On July 4-7, 2024, the Department of Anthropology held a Mega-Infrastructure Workshop with the main speakers, David Fernando Bachrach from University Boulder Colorado and Professor Pujo Semedi. This activity aims to open interest in anthropological research on mega-infrastructure. Mega-infrastructure refers to infrastructure projects that have a large scale and high complexity such as the construction of toll roads, bridges, ports, airports, power plants, mass transportation systems, and other projects that play an important role in supporting the economic growth of a country or region. While providing great benefits in the long run, mega-infrastructure projects often face challenges and controversies. Some of them can have significant environmental impacts, such as deforestation, land degradation, or pollution. In addition, these projects can also affect local communities, either positively or negatively, such as population displacement or changes in traditional living patterns.

The workshop provided a deep insight into the social, economic and cultural complexities involved in mega-infrastructure development. David Fernando Bachrach discussed the impact of globalization and technology on modern infrastructure, while Professor Pujo Semedi highlighted the role of infrastructure in social transformation and local identity. The discussions and presentations from both presenters provided a strong basis for participants to develop research interests in anthropology related to how mega-infrastructure directly and indirectly affects people’s lives. This workshop is expected to be the start of further collaboration between researchers and practitioners to delve deeper into the challenges and opportunities associated with infrastructure development in a changing global context.

Organized by the Department of Anthropology, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia on Monday, July 8, 2024 at Soegondo Building room 709, Faculty of Humanities, Gadjah Mada University, this one-day workshop was conceived to stimulate dialogue between different geographical, political, and economic views on migration in the Global South, while exploring opportunities to enhance scholarly exchange among participants. The event was able to provide a platform to discuss diverse approaches to migration, including knowledge creation, dynamics, methods, ethics, and case studies from different regions in the Global South. The aim of the Workshop was also to provide participants with the necessary skills to disseminate their ideas more widely and engage in contemporary debates on migration in the South.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Kamran Asdar Ali as Former President of AAS and Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Then the participants and mentors introduced themselves one by one before presenting the work of their respective groups. The next agenda was Rethinking Interconnectivity which was guided by Dr. Realisa D. Massardi/Dr. Furrukh Khan/Dr: Jerónimo Delgado-Caicedo. This was followed by breakaway sessions discussing interconnectivity in the global south and how the concept relates to their research. Participants then presented again, this time on their findings. At the end of the program, there was a discussion to answer any unanswered questions.

On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the auditorium of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM witnessed an enthusiastic 9:30-11:00 event. The event began by watching an introductory video about Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Humanities, followed by an interactive quiz about the video content. Students and teachers enthusiastically participated in this quiz, with the winners getting souvenirs as awards.

This was followed by a presentation by the Public Relations & Cooperation Unit using a PowerPoint presentation that explained in depth about the campus and faculty. A question and answer session was then held, where students asked various questions related to the excellent programs offered, the possibility of admission through organizational achievement pathways, requirements for automatic admission for high schools with parallel number one rankings, plans for new study programs, and the possibility of UKT increases.

The event was also colored by the handover of souvenirs from each school to FIB UGM as an expression of gratitude and support. The excitement of the event reached its peak with a group photo session as a closing that captured precious moments for all participants. This event is not only a forum for information and interaction, but also strengthens the relationship between FIB UGM with the education community and society at large.

The Merdeka Student Exchange Program is an initiative that allows university students to study at universities in Indonesia for one semester. It aims to enhance their learning experience and strengthen unity in diversity. PMM targets to involve 204 recipient universities and accept 15,505 students as participants of this program. One of the universities that received the program is of course Gadjah Mada University. There are many students who have exchanged to this campus and not a few who managed to qualify to study at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The students came from various universities from all over Indonesia, and some even came from abroad, namely 2 students from Hankuk University, South Korea.

After almost 6 months of PMM students studying, they will finally be released to return to their respective universities after completing the Final Semester Examination. Therefore, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences took the initiative to organize a farewell event for them. The event was held at Teras Langit Turi on Thursday, June 13, 2024 and was attended by 24 students and a number of lecturers representing each study program. They gathered at 4pm at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and departed together using the bus that had been prepared for them. After traveling for about half an hour, they arrived at the venue. There they were served various drinks, food, snacks, and heavy meals. While eating the dishes, they were invited to share their respective experiences during college. They captured the moment together before going home.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

informing one of the new programs at FIB UGM: SIBUYA, what’s SIBUYA?

SIBUYA (Sarapan pagi Ilmu BUdaYA), is a free and healthy breakfast program for students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM during the Final Semester Examination. Save the dates!

(June 19, 21, 24 and 27, 2024*)

Just show your KTM / (Exam card on that day) and enjoy the free breakfast!!!

Don’t run out … Let’s get it….

*Breakfast is available 200 servings every day

Starting at 06.30 until the place in front of Soegondo Building runs out

Hopefully the SIBUYA program is useful and adds to the enthusiasm of FIB students in taking UAS, and hopefully UAS runs smoothly, and we are always given health.

Thank you Mr. Dean and all of you for fasilitasinya