UGM Anthropology Department collaborated with Faculty of Social Science Chiang Mai University (CMU) Thailand to Organize Summer Course “Knowledge Enhancement Program” from June 8-14, 2024. The program, attended by 9 CMU students from Myanmar, China, Japan, Thailand, and 8 UGM Anthropology Department students, included activities such as lectures, fieldwork at three locations in Yogyakarta (Panggungharjo Village, Kaliurang, and Kali Code Village), and presentations of field findings.

The Summer Course aims to provide CMU and UGM students the opportunity to explain the conditions of their respective countries, particularly regarding economic, environmental, social, or cultural aspects of regional economic development. This is expected to foster sensitivity and critical thinking towards everyday issues through participation in field activities. Additionally, the program seeks to offer opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students and scholars from ASEAN countries to exchange and share their knowledge and culture with fellow students and academics, fostering inter-university regional relationships.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9 CMU students arrived in Yogyakarta accompanied by Dr. Putthida. On Monday, June 10, 2024, the Summer Course was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM, Prof. Setiadi, followed by lectures from UGM Anthropology lecturers: Zamzam Fauzanafi, Ph.D., Prof. Pujo Semedi, and Dr. Pande Made Kutanegara, who provided an overview of the three fieldwork areas.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, CMU and UGM students, accompanied by Agung Wicaksono, Ph.D., and Dr. Putthida, began fieldwork in Panggungharjo with the topic “The Development of Yogyakarta’s Peri-Urban Regions.” At the site, students conducted observations and interviews with local residents about the changes in Panggungharjo over time, from land use changes to waste management innovations by the Panggungharjo Village Government, which has become a model for public service management.

The fieldwork continued to the second location in Kaliurang, specifically in Padukuhan Kaliurang Timur, with the theme “The Wealth and Poverty in Rural Yogyakarta.” Similar to previous activities, each CMU student was paired with a UGM student as a translator. In Kaliurang, participants received materials on the causes and impacts of poverty experienced by the local community and visitors.

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Summer Course participants continued fieldwork in Kampung Kalicode. There, they met with Pak Totok, a tour guide, who explained the history of Kampung Kalicode. This fieldwork focused on the theme “Inter-Ethnicity Relations in Yogyakarta City,” observing the dynamics and relationships between ethnic and religious groups in Kampung Kalicode.

To conclude the Summer Course, on Thursday, June 13, 2024, students were asked to present their findings from the fieldwork. Each student offered their perspectives and reflections based on what they discovered in their country and fieldwork areas. Dr. Putthida, who accompanied the CMU students, hoped that the UGM-CMU Summer Course would contribute significantly to national and regional efforts toward development and tolerance of socio-economic, political, and cultural diversity, which are key to successful regional integration.

Authors: Bety Oktaviani & Vincamira Tasha Florika

On June 14, 2024, the French Language and Literature Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a donation of Italian books from Laura Romano. Laura Romano is an Italian language lecturer who taught in the French Literature Program at UGM from around 2003 to 2009. Currently, Laura Romano is an Indonesian citizen originally from Italy and a practitioner of Sumarah. She now resides in the city of Solo.

The books donated by Laura Romano came from her personal library. The shipment included 10 boxes of books categorized into several themes. These categories included Philosophy and History, Italian Language Lessons, Novels, Spirituality, as well as CDs and DVDs. The total number of books, CDs, and DVDs donated reached 261 items. The collection is quite diverse, with one of the notable works being an Italian version of Marcel Proust’s writings. Additionally, many of the CDs and DVDs are Italian-language films, including the movie “La Neve nel Cuore.”

Laura Romano hopes that this book donation will be beneficial for the Italian language learning activities at UGM. Moreover, for those who wish to learn through films or educational videos, the CDs and DVDs she provided are available. She also hopes that these books will help introduce Italian culture more broadly within the UGM community.

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.