SDGs 4: Quality Education

Jhony Fonsen, a bachelor student majoring in Tourism at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is one of the accomplished and talented individuals behind the establishment of the Semi-Autonomous Body (BSO) “Sastra Oebah,” which is now widely recognized.

It all began with his concern, which later turned into a significant question within himself, “Why doesn’t the Faculty of Cultural Sciences have a dance BSO?” He was puzzled; how could a faculty labeled “cultural” lack a dance community, especially covering creative, traditional, and modern dances? From this concern emerged the idea of ​​establishing Sastra Oebah. Initially, doubts surrounded his journey, considering this was not an easy thing to be done. However, with the assistance of Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., commonly known as Madame Wulan, they eventually agreed on this intriguing idea. Subsequently, the faculty endorsed this idea, starting from the issuance of official documents (SK), until the formation of the name “Sastra Oebah.”

The year 2023 marked the beginning of the formation of this BSO, which became a significant identity and new face for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The name of this BSO was derived from the background of the faculty, which was formerly known as the Faculty of Literature and Oebah, which means movement in Indonesian. From these two words, he elaborated a living symbol that the Sastra Oebah BSO is active in the field of dance arts, particularly in creative, traditional, and modern dances.

Sastra Oebah itself is open. This means that although this BSO is within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, its membership is not limited to students within the faculty alone. Sastra Oebah BSO opens up opportunities as much as possible for students outside the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who have an interest in dance arts.

During the formation of this BSO, Jhony naturally involved several people around him. One of them is Mbak Ninda, a student majoring in Archaeology who deeply embodies art. Then, after successfully forming and gathering many members, he decided to organize the management of this organization. Along with his equally talented friends, Jhony and 9 others agreed to be at the forefront of Sastra Oebah. They are Jhony Fonsen, Putri Dea Amara, An’cahya Titin Nafisa, Dewi Masyifa Antaningrum, Novalia Hidayatus Sholihah, Puspita Sari Dwi Apriyanti, Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah, Galuh Dhinar Divanka, Bening Embun Pagi, Ervita Ninda Iswantari.

Interestingly, although classified as a new BSO, this organization has already caught the attention of the wider community and has achieved several accomplishments in dance competitions over the past year. Some of these include:

• Indonesian Tourism Competition in Bandung (2nd place)
• Kulon Progo Carnival
• Participation in the International Students Gathering event
• Esqa Collaboration
• UGM museum anniversary
• Porsenigama 2023 (1st place in Traditional Dance)
• Porsenigama 2023 (2nd place in Modern Dance)
• Regular performances at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences graduation ceremonies
• Participation in the Tourism Business Travel Olympiad
• Participation in the Village Chief Festival
• Participation in the National Zoology Olympiad FKH
• Participation in the Chemistry Futsal League
• Collaboration in the Malaysia-Indonesia Art Integration Program
• Participation in the 2023 Family Day of the Anniversary celebration
• Participation in Pionir PPSMB 2023
• Participation in Kampung Budaya PPSMB 2023
• Participation in Gelex 2023
• Participation in the 2024 Family Day of the Anniversary celebration

The strong cultural element inherent in the faculty’s identity cannot be separated from dance arts. It is hoped that the Sastra Oebah BSO can become a new color that strengthens the identity of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On March 8, 2024, coinciding with the 48th Anniversary of the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Syria, Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. served as the sole speaker in the Academic Discussion with PPI Syria at the Hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Damascus. The discussion titled “American Dominance in the Middle East: Past, Present, Future” was attended by 86 Indonesian students in Damascus and several staff members of the KBRI. In his opening remarks, the Indonesian Ambassador to Syria, Dr. Wajid Fauzi, expressed his utmost gratitude to the delegation from the Department of Inter-Cultural Studies at UGM consisting of Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., Dr. Hindun Ichsan, M. Hum., Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., and Rudi Candra, L.C., M.A. for their willingness to share knowledge with Indonesian students in Syria.

Prof. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. initiated the discussion by explaining why dominance is an interesting issue to examine. As an expert in American Studies, Prof. Ida explained Gramsci’s Theory of Hegemony as a basis for understanding American hegemony in the Middle East. Furthermore, American Dominance in the Middle East was discussed from a cultural studies perspective.

The discussion sparked many critical questions from students: What is the actual role of America in the Middle East; how to break free from the mindset that the West is superior to believe in equality; why Indonesia, which has tried to break free from American dominance, but invites the dominance of other powers (China); and why Indonesia, which actually has great ideas but has not been able to match the power of Iran, which is under American embargo.

During the session, Prof. Ida provided motivation to the students through the adage: “Squat to jump high.” This means that earnest preparation will lead someone to great achievements. Therefore, while studying in Syria, one should be diligent so that upon returning to the homeland, they can carve out various great achievements.

(Aris Munandar, March 8, 2024)

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, two Professors of the Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, Prof. Dr. Syamsul Hadi, S.U., and Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., received awards from the Rector of Canal Suez University at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Prof. Syamsul Hadi is a Full Professor (Emeritus) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, specializing in Arabic language, while Prof. Sangidu is a Full Professor specializing in Arabic literature. The awards were given to both of them for their dedication to the advancement of Arabic language and literature scholarship. The awards were presented directly by Prof. Dr. Hassan Youssef, representing Canal Suez University, during his visit to Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Professors from Canal Suez University stated that Prof. Syamsul and Prof. Sangidu are outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves to the progress of research and the development of knowledge in the field of Arabic language and literature since a young age. Representing Egypt – and the Arab world as a whole – they are honored by their perseverance in preserving the Arabic language and literature, which are important identities of the Arab nation. Cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Canal Suez University in the future is expected to be even better and extend to other fields.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities

Familiarizing oneself with the facilities at UGM becomes an unforgettable experience for participants of the LPDP UGM 2024 Language Courses program. UGM provides equal opportunities for language courses participants, ensuring that they can immerse themselves in the campus atmosphere just like other UGM students. The Center for Language at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) UGM plays a crucial role by organizing a campus orientation on February 19, 2024, aiming to maximize the utilization of available facilities. During this activity, participants are accompanied by staff and members of the academic community from the Center for Language at FIB UGM, making them more acquainted with the campus environment.

This orientation not only introduces common facilities but also focuses on mobility awareness on campus for students with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments and wheelchair users. In an effort to enhance accessibility, Dr. Safirotu Khoir, the librarian of UGM’s Central Library, also provides information about the library. The introduction involves distributing activation cards for book borrowing at UGM’s Central Library, which is integrated with the FIB UGM library. Participants not only explore the campus but also express enthusiasm in utilizing the book borrowing facilities and study spaces in the library.

The opportunity to become acquainted with UGM’s facilities through the LPDP Language Courses orientation not only provides practical insights but also boosts the participants’ enthusiasm for learning and exploration. With facilities open to everyone, UGM remains committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports the development of every individual, including LPDP Language Enrichment participants.