Yogyakarta, 4 December 2025 — The autonomous arts body BSO Sasoebah once again showcased its creative excellence in the performing arts by delivering a captivating performance at the opening of the Global Future Innovation Technology Summit (GIFTS) 2025, held at the GIK UGM Building. On this special occasion, BSO Sasoebah presented its newest dance work titled “Lelana Jagatriya,” a performance that blends traditional aesthetics with the concept of a symbolic journey across worlds, rich with humanitarian meaning.

GIFTS 2025 is an international-scale event that opens interdisciplinary spaces for discussion, ranging from technology and innovation to creativity and global collaboration. Notably, the event was also open to the public, providing opportunities for students and the wider community to enjoy the performance and the intellectual atmosphere it offered.

BSO Sasoebah’s performance successfully drew the attention of attendees, including more than 20 distinguished guests who are strategic partners of GIK UGM from various sectors. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between arts, innovation, and technology in fostering creative dialogue within academic environments. In addition to invited guests, the event’s openness to the public allowed the broader community to experience the dynamic and collaborative spirit of GIFTS 2025.

The event also reflects efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through its contribution to strengthening quality education and cultural preservation. In the context of the SDGs, this event demonstrates a commitment to creating inclusive learning spaces and promoting the preservation of cultural identity through performing arts. Moreover, GIFTS 2025 highlights global collaboration and innovation as part of building sustainable partnerships between educational institutions, creative communities, and professional sectors.

Through the performance of Lelana Jagatriya, BSO Sasoebah not only enlivened the opening of GIFTS 2025 but also reaffirmed the essential role of the arts in supporting sustainability, strengthening interdisciplinary dialogue, and inspiring the younger generation to continue creating.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, December 8, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again launched the Sibuya program, which provides free breakfast for students currently taking the Odd Semester Final Exams for the 2025–2026 academic year. The program is held on December 8, 11, 15, and 18, 2025 at the Kantin Sastra using a coupon system, and on December 9 and 16, 2025 in front of the Soegondo Building, where meal boxes are distributed. A total of 200 servings are provided each day.

The Sibuya program is supported by the Parents Association of Students (POTMA) and Dharma Wanita FIB UGM. Students can redeem their food coupons at the food court area of Kantin Sastra according to the scheduled dates.

The Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Setiadi, stated that the implementation of Sibuya reflects the faculty’s concern for students who are entering the exam period.
“Sibuya is our effort to support students who are about to take their exams. We hope this program brings them comfort and helps them feel more prepared for their finals. We also hope that more parties will participate in the future,” he said.

He added that the program is expected to help students, especially those who have not had the chance to eat breakfast before their exams.
“With Sibuya, we hope students can be assisted, particularly those who need breakfast, those who leave home without eating, or those who have not eaten at their boarding house, so they can take their exams with peace of mind. We are truly grateful to Dharma Wanita and the Parents Association for their full support of this program,” he explained.

The presence of Sibuya not only provides nutritional benefits and physical readiness but also fosters solidarity and a sense of community within the campus environment. The initiative stands as a tangible example of collaboration between institutions, families, and students in creating a caring and inclusive academic atmosphere.

Through this simple yet meaningful effort, Sibuya reminds us that attention to basic needs can be a powerful force in shaping a healthier and more empowered younger generation, equipped to face future challenges. This spirit of togetherness is expected to continue growing and inspiring sustainable development efforts in the field of education.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM,  Candra Solihin]

“Ethnography is a skill that should become a strength for you, anthropology students, in addressing challenges in the professional world.”

Friday, November 28, 2025, marked the third installment of Ngumbar (Ngulik Materi Bareng), an event organized by the Samhita Social Research Institute. Raising the topic Reexamining the Relationship between Anthropology and Ethnography: Reflections on Knowledge, Methods, and Interpretation in Anthropological Research, the discussion not only explored foundational theories, but also encouraged anthropology students to reflect on their positionality in the process of learning. In collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, the session featured Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi and Dr. Sita Hidayah as speakers who discussed current dynamics in the field of anthropology. Held in the Multimedia Room, 2nd floor of the Margono Building, the event was attended enthusiastically by students, faculty, and alumni both onsite and online via Zoom.

The discussion began by revisiting long-held assumptions about anthropology as a discipline and ethnography as a method, examined through a reflective lens. The topic was inspired by Tim Ingold’s essay Anthropology is not Ethnography, which sparked significant debate among academics and anthropology students. The relationship and distinctions between anthropology and ethnography were viewed through idiographic (descriptive) and nomothetic (theoretical) approaches in studying socio-cultural phenomena, rather than as fixed and definitive knowledge. This led to conversations about ethical dilemmas, an important aspect for contemporary generations of anthropology students and scholars to recognize. The use of the term “learning” during fieldwork carries ethical consequences, particularly in mitigating power imbalances between researcher and researched.

Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi added that amid debates over the ideological direction of Indonesian anthropology, the Anthropology Department at UGM has become a space where differing academic influences meet and shape curriculum development. “We are fortunate that new lecturers at that time brought diverse perspectives from their studies, and particularly Prof. Laksono and Prof. Heddy have significantly shaped our academic orientation,” he noted.

Continuing the discussion on contemporary dynamics within anthropology, Dr. Sita Hidayah highlighted reflectivity as a strength and distinctive characteristic of Anthropology at UGM. Awareness of positionality has become an integral aspect of anthropological learning. “Developing a reflective and position-conscious curriculum is crucial for facing future challenges, especially in the professional world,” she added. Building student confidence in their ethnographic abilities is essential and needs to be strengthened as a key competence for addressing real-world problems.

Writer: Okky Chandra Baskoro
Photo: Nandito Jodi Syaifulloh

Yogyakarta, November 26, 2025 – The Executive Board of the Faculty of Humanities (LEM FIB UGM) conducted a student visit to the Tribun Network Jogja office on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The student visit is a program of the Public Relations and Organization Ministry (RPO) of LEM FIB UGM as part of a series of collaborative activities aimed at expanding students’ knowledge, skills, and direct contributions in the field of media and communication. The student visit was held in Room C of the Tribun Network Jogja office, located at Ringroad Barat Street No. 11, Nusupan, Trihanggo, Gamping, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. 

Tribun Network Jogja, also known as TribunJogja.Com, is one of the regional newspapers operating in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and is a subsidiary of the Kompas Gramedia Group. The company operates in the mass media sector as part of the Tribun Network.

The visit to Tribun Network Jogja took place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event began with an opening speech from a representative of LEM FIB UGM, followed by a presentation by the Digital Manager of Tribun Jogja, Mr Ikrob Didik Irawan. The material covered websites, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Analytics, social media management, creative content creation, and branding strategies. The next activity was a tour of the work environment, which included workspaces, relaxation areas, and a room containing imported newspaper printing machines.

This activity not only focused on theoretical understanding of the media industry but also served as a practical learning experience through the workplace tour, providing a real-world glimpse into the operations of the Tribun Network Jogja. LEM FIB UGM hopes this activity will continue to have a positive impact as a manifestation of students’ commitment to actively contribute to the development of the media and communication industry, while also serving as a sustainable collaborative agenda for the future.

The success of this student visit strengthens the position of LEM FIB UGM as a proactive unit in building external relations and developing student competencies in various fields, ranging from digital communication to creative industry exploration. LEM FIB UGM expresses its highest appreciation to the management of Tribun Network Jogja, especially Mr Ikrob Didik Irawan, for his cooperation, as well as to all participants who have actively participated. The presence and enthusiasm of all elements were key to the success of this Media Industry Introduction activity.

This student visit has tangibly supported the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through sessions on websites, SEO, Google Analytics, social media, creative content, and branding; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that education is accessible to all who need it, regardless of socioeconomic status; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goal) through effective collaboration between LEM FIB UGM students and Tribun Network Jogja.

Author: Gracia Nofidelia Joherman

Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 – Efforts to strengthen the Korean Studies ecosystem in Indonesia have entered a new phase with the hosting of the INAKOS Seminar titled The Role of INAKOS in Reinforcing Korean Studies in Indonesia on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM. Organized by The International Association for Korean Studies in Indonesia (INAKOS) in collaboration with the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM and the Korea Foundation, the event marked an important milestone in revitalizing INAKOS as a center for academic collaboration and research development in Korean Studies in Indonesia.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Setiadi, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to strengthening the East Asian studies ecosystem.
“We are preparing proper infrastructure to support East Asian studies. The building next to this one is fully dedicated to academic study centers, one of which is Inakos. We aim for all research centers at FIB to be integrated within a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary environment,” he stated.

Support was also expressed by the Director of the Korea Foundation, Lee Sanghoon, who highlighted the strategic role of INAKOS as an academic bridge between Indonesia and Korea.
“The Korea Foundation fully supports Inakos in revitalizing academic spaces and dialogue for scholars with deep interests in Korea. We believe Inakos will play an important role as a bridge in strengthening Korean Studies in Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Ambassador of Korea to Indonesia, Park Soo-deok, emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-national collaboration through research and academic dialogue.
“Indonesia and Korea have a long history of cooperation in culture and education. Through research, academic exchange, and scholarly dialogue such as today, both countries continue to build stronger bridges of mutual understanding,” he noted.

On the same occasion, the 2025 President of INAKOS, Suray Agung Nugroho, presented the strategic direction of the newly reactivated organization. He emphasized that INAKOS serves as a home, space, and academic umbrella to unite scholars and observers of Korean Studies in Indonesia, as well as to enhance collaborative and sustainable research.

Following the opening remarks, the audience was treated to a performance of the Korean Fan Dance, presented through a collaboration by students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM. The program continued with academic presentations by speakers from UGM, UI, UPI, and Universitas Nasional.

The first presentation was delivered by Rostinue from the University of Indonesia, who explained the role of Korean Studies scholars as academic and cultural bridges that strengthen bilateral interactions between Indonesia and Korea. The next speaker, Ashanti Widyana from the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), presented research trends in UPI’s Korean Language Education Program from 2020 to 2025, focusing on strengthening applied linguistics research, cultural studies, and integrating research outcomes into educational practice.

The session continued with Desitha Dwi Asriani from FISIPOL UGM, who discussed body modification and gender performativity among young Asian men and women from a comparative Indonesia–Korea perspective. The next presentation, by Rurani Adinda from Universitas Nasional, explored differences in the meanings of idioms related to the head in Korean and Indonesian. The final speaker, Achmad Rio, Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM, delivered a talk on analyzing translation patterns of the adnominal ending deon-eass-does using a Korean–Indonesian parallel corpus.

This seminar is expected to serve as an initial step in expanding academic networks in Korean Studies in Indonesia, while strengthening academic contributions to cultural, social, and educational cooperation between Indonesia and Korea. Continued collaboration will open broader spaces for dialogue and encourage innovative scholarly work that benefits society and advances knowledge.

In the long term, this initiative is expected to enhance access to knowledge and opportunities for academic exchange, contributing to human development and a more inclusive and sustainable future for both countries.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]