A solemn and proud atmosphere filled the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This special moment marked the success of two academics from the Indonesian Literature Study Program, Department of Indonesian Language and Literature, Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS), Universitas Negeri Medan (Unimed)—Wahyu Wiji Astuti, S.S., M.A. and Muhammad Hafidz Assalam, S.S., M.A.—who officially earned their Doctoral degrees in Humanities. Their presence drew the attention of the academic community as, in addition to being fellow lecturers in the same department, they are a married couple.

During the public doctoral defense, Wahyu Wiji Astuti defended her dissertation titled “Pembentukan Subjek dan Identitas dalam Kumpulan Cerpen Malim Pesong: Kajian Psikoanalisis Lacan” (Subject Formation and Identity in the Short Story Collection Malim Pesong: A Lacanian Psychoanalytic Study). Supervised by Prof. Dr. Pujiharto, S.S., M.Hum., her research explores the dynamics of identity formation and subject psychology in literary works through Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic approach, particularly within the context of North Sumatra’s multicultural society.

Meanwhile, her husband, Muhammad Hafidz Assalam, was supervised by Professor of Literature and Gender at FIB UGM, who also serves as Vice Rector for Education and Learning at UGM, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA. He presented his research titled “Narasi Feminin Pada Cerpen Perempuan Tahun 2020-an: Kompleksitas dan Ambiguitas Tubuh Perempuan” (Feminine Narratives in Women’s Short Stories of the 2020s: Complexity and Ambiguity of the Female Body), which highlights gender representation, female body dynamics, and feminist discourse in contemporary Indonesian short stories of the 2020s decade.

The Dean and the board of examiners of FIB UGM expressed high appreciation for the academic achievements of both doctoral candidates. Successfully defending their dissertations simultaneously before the UGM board of examiners under the guidance of prominent promoters is expected to strengthen literary research synergy, increase scientific publications, and bring a positive impact to the development of teaching at the Department of Indonesian Language and Literature, Unimed.

[Humas FIB, Maylafaizza Nafisha Zifa]

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2026—A thesis proposal seminar for graduate students in the Cultural Anthropology program was held at the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Six students presented their proposals, grouped under the theme “Capturing Lives,” with Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi, S.Ant., M.A., Ph.D., serving as the faculty coordinator for this seminar cluster.

The theses presented by the students covered a wide range of regions across the archipelago, starting with those located closest to Yogyakarta: “Walking Ethnography on the Temporality of Smell at Giwangan Central Market,” “The Transformation of the Makaryo Adi Ngayogyakarta Waste Pickers’ Community into the Makaryo Adi Katon Waste Processing Cooperative: A Case Study of the Community Support Group of the Muhammadiyah PP Community Empowerment Council in the Piyungan TPST Area,” and “Evaluation of Community Capacity in Tourism Village Management through an Empowerment Evaluation Approach: A Study in Padukuhan Nganggring, Sleman.” Moving on to the island of Kalimantan, there are studies titled “A Long and Windy Road: The Sensory Verite Approach in the Production of a Documentary Film on Former Political Prisoners on Buru Island” and “Encountering the Invisible: Spirits and Besiak Rituals through Sensory Verite Documentary,” followed by a study set on Lombok Island titled “The Institutionalization of Customary Law: The Role of the Majelis Emban Adat (MANDAT) in Ecological Compromise in Bayan Village, North Lombok.”

Since the thesis proposal seminar is the first step in the research process, the students still have a long journey ahead of them to complete their projects. Following the thesis proposal seminar, the students will conduct a more in-depth analysis of their research materials and receive guidance from their assigned advisors.

Author: Syafina Kamilya

In a significant development for cultural diversity and education, Achmad Munjid, Ph.D., has been awarded a travel grant to conduct research on the Indonesian diaspora in the United States. The grant, amounting to $2,000, will support his project titled “A Shade for Shadow Citizens: Religious Communities, Belonging, and Immigrant Resilience among the Indonesian Diaspora in the United States under the Trump Era.” This research is set to take place from August 13 to 31, 2026.

The project aims to explore the experiences of Indonesian immigrants, particularly focusing on their religious communities and the sense of belonging they cultivate in a foreign land. This research is particularly relevant in the context of the Trump administration, which has been marked by significant immigration policy changes and heightened scrutiny of immigrant communities. By examining these dynamics, Dr. Munjid hopes to shed light on the resilience of these communities amidst challenges. Dr. Munjid’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting cultural diversity and fostering global partnerships. By understanding the experiences of Indonesian immigrants, the research aims to contribute to a broader dialogue on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in developing countries and beyond. The findings could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and educators alike.

The travel grant will enable Dr. Munjid to engage directly with the Indonesian diaspora, conducting interviews and gathering qualitative data that will enrich his research. This hands-on approach is essential for understanding the nuanced experiences of individuals who often find themselves in the shadows of society. The insights gained will not only benefit academic discourse but also provide practical recommendations for enhancing community support systems. In addition to the academic implications, Dr. Munjid’s research underscores the importance of education in fostering understanding and empathy among diverse cultural groups. By highlighting the stories of Indonesian immigrants, he aims to educate a wider audience about the challenges they face and the contributions they make to American society. This aligns with the SDGs’ emphasis on quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The support from the travel grant reflects a growing recognition of the need for global partnerships in addressing the complexities of migration and cultural integration. As developing countries continue to grapple with the effects of globalization, research like Dr. Munjid’s is crucial for informing policies that promote social cohesion and cultural understanding. Moreover, the project will also explore the role of religious communities in providing support and fostering resilience among immigrants. These communities often serve as vital networks that help individuals navigate the challenges of living in a new country. By examining these dynamics, Dr. Munjid hopes to highlight the positive impact of faith-based organizations in promoting social integration.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of understanding cultural diversity cannot be overstated. Dr. Munjid’s research will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how immigrant communities adapt and thrive in their new environments. This is particularly important in the context of rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments in various parts of the world.

In conclusion, the travel grant awarded to Achmad Munjid, Ph.D., represents a significant step towards advancing research on the Indonesian diaspora in the United States. His project promises to provide valuable insights into the experiences of immigrant communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, education, and global partnerships in fostering a more inclusive society.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirmed its commitment to international academic collaboration and knowledge exchange through its active participation in the CHSS 2026 Conference held at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan, from 23 to 27 September 2026. The conference brought together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Asia and beyond to discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities facing societies in the region.

UGM was represented by Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, and Dr. Merry Andriani from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, who participated in a range of academic and networking activities throughout the conference. Their involvement contributed to scholarly discussions on issues affecting Asia and the Global South while strengthening partnerships between UGM and international institutions. Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro also serves as the Hub Leader for UGM in the academic cooperative project among Association for Asian Studies (AAS), Cultivating the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Underrepresented Scholars of Asia (CHSS), and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

The conference featured an extensive program consisting of pre-conference workshops, panel presentations, roundtable discussions, exhibitions, cultural activities, and networking forums. Participants explored a wide range of topics, including migration, education, governance, gender studies, climate resilience, public health, cultural heritage, and regional cooperation. Through these sessions, attendees exchanged perspectives and research findings while identifying opportunities for future collaborative initiatives.

In addition to academic presentations, the conference emphasized intercultural engagement through exhibitions and cultural showcases that highlighted the diversity and dynamism of Asian societies. These activities provided participants with valuable opportunities to connect across disciplines and national boundaries. UGM’s participation in the conference reflects the university’s ongoing efforts to promote internationally engaged scholarship and foster meaningful partnerships that address global and regional challenges. The event also served as a platform for expanding academic networks and exploring collaborative research opportunities with institutions across Asia and beyond.

Building on the momentum generated in Lahore, Universitas Gadjah Mada will host a similar international workshop in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, from 19 to 23 October 2026. The workshop is designed as an inclusive academic forum that welcomes participants from diverse disciplinary, institutional, cultural, and geographical backgrounds. In line with UGM’s commitment to social equality and inclusivity, the program will provide a platform for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and community representatives to engage in dialogue, share perspectives, and exchange knowledge on issues of societal relevance. Through this initiative, UGM seeks to foster an academic environment that values diversity, promotes equitable participation, and encourages cross-cultural and interdisciplinary engagement.

Through its participation in CHSS 2026 and its forthcoming role as host, UGM continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing impactful research, fostering international dialogue, and contributing to the development of inclusive and sustainable solutions to contemporary global challenges. For Universitas Gadjah Mada, these engagements represent not only opportunities for scholarly exchange but also strategic efforts to strengthen the university’s position as a leading institution in facilitating regional and global academic collaboration.

The Information and Media Division (Medinfo) of HIMAJE held a Photography Workshop on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Poerbatjaraka Room 201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Running from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), the workshop provided students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program (BKJ UGM) with an opportunity to develop their photography skills and explore their visual creativity.

During the workshop, students used their own photography devices, including cameras and mobile phones. The activity offered an opportunity to develop their skills in creating visual content that can be used for various purposes, including event documentation.

Through this Photography Workshop, Medinfo HIMAJE provided a space for students to enhance their creativity and visual skills. These skills are expected to support students in documenting various activities and presenting information through engaging visual media.

Author: Japanese Language and Culture Program