Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a public lecture entitled “Sugianto’s Heroic Action in the Great Fire Crisis in Korea” on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

The public lecture featured Prof. Yang Seung Yoon, a prominent scholar in Korean history and culture, as the keynote speaker. In his presentation, Prof. Yang shared a moving true story about the bravery of an Indonesian citizen named Sugianto, who was involved in a major fire crisis in Korea. The story not only portrayed extraordinary humanity but also highlighted how a foreign national could make a meaningful contribution during a cross-national crisis.

The session was highly interactive, with Prof. Yang weaving in historical narratives, the geography of Korea, and the human values that formed the core of his lecture.

Following the lecture, the event continued with the awarding of scholarships from KAGAMA Korea to eleven students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. This scholarship represents the alumni’s concern and support for advancing the education of younger generations, especially those who show dedication and commitment to Korean studies.

To conclude the event, Prof. Yang Seung Yoon presented books on Korean history to the attendees. The books symbolize a commitment to supporting intercultural learning and serve as valuable references for the students. After the book presentation, Prof. Yang left the audience with a memorable message: “Never stop reading.” This simple yet meaningful remark inspired all participants to continue expanding their knowledge through literacy.

This event not only strengthened the bonds between academia, alumni, and the Korea–Indonesia community, but also formed part of a broader effort to foster global academic collaboration and promote quality education through intercultural knowledge exchange.

[Bachelor of Korean Language and Culture, Nisa Khairuna Sabilla]

Yogyakarta, 21 May 2025 — The American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), in collaboration with the American Studies Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a public lecture titled “Representations of American Families in the Media” on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Jakarta time).

The event featured Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A., a lecturer at the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. In her lecture, Dr. Suzie explored how American families are portrayed across various media forms—from television and film to advertisements. She explained that these representations not only reflect the cultural values prevalent in American society but can also reinforce or challenge them. Using various examples, Dr. Suzie illustrated how media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of what constitutes a “family” and what an ideal family life looks like in the American context.

With her academic background in cultural anthropology and media studies, Dr. Suzie encouraged participants to critically examine the stereotypes, dominant narratives, and social dynamics that emerge from the representation of families in American media. The topic is highly relevant not only to students of American Studies and Cultural Studies, but also to anyone interested in media studies, communication, and family dynamics in a global context. Through an interdisciplinary approach, participants were invited to see media not merely as entertainment, but as a site of meaning-making that influences how we understand the world around us.

In her presentation, Dr. Suzie highlighted the significant transformation in the representation of American families as media transitioned from traditional television to digital platforms. One example she discussed was The Cosby Show, a popular 1980s sitcom that portrayed the life of an upper-middle-class African-American family. This show was seen as an effort to construct an ideal image of Black families in the public eye—an important step in reshaping perceptions of African-American communities through mainstream media.

However, according to Dr. Suzie, media representations of families are not static. With the rise of digital media and streaming platforms, narratives about American families have become more diverse, inclusive, and complex. Digital media has created space for previously underrepresented voices and perspectives to emerge—ranging from families of various racial, class, and sexual orientation backgrounds to non-traditional family dynamics that are now more widely represented in popular culture.

The lecture was conducted in an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Students were not just passive listeners; they actively engaged in discussions, shared insights, and compared their own cultural experiences with media and family concepts. These discussions provided a collective space for reflection on how the media content we consume daily subtly shapes our views and expectations about family life.

Additionally, in her presentation, Dr. Suzie touched on the history of American television shows aired in Indonesia since the 1990s, before local soap operas began to dominate the screen. Series such as Married with Children, Young Sheldon, and The Simpsons were highlighted as examples of how media constructs various family archetypes—from the absurd and humorous to the intellectual and unconventional. These shows not only entertained but also carried American values and worldviews that, consciously or not, influenced Indonesian audiences.

This lecture is part of the Media and Popular Culture Studies course, which aims to encourage students to think critically about social representations in the media. Through its interdisciplinary framework, the course invites students not only to be media consumers, but also conscious and reflective readers of the cultural messages embedded in various forms of popular media.

[Post Graduate in American Studies, Gilang Hadian]

Semarang, 18 Mei 2025 —

The Rampoe Student Activity Unit from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has successfully secured First Place in the Ratoh Jaroe Competition, part of the Pre-Event series of the Diponegoro Art Competition (DAC) 2025. The event was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Prof. Soedarto, S.H. Hall, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The competition featured 12 teams from high schools and universities across Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

In this event, Rampoe UGM presented a 12-minute Ratoh Jaroe dance performance, involving 17 dancers. The performance captivated the judges with its synchronized movements, strong energy, and vibrant expression of Acehnese cultural heritage, leading Rampoe UGM to achieve first place.

Preparations began on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM WIB at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The team gathered for a briefing and collective prayer before departing for Semarang by ELF transportation. The group arrived at the homestay at 9:30 PM WIB to rest.

The next morning, Sunday, May 18, the team began preparations at 4:00 AM and departed for the venue at 7:10 AM WIB, arriving at the Prof. Soedarto Hall at 7:30 AM WIB. Upon arrival, the team was directed backstage for preparation and stage blocking sessions.

Rampoe UGM was scheduled to perform fourth, with a performance slot at 9:50 AM WIB. After performing, all participants engaged in icebreaking activities and informal gatherings organized by the committee.

The announcement of winners took place at 1:00 PM WIB, where Rampoe UGM was officially declared the First Place winner of the Ratoh Jaroe competition. This proud achievement is a testament to the team’s dedication and rigorous preparation process.

This victory underscores Rampoe UGM’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting Acehnese cultural arts, particularly the Ratoh Jaroe dance, on a broader stage.

Editor : Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2025 — On May 9, 2025, the American Studies Program successfully held a seminar titled Contemporary American Issues at the Soegondo Building 70X.

In addition to providing the audience with an opportunity to hear insights from Prof. Gade, the seminar also featured Achmad Munjid, Ph.D. as the second speaker, who delivered a talk on “Contestation on Freedom of Speech in the US Today.”

In the second session of the seminar, the discussion focused on how the concept of freedom of speech in the United States has significantly shifted—so much so that it appears citizens are only free to express their opinions as long as those opinions align with the voice of the government. This trend can be observed in various aspects of American society today.

The presentation also explored how the decline of democracy amidst the rise of globalization is driven by the emergence of anti-globalization sentiments in different parts of the world, resulting in fragmentation among individuals, including within the United States.

Beyond addressing current issues, the discussion also delved into broader events unfolding in the U.S. today and the underlying causes behind them. Examining this issue more deeply reveals that many of the changes occurring in America today are closely tied to the historical foundations of the nation.

Despite the many contradictions present in contemporary America, this discussion encouraged participants to think more critically about social equality, freedom of speech, and government transparency—both nationally and globally—as Indonesian citizens engaging with global discourse.

[Master of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, 21/5/25 ― Ferdeo, a graduate student of Anthropology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), class of 2023, achieved a remarkable milestone by being selected as a Fully Funded Awardee in the prestigious SMI Youth Exchange Thailand 2025 program. He was one of the few participants who passed the rigorous selection process, including document screening, open interviews, and individual closed interviews.

In the initial selection phase, Ferdeo showcased his strengths by presenting a strong combination of academic achievement and social engagement. With a range of experiences—such as serving as UGM’s Mental Health Ambassador, Postgraduate Ambassador, and Chair of Suar Asa FIB—he demonstrated a deep commitment to social and humanitarian issues. He also participated in various short courses and international conferences, further strengthening his global profile and academic relevance.

During the program in Thailand, Ferdeo took part in a series of significant activities. He had the opportunity to visit the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Bangkok and engage in discussions with Dr. Cyti Daniela Aruan, the Education Attaché of Indonesia. He also attended academic sessions at two leading universities—Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University—which served as platforms for cross-cultural and international dialogue.

In addition, Ferdeo actively explored Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, including visits to historical landmarks such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun. In the main session of the program—a semi-debate forum—he presented Thailand’s strategies for poverty alleviation and compared them with Indonesia’s conditions. He also contributed to discussions on a variety of ASEAN issues, including smart cities in Singapore, healthcare systems in Malaysia, and maritime concerns in Brunei Darussalam.

In recognition of his outstanding participation and cultural performance—where he delivered a medley of traditional Indonesian songs—Ferdeo was honored with the title of Favorite Delegate. This award highlights his contributions not only intellectually, but also culturally and socially.

“I feel truly proud and grateful to carry the good name of the Department of Anthropology, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and Universitas Gadjah Mada in the SMI Youth Exchange program. I hope this experience will make a significant contribution to my academic journey and future career as an anthropologist with a global perspective and a commitment to sustainability,” he affirmed.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]