Yogyakarta, 23/4/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada organized a public lecture entitled “Beyond Borders: Rethinking Homeland and Belonging in Diaspora and Francophone Studies” on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, in the Soegondo Hall of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event, attended by students from various departments, was officially opened by the Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Aprinus Salam emphasized that public lectures are a concrete manifestation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi. He underlined the importance of broadening international perspectives, “Although our focus is in literature from a particular country, global awareness remains an essential asset. Therefore, our program will continue to present lectures on cutting-edge literary topics from around the world.” he said. 

The main material was delivered by Dr. Arifah Arum Candra Hayuningsih, S.S., M.A., who invited students to reassess conventional understandings of homeland and belonging within the context of diaspora and Francophone studies. The lecture raised fundamental philosophical and political questions, What does “home” mean? And must identity always be rooted in a specific place?

Dr. Arifah Arum highlighted that the theories of homeland and belonging are often understood in rigid terms–in terms of citizenship, territory, or national identity–whereas diasporic experiences show that identities are fluid, negotiated, and shaped by memory, language, and the legacies of colonialism. This lecture dissects important thoughts in diaspora studies from various scholars such as Paul Gilroy to Stuart Hall. Furthermore, Dr. Arifah Arum presented an analysis of Francophone literary works such as those by Leïla Sebbar, Maryse Condé, and Mariama Ba, which showed how experiences of migration and colonialism gave birth to plural creole identities. Francophone diasporic literature, according to her, is an important medium to reveal experiences that are often excluded from the dominant national narrative.

In the Q&A session, students were actively involved  in raising personal and political issues around multiple identities, repatriation, and the meaning of ‘second home’. In responding to the issue of multiple identities, Dr. Arifah Arum argued that “what makes us who we are today is not a single thing. There are always broken fragments in shaping our identity. Our identities will continue to change and reproduce.” she explained. Then, she emphasized the importance of language, memory, and representation as a bridge to build an authentic sense of existence.

At the end of the session, participants were invited to reflect, could ‘homeland’ be plural, emotional, even imaginary? And how does literature play a role in shaping and re-questioning the meaning of home, identity and existence? This public lecture marks the importance of cross-cultural studies in understanding the dynamics of global identity. Not only did it enrich students’ academic insights, it also underscored the relevance of sustainable development values.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – Amidst the vibrant celebrations of Indonesia’s Independence Day, an inspiring achievement emerges from the literary world. Nur Fitrianti Aspany, an alumna of the Master’s Program in Literature, has been selected as one of the seven chosen writers in the prestigious Emerging Writers program at the Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF) 2025, themed “Land and Hand.”

MIWF 2025, set to take place from May 29 to June 1, carries the theme “Land and Hand” as a form of resistance against various acts of land appropriation, oppression, and environmental destruction that persist in different regions. This year, the festival’s visual artwork is created by Taufiqurrahman ‘Kifu,’ a multidisciplinary artist from Palu, Central Sulawesi.

As in previous years, MIWF provides an opportunity for writers to participate by submitting works in various forms, including poetry, short stories, novels, and literary criticism. This year, 256 applicants from diverse backgrounds submitted outstanding works in various genres. Out of these hundreds of submissions, only seven writers were selected, including Nur Fitrianti Aspany.

Nur Fitrianti captivated the jury with two of her works: a digital poem titled “Aporia dan Epiphany dalam Sebuah Puisi Digital“ and a printed poem titled “Tragedi yang Dibalut Serendipity.“ These works were born from her creative process under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Faruk, S.U., a distinguished cultural studies expert and professor at Gadjah Mada University.

Reflecting on her achievement, Nur Fitrianti admitted that she initially had doubts about participating, given the fierce competition. However, she remained consistent in her writing, which eventually led her to this valuable opportunity. “At first, I wasn’t sure. Compared to my peers, I wondered if I could compete in both fiction and non-fiction. But when this opportunity arose, I happened to have some works ready, and fortunately, I never stopped writing,” she said.

Nur Fitrianti Aspany’s accomplishment is a testament to how passion and perseverance in the creative process can yield remarkable results. Her success at MIWF 2025 is not only a proud moment for the Master’s Program in Literature but also an inspiration for the younger generation to continue creating and contributing to the literary world.

[Public Relations Master of Literature, Anisa Dien Rahmawati]

Yogyakarta – Polanco S. Achri, a writer born in Yogyakarta and currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues to make waves in the art scene. Known for his poetry, prose, and essays on performance and visual arts, Polanco also actively contributes as a scriptwriter and musician in the Utusan Negeri Dongeng community. He is the mind behind the management of Pendjadjaboekoe and a member of Sindikat Muda Liar Ngantukan. His achievements include curating exhibitions such as Soil Distortion #2 (2024) and Membaca Jokpin (2024), as well as directing documentary films Di Balik Merangkul (2021) and Sangu Rasa (2023).

Most recently, Polanco has taken on the role of curator for the Moda-Modif Exhibition, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 11, 2025, at Rumah DAS Gallery, Condongcatur. Open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the exhibition invites visitors free of charge, with no prior registration required.

About Moda-Modif: Youthful Energy in Motion
The Moda-Modif Exhibition (Creativity in Visual Arts by Youth) embodies the ideas of Moda (movement) and Modif (modification). These concepts reflect the continuous exploration, learning, and innovation of young artists who push boundaries to create new narratives.

This exhibition serves as a stepping stone, offering young artists a bridge to larger platforms. Their art is a result of a journey that is both creative and reflective. Beyond a mere display of visual arts, Moda-Modif fosters interaction through activities such as Artist Talks, Curatorial Tours, Reading Space Activations, and collaborations with local communities. Every aspect of the exhibition is designed to bring art closer to the public.

Featuring works by 17 young artists over three weeks, the exhibition highlights not only the aesthetic aspects of their creations but also stories of transformation, adaptation, and the dynamic spirit of youth.

Polanco’s Aspirations
Polanco hopes that the Moda-Modif Exhibition will encourage young artists from Yogyakarta and Solo to continue evolving, taking bold steps, and finding creative strategies to thrive.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing works; it’s about building courage and ingenuity in navigating the art world,” he remarked.

Through his role as curator, Polanco reaffirms his dedication to bridging artistic expression with broader societal engagement, ensuring that the voices of young creators are heard and appreciated.

Photo Source: Doc. DAS House

Philology, as the study of manuscripts and classical texts, plays an important role in preserving the cultural and historical heritage of a nation. One of the interesting aspects of philology is the effort to understand and translate manuscripts, which means transforming ancient texts from their original format to new forms that are more accessible and easier to learn, such as in the form of illustrated stories, batik cloth, and so on.

Paleography is a scientific discipline that studies the character of ancient writings in manuscripts. As a science that supports the specialization of Philology, Paleography is a compulsory course for the Language, Literature and Culture Study Program.

Picture 1 Excerpted in full from: hystoryana.blogspot.com

On Friday, December 6, 2024 the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held an exhibition initiated by the lecturers of the Philology course, Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya M.Hum,. and Dr. Arsanti Wulandari M.Hum,. The exhibition involved Master of Literature students in the Philology course and the undergraduate students of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program for the Paleography course. The philological exhibition “Mengalih Wahana Naskah” aims to introduce the public to the importance of ancient manuscripts in the formation of Indonesian history and culture. The manuscripts not only serve as historical documents, but also as a means of understanding the noble values and wisdom passed down by our ancestors. This exhibition also explores how these manuscripts transformed from handwritten texts into more attractive illustrated texts and wearable batik cloth. It is a means to introduce to the public that ancient manuscripts are not just text documents, but also works of art that contain high aesthetic value.

Picture 2 Students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program in the Philology Exhibition

“Very happy to be able to organize this exhibition, previously we, the class of 2023, were asked to make batik cloth, then it will be exhibited today, it’s fun to try making batik cloth and at the same time get a grade for the Final Semester Examination” said Muhammad Rizki, one of the students of the Language, Literature and Culture Study Program.

The exhibition showcased batik cloths that had previously been made by students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program in the Switching Workshop. The long sash batik cloths were written based on the interests of each student. There are 3 scripts that can be chosen to write the proposition sentences that have been made. Javanese script, Pegon script, and Balinese script, each has its own uniqueness and beauty. Dr. Arsanti Wulandari M.Hum, revealed that this project will be taken as the fulfillment of the Final Examination of Paleography course in 2024. There are also illustrated stories made by Master of Literature students.

Picture 3 Students of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program Make Batik for the Exhibition

It is hoped that the Philology exhibition: Alih Wahana is able to introduce many people to the existence of Philology as a useful science for life. Ancient manuscripts can be absorbed with the science of Philology to prepare for present and future life. In addition, this exhibition is one way to preserve ancient manuscripts in Javanese culture.

Picture 4 Group photo at the Philology Exhibition

[Public Relation FIB UGM, Sandya Kirani]

Yogyakarta, October 16, 2024 – The Master of Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a Public Lecture and Book Launch with the theme “Revealing the Veil of Trauma and Memory in Literature” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The event took place in Room S709 Soegondo Building, 7th floor of the Faculty and was attended by academics, students, and literature lovers.

The event began at 08.30 WIB with a public lecture session that explored the important theme of trauma and memory in literary works. This topic discusses how literature can be a medium to reveal traumatic experiences and collective memory in a social and historical context. The participants seemed enthusiastic in attending the lecture and discussing with the speakers.

Not only a public lecture, this event was also coupled with the launch of four new books that will soon be published. The books include:

1. Being Women in Literature  
2. Indonesian Postcolonial Literature 
3. Trauma and Memory Literature  
4. Popular Literature with a Sociological Approach

The launch received high appreciation from the participants because the books present new and important perspectives in the study of literature in Indonesia, especially related to social issues, trauma, and memory.Despite the limited quota of participants, the event was successful and provided deep insights for all participants who attended. Many of them hoped that similar events could continue to be held as a venue for critical discussions about literature.

“This public lecture provided a very interesting perspective, especially on how literature can deeply represent trauma and memory. The books launched are also very relevant to current social issues,” said one of the participants. With the success of this event, the Master of Literature Program at Faculty of Arts UGM once again proved its commitment in encouraging innovative and impactful literary studies for the academic community and the public.