Monday (2/10/2023) The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada recently hosted a discussion on Critical Island Studies with 12 universities from across Asia such as Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, China and Japan. Scholars, researchers, and experts in the field of cultural studies gathered to discuss the cultural, social, economic, and environmental challenges that island communities face. They explored interdisciplinary research and collaboration as a means to address these challenges. The participants discussed several topics: sustainable development, cultural preservation, climate change, and social justice. 

UGM Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, Wening Udasmoro, said the event aimed to strengthen perspectives on equality and natural issues. “It is in line with SDGs goals 5 (gender equality), 10 (sustainable cities and settlements), 13 (climate change management), 14 (marine ecosystems), and 15 (terrestrial ecosystems),” said Wening in her statement on Wednesday (4/10/2023).

Wening also mentioned that Critical Island Studies is a relatively new field in Indonesia, and the participants’ spirit and engagement were quite remarkable. The event provided an excellent opportunity for participants to learn and exchange ideas on how to address some of the most pressing issues facing our planet. The discussions centred around critical island studies, a field that examines the relationship between islands and the environment, including the challenges and opportunities that come with it

“More than 100 presenters sent their abstracts with studies from various perspectives. More than half of the CIS presenters came from abroad, namely from the Philippines, Japan, Australia, South Korea, China, the Netherlands, and Taiwan,” she said.

Keynote speakers of the conference are an archaeologist from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM Daud Aris Tanudirdjo, and a professor from Ateneo de Manila University Oscar Campomanes. The two-day event at UGM and Sanata Dharma also included the signing of a cooperation agreement to strengthen the Critical Island Studies consortium and the Asian Journal Network meeting.

Friday, 29 September 2023, the Department of Anthropology held a public lecture class entitled “Pursuing a Career in Defence and Security”. This forum presented a speaker who has a career in defence and security, namely one of the investigators of the South Jakarta Metro Police, Brigadier Eko Hardiyanto, S. Ant., M.A.. Brigadier Eko is an Alumni of the Cultural Anthropology study programme in 2010. The forum was hosted by one of the Anthropology lecturers, Dr Pande Made Kutanegara, M.Si.

Brigadier Eko told how he got his job. Brigadier Eko also explained how he carried out his work as an investigator, some examples are as follows. First, the title of the case to provide legal certainty for the case being handled. Second, conducting appeals to the public regarding law enforcement and crime. Third, increasing the competence capacity of investigators through training.

In this forum Brigadier Eko also explained how the contribution of Anthropology studies in carrying out his work as a legal investigator. Participatory observation is one of the techniques used by Brigadier Eko in conducting investigations. “My frequent research experience in Anthropology has given me the knowledge on how to get data from the people we investigate. I also know whether the person is speaking the facts or not.”

Brigadier Eko also uses data triangulation techniques in processing investigation data. Brigadier Eko combines various data from various sources, which are then made into conclusions to decide the status of the case.

The discussion forum was made even more epic by the presence of fellow students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and alumni of the Cultural Anthropology study programme. Alumni who attended this forum also enlivened the discussion by sharing their respective career experiences. Such as Rudy Gunawan Erwinsyah who works as a researcher at the Indonesian National Research Agency and Ahmad Pradipta who also works in the field of defence and security.

UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh and UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Science have announced a new collaboration aimed at enhancing their respective academic programs in Wednesday 27 September 2023. The joint programme is the an effort of the two leading academic institutions and is designed to provide students better chance to learn.

The English Education Study Programme at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh is renowned for its quality, and this collaboration with UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Science will only serve to enhance it further. Students will benefit from the expertise of both institutions, which will help them develop a deep understanding of English language and literature.

This collaboration between UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh and UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Science is a testament to the commitment of both institutions to provide their students with the best possible education. The joint efforts of these two institutions will pave the way for students to receive a holistic and well-rounded education in English language and American Studies. It is expected to have a positive impact on the academic landscape in Indonesia and beyond.

“We need to start critically questioning our past”

 

The release of Dunia Revolusi, an Indonesian version of Revolutionary World: Local Perspectives and Dynamics during the Indonesian Independence War, 1945-1949, was a momentous occasion for history enthusiasts. This collaborative project between the Dutch Government and lecturers from the History Department of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences was finally launched on September 20th, 2022, in the Auditorium 7th floor, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The launch provided both new and old readers with an opportunity to delve deep into the book and explore the topics that intrigued them. The authors and editors of the book, including Galuh Ambar Sasi, Farabi Fakih, Julianto Ibrahim, Martin Eijkhoff, Ireen Hoogenboom, Abdul Wahid, and Yulianti, graced the event. They explained the parts they wrote and answered the audience’s questions. Their interaction with the audience helped readers gain a better understanding of the book’s content and the various perspectives presented in it.

The launch was followed by two more book introductions and presentations. Henk Schulte Nordholt, the author of Merdeka: Perang Kemerdekaan dan Kebangkitan Republik yang Tak Pasti, introduced his book. It’s such an open discussion with Bambang Purwanto, a professor of History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, who responded to the introduction. After the lunch break, the book launch is continued by the second book Melewati Batas: Kekerasan Ekstrim Belanda dalam Perang Kemerdekaan Indonesia, 1943-1949. The authors such as Gert Oostindie, Evelin Buchheim, and Remy Limpach, were there to present their book. Agus Suwignyo acted as the moderator for this presentation.

It is safe to say that the event was a great success and provided an excellent platform for readers and authors alike to engage in constructive discussions about the historical events of Indonesia. These books’ launch is a significant contribution to the study of Indonesian history, and it is hoped that they will inspire further research and discussions on this topic.

INCULS, or the Institute of Culture and Language Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada, together with Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) Malaysia and GENIUS Seni Tari (Permata Seni) from Malaysia are organising a collaborative programme from 28 August to 2 September 2023 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The programme was created by the Malaysian Ministry of Education as a work programme in the field of arts development on an international scale.

The aim of the programme is to create a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia, specifically in the field of arts and culture. Through this programme, participants will have the opportunity to work together on artistic projects, learn from one another and improve their proficiency in the arts. They will also be exposed to the comparative study of arts programme governance at the international level.

The programme is expected to be attended by 18 educators and ministry employees from JKKN, 15 participants from Malaysia, as well as BSO Rampoe UGM and Sastra Oebah. During the programme, the dance GENIUS team will practise two dances with BSO Rampoe UGM and Sastra Oebah. Meanwhile, staff and educators from JKKN will attend workshops with Dr Wulan Tri Astuti and Dr Arsanti Wulandari.

Overall, the Malaysia-Indonesia Serumpun Arts Integration 2023 programme is a great opportunity for participants to learn about different cultures, collaborate on artistic projects, and gain a better understanding of arts programme governance on an international level. It is a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration and the importance of promoting the arts in our global society.

The programme was closed with a beautiful event featuring dances. The GENIUS Seni Tari (Permata Seni) team performed a Malaysian contemporary dance, Kesah Berai. In addition, they also performed the results of the workshop, namely Angkrek Dance from Yogyakarta and Likok Pulo Dance from Aceh. Rampoe UGM was no less impressive, performing the Ratoeh Pukat and Sastro Obah Dance as well as the Nirbaya Edan-Edanan Dance which is full of Indonesian cultural meanings.