awareness and action in addressing these issues.

SDG 4: Quality education | SDGs 4: Education for sustainability | SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth | SDGs 8: Decent work for all | SDGs 9: Affordable access | SDG 10: Reduced inequalities | SDGs 10: Education | SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities | SDGs 11: Adaptable | SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions | SDGs 16: Accountable institutions

The happy graduates and their parents were present at the Raden Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM / to take part in the Mangayubagya Graduate Program Graduate Program Third period Academic Year 2023/2024 on April 24, 2024. As usual before starting the event, do not forget the Master of Ceremony, which at that time was entrusted to Vivin and Diyah, conveyed some information for safety and smoothness during the event. The audience was then asked to stand while the Dean, Deputy Dean, Head of Department, and Head of Postgraduate Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada entered the ceremony room. After all attendees were in the room, the MC welcomed everyone. 

The event began with several speeches. The first speech, from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, will be represented by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum. The second speech will be delivered by the Deputy Graduate of the Middle East Cultural Studies Master Program, Br. Rafika Fidlaty Zulfa, M.A. The event continued with the presentation of Beksan Nirbaya Dance performed by FIB UGM students who are members of the Sastro Obah student activity unit. Beksan Nirbaya or Edan-edanan dance is one of dozens of dances in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The dance is named “Edan-edanan Nirbaya Dance”. “Nir” which means reject, “Baya” which means danger so that this dance is interpreted as a dance that rejects danger, especially during the wedding procession or other major events. With four dancers and pairs, this dance was created not only as a ritual to repel bad luck, but also as entertainment.

The next event was the submission of graduation documents consisting of English diplomas and transcripts. The graduation documents were submitted by each Head of Study Program to the graduates. The graduates came forward in an orderly manner to receive the graduation documents followed by a group photo. Before closing, the event was paused for a moment to pray for protection and safety for us and goodness for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The joint prayer was led by Br. Cahya Daru, M.A. Finally, the Dean, Deputy Deans, Heads of Departments, and Heads of Postgraduate Study Programs, Faculty of Sciences followed by graduates and parents / guardians were allowed to leave the ceremony room. The organizing committee would like to thank you for your presence in this mangayubagya event.

SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Yogyakarta, Monday, February 19th, 2024 (UGM) – The Malam Museum Community, in collaboration with See Jane Run Team and the Department of History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, successfully organized a historical discussion titled “Where is Home? Stories of Indonesian after World War II by Jane Vogel Mantiri.” The event took place from 09:00 to 11:30 AM in Meeting Room 1 of Poerbatjaraka Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. Dr. Wildan Sena Utama served as the moderator, with Jean Vogel Mantiri and Tedy Hernawan, S.S., M.A., as the speakers. In addition to UGM students, the event was attended by members of the general public and students from other universities around UGM.

Jane Vogel Mantiri shared her life story, particularly the history of her family as descendants of Indo (mixed Dutch and Native) heritage. Genealogical studies revealed that Jane’s Dutch ancestors arrived in Indonesia in the 18th century. Jane herself was born in Jakarta, eight years after the end of World War II. For hundreds of years since the arrival of her ancestors, Jane’s family grew and settled in Indonesia. However, during the erosion of colonial heritage in the decolonization period (1950s to 1960s), Jane and her family faced bitter realities and had to leave Indonesia.

One of the bitter stories that will always be remembered by Jane is about her beloved father’s sister, Deetje. In late October 1945, Deetje was on a train journey after visiting her father, Jane’s grandfather, who was ill due to malnutrition after being detained by the Japanese army. The train was stopped by “Indonesian rebels,” and Deetje was raped, and her head was severed. Her body has never been found to this day. The trauma of Deetje’s death continues to haunt Jane’s family, especially her father. Eventually, Jane’s family left Indonesia in September 1954 and moved to the Netherlands. Unfortunately, their arrival in the Netherlands was not met with open arms due to their non-European complexion. In 1960, Jane’s family migrated to America through sponsorship from a church. There, they obtained American citizenship.

For years, Jane grew up with a sense of shame as a foreigner in America without a country she could call “home.” The turning point that led Jane to rediscover her identity as an Indo descendant was the death of both her parents. Moreover, Jane is convinced that if the tragic events that happened to Deetje had not occurred, her parents would not have been willing to leave Indonesia and accept Dutch citizenship. After all, their daily meals consisted of rice, vegetables, and sambal. Therefore, for Jane, family is not always about lineage but can also be defined by culture.

To this day, Jane admits to still being traumatized by the events that befell her family in the past. She states that there is no cure for trauma. However, someone who is now a trauma psychologist turns that trauma into a reason to strengthen herself. She proves this by revisiting Indonesia and sharing her family’s story in a book. The question “Where is home?” for Jane is finally answered. For her, America is her adopted home. Meanwhile, Indonesia, as the motherland, will always be her homeland.

“When talking about the experiences of Indo people and how they are outsiders, instead of insiders, and also those who are uncategorized or cannot be categorized, it’s quite complex from that perspective because, in my opinion, stories like Bu Jane’s open up new discussions, new spaces where suffering or how Bu Jane feels in peeling off her own identity, and also she doesn’t feel belonging in just one community but can be defined in various or multi-identities,” said Tamim, a History student from the class of 2021.

Wildan Sena Utama stated that racial discrimination was indeed a global issue in the 20th century. He added that the Indo group is marginalized and forgotten. In the Indonesian context, according to Tedy Hernawan, the change in the concept of “Indonesianness” between the pre-20th century and the 20th century also influenced the changing views on the Indo group. Discussions about the Indo group certainly contribute to new discourses related to marginalized groups because not all mixed Dutch-Native descendants live in luxury.