Yogyakarta, June 6, 2024 – The Soegondo Auditorium on the 7th floor of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) witnessed a solemn and emotional valedictory ceremony for Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, M.A., M.Phil. After nearly 40 years of dedicated service at UGM, the esteemed Professor of Anthropology officially concluded his tenure as an active lecturer. The event, held from 08:45 AM to 10:40 AM, was attended by colleagues, students, and the general public who wished to honor Prof. Heddy’s academic journey.

Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra is a highly respected figure in academic circles, particularly in Anthropology. Born in Yogyakarta on May 28, 1954, he pursued his education in Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Undergraduate, 1973-1976), Universitas Indonesia (Bachelor, 1978-1980; M.A., 1983), Rijksuniversiteit Leiden in the Netherlands (Postgraduate, 1980-1982), and Columbia University in the United States (M.A., 1986; M.Phil., 1989; Ph.D., 1993). Additionally, he received higher education in English at IKIP Sanata Dharma Yogyakarta and Dutch at Universitas Indonesia. His dedication to research and teaching made him a significant figure in the development of Anthropology in Indonesia. He has been an extraordinary lecturer at various universities in Indonesia and a guest lecturer at Dagon University, Myanmar. Furthermore, Prof. Heddy has served as the Head of the Anthropology Study Program and the Chair of the Senate at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM. His research covers various socio-cultural issues in Indonesia and several other countries, resulting in important works such as “Lévi-Strauss Structuralism, Myth and Literature” and “Patron and Client in South Sulawesi: A Functional-Structural Study.”

The event began with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si. (Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM) and Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, M.A. (Head of the Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM). Prof. Setiadi expressed appreciation and recalled Prof. Heddy’s career, highlighting his contributions in various fields and his role in producing outstanding scholars across many regions. “Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra is not just a teacher, but truly a luminary, like a lighthouse for our academic community,” he remarked. Subsequently, the Head of the Department of Anthropology, Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, M.A., conveyed deep appreciation for Prof. Heddy’s dedication. He emphasized that Prof. Heddy has brought many innovations and introduced various new perspectives in the study of Anthropology in Indonesia.

The event continued with the screening of a short documentary depicting Prof. Heddy’s life and struggles in the field of Anthropology. This video, presented by his students, featured significant moments in his career and interesting stories from his life, narrated by Prof. Heddy himself. Additionally, the event was enlivened by traditional dance (Srimpi Dhempe Dance) and musical performances by students and faculty members as a form of appreciation and respect.

Prof. Heddy’s colleagues from his time at Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, Netherlands, joined the celebration by sharing stories and singing together. They were Laksono, Sylvi, Yani, and Ratna, who recounted moments from their youth during their studies. After sharing their stories, they sang together in Dutch, accompanied by Prof. Heddy on the guitar. This moment added warmth and camaraderie to the event, reminding everyone of their close-knit bond and cherished memories.

The highlight of the event was the valedictory speech by Prof. Heddy titled “Building Bulaksumur Anthropology – From ‘Life-History’ to ‘Paradigm’.” In his speech, Prof. Heddy recounted his long and dynamic journey in Anthropology, from his undergraduate studies at UGM, his bachelor’s studies at Universitas Indonesia, postgraduate studies at Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, to his postgraduate and doctoral studies at Columbia University. His speech illustrated the immense dedication and effort he has invested in developing Anthropology in Indonesia.

The event concluded with the cutting of the tumpeng and the presentation of a memento from the Department of Anthropology to Prof. Heddy as a symbol of appreciation for his service. Afterward, the guests were invited to enjoy a meal together in the courtyard of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), with various food and drink stalls provided by those who wished to contribute to the celebration. The warmth of this event reflected the deep respect and gratitude of the academic community towards Prof. Heddy.

Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, M.A., M.Phil., of UGM is a distinguished professor who has made significant contributions to the development of Anthropology. His spirit and dedication will continue to be remembered and serve as an inspiration for future generations. Thank you, Prof. Heddy, for all the knowledge and service you have provided. May your retirement bring happiness and well-being.

Writer: Afif Naufal Widiadi

KALINGA, Dr. Suhandano, Dr. Sailal Arimi, and Drs. Tatang Hariri along with Master of Linguistics students across generations, carried out a ‘Students Gathering’ as well as the ‘The KALINGGA Handover Ceremony 2024’. In this activity, various discussions related to academic activity in the Master of Linguistics UGM took place actively, such as transparency of student assessments and holding a prayer room in the Soegondo building so that lectures took place more efficiently. On this occasion, Dr. Suhandano also said that there would be a new application related to assessment, namely ‘Sioba’. Furthermore, final semester assignments also need to provide options other than articles and there is also a need for thesis research mentoring by lecturers. It is hoped that through this activity students will be more motivated to publish journals and be fluent in compiling their theses so they can complete lectures on time.

The system of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) embraced in September 2015 by the UN, the worldwide improvement motivation for the primary time alludes to culture. The benefits of keeping up and progressing culture are accomplished through socially educated and viable execution of advancement objectives. Thus, discussion forums between lecturers and students can be a good culture to support and improve the quality of the learning environment.

In this activity, the stewardship of KALINGGA for the next 1 year was also officially appointed by Dr. Suhandano, witnessed by the previous year’s KALINGGA Management and students from across generations who were present. In the next 1 year, KALINGGA is expected to become a forum that can accommodate the aspirations of Master of Linguistics students, support the growth of student achievement and innovation, including creating useful activities in the field of Linguistics and society.

The Middle East Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) UGM and the Indonesian Students Association of the Middle East and Africa Region (PPIDK Timtengka) collaborate in the implementation of a series of activities “Middle East Culture Week” which carries the theme Global Synergy for Empowering Impact. This series of activities was opened with the “IMABTA Menyapa” event which was held on Thursday, June 30, 2024 in a hybrid manner with the topic “Stringing Educational Intertwining between Middle Eastern and Indonesian Students”. The IMABTA Greeting event was attended by the Head of the Department of Intercultural Studies, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Secretary of the Department of Intercultural Studies UGM, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. Coordinator of PPIDK Timgtengka, Siti Amaliah, Lc., and representatives of Indonesian students in Middle Eastern countries, including: Egypt, Libya, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, and South Africa.

In his speech, Prof. Sangidu said that KBTT UGM is open to undergraduate graduates in the Middle East because the courses offered are relevant to the fields of study studied in the Middle East. The Professor of Arabic Literature also gave a message that the IMABTA Greeting activity was a good start to begin collaboration between KBTT UGM students and PPIDK Timtengka. This collaboration must be utilized as well as possible in increasing interest in Middle Eastern studies, as well as initiating student research collaboration in the fields of Language, Literature, and Culture. In the future, it is hoped that both parties can synergize in carrying out the activities of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, namely Education, Research and Community Service.

On Monday, June 3, 2024, Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM had the opportunity to interview one of the students of Faculty of Cultural Sciecnes UGM, Haybah Shabira, who successfully passed the Semifinal selection of Student Debate League organized by PT IDN Media on May 31, 2024. The Student Debate League competition was held to celebrate the tenth anniversary of PT IDN Times as well as an initiative to encourage students’ ability to think critically and express their opinions and aspirations as a young generation. The competition invited a number of universities such as Diponegoro University, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Telkom University, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, Mataram University, Bogor Agricultural University, Padjajaran University, and others, to participate in the debate competition.

As a student of Archaeology UGM Class of 2023 from Aceh, Haybah has been involved in the world of competitive debate since the beginning of the first semester through participating in the Gadjah Mada Debating Society (GMDS) UGM and has participated in various English debate and Indonesian debate competitions. At the Student Debate League competition, he was initially interested in registering for the competition, but because the quota of representatives from the debate organization he joined was filled early, he was unable to register directly. Fortunately, one of the representatives withdrew and Haybah immediately took her place to have the opportunity to run as a representative.

As one of the representatives of the GMDS UGM organization, Haybah joined a team consisting of two different faculty students Nawfal Aulia Luthfurrahman from the Faculty of Economics and Business Class of 2023 and Meira Davina Jasmine from the Faculty of Law Class of 2023. Despite being from different faculties, they were still excited to compete together.

During the competition, they conducted research on debate motions that had been used in previous debate competitions as a learning reference. After conducting research, they will compile arguments and divide their respective work roles such as the role of the first speaker who presents the basic direction of the debate, followed by the next speaker who presents problem identification, and the last speaker who provides a solution presentation.

“So, we have a solid and clear structure for our debate and until the preparation for the final, nothing has changed, except maybe coaching from our seniors at GMDS UGM,” said Haybah explaining the preparation for the final stage.

With the final stage held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at IDN Media Headquarters, DKI Jakarta, Haybah and members of the Student Debate League team are now representing Gadjah Mada University to compete with Bogor Agricultural University.

“I want to prove that, you know, the result of UGM’s upbringing and make UGM proud and inspire my friends, especially from my neighborhood in Aceh to encourage the courage of my friends that if you lose it’s okay, because you will reach the level that you are capable enough to reach that level.” Haybah answered about her hopes and enthusiasm to share inspiration for her friends and students to dare to try to jump into the competition.