UGM celebrates its 74th anniversary on 19 December 2023. This year’s theme is Digital Transformation: Harmonising Innovation and Humanity, which highlights how humankind shall live side by side with the ‘digital life’ that seems more and more inevitable. Various activities were held to enliven this annual event. One of these events is Nitilaku.

The Nitilaku event is seen as a historical cultural symbolism in the form of a parade as a symbol of the establishment of Universitas Gadjah Mada. It started from a patch of land in Siti Hinggil of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace to became the UGM campus now in Bulaksumur. Over time, Nitilaku has transformed into a cultural event that combines various potentials from UGM, society, community, private sector, and government by highlighting historical elements of struggle and nationalism.

This year’s Nitilaku carries the theme “Kenduri Kebangsaan Merajut Tenun Ke-Indonesiaan” intending to maintain a good relationship with the Creator of the Universe. This event is carried out as a form of prayer for safety, avoiding disasters, and preventing all forms of badness that might occur due to human negligence. In addition, Nitilaku also serves as a medium for mutual awareness to maintain friendship among all nation’s citizens.

The Nitilaku event took place over two days, on 16-17 December 2023. In addition to the main event of Kenduri Kebangsaan, which includes speeches and interfaith prayer readings as well as the national carnival, Nitilaku also features various interesting activities. Art installations, kangen markets, MSME markets, and art stages will enliven the two days by involving various art and cultural communities. All of this is per the spirit of Nitilaku which mobilises broad participation from the community, especially the people of Yogyakarta.

Participation of Staff and Lecturers of FIB UGM

On Sunday, 17 December 2023, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences team participated in Nitilaku -which is one of a series of UGM 2023 Anniversary events-. On this occasion, the staff and lecturers of FIB UGM jointly participated in the parade with the route determined by the Dies committee. In line with the name of the faculty, the contingent of staff and lecturers from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences compactly wore traditional clothing from various regions. The contingent members also sang yells that ignited the spirit and made the atmosphere throughout the parade more exciting.

Sleman, (17/11/2023) – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a Culture Day event to strengthen the bond between lecturers, teaching staff, and students. The Culture Day event is held once a month, every Friday in the third week.

“Culture Day has various events ranging from music performances, singing, and sports together. Some of the sports offered include ping pong, badminton, aerobic exercise, fitness, and healthy walking. (“The students also participated,” said Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni of the Faculty, Dr Mimi Savitri, M.A., at the Faculty on Friday (17/11/2023).

The Culture Day event held by FIB UGM has a special dress code, with a white basic t-shirt paired with any kind of pants. The event began with the registration of participants at 7 AM. After that, it was followed by remarks and the launching of a healthy juices program for FIB UGM residents by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. Furthermore, the Culture Day event was closed with sports and music for one hour from eight to nine in the morning.

“Singing accompanied by music and followed by breakfast and drinking juice so that (Culture Day participants) are healthy,” concluded Mimi.