Yogyakarta, 30/5/2025 — A night full of meaning and memory unfolded at the event Tujuh Puluh Dua Tahun Cak Nun dan Bicara Bicara, held on Friday Pahing, May 30, 2025, at Kawasan Cagar Kreatif Tanah Air, Ngaglik, Sleman. The event was attended by artists, close friends of Cak Nun, and invited guests.

This celebration marked a tribute to the long intellectual and spiritual journey of Cak Nun as a cultural figure and scholar who has shaped the landscape of Indonesian thought since the 1970s. Hosted by MC Seno Classical, the evening featured various performances and speeches from close companions who shared their personal testimonies about Cak Nun.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam shared personal stories with the maestro. “I met Cak Nun for the first time when I was still in junior high school, around 1979. Since then, I have followed his works, especially his poetry. In fact, both my undergraduate thesis and master’s thesis were about his poetry,” he began. One of the most memorable aspects for Prof. Aprinus was Cak Nun’s autodidactic way of learning. “I was always curious about how he learned. I once observed that he would disassemble a computer, study all the components one by one, and then reassemble it. He could even fix broken cars. That was remarkable,” he explained.

As a closing note, he shared a lasting memory. “One story I always tell that shows how extraordinary he is, is that he eats and sleeps the least among us. His level of asceticism was profound. During Ramadan, at 3 AM, he would routinely send out his writings, showing how deeply he valued time,” he said.

The second testimony came from Budi Sarjono, a long-time friend of Cak Nun since 1974. “I met him in 1974 when I was working at Basis Magazine. He would often ask, ‘Bud, do you have paper? Envelopes? Stamps?’ Then he would sit down and rapidly type two to three articles to be sent to various newspapers. I was deeply impressed,” he recalled.

Budi also shared a poignant experience. “One of the most meaningful memories was when I invited him to deliver a sermon and read poetry at a Catholic Mass in 1975. Although there was some tension with church officials at the time, what I emphasize is how Cak Nun expressed his heart to God with sincerity. That moment shook me.” He also described Cak Nun as a humble friend. “With his already well-known name back then, he still enjoyed gathering with us, talking until late at night. Sometimes, he would call me just to ask to be scolded,” he added with a smile.

That night was more than a birthday celebration, it was a tribute to a thinker who never tires of seeking meaning, nurturing culture, and voicing the conscience of the people. Tujuh Puluh Dua Tahun Cak Nun dan Bicara Bicara stands as a testament to how his intellectual and spiritual journey continues to inspire many to this day.

[Master’s Program Literature, Marsya Kamila]

SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institution | SDGs 8: Culture | SDGs 4: Equal access : SDGs 2 : Food | SDGs 1: Non-discrimination

In the framework of Eid al-Fitr 1445 H coupled with Syawalan, the Big Family of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM consisting of lecturers, staff, part-timer, full-timer, and students of FIB attended the Syawalan event which was held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Open Stage of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Starting from 08.00 until 10.30, this event began with a session of shaking hands and forgiveness by marching around the Margono building courtyard right after the registration desk at the south entrance of FIB. The atmosphere was warmly decorated with smiles from every invited guest who greeted each other. This agenda was very much in line with the theme of the event, namely Merajut Ukhuwah untuk Kemajuan FIB UGM.

In connection with the theme, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences expressed his hope in his opening speech that in the future the FIB family would synergize well with each other to achieve other extraordinary achievements, considering that FIB had just received a major achievement where 4 of its departments entered the 200 world rankings and specifically Anthropology entered the world’s top 51 along with other anthropology study programs from world-renowned campuses. “Actually, we do not expect any awards, but thanks to the cooperation that we have built well to give the best so far, it has resulted in something to be proud of in the eyes of the world. Hopefully we can help each other maintain our achievements. Thank you to the seniors or predecessors who have worked together to build FIB, thank you to all who are currently trying, and hopefully our next generation can give their best to be able to continue and further advance FIB in the future,” said Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si.

There were several other event agendas such as recitation of tilawah and sari tilawah, introduction of new lecturers and staff, a speech on the theme of syawalan wisdom presented by, Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., and a prayer by Hamdan, M.A.. The event was also made lively by the distribution of various door prizes ranging from pots, stoves, sarongs, rice cookers, and many other interesting prizes. The event was closed by the MC by inviting invited guests to enjoy the lunch that had been provided. The dishes prepared include meatballs, lontong opor, young coconut ice, soup, and snacks that are delicious especially coupled with the togetherness created during the eating session together. It is hoped that with this event, the kinship within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada will become stronger and avoid conflict so that it can bring FIB forward together.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Yogyakarta, Saturday, February 24, 2024 – The Arabic Literature Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) inaugurated the Naseem Cabinet in an Ikmasa 2024/2025 Management Inauguration event held on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in Soegondo Room 709.

The event was attended by Dr. Sudibyo, M.Hum., Head of the Department of Language and Literature, and Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program. The handover of positions was carried out from the old chairman, Sabik Hikami, to Muhammad Nabil Sahabuddin who will lead Ikmasa for the 2024/2025 period.

This activity began with the opening, remarks from the Head of Language and Literature, remarks from the Head of Arabic Literature Study Program, handover and inauguration, remarks from the new Head of Ikmasa, and ended with closing and group photos. It is hoped that with this change of management, Ikmasa can continue to develop and advance UGM Arabic Literature students in various fields.

SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Yogyakarta, Monday, February 19th, 2024 (UGM) – The Malam Museum Community, in collaboration with See Jane Run Team and the Department of History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, successfully organized a historical discussion titled “Where is Home? Stories of Indonesian after World War II by Jane Vogel Mantiri.” The event took place from 09:00 to 11:30 AM in Meeting Room 1 of Poerbatjaraka Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. Dr. Wildan Sena Utama served as the moderator, with Jean Vogel Mantiri and Tedy Hernawan, S.S., M.A., as the speakers. In addition to UGM students, the event was attended by members of the general public and students from other universities around UGM.

Jane Vogel Mantiri shared her life story, particularly the history of her family as descendants of Indo (mixed Dutch and Native) heritage. Genealogical studies revealed that Jane’s Dutch ancestors arrived in Indonesia in the 18th century. Jane herself was born in Jakarta, eight years after the end of World War II. For hundreds of years since the arrival of her ancestors, Jane’s family grew and settled in Indonesia. However, during the erosion of colonial heritage in the decolonization period (1950s to 1960s), Jane and her family faced bitter realities and had to leave Indonesia.

One of the bitter stories that will always be remembered by Jane is about her beloved father’s sister, Deetje. In late October 1945, Deetje was on a train journey after visiting her father, Jane’s grandfather, who was ill due to malnutrition after being detained by the Japanese army. The train was stopped by “Indonesian rebels,” and Deetje was raped, and her head was severed. Her body has never been found to this day. The trauma of Deetje’s death continues to haunt Jane’s family, especially her father. Eventually, Jane’s family left Indonesia in September 1954 and moved to the Netherlands. Unfortunately, their arrival in the Netherlands was not met with open arms due to their non-European complexion. In 1960, Jane’s family migrated to America through sponsorship from a church. There, they obtained American citizenship.

For years, Jane grew up with a sense of shame as a foreigner in America without a country she could call “home.” The turning point that led Jane to rediscover her identity as an Indo descendant was the death of both her parents. Moreover, Jane is convinced that if the tragic events that happened to Deetje had not occurred, her parents would not have been willing to leave Indonesia and accept Dutch citizenship. After all, their daily meals consisted of rice, vegetables, and sambal. Therefore, for Jane, family is not always about lineage but can also be defined by culture.

To this day, Jane admits to still being traumatized by the events that befell her family in the past. She states that there is no cure for trauma. However, someone who is now a trauma psychologist turns that trauma into a reason to strengthen herself. She proves this by revisiting Indonesia and sharing her family’s story in a book. The question “Where is home?” for Jane is finally answered. For her, America is her adopted home. Meanwhile, Indonesia, as the motherland, will always be her homeland.

“When talking about the experiences of Indo people and how they are outsiders, instead of insiders, and also those who are uncategorized or cannot be categorized, it’s quite complex from that perspective because, in my opinion, stories like Bu Jane’s open up new discussions, new spaces where suffering or how Bu Jane feels in peeling off her own identity, and also she doesn’t feel belonging in just one community but can be defined in various or multi-identities,” said Tamim, a History student from the class of 2021.

Wildan Sena Utama stated that racial discrimination was indeed a global issue in the 20th century. He added that the Indo group is marginalized and forgotten. In the Indonesian context, according to Tedy Hernawan, the change in the concept of “Indonesianness” between the pre-20th century and the 20th century also influenced the changing views on the Indo group. Discussions about the Indo group certainly contribute to new discourses related to marginalized groups because not all mixed Dutch-Native descendants live in luxury.

In preparation for the implementation of Posbindu PTM activities, HPU FIB UGM held training activities for Posbindu cadres. This activity was carried out over two days. On the first day, Monday 6th of February 2024, material provision about Posbindu was held in the Multimedia Room of Margono Building, 2nd Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. The event opened promptly at 8 am and continued with the Pre test. Furthermore, the delivery of material related to the introduction of HPU, introduction to Posbindu PTM, assessment of risk factors for PTM, assessment of nutritional status and nutritional education, measurements at Posbindu, recording and reporting at Posbindu, consultation on examination results and education at table 5, safety at Posbindu, and first aid in an accident. After being provided with some of these materials, participants took the post test.

The second day’s event was held the following day, it was Wednesday, 7th of February 2024 in Courtroom 1 of Poerbatjaraka Building, 1st Floor,  Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University at 8 am until 12.15 pm. Because on the first day the participants were presented with basic material regarding Posbindu and so on, on the second day the participants were encouraged to practice. The Posbindu training participants carried out the Posbindu table 5 simulations and exercises with enthusiasm and passion, then immediately carried out the second post test to see the progress they had made as Posbindu cadres after receiving the material and training during the two-day event.

This event received cooperation and assistance from Mr./Mrs. UGM HPU Team. Head of HPU UGM, Prof. Dra. Yayi Suryo Prabandari, M.Sc., PhD, had the opportunity to directly accompany the training participants as a speaker regarding examination activities in posbindu and health check practices (measuring blood pressure and taking blood samples to check cholesterol, sugar and uric acid levels). He received a direct invitation from the Deputy Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources, namely Mr. Suray Agung Nugroho, M.A., Ph.D. The Posbindu cadre training was attended by staff from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. The targets of Posbindu services are all staff, both lecturers and teaching staff in the faculty environment.