Yogyakarta, 16/1/2025 – TIAS 2024 students shopped at Kranggan Market in a series of Indonesian language learning. The students practiced bargaining with fruit vendors in Indonesian. In doing this activity, students were accompanied by teachers and part-time students. By bargaining, students are expected to train their focus in listening and speaking Indonesian.

This out-of-class learning activity also gave TIAS students a new experience. Previously, the TIAS students had never been to a traditional market. One of the TIAS students expressed her amazement at traditional markets because she found the prices in traditional markets cheaper than in supermarkets. The student also said that she would find it easier to adopt a healthy lifestyle because of the affordable price of fruit. This activity provides long-term benefits for TIAS students considering that these students will study at UGM for several years to pursue bachelor/master/doctoral degrees. In addition, this activity was not only welcomed enthusiastically by TIAS students, but also fruit vendors. The vendors were entertained and amazed by the TIAS students’ ability to bargain. In addition, the students did not only buy fruit, but also traditional snacks. The students did not hesitate to taste traditional culinary in Kranggan Market, such as jenang, fried foods, and so on.

This out-of-class learning shows that language learning is not only limited in the classroom, but also outside the classroom considering that students will interact directly with the community during their stay in Indonesia. This activity is expected to build the confidence of TIAS students in dialoguing with friends, lecturers, and the community in Indonesian.

[Public Relation INCULS, Decika Syahda Maharani translated by Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 23/1/2025 – The third day of the 20th International Conference of the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM20) was held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. A series of agendas on the third day included plenary sessions, Ignite State, various parallel and virtual sessions, and closing.

The agenda on the last day began with a plenary session entitled “Multidimensionality in Urban Displacement and Knowledge Production”. The plenary session discussed the paradigm shift in studies and practices related to forced migration where the knowledge of refugees is increasingly recognized as an important source of information. Refugees are no longer simply seen as objects of research, but as witnesses with valuable life experiences, and can even position themselves as partners in the production of knowledge related to forced migration.

In the context of this discussion, some refugees no longer live in camps under the supervision of humanitarian agencies, but settle in urban environments and interact with diaspora communities, fellow refugees, and even local communities so that the role of international organizations such as UNHCR and IOM becomes less dominant, while refugee-led organizations become increasingly important. Recognizing refugees’ knowledge can change the way refugees are perceived and policies related to refugee issues. The discussion session also explored the new perspectives that can emerge with this approach and how more inclusive knowledge production methods can reshape the relationship between researchers and research subjects.

After the plenary session, there was an “Ignite State” session that discussed the leadership role, creativity, and achievements of refugee youth in developing community-based initiatives. In recent years, refugee youth have shown remarkable resilience of innovation in addressing various issues faced by refugee communities. However, their efforts still need further attention in the global discussion on displacement and migration.

Through this one-hour session at IASFM20, young leaders are given the space to share their experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in running community-based programs. The main objective of the session is to amplify the voices of refugee youth and showcase the tangible results of their initiatives. In addition, the session also aimed to change the narrative of refugees from being a vulnerable group to innovative and independent agents of change.

The 20th IASFM International Conference at Universitas Gadjah Mada Yogyakata is not only an academic event, but also a space for researchers to share their experiences and demonstrate their active role in creating solutions for the international community. With refugees’ knowledge and leadership increasingly recognized in forced migration issues, the conference emphasized the importance of a more inclusive and collaborative approach in refugee-related research and policy.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogyakarta, 21/1/2025 – The first day of the 20th International Conference of the International Association for the Study of Forced Migration (IASFM20) was held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. A series of agendas on the first day included welcome speeches, public lectures, plenary sessions, creative presentations, various parallel sessions, the IASFM General Meeting, and dinner together.

Department of Anthropology UGM Documentation

After the opening ceremony held at Grha Sabha Pramana, the agenda continued with a public lecture entitled “International Migration and Forced Displacement in the Southeast Asia Region” delivered by Prof. Dr. Tri Nuke Pudjiastuti, M.A., a professor specializing in national security and strategic issues in Indonesia. She holds a key position at the Center for Political Research, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), where she has dedicated her career to migration, human security, and international relations, particularly in the Southeast Asia region. Prof. Pudjiastuti is a recognized expert in the field of forced migration and human smuggling. Her research significantly influences policy-making and academic discourse on these issues.

After a coffee break, there was a plenary session with the topic “Reflection on the Global Agenda for International Migration”. The plenary session began with the presentation of “Global Migration Agenda and Realities in Southeast Asia” which examined the relationship between the global migration agenda and the reality on the ground in Southeast Asia. The presentation investigated the impact of ASEAN migration and asylum policies (or lack thereof) on the protection of migrants’ rights, debates on order and disorder in the Southeast Asian context with a particular focus on how ASEAN dealt with migrants from Myanmar after the February coup and the issue of transnational repression. The presentation concludes with some thoughts on rethinking the implications of ASEAN’s lack of migration governance and commitment to migrant rights protection in the region. The presentation was delivered by Dr. Sriprapha Petcharamesree, an expert in human rights, ASEAN/SEA studies, migration, citizenship, business and human rights, and international relations.

The second presentation was delivered by Prof. Ranabir Samaddar, an Indian political scientist who serves as Distinguished Chair in Migration and Forced Migration Studies at the Mahanirban Calcutta Research Group. He presented the material with the title “Protection as Punishment” which in his explanation, Prof. Ranabir Samaddar revealed that the figure of refugees in certain situations represents illegal existence – which is “legally” deprived of rights, modes of mobility, and resources. Humanity in such conditions binds this illegal figure to the state for the continuation of illegal or semi-legal life. Sovereignty is restored by neoliberalism in this way. Digital and other modes of control are used. And, remember, here too, the reason at the beginning is always protection. Indeed, the global compact’s push to use new technologies to protect refugees and migrants is loud and clear.

In the last keynote, Dr. Susan Banki, an expert in political, institutional, and social affairs, explained the roots of and solutions to human rights violations and social justice abuses, delivering a keynote entitled “What Refugee Activists Contribute to Global Protection Regimes”. According to her, the global migration agenda, processes, and actors associated with it can be distinguished from the Global Protection Regime which unequivocally prioritizes the protection of migrant populations over the control of them. In this material, Dr. Susan Banki shows that migrants and refugees play an important role in forms of activism that advance the Global Protection Regime.

As the first day of the 20th IASFM International Conference at Universitas Gadjah Mada comes to a close, the in-depth discussions have opened a portal for further collaboration on regional and global forced migration issues. Participants, whether they are researchers or individuals interested in the topic, not only gained new insights from renowned experts, but were also invited to reflect on the role of policy, technology and activism in creating more inclusive and equitable protection systems for migrants and refugees.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogyakarta – Polanco S. Achri, a writer born in Yogyakarta and currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues to make waves in the art scene. Known for his poetry, prose, and essays on performance and visual arts, Polanco also actively contributes as a scriptwriter and musician in the Utusan Negeri Dongeng community. He is the mind behind the management of Pendjadjaboekoe and a member of Sindikat Muda Liar Ngantukan. His achievements include curating exhibitions such as Soil Distortion #2 (2024) and Membaca Jokpin (2024), as well as directing documentary films Di Balik Merangkul (2021) and Sangu Rasa (2023).

Most recently, Polanco has taken on the role of curator for the Moda-Modif Exhibition, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 11, 2025, at Rumah DAS Gallery, Condongcatur. Open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the exhibition invites visitors free of charge, with no prior registration required.

About Moda-Modif: Youthful Energy in Motion
The Moda-Modif Exhibition (Creativity in Visual Arts by Youth) embodies the ideas of Moda (movement) and Modif (modification). These concepts reflect the continuous exploration, learning, and innovation of young artists who push boundaries to create new narratives.

This exhibition serves as a stepping stone, offering young artists a bridge to larger platforms. Their art is a result of a journey that is both creative and reflective. Beyond a mere display of visual arts, Moda-Modif fosters interaction through activities such as Artist Talks, Curatorial Tours, Reading Space Activations, and collaborations with local communities. Every aspect of the exhibition is designed to bring art closer to the public.

Featuring works by 17 young artists over three weeks, the exhibition highlights not only the aesthetic aspects of their creations but also stories of transformation, adaptation, and the dynamic spirit of youth.

Polanco’s Aspirations
Polanco hopes that the Moda-Modif Exhibition will encourage young artists from Yogyakarta and Solo to continue evolving, taking bold steps, and finding creative strategies to thrive.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing works; it’s about building courage and ingenuity in navigating the art world,” he remarked.

Through his role as curator, Polanco reaffirms his dedication to bridging artistic expression with broader societal engagement, ensuring that the voices of young creators are heard and appreciated.

Photo Source: Doc. DAS House

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), proudly congratulates two Linguistics students, Soniakurniawati and Safira Rizky Amanda GP, for successfully presenting their research at The 16th Asian Conference on Education (ACE 2024). This prestigious conference was organized by IAFOR and held from November 25 to 29, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan.

Their research, titled “Implementation of Traditional Javanese Games for Early Childhood to Preserve the Javanese Language: A Quasi-Experimental Research,” highlights the importance of preserving the Javanese language by introducing traditional games to early childhood education. This innovative approach combines cultural heritage with effective language learning methods.

The conference was attended by academics, researchers, and education practitioners from around the globe, providing a strategic platform for both students to share ideas and expand their academic perspectives.

This achievement further emphasizes FIB UGM’s global contribution to education and cultural preservation. The dedication and success of Soniakurniawati and Safira Rizky Amanda GP serve as an inspiration for other students to strive for excellence and contribute at an international level.