Yogyakarta, August 4, 2025 – Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza, commonly known as Haikal, a 2022 cohort student of the Cultural Anthropology Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in the Community Service and Empowerment Learning Program (KKN-PPM) UGM Period II of 2025 in Bantane Village, Rainis District, Talaud Islands Regency, North Sulawesi. This region is one of Indonesia’s outermost points, directly bordering Davao del Sur, Philippines, making it a strategic yet challenging location for community service programs.

Haikal is part of the KKN Merintis Rainis team in the education sector, consisting of seven students (3 males, 4 females). Throughout the program, all members reside together in the house of the Head of Bantane Village. The presence of the KKN Merintis Rainis team has been warmly welcomed by the villagers, marked by a spirit of mutual cooperation. From the onset, the community exhibited a strong sense of kinship, with men voluntarily erecting a welcoming tent and women preparing meals to share. Such communal spirit is also evident in various village activities, from birthday celebrations and weddings to traditional and religious events.

During nearly two months of service, Haikal focused on the education and socio-cultural sectors, aligning with his background in anthropology. He and his team designed and implemented various activities, including cultural classes for village children and nature-based character education or nature schools. To support the transformation of primary education in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas, Haikal and his team also facilitated multimedia and information technology training for teachers at SDK Torsina Bantane. This program aims to enhance educators’ capacity to deliver creative and adaptive learning in line with technological advancements.

Additionally, Haikal contributed to the establishment of the Bantane Village Youth Organization (Karang Taruna) as a platform to harness the potential of the village’s younger generation. He was also involved in reorganizing the school library, assisting in teaching at both elementary and high school levels, and supporting resident data collection through the Siga Mobile application, which is part of a technology-based public service system.

An output of the KKN Merintis Rainis program is a study titled “Borders as Social Spaces: Exploration of Identity and Marginalization (Case Study of Bantane Village, Rainis District, Talaud Islands Regency).” This research highlights the unique social dynamics and cultural identity of the Bantane community.

During his stay in Bantane, Haikal observed various interesting and distinctive aspects. He noted that the spirit of mutual cooperation remains vibrant, nightly gatherings serve as warm social interactions, and strong tolerance exists among residents. The clean, pollution-free environment, clear skies, and abundance of coconut trees characterize the village landscape. However, challenges such as frequent power outages and limited communication signals are part of the daily reality.

Haikal’s activities during KKN also directly align with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through educational assistance and technology training for teachers and village children, Haikal contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and quality education for all. His involvement in resident data collection, library revitalization, and the formation of the village youth organization also supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by strengthening social and institutional capacities at the local level.

Furthermore, by choosing a service location in a 3T area, Haikal and the KKN team strive to promote equitable development and service access, aligning with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by reaching regions that have been less accessible to development. The successful collaboration between students, village government, schools, and the community also reflects the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in sustainable development.

Haikal also conveyed a message of encouragement to his peers at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM who will participate in the next KKN period:

“Best wishes to FIB friends who will undertake KKN. It will be a very valuable experience for you not just about service, but also about how we learn and integrate with the existing community. Use the knowledge you’ve gained on campus to make an impact and contribute to Indonesian society.”

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – Internship students from National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, participated in the Kamis Pon Berbudaya (Cultural Thursday) event, a regular celebration held by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity is part of FIB UGM’s initiative to introduce international students to the values of Javanese culture particularly those rooted in the Special Region of Yogyakarta through participatory and educational approaches.

The NCCU students wore traditional batik attire and were accompanied by part-time staff members from FIB UGM’s Public Relations team, Alma and Candra. Through this event, they gained a deeper understanding of the meaning and philosophy of Kamis Pon in Javanese tradition, especially in the Yogyakarta context.

Alma and Candra explained that Kamis Pon refers to the convergence of Thursday (Kamis) and Pon, one of the five-day Javanese market cycles (pasaran). They also shared that previously, traditional dress days were observed on Kamis Pahing, commemorating the relocation of the Yogyakarta Palace from Ambarketawang to its current site. In 2024, however, the Yogyakarta Regional Government designated Kamis Pon as the official commemoration day of Yogyakarta’s founding, following Governor’s Circular No. 400.5.9.1/40 dated January 8, 2024.

This day carries strong symbolic meaning within Javanese society, particularly in the Kraton (palace) of Yogyakarta, where Kamis Pon is considered sacred. It is often used for spiritual activities, reflection, and cultural preservation as a form of respect for ancestors.

“This is something completely new for us—wearing batik on a specific day,” shared one of the NCCU students.

The active involvement of international students in this cultural activity aligns with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting cross-cultural education and the safeguarding of intangible heritage.

By consistently organizing Kamis Pon Berbudaya, FIB UGM continues to foster an inclusive space for intercultural dialogue, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and build a broader understanding of cultural diversity.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, July 14, 2025 – Eka Nur Cahyani, a 2023 student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has embarked on a long journey in the world of dance. Since the age of 7, Eka has been acquainted with and has loved classical dance, particularly the Yogyakarta style, thanks to the support of her late father, who was a court servant (abdi dalem) at the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace.

“I started dancing since I was little, often brought to the palace by my father. Since then, I fell in love with classical dance and have continued learning until now,” she recalled.

Although she never studied at a formal dance studio, Eka gained knowledge from art teachers since elementary school and is now active as a member of UGM’s Swagayugama Student Activity Unit. There, she learns directly from the palace’s dance instructor, Dra. Veronica Ratnaningsih (Nyi Mas Riya Murtiharini).

Eka’s dedication to dance extends beyond performing. She has served as an instructor in the “Kampung Menari” program by the Yogyakarta City Cultural Office and has taught children in Pakembinangun. Since 2024, she has joined the Pamulangan Hamong Beksa at the palace, where she delves deeply into techniques, movement variations, philosophy, and ethics of Yogyakarta-style classical dance.

In addition to mastering Yogyakarta-style classical dance, Eka has broadened her horizons by studying Surakarta-style classical dances, such as Gambyong and Srimpi. Currently, she actively participates in the Pamulangan Hamong Beksa at the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Every Sunday at 12:00 PM, Eka attends the palace wearing full traditional attire (jangkep), consisting of a kebaya tangkeban, jarik seredan, sanggul tekuk and subal, subang, and carrying a Sampur Gendala Giri.

“I am motivated to keep learning because I come from an artistic family—my grandfather was a puppeteer (dhalang), my paternal grandfather was a court servant, and my mother is a sindhen (traditional singer),” she said.

For Eka, dancing is not merely about aesthetic movements but also a spiritual and personal expression. She believes that each dance movement embodies the philosophy of patience, sincerity, and harmony between the body, feelings, and rhythm.

“Dancing is a form of prayer. The movements teach us to be sincere and patient in facing life,” Eka expressed.

Since beginning her journey in dance, Eka has performed on numerous stages, from campus events like the Kraton Performance Tourism Package featuring the Senggana Duta play by Swagayugama at Bangsal Srimanganti, Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace, and the Grand Swagayugama Performance at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, to national and international forums such as the 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA IV) and ASEAN in Today’s World.

Despite frequent performances, Eka maintains her enthusiasm for learning. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the concepts of wiraga (physical movement), wirama (rhythm), and wirasa (feeling), as well as knowing the names and meanings of various dance movements. According to her, consistency stems from love and the desire for continuous growth.

Eka Nur Cahyani’s journey in dance since the age of seven not only reflects her love for the art but also her tangible contribution to sustainable development. Through her activities in learning and teaching dance, especially to children, Eka supports SDG 4: Quality Education. Her role as an active woman in preserving culture aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality. Moreover, her involvement in maintaining and revitalizing classical dance art strengthens SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by preserving intangible cultural heritage as the identity of Yogyakarta’s society.

Eka proves that cultural preservation is not solely the responsibility of previous generations but also a duty for the current generation to ensure a more cultured future.

“If we feel we have talent, it needs to be developed through continuous practice and not being afraid to try, because I believe learning will never lead to regret, and every process in learning will shape us into individuals with true identity.” – Eka Nur Cahyani

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 30 June 2025 – A total of 13 students from three higher education institutions are participating in an international collaborative program in the field of archaeology, organized by the Australian National University (ANU) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in cooperation with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This program is part of efforts to strengthen cross-national academic collaboration while providing a platform for knowledge exchange and research experience in the fields of culture and archaeology.

The program involves 4 students from ANU, 5 students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, and 4 students from Udayana University. The activities are held in two main locations: the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.

This program is funded by the Australian National University and results from a collaboration between the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia & the Pacific at ANU and the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The activities are coordinated by two archaeology experts: Dr. Shimona Kealy from ANU and Dr. Mahirta, M.A. from UGM, both of whom have extensive experience in archaeological research in Southeast Asia.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of activities, including academic discussions, fieldwork, and cross-cultural studies. In Yogyakarta, participants will attend workshops and introductory sessions on archaeological methods and theories. Meanwhile, in Lombok, they will conduct direct field exploration and research at designated archaeological sites, honing their skills in observation, data recording, and artifact analysis.

The program is not only aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Indonesia’s cultural heritage but also at strengthening academic networks between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Australia. With participants coming from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, this program serves as an ideal space for cross-cultural understanding, constructive academic dialogue, and collaborative learning experiences.

Furthermore, this program aligns with several goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities, through cultural heritage preservation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this program, the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage are pursued collectively across nations for a sustainable future.

With the enthusiasm of the participants and the support from the involved institutions, this program is expected to be a concrete step toward building sustainable international cooperation in the fields of archaeology and cultural studies.

[Public Relations, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2025 — The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) was officially held at UC Hotel, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), bringing together scholars from various institutions both domestically and internationally. One of the panel speakers contributing to the academic discussions was Dr. Fahmi Prihantoro, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM.

In a session titled “How Did Islamic Religious Organizations Empower Society Through Cultural Heritage,” Dr. Fahmi presented a case study on Pasar Pasan in Kotagede, Yogyakarta. He elaborated on how cultural heritage preservation can become a dynamic tool for community empowerment, particularly through the involvement of Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah.

According to Dr. Fahmi, Kotagede is a living heritage site—a cultural heritage area that continues to be actively used in the daily lives of its community. Beyond preserving historical traces, this area serves as a space where cultural, religious, and economic values develop harmoniously.

A key point in his presentation highlighted a paradigm shift in heritage preservation—from being government-led to being increasingly driven by civil society and non-governmental organizations. Muhammadiyah, as one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, was cited as having taken an active role in community development rooted in cultural heritage in Kotagede.

Through the Pasar Pasan case study, Dr. Fahmi emphasized how this traditional market activity functions as a platform for residents to reinforce cultural identity while simultaneously enhancing the local economy. Pasar Pasan is seen as a community-led initiative that integrates cultural values with inclusive economic practices.

The discussion also addressed the importance of community engagement and collective memory in sustaining cultural heritage. The people of Kotagede are considered to possess a strong historical awareness, which supports the continued existence of heritage spaces—especially those located between the symbolic twin gates of Kotagede.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment. Seminar participants raised insightful questions, which Dr. Fahmi responded to enthusiastically, underlining the significance of collaboration among communities, academics, and religious organizations in preserving cultural heritage.

This event plays a crucial role in supporting the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through community-based cultural heritage preservation, it contributes to the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements, in line with SDG 11. Furthermore, educational values are promoted through the cross-cultural dissemination of knowledge and the strengthening of cultural identity awareness, reflecting the aims of SDG 4 on quality education. Equally important, the seminar embodies the spirit of SDG 17 by fostering strategic partnerships between academia, civil society, and local communities in social development based on local wisdom.

Through this discussion, participants gained new insights into community-based cultural preservation and the vital role of religious organizations in fostering inclusive and sustainable social development.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]