Yogyakarta, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – Dr. Wildan Sena Utama, M.A., a lecturer in the Department of History, featured at the workshop titled Mapping the Internationalization of Art in the Global South Context – Collaboration Among Art Institutions. Organised by the Biennale Foundation Discussion, the event aimed to disseminate ideas on why the values of the Bandung Spirit remain relevant in international politics and Indonesia’s foreign policy. It also served as a reflection on the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference next year, and how to revive the Bandung Spirit at the grassroots level.

Dr. Wildan delivered his presentation at the historic Savoy Homann Hotel, one of the accommodations used by Asian and African leaders attending the 1955 Bandung Conference. During the workshop, he analyzed key values from the Asia-Africa Conference that are still important to promote and spread at the grassroots level today. These values include decolonization, world peace, and international cooperation—three principles from the Bandung Spirit that remain highly relevant. The Asia-Africa Conference Museum, managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regularly organizes discussions to keep the spirit of the Bandung Conference alive, recognizing its continued significance in today’s global political context.

The presentation was followed by contributions from representatives of the National Archives of Indonesia, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lecturers from UNPAD’s International Relations department, cultural figures from Bandung, and heritage activists.

SGDs 4: Quality Education| SGDs 5: Gender Equality | SGDs 10: Reduced Inequalities

Two representatives of English Department UGM: Alvanita, M. Ed. and Paris Mercurio visited MA Al Ikhlas Berbah on Saturday, 11 March 2024. This event is a part of community services conducted by English Department UGM. Headmistress of MA Al Ikhlas Berbah, Ika Bude Lestari, S.Pd., gave a warm welcoming speech in the beginning of the event. Afterwards, the presentation and Q&A sessions began.

In the presentation session, Alvanita, M.Ed. motivated the students to learn English. She highlighted how important it is to be proficient in English, especially if one wants to pursue higher education or professional careers. She also gave the students tips on learning English outside the class. The second presenter, Paris Mercurio told the students about her experiences living in the United States. She gave the students tips to overcome their nervousness when using English in conversations. The students, who were shy to respond at the presentation session, gradually became more engaged throughout the Q&A session. 

Students and teachers of MA Al-Ikhlas Berbah responded positively towards the event, sharing their opinions that other programs to increase students’ interest in learning English should be conducted again in the future. The urgency of conducting those programs is due to low frequency of English learning in rural areas like Berbah, which is affected by the existing presumption of the lack of urgency to be proficient in English.

Alvanita, M.Ed. discussed the continuation of this program with the English teacher of MA Al-Ikhlas Berbah (Ervina Juli Aryani) after the event. One of the proposed activities is increasing English literacy through reading literature works. Every week, the students will read English short stories and write their reviews. Afterwards, an offline discussion monitored by Alvanita, M.Ed. and Ms. Ervina will be conducted every one or two months in order to track the students’ progress in learning English.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 14: Live Below Water | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On Tuesday, January 16 2024, several Cultural Anthropology students together with three students from Adger University, Norway visited a mangrove forest managed by the NGO Bintari Pekalongan, Central Java. In this activity, students discussed with youth and local people who were actively involved in maintaining the mangrove forest on the northern coast of Pekalongan.

Initially, mangroves were planted by a youth group called Antaraha Berkah Mandiri or Karya Mandiri as part of efforts to preserve the momentum of national economic development. After the mangrove planting was underway, the Bintari NGO took part in the maintenance process.

The visit to the mangrove forest closed with activities to clean the shoreline which was filled with rubbish brought in from the sea. Various types of waste ranging from plastic, wood and household waste are collected together in sacks as an effort to preserve beaches and mangrove forests on the shoreline. Local residents, Cultural Anthropology students and Adger University students then took photos together before returning to the settlement.

The research carried out by Cultural Anthropology students at Gadjah Mada University is part of efforts to improve the quality of education in understanding the realities of social life in line with the 4th SDGs point. The research activities were carried out together with Norwegian students as a form of implementing SDGs at point 17. Lastly, the activity of cleaning up rubbish on the shoreline was one of the embodiments of SDGs at point 14, namely life below water.

Author: Irene Saphira Putri Yudyastawa

SDGs 4: Quality Education

Banda Neira has become a trending destination, drawing the attention from both local and international visitors. For Sherina, an Archaeology student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, wo conducted her Community Service Program (KKN) on the island, Banda Neira is not just a tourist spot but a personal heaven. Belgica Fort, one of its popular icons, holds a special place in her heart. Sherina is fascinated by the fact that every arranged stone on the island holds a story and a mystery from the past waiting to be unraveled. Sherina said, “Many people do not know much about this fort, or they only know it from the backside of the one thousand rupiah banknote, without detailed explanations. What was the fort used for in the past? What were the functions of each room? What is the significance of its five sides? Was it for surveillance or other purposes?”

As an archaeology enthusiast, Sherina discovered various tangible and intangible remains in Banda Neira, particularly within the fort. She also engaged in discussions with the rector of Banda Neira University who shared their interest in historical remains. Interestingly, the historical remains spread across Banda Neira span various eras, as she mentioned, “Banda Neira is full of colonial remains, and as a person who is interested in colonial heritage, Banda Neira is like a heaven. However, the remains there are not limited to the colonial era as I visited a museum called ‘Rumah Budaya,’ where I found artefacts from the prehistoric era, such as thorns and fish bones.”

Sherina’s journey was beyond textbooks and classroom, delving into the secrets of history and the intricacies of Banda Neira. In the end, Sherina’s adventure in Banda Neira reflected the profound impact of hands-on experiences in fostering a deeper appreciation for history and cultural heritage. Through this writing, she invited fellow students to explore untouched territories and preserve the history embedded in our cultural heritage.

Photo 1: Banda Neira

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities

Community Service is an essential component of higher education in Indonesia, especially at Universitas Gadjah Mada. Khansa Avissa, an English Literature student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, from mid-December to early February, conducted KKN-PPM in Malaringgi Village, Laonti District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi where she dedicated to serve the community through an English language teaching program. This initiative came from the realization of the lack of English language knowledge and understanding among the community, especially children, while the need for English proficiency is increasng in the realms of education and employment.

Avissa’s program focused on teaching English at local schools. She acknowledged that a strong understanding of the English language is one of the key factors in the success of children in this globalization era. Through small and interactive classes, she assisted the children in Malaringgi Village in learning the basics of the English language.

They welcomed the program with enthusiasm. Children who initially had limitations in English knowledge now show significant improvement. Avissa did not only act as a teacher but also as a motivator, shaping their confidence to communicate and express themselves with English vocabulary.

The importance of English proficiency extends beyond the realm of education; it is also a highly important skills in the workforce. Avissa hopes that with this program, the children will be prepared to face future challenges. This initiative served as a tool to improve their quality of life and open access to various opportunities.

What has been done by Avissa reflects the role of students in bringing positive change to various layers of society. With her passion and dedication, she proves that students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM are not only committed to academic improvement but also play an active role in creating positive impacts in society. This program did not only provide English language knowledge but also brought a hope and inspiration to the children of Malaringgi Village as the future generation.