Opening the new academic year, on August 14, 2024 the UGM Anthropology Department, The Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies, and the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies held an Anthropology of Religion Seminar entitled “Islam, Ambiguity, and (In)Tolerance: Perspectives from Southeast Asia” which was held at the Auditorium of Soegondo building, Faculty of Arts UGM. On this occasion, Professor Ismail Fajrie Alatas and Dr. Martin Slama as speakers presented their work-in-progress.

The seminar was opened by Professor Ismail Fajrie Alatas by reviewing the thoughts of previous scholars such as Ernest Gellner who reemphasized the distinctiveness of anthropological studies of religion in understanding Islam as a system of social institutions and that orthodoxy contains power relations that manifest certain opinions. Meanwhile, his colleague, Dr. Martin Slama in this presentation highlighted more about the views of Southeast Asian communities regarding the concept of tolerance and intolerance in Islam towards the concept of ambiguity, drawing on the thoughts of Shahab Ahmed and Thomas Bauer, both arguing that Islam’s inability to respond to ambiguity is now an implication of modernity so that Islam becomes more intolerant and seems rigid like an ideology.

Enriching the discourse of religious studies and anthropology of religion in a more specific research locus is very important for the development of contemporary studies and insights for the wider community, as Dr. Sita Hidayah in her commentary mentioned that this research provides broader insights because it shifts the focus of Islamic studies towards Southeast Asia. Through various seminars, workshops, and discussions like this, the Anthropology Department is committed to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals including SDGs 4 quality education and SDGs 17 partnerships to achieve common goals.

Author: Novilatul Ananda Ramadhani

Photo: Puspita Nindya Sari

Editor: Admin of FIB Public Relations

Wednesday morning, July 31, 2024, became a historic moment for the 2024 batch of students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada. As part of the campus introduction process, they were welcomed to the Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 event, which was held for two days from July 31 to August 1, 2024. The event was designed to introduce new students to academic life at FIB UGM, where Mahadaya will study for the next four years.

The opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 was enlivened by the strains of gamelan performed by Gamasutra (Gamelan Sastra Nusantara), an art unit that serves as a forum for students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Gamasutra played an important role in welcoming the mahadaya, presenting a solemn atmosphere and the nobility of Indonesian culture.

In addition to welcoming the mahadaya, Gamasutra also accompanied the presence of the Chairman of the Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024, the President of the Student Executive Board (LEM) 2024, the Dean of FIB UGM and staff, as well as the Heads of Study Programs from various departments. The peak moment of Gamasutra’s performance was when it enlivened the procession of gunungan removal, marking the official opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. Some of the songs performed by Gamasutra in the event include Gending Gati Padhasih, Gangsaran, and Ayak Vertikal which are the works of Ki Dr. Drs. Sukisno, M.Sn.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM, as the frontline in cultural studies, shows its commitment in preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage by providing ample space for the development of arts and cultural interests among students. This effort is in line with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the 4th point on improving the quality of education and the 17th point on partnerships to achieve goals.

Gamasutra’s performance in Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 is not only an entertainment event, but also a very important means of cultural introduction and preservation. Mahadaya class of 2024 also got a deep first impression of campus life that is rich in cultural values and traditions, which Mahadaya will continue to encounter and develop during its dynamics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM

Author : Haryo Untoro

The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) of UGM and the Indonesian Students Association of the Middle East Region (PPIDK Timtengka) conducted a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024, from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM WIB at the Omega Education Group office, Senopati, South Jakarta. The signing of this memorandum was attended by representatives from both organizations. From IMABTA UGM, the signing was represented by Farhan Azis Wildani as Vice Chair of IMABTA UGM and Aisya Dianmar Adzani as Secretary. Meanwhile, from PPIDK Timtengka, the signing was represented by Siti Amaliah as Coordinator of the Indonesian Students Association of the Middle East and Africa. Representatives from several Indonesian Student Associations under the umbrella of PPIDK Timtengka were also present and actively involved in the event. Among the Indonesian Student Associations present at the event were PPI Oman, represented by Fu’ad Alfikr, and two prominent figures who are Ambassadors of Timtengka, Tubagus Muhammad (PPI Syria) and Hanifah Khairiyah (PPMI Egypt). Additionally, Imran Zarkasyi, Rifqy Ramdhani, and Imada Hanimul Haq from PPMI Egypt also attended and actively participated in the discussion forum for planning the realization of future collaborative activities between the two parties following the sacred ceremony.

The signing of the MoU between IMABTA UGM and PPIDK Timtengka is expected to be a strategic step in building cooperative relations between the two parties with the main goal of enhancing the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Additionally, the collaboration aims to strengthen academic relations and fortify the bonds of friendship among students. The forms of cooperation agreed upon include the exchange of information related to education, research, and community service intersecting between the two parties and plans for joint activities. In this regard, IMABTA UGM and PPIDK Timtengka are committed to continuing the collaboration agenda of the “Middle Eastern Culture Week,” which will be held annually. Moreover, both parties are committed to opening opportunities for student research collaboration and scientific publication in the Journal of Middle Eastern Culture & Religion Issues (MECRI).

Siti Amaliah, the Coordinator of PPIDK Timtengka, stated that the Middle East is a vast region that remains open for the study of its dynamics and culture. In the future, this international cooperation and collaborative commitment are expected to be a positive starting point for both parties.

“Students of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT UGM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from the odd semester of 2023 successfully organized a Community Service Program (PKM) at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, located in Pabelan Village, Mungkid Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Central Java, on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The event, held in the Library Hall from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, featured a seminar titled ‘Middle East Talk: History and Culture’ and was attended by 54 final-year students of KMI.

The event began with an opening by the MC, followed by welcoming speeches from the head of the UGM PKM committee and Al-Ustadz Muhammad Muzakkir, M.Ag, Deputy Director of Dirasah Ulya at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School. He explained the origins of Pabelan Islamic Boarding School and its long-standing ties with UGM. “Pabelan Islamic Boarding School was founded by KH Hamam Dja’far al-Maghfurlah on August 28, 1965, and has had a personal connection with UGM for a long time. This is evidenced by several prominent professors from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Sangidu M.Hum and Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., who were former students at this boarding school.”

Following the speeches, the seminar proceeded with two sessions. The first session, titled ‘The Distinctiveness of the Middle East,’ was presented by Fahmi Mubarok Lc, and the second session was a sharing session on the academic world in the Middle East, presented by Naili Izzah Ramadhani, Lc. Muhammad Syahdan Hidayat, S.S., provided an overview of UGM’s academic programs and shared tips and tricks for applying to UGM.

At the end of the event, the Director of Kulliyatul Muallimin Al-Islamiyah at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, Al-Ustadz Nur Musthofa S.H.I, gave a closing speech. He expressed gratitude to the UGM PKM students and motivated the students to master languages, especially Arabic and English. The event concluded with the presentation of a souvenir from UGM to Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, followed by a group photo session.”

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, marked a historic day for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) with the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. The event was held in the front yard of the Margono Building, commonly known as Greenland, and was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Setiadi, Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. In his speech, Prof. Setiadi introduced the vice deans, heads of study programs, and unit coordinators at FIB UGM. “I hope the students get to know the people who will assist them during their studies at FIB UGM,” said Prof. Setiadi. This introduction aimed to create a closer and more familiar relationship between students and the faculty, fostering a conducive and supportive learning environment.

The event’s excitement continued with various performances from semi-autonomous bodies (BSO) of FIB UGM. Among them were Sastra Oebah with a captivating theater performance, Rampoe with energetic traditional Acehnese dances, and Buchaechum showcasing the elegant and mesmerizing Korean fan dance.

Another highlight was a cultural discussion session featuring Prof. Bambang Hudayana as the speaker. This discussion covered current issues in the cultural world and how students can actively participate in the preservation and development of local culture. This session served as an inspirational moment that motivated students to delve deeper into and appreciate the cultural wealth they possess.

Additionally, there was a sharing session with successful alumni from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. There was also a session led by Mrs. Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs., about the administrative procedures for borrowing rooms and facilities at FIB UGM.

The Opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 was not only an introduction and entertainment event but also a means to strengthen the relationship between students and the faculty and enrich cultural insights. With high spirits, it is hoped that FIB UGM students will continue to contribute to preserving and developing Indonesian culture.