The Department of Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a visiting lecture titled “Empowering Whom, Changing What? Politics, Rights, and the Challenges of Coastal, Fisherfolk, and Island Community Empowerment in Indonesia.” The event took place on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 09:00 to 11:30 Western Indonesia Time (WIB) at the 3rd Floor Auditorium of the Poerbatjaraka Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM.

The guest lecture featured Dr. Dedi Supriadi Adhuri, a researcher from the Research Center for Society and Culture at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Semarang, as the speaker. Open to the general public, the event was attended by students, lecturers, researchers, and individuals interested in maritime issues, with support from the Indonesian Anthropological Association (AAI).

The event was held in recognition of coastal communities, fisherfolk, and island populations as vital pillars of Indonesia’s identity as a maritime nation. However, these groups continue to face various economic, social, and ecological vulnerabilities. Challenges include limited access to marine resources, shifting policies, and unequal bargaining power. Through an anthropological lens, these issues are viewed not merely as technical problems, but as matters of social justice and the respect for community rights.

In his presentation, Dr. Dedi invited participants to examine maritime life in Indonesia, particularly the conditions of coastal and fishing communities. According to him, these groups are inextricably linked to the politics of empowerment and structural challenges in their struggle to survive while defending their rights. Questions such as “empowering whom and changing what” serve as an entry point to reevaluate existing empowerment programs—ranging from who truly benefits and how community rights are recognized, to the obstacles still faced on the ground.

This guest lecture format provided a platform for direct dialogue with an experienced researcher in maritime studies. Furthermore, the event strengthened the network between UGM, BRIN, and AAI in advancing anthropological studies in Indonesia. Through this initiative, the Department of Anthropology at FIB UGM hopes to foster critical awareness and concern among academics and the public regarding equitable empowerment for Indonesia’s coastal, fisherfolk, and island communities. The discussions are expected to equip students with perspectives and research that champion community interests.

Author: Aisyah Alya Muztahid

Sleman, 17 October 2026 — The Master’s Program in Linguistics at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the second phase of its community engagement program at Al Munawwar Mosque in Kuningan, Depok, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The program, themed “Melek Literasi Digital: Cerdas Memilih Informasi, Santun Berkomunikasi” (Digital Literacy: Making Informed Choices and Communicating Respectfully), focused on developing the skills needed to navigate digital information and use polite language on social media.

The event was attended by adult men and young people who regularly participate in religious study sessions at the mosque. Participants discussed the importance of critically evaluating information before accepting or sharing it, as well as using appropriate language when communicating in digital spaces. These skills are an essential part of digital literacy, as social media serves not only as a source of information but also as a space for interaction and the exchange of ideas.

The session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Suhandano, with Prof. Dr. Sajarwa serving as moderator. The program also involved faculty members and academics Drs. Tatang Hariri, M.A., Ph.D., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, S.S., M.Hum., Achmad Rio Dessiar, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., and Dr. Merry Andriani, S.S., M.L.C.S. The presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, giving participants an opportunity to discuss issues related to information sharing and communication on social media.

Through this initiative, the UGM Master’s Program in Linguistics seeks to strengthen digital literacy in the community, focusing not only on the ability to assess information critically but also on the use of appropriate and respectful language in online communication. Participants are expected to apply these skills in their daily social media use and contribute to a more thoughtful and responsible digital environment.

Author: Master’s Program in Linguistics

KAGAMA UGM, in collaboration with KAGAMA Batik and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the 2026 National Batik Day Seminar on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Taking place at the Soegondo Auditorium, FIB UGM, the seminar carried the theme “Preserving Heritage, Nurturing the Future: Batik as a Cultural Identity and a Space for Innovation.” The event was organized to commemorate National Batik Day, which falls on October 2, 2026.

The event opened with a performance of the Golek Ayun-Ayun dance as a welcoming gesture to the guests in attendance. The event was made even more vibrant by a showcase of various types of batik from different regions, ranging from Jakarta batik to Madura batik. This series of activities served as an introduction to the richness of Indonesian batik motifs, the diversity of its traditions, and the cultural values embedded in this heritage.

The seminar featured Dr. Eng. Ir. Laretna Trisnantari Adishakti, M.Arch., a retired UGM lecturer and Chair of the UNESCO Chair in Heritage Cities Conservation and Management, as the keynote speaker. In her presentation, she explored various aspects of batik, including its history, local wisdom, and role in sociocultural movements and international relations diplomacy.

Dr. Eng. Ir. Laretna Trisnantari Adishakti, M.Arch., also highlighted the challenges of sustaining batik traditions amid changing times and emphasized the importance of developing sustainable preservation strategies. One of the key points she raised was batik’s role as a tool of diplomacy, both across the Indonesian archipelago and Southeast Asia, as well as on the global stage. Beyond serving as a cultural identity, batik also has the potential to support a regenerative economy—a system that not only generates economic value but also restores the environment, strengthens social and cultural life, and improves community well-being.

Following the keynote session, the seminar continued with a discussion moderated by Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM. The seminar featured two speakers with distinct backgrounds and experiences: dr. CHR Sulistyono, M.Sc., FISQua, owner of Batik Nyah Kiok, which produces Lasem batik in Rembang, and Aji Setyowijaya, S.S., a Yogyakarta batik artisan who also specializes in batik tiga negeri, a traditional batik style combining influences from different regions.

In his presentation, dr. CHR Sulistyono, M.Sc., FISQua, explained the history of Batik Nyah Kiok and the development of Lasem batik, including the challenges involved in ensuring its continued survival. He noted that the existence of Lasem batik is closely intertwined with the customs and cultural practices of the communities that use it. Despite its strong historical and cultural significance, batik faces several challenges today. The declining number of artisans and limited generational renewal are issues that require serious attention. These conditions could hinder the continuity of the knowledge, skills, and batik-making traditions passed down from one generation to the next.

Meanwhile, Aji Setyowijaya, S.S., shared his experience of independently pursuing a career in batik. He emphasized the importance of paying greater attention to batik-making techniques and procedures, which he believes have not received sufficient consideration. According to him, batik preservation efforts should encompass the entire production process, including knowledge of the materials and tools used by artisans. Knowledge of production methods, material availability, equipment use, and technical skills must also be safeguarded to ensure that batik-making traditions continue to thrive. Attention to these production-related aspects is increasingly important in sustaining the livelihoods of batik artisans while creating opportunities for innovation without compromising traditional values.

Participants’ enthusiasm was evident in the wide range of questions and responses raised throughout the seminar. The discussions demonstrated that batik is not only an engaging subject from an aesthetic perspective but also a gateway to broader conversations about history, cultural identity, social practices, economic sustainability, and production challenges.

The 2026 National Batik Day Seminar broadened public understanding of batik’s role in Indonesian life, not merely as a cultural heritage, but also as a means of diplomacy, a source of historical knowledge, an economic opportunity, and a space for innovation. Its development must go hand in hand with community empowerment, including the empowerment of women, and environmental awareness, with artisans and communities recognized as essential parts of the batik ecosystem.

Through this seminar, the organizers invited the public to explore and preserve batik in its entirety, encompassing its motifs, philosophical values, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. In this way, batik can be safeguarded not only as an expression of Indonesian cultural identity but also as a means of supporting community well-being and developing sustainably as a source of inspiration for future generations.

Writer : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, October 14, 2026 — Good news has once again arrived from the alumni of UGM’s Korean Language and Culture Study Program. In 2026, two alumni successfully passed the selection process for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). This fully funded scholarship from the South Korean government provides them with a golden opportunity to pursue their studies at a higher level. Undoubtedly, there was a long journey and thorough preparation behind their success. What are their stories and how did they prepare for the selection stages? Let’s dive into their journey!

Name: Dinda Saraswati Jillaningtyas (Yayas) (2017)
Host University: Ewha Women University (Communication and Media)

“2019년의 나는 상상도 하지 못한 일이었다” Semua pasti akan ada waktunya. 2019 Aku pernah gagal untuk mendapatkan beasiswa GKS ke Korea untuk exchange. Tapi siapa yang tahu kalau 2026 aku berhasil mendapatkan GKS-G one shot. Mungkin saat itu memang bukan jalanku dan mungkin S2 ini memang jalanku. 너무나도 감사한 일이기도 하고 힘든 길로 선택하는 걸로 잘 알고 그 고독한 길로 선택하는 거는 나였으니까 2년동안 열심히 공부하면서 재밌고 보람이 있는 모험으로 해보겠습니다. 좋은 기회였기에 더 좋은 모습으로 성장하겠습니다! Kalau saat itu kalian sudah berusaha keras namun hasilnya mengkhianati kalian, mungkin memang belum waktunya saja. Semangat selalu!”

Name: Putri Puji Hasnah (2020)
Host University: KDI School of Public Policy and Management (Master of Development Policy)

“I once asked God to redirect my life. Maybe GKS is the answer to my prayers. I never expected that I would finally make it here, but I strongly believe there will be many ways to turn the pure intention I have carried with me into something meaningful, to bring as much benefit as I can to the people and the world around me. Pursuing a completely different major for my master’s might be challenging. It might even feel like I’m starting from zero. But God has entrusted me with what I once prayed for, and I choose to take it as a sign to keep going.”

Kak Putri juga membagikan tips and trick, nih, untuk para pejuang Beasiswa GKS selanjutnya!

“Make the most of your privilege. Some people spend years working toward their dreams. I worked for almost two years to save enough money to finally apply for a master’s scholarship. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but even pursuing a scholarship requires a certain level of privilege. Still, keep holding on to your dreams. What’s meant for you will find its way to you.”

Those were the stories and preparation tips from our two seniors regarding the 2026 GKS selection. Once again, congratulations on your studies in South Korea! We wish you good health and smooth sailing with all your endeavors there~ For fellow BKK UGM students who want to follow in their footsteps, don’t hesitate to start gathering application information as early as possible. Keep your spirits up, and see you in our next scholarship update! ^^

(Salwa Aulia, Alma Naya)

Yogyakarta, 14 September 2026 – Right on that day, six students from the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) scholarship arrive at INCULS from their respective countries. They were there to attend the program’s opening ceremony as well to kick off their first day studying here. Our long awaited friends finally set foot at Fakultas Ilmu Budaya (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).

To start a new semester in a new and foreign environment is definitely not an easy thing to do. Feelings like anxiety, loneliness, and worry are definitely there. One of the purposes of the opening ceremony is to make them feel at ease and relieve them from those negative feelings. With the main purpose being International Student Orientation (ISO) and briefing for the time they will spend in Indonesia. As they will spend their next year here in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. INCULS will be their guardian as well as their friend, also will make their stay in Jogja, enjoyable.

At INCULS, the Indonesian Language is not the only thing we teach. Even though it is true that most of our students come to learn Bahasa Indonesia, lessons and exposure to Indonesian culture is also something INCULS provides. With many invaluable chances to have a firsthand experience within Jogja. Study tours and many more exciting activities.

At this ceremony, information such as the curriculum and getting to know the tidbits of Jogja were shared for the convenience of INCULS’ new BIPA students. Often overlooked things like the cuisine in Jogja; the daily things in Jogja; the norms in Indonesia; and so on. Our students are prepared immediately with information that will certainly help them for the time they will have in Indonesia.

INCULS hopes the KNB Program could provide top notch education for our BIPA friends to push them to grow and become bridges that connect the world. Not just the language, the culture that they will experience here in INCULS to be of great use in their life. Good luck on your studies friends, there will be a point where things are going rough, but keep your head high and push on!

Ditulis oleh: Dydo Athaya Rafif dydoathayarafif@mail.ugm.ac.id