Yogyakarta, 28/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) hosted a thought-provoking workshop titled “Archives of Ethnographic Encounters”  at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building. The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured Marco Del Gallo, a PhD candidate in Anthropology at the London School of Economics.

In this workshop, Marco shared his experience working with the personal photographic archive of the late Haswinar Arifin, an anthropology student and photographer who documented life in North Jakarta from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Through this material, Marco invited participants to reconsider the meaning of archives—not merely as collections of documents, but as living traces that hold stories, emotions, and social dynamics.

The discussion raised fundamental questions about the very definition of an archive. Are people, through the simple act of storing photographs, notes, or recordings, in fact producing historical documents for the future? If so, how should researchers engage with these materials—both their own and those created by others? This line of thought opened up a broader understanding of archives, extending beyond official documents to include photographs, sound recordings, videos, and creative writings that capture everyday experiences.

Marco also emphasized the ethical responsibility that comes with working on archives collected by others. Personal materials that enter the academic space bring their own dilemmas: how can intimacy be preserved when private archives are circulated publicly? Where do we draw the line between the researcher’s role, the rights of ownership, and the community represented in these archives? Such questions demand sensitivity to ethics, care, and fairness in collaborative ethnographic work.

Marco’s reflections stem from his doctoral research based on 26 months of fieldwork among fishing communities in North Jakarta. His work contributes to broader discussions on urbanism, capitalism, environmental transformation, collective politics, and labor. His presence at FIB UGM demonstrated how ethnographic experiences in the field can be woven into larger theoretical reflections through archival engagement.

The workshop ultimately became more than an academic gathering; it served as a reminder that archives are not static collections but living spaces of memory. They allow us to see how everyday life becomes history, and how preserving archives also means preserving collective memory for the future.

Yogyakarta, 19/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a special inaugural lecture for the new undergraduate students of the 2025 academic year. The event featured the keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., who presented on the theme “Healthy Relationships, Strong Minds, Enthusiastic Learning.”

In her presentation, Prof. Wening introduced her book titled “Healthy Relationships,” which is based on the principles of positive thinking, collaboration, and inclusivity. She emphasized that collaboration is the key to mutual progress, while inclusivity means involving all parties without exception, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, remote areas, and friends with disabilities. She asserted that healthy relationships should not only be applied among students but also between lecturers and in external collaborations such as community service and internships.

Furthermore, Prof. Wening highlighted that diverse backgrounds could lead to conflicts or violence, making awareness of justice, equality, and democracy crucial for creating a safe and comfortable academic environment. She elaborated on various forms of violence that need to be watched out for, ranging from verbal, psychological, sexual, symbolic, to intellectual violence.

During this occasion, Prof. Wening reminded the new FIB students that their selection from a large pool of applicants is a significant achievement, but it must be accompanied by humility and respect for others. She emphasized that UGM should no longer be known for the term “killer lecturers,” but rather as a University that upholds healthy relationships.

The event was interactive, featuring a question-and-answer session between the new students and Prof. Wening. The discussion was lively, with questions coming from various majors within FIB. The critical inquiries from students enriched the collective understanding of the importance of building healthy relationships in both academic and social life.

The inaugural lecture concluded with a collective call to build awareness in creating security, comfort, and a positive learning spirit. It is hoped that all new FIB UGM students can embark on their academic journey with strong minds, healthy relationships, and a sustainable enthusiasm for learning.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event underscores the importance of access to education and the establishment of basic living standards. By fostering an inclusive academic environment, UGM aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to quality education and the necessary support to thrive.

Prof. Wening’s emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity resonates with the SDG goal of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the need for development assistance in underprivileged areas. By addressing these issues, UGM is not only contributing to the academic growth of its students but also to the broader societal development.

As the new academic year begins, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM is committed to nurturing a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration among its students and faculty. This commitment is essential for creating a conducive learning environment that promotes personal and academic growth.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Department of Archaeology and the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), returned cultural heritage items to the Warloka community in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (14/7). This significant event involved the handover of approximately 40 kilograms of artifacts that had been excavated 15 years ago and stored at UGM for research purposes. The artifacts are categorized into 15 types, including jewelry, tools, ceramics, pottery, coins, and the remains of three ancestral individuals.

This initiative is part of a repatriation process that emphasizes the ethical responsibility within the academic world. Beyond the physical return of items, this repatriation reflects a critical reflection on the role of researchers and the necessity of sharing research benefits equitably. The act of returning these artifacts is a significant step towards acknowledging cultural diversity and the rights of local communities.

Dr. Tular Sudarmadi, the head of the repatriation team, highlighted that cultural heritage should not be managed through exploitative approaches rooted in colonial practices. He emphasized the need for academics to build equitable relationships with the communities that are part of their research subjects. Dr. Sudarmadi expressed a moral imperative to return these artifacts to the Warloka community, reinforcing the importance of civil society partnerships in preserving cultural heritage.

In addition, Dr. Rucitarahma Ristiawan from FIB noted that the return of these artifacts is a crucial part of the struggle for epistemic justice. He stated that this action is not merely symbolic but reflects a transformation in academic practices towards a more ethical direction. He stressed the importance of recognizing the value of local knowledge systems and providing space for communities to narrate their own histories.

The repatriation process also involved UGM’s postgraduate archaeology student, Oto Alcianto, and received support from art crime and criminology researcher Dr. Emiline Smith from the University of Glasgow. Dr. Smith views this repatriation as a symbol of a significant shift that encourages academics to be more aware of their ethical responsibilities. She also emphasized the need for government support in helping institutions manage the respectful storage and return of cultural heritage.

The remains of the ancestors are planned to be reburied according to the customs and beliefs of the Warloka community. Meanwhile, other cultural artifacts will be temporarily stored at the local Tourism Office until a dedicated exhibition space in Warloka is completed. The local government and community plan to use this momentum to enhance tourist education regarding local history and the importance of collaborative research in preserving cultural heritage.

The Warloka community has expressed its commitment to safeguarding and protecting the archaeological findings in the area. This event not only marks a significant milestone in the repatriation of cultural heritage but also serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and community engagement in the preservation of history.

As UGM continues to develop institutional guidelines for the management of archaeological excavation artifacts, this initiative stands as a pioneering effort in Indonesia. It highlights the need for ethical practices in academia and the importance of civil society partnerships in fostering a more inclusive approach to cultural heritage management.

Source: ugm.ac.id
Photos: Dok. Research Team

Yogyakarta, 10/7/2025 – The Department of History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recently held a public lecture aimed at igniting intellectual enthusiasm and fostering critical interdisciplinary discussions. The event, titled “Decolonizing Photography Archives: Research Issues in the Colonial Era and Its Visual Documentation,” took place in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building and featured Dr. Martin Slama, a senior researcher from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, as the keynote speaker.

In his presentation, Dr. Slama unveiled the findings from the 1928-1929 expeditions conducted by Austrian and German scientists to the Dutch East Indies. This limnological expedition not only produced around 3,000 photographs highlighting the ecology of rivers and lakes but also meticulously documented the lives of local communities, capturing everything from traditional ceremonies and religious activities to daily routines. Notably, many of the images were taken using stereo photography technology, which provided a three-dimensional effect.

However, despite their significant scientific value, these photographic archives have remained exclusively stored in Vienna, Austria. The limited access to these images has been a central critique raised during the discussion: how can these photographs be recontextualized for the communities from which they were taken? How can they be transformed from mere colonial heritage into a window for social, cultural, and historical reflection?

Dr. Slama emphasized that mere digitization is not enough. He argued that a decolonization approach is necessary in presenting these digital archives, allowing local communities in Indonesia to access, understand, and reinterpret the images in today’s context. “These colonial photographs must be given new life, not just as visual objects, but as part of a narrative that involves the communities that were once their subjects,” he stated.

The discussion was dynamic and filled with enthusiasm. Faculty members, students, and academics from various fields actively engaged in questioning and dialogue, demonstrating the importance of the intersection between history, visuality, and archival ethics in post-colonial studies.

Through this public lecture, the Department of History at UGM not only opened an academic space for learning about the past but also challenged participants to think critically about the present and how colonial legacies can be reconstructed for a more just and inclusive future. The event highlighted the role of education in addressing historical injustices and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the decolonization of photographic archives is not merely an academic exercise but a vital step towards reconciliation and empowerment for the communities depicted in these images. By engaging with these archives, participants were encouraged to reflect on their own identities and histories, fostering a sense of ownership over their cultural narratives.

In conclusion, the public lecture served as a reminder of the power of education in shaping societal perspectives and the importance of reexamining historical narratives. The collaboration between scholars and local communities is essential in ensuring that the legacies of the past are not forgotten but are instead transformed into tools for education and social justice.

Yogyakarta, 2/7/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) was held at the University Club of Universitas Gadjah Mada, presenting an inspiring discourse on the power of women’s narratives in Javanese literature. Dra. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, M.A., together with two of her students, Yudha Adistira and Saktia Hidayah, presented a study entitled “Leadership of Female Characters in the Novel Kidung Trěsna Sang Pikatan: Rancière’s Democratic Perspective.”

In her presentation, the researcher highlighted how female characters in the novel by Alexandra Indriyanti Dewi serve as agents of social change. Utilizing the radical democracy theory of Jacques Rancière, they interpreted that leadership in the story does not stem from structural power but from political actions that challenge the established patriarchal symbolic order.

Wulan, Pramodawardhani, and Sri Kahulunan emerged as representations of female figures manifesting Rancière’s three main concepts: dissensus, egalitarianism, and the reversal of hierarchy. Wulan, depicted as tělik sandhi, experiences inner conflict and subtly challenges the system through apparent compliance, a form of dissensus that quietly disrupts the power structure. Meanwhile, Pramodawardhani reflects the spirit of egalitarianism through her sharp political strategies and involvement in the development of Borobudur Temple. On the other hand, Sri Kahulunan firmly opposes the claim that leadership must be male-dominated, showcasing women’s courage in repositioning power.

Interestingly, all three characters were also analyzed through the lens of Donna Haraway’s cyborg feminism, positioning them as hybrid subjects that reject old dichotomies such as male-female or public-private. With this approach, female figures emerge not merely as complements to historical narratives but as leaders who reshape the power map.

This presentation contributes significantly to the discourse on gender and politics within the realm of literature, affirming that Javanese literature can also serve as a democratic space that validates women’s voices as active subjects of social change. More than just a historical romance, Kidung Trěsna Sang Pikatan stands as a text of resistance against patriarchy and a symbol of Javanese women’s bravery in carving their nation’s history.

The seminar also emphasized the importance of cultural diversity in literature, showcasing how different narratives can coexist and enrich the understanding of gender roles. By empowering girls through education for sustainability, the event highlighted the need for equal opportunities in literary representation, ensuring that women’s stories are told and celebrated.

In conclusion, through the presentation session by Dra. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, M.A., SEMEJA IV not only celebrated the contributions of experts and academics in Malay-Javanese studies, but also reinforced the importance of education and cultural diversity in building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The narrative presented is a call to action for everyone to recognize and support the vital role of women in literature and society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]