The American Studies Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is currently preparing for the 2nd American Studies International Conference (ASIC), which will be held on September 10-11, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

This international conference marks the second implementation of ASIC after the first conference was successfully conducted in 2018. After several years of hiatus, ASIC returns as an academic forum that brings together researchers, lecturers, students, and practitioners from various fields of study.

ASIC 2026 carries the theme “Global America: Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges.” The theme highlights the dynamics of America in a global context, particularly related to cultural exchange, migration, territorial borders, digital media, and various other transnational issues.

The organizing committee stated that the conference is expected to become a platform for academic discussion that encourages interdisciplinary and international collaboration. In addition, ASIC 2026 is also part of the effort to strengthen the position of American Studies in Indonesia in responding to contemporary global issues.

Various subthemes will be discussed during the conference, including:

• American Literature
• American Transnational Culture
• Politics in the US
• Film and Media Studies
• Religion in the US
• Environmental and Ecological Issues in the US
• Diaspora in the US
• American Border
• Digital Lives and Virtual Realities
• Migration to and from the US

Currently, the committee continues to finalize various preparations, ranging from academic coordination and conference publication to the opening of the call for papers for both national and international participants. ASIC 2026 is also supported by several institutions and communities, including American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), American Studies Society of Indonesia (ASSINDO), Jogja Film Academy, PTA Sinematik Indonesia, and CARITRA Indonesia.

Previously, the first ASIC conference in 2018 brought together academics and researchers to discuss globalization and cultural identity issues within the perspective of American Studies. Through its second implementation, ASIC 2026 is expected to once again become a space for academic exchange that remains relevant to current global developments. 

Further information regarding ASIC 2026 can be accessed through the official ASIC website at asic.fib.ugm.ac.id

[American Studies]

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is hosting a Wayang Exhibition and Bazaar from Thursday to Saturday, May 21 to 23, 2026. Held at the UGM Center for Javanese Studies (Pusaka Jawa), this event is part of the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 series and also commemorates the 80th anniversary (Dies Natalis) of FIB UGM.

The exhibition is organized as part of the implementation of the EQUITY program by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). This year, the festival adopts the main theme “Kita. Butuh. Wayang.” (We. Need. Wayang.). This theme carries a profound meaning regarding cultural preservation efforts that must work in synergy with the empowerment of the artisan community behind it.

Through the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026, FIB UGM builds a balanced synergy between UGM’s academic thought and the heartbeat of wayang artisans in Butuh Hamlet, Sidowarno, Klaten Regency. Based on this event concept, the organizers issued a cultural proclamation through their official statement.

During the three-day exhibition, visitors can attend from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM WIB to enjoy various cultural educational showcases. The exhibition features several exploration areas, including the Photo Exhibition Zone, the Wayang Bazaar Zone, and the Audio-Visual Zone, which specifically screens the “Butuh Documentary.”

In the Wayang Display Zone, the organizers showcase various highly artistic panels and puppet characters. The works presented to the public include the Ramayana Panel, Arjuna Wiwaha, Dewaruci, Wirata Parwa, Sembadra Larung, Bhagavad Gita, and the figure of Mahapatih Gadjah Mada.

Ultimately, this Wayang Exhibition and Bazaar underscores the importance of safeguarding civilizational heritage while advancing the grassroots economy. The direct involvement of local artisans ensures that the wheels of the village-level creative economy keep turning alongside the preservation of tradition. This concrete step serves as a vital foundation for building a community that is economically independent and resilient in maintaining its cultural identity amidst changing times.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an evaluation meeting for its student exchange programs. These programs are the result of collaboration between FIB UGM and its national and international partner universities. The meeting, which took place in the Multimedia Room, was conducted in view of the upcoming conclusion of teaching and learning activities for the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The evaluation was attended by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni. The forum also invited national and international exchange students, including master’s and doctoral students specifically for the international cohort.

The participants of the exchange program for this academic year came from various domestic and international partner universities. International students were registered from Kokushikan University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, National Chengchi University, University of Naples L’Orientale, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Palacky University Olomouc, Kobe University, and Daito Bunka University. From the international postgraduate level, students attended from the Doctorate in Humanities, Doctorate in Anthropology, Master in Anthropology, Master in Linguistics, Master in Archaeology, and Master in Literature programs. Meanwhile, national students came from Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Udayana, and Universitas Andalas.

In his remarks, Professor Setiadi expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm throughout their studies. He emphasized the academic excellence and supportive social environment within the faculty that facilitate the students’ learning process.

“FIB is the right choice for all of you, especially international students. In addition to having various departments where courses can be taken even if they do not strictly align with your major, FIB also offers a wide range of student activities that you can participate in to get to know each other’s backgrounds and cultures,” Professor Setiadi said.

During the main session of the meeting, several students shared their evaluations, impressions, and feedback. Student representatives from various partner universities shared their valuable experiences, input for program improvement, and the positive impressions they gained while participating in the exchange and studying at FIB UGM.

This evaluation meeting is a crucial step in maintaining and enhancing the quality of student exchange programs in the future. By strengthening academic partnerships across nations and regions, FIB UGM continues to strive toward creating an adaptive learning space and supporting equal access to quality education that respects global cultural diversity.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival (GWF) 2026 once again presented a series of cultural events as part of the 80th Anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. On the second day, an “Expert Lecture” themed “Wayang as Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage” was held at the Pusaka Jawa Courtyard of UGM on May 22, 2026.

This activity was part of a community engagement program under the theme of Equity, supported by LPDP. In his opening remarks, the Chairperson of the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival Committee, Rudy Wiratama, expressed his gratitude to all invited guests and participants who had supported the event.

Rudy Wiratama also expressed his hope that the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival would continue to be held annually as a cultural program. According to him, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM aims to continuously introduce wayang and selected dalang (puppeteers) to the public as part of preserving Javanese culture.

The expert lecture featured various discussions related to the world of wayang. Ir. Wono Sri Suwito, M.M. discussed cultural heritage within the wayang tradition. Meanwhile, Mas Tyo Cahya Sadewa presented the art of tatah sungging (traditional carving and coloring techniques) of wayang kulit within the treasury of Javanese puppetry. Zakariya Pamuji also provided perspectives from philology and epigraphy to examine wayang as a cultural heritage rich in historical values and knowledge.

The event was moderated by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A. During the discussion session, he stated that wayang essentially belongs to everyone.

“When we talk about wayang, wayang belongs to all of us,” he remarked.

Through this activity, the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 served not only as a space for appreciating performing arts but also as a medium for cultural learning for younger generations and the wider community, encouraging them to appreciate and preserve the cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago.

This activity was also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education through the dissemination of cultural knowledge, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities through the preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, as the event involved collaboration among academics, artists, LPDP, and the community in maintaining the sustainability of Indonesian culture.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Farewell Afternoon Tea event alongside an evaluation meeting for the 2025/2026 Academic Year Student Exchange Program. The event was organized as a closing activity for the even semester and as a reflection forum on the implementation of FIB UGM’s student exchange program as well as the Independent Student Exchange Program under the Consortium of Deans of Faculties of Cultural Sciences across Indonesia.

The event was attended by faculty leaders, relevant administrative units, student exchange participants from various universities across Indonesia, and international students from partner institutions, including Kokushikan University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, National Chengchi University, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Palacký University Olomouc, and Kobe University. The presence of participants from diverse countries and institutions highlighted FIB UGM’s strong international academic network in supporting student mobility and cultural exchange.

In the official invitation, Nur Saktiningrum, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FIB UGM, stated that the event aimed to evaluate the implementation of the student exchange programs that had been conducted throughout the academic year. Through this evaluation forum, participants were given the opportunity to share their experiences, feedback, and recommendations to further improve the quality of the programs in future periods.

Beyond serving as an evaluation platform, the event also functioned as a means of strengthening relationships among students from different cultural and national backgrounds. The interactions established throughout the exchange programs not only enriched participants’ academic experiences but also enhanced intercultural understanding, tolerance, and adaptability in a global environment.

This spirit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the promotion of inclusive and internationally oriented learning experiences, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration between FIB UGM and various national and international higher education institutions in supporting student mobility and educational cooperation.

[Public Relations Office of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]