Yogyakarta, September 21, 2025 – Several students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Farewell Concert as both a form of preparation and a collective prayer before competing in the Hamengku Buwono X Cup 2025, which will take place on October 11–12, 2025.

The event opened with remarks from the President of UGM Marching Band, I Gede Bagus Manu Sinarascara Budharta, an Archaeology student from the 2022 cohort who has served two consecutive terms in the UGM Marching Band Student Activity Unit. This was followed by a speech from Hempri Suyatna, S.Sos., M.Si., representative of UGM’s Student Affairs Directorate (Ditmawa), who expressed appreciation and extended full support to the students competing in the championship.

The Hamengku Buwono X Cup is a prestigious national-level marching band competition held regularly in Yogyakarta. It serves as a platform for marching band teams from across Indonesia to showcase their talent, creativity, and sportsmanship.

In this year’s event, UGM Marching Band will feature players from various study programs, including:

• Ataya Sasya Rayna Heradie, Pit Instrument Player (Korean Language and Culture, 2024)
• Tabita Nada Kirana, Pit Instrument Player (Cultural Anthropology, 2024)
• Andieni Ika Bela Safitri, Brass Player (Indonesian Language and Literature, 2024)
• Thiery Vincent Masarrang, Brass Player (French Literature, 2024)
• Dian Khairani, Color Guard (Korean Language and Culture, 2022)
• Sylvy Muthqia, Color Guard (Tourism, 2023)
• Keysha Alya Nashifa, Battery Player (Korean Language and Culture, 2022)
  

In addition, four students hold key managerial roles:

• I Gede Bagus Manu Sinarascara Budharta, President (Archaeology, 2022)
• Alma Syahwalani, Head of Public Relations (Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, 2023)
• Keysha Almira Putri, Drill and Display Coach, Program Director of the Farewell Concert (Tourism, 2023)
• Melati Srigita Putri, Head of Human Resources (History, 2023)
  

The Farewell Concert served not only as a send-off event before the competition but also as an opportunity to strengthen solidarity and support from the UGM academic community. With a spirit of togetherness, UGM Marching Band aspires to bring pride to the university while also contributing to the preservation of marching band music in Indonesia.

This activity also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting the development of students’ potential in the arts and culture, the event fosters quality education. The Farewell Concert and participation in the national competition reflect students’ active role in sustaining performing arts as part of both local and national cultural identity. Moreover, the event represents collaboration between students, the university, and the community—embodying the spirit of partnership to achieve sustainable development.

[Public Relations, FIB UGM – Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 14/06/2025 – As a student, maintaining a balance between academic and non-academic activities is essential. Keysha Almira, a 2023 undergraduate student in Tourism, has exemplified this well. After performing as a Color Guard in the Marching Band UGM concert titled “Pangupajiwa: Marta Sang Mahapatih Gadjah Mada” in November 2024, she has now shifted her focus to becoming a Drill and Display coach of Marching Band UGM.

Keysha’s daily routine mirrors that of many students. From morning to afternoon, she focuses on her academic responsibilities, while her evenings are devoted to coaching fellow members of the Marching Band UGM. Her commitment reflects strong time management skills, which she considers crucial for balancing academic and extracurricular pursuits. To maintain this balance, Keysha organizes her schedule by creating daily to-do lists and using Google Calendar. This method helps her avoid scheduling conflicts and ensures she can allocate time for both her studies and her passion in the marching band.

According to Keysha, balancing academic and non-academic activities is very important. “You can’t just study in class all the time. As students, it’s also important to develop our passions outside of academics,” she said. Her perspective highlights the importance of holistic student development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which emphasize quality education.

Keysha encourages her peers not to hesitate in exploring activities beyond their academic curriculum. “Don’t be afraid to explore things outside of academics. As long as your time management is structured, everything will be fine,” she advised. This mindset not only supports personal growth but also contributes to a well-rounded campus life.

Marching Band UGM has long served as a platform for students to express their creativity through music and teamwork. With the routines she’s building, the band is expected to enhance its performance quality, especially in the Drill and Display segment. Keysha’s role as a coach stands as proof that students can develop their potential through non-academic activities as well.

Through her journey as both a student and coach, Keysha aims to inspire others to pursue their passions while remaining committed to their academic responsibilities. Her story serves as a reminder that with proper planning and dedication, students can achieve a fulfilling and balanced university experience.

In conclusion, Keysha Almira’s journey reflects the importance of structured development in both academic and non-academic fields. Her proactive approach to time management and her passion for the arts contribute meaningfully to her personal growth at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

[Humas FIB, Alma Syahwalani]