Yogyakarta, 19/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a special inaugural lecture for the new undergraduate students of the 2025 academic year. The event featured the keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., who presented on the theme “Healthy Relationships, Strong Minds, Enthusiastic Learning.”

In her presentation, Prof. Wening introduced her book titled “Healthy Relationships,” which is based on the principles of positive thinking, collaboration, and inclusivity. She emphasized that collaboration is the key to mutual progress, while inclusivity means involving all parties without exception, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, remote areas, and friends with disabilities. She asserted that healthy relationships should not only be applied among students but also between lecturers and in external collaborations such as community service and internships.

Furthermore, Prof. Wening highlighted that diverse backgrounds could lead to conflicts or violence, making awareness of justice, equality, and democracy crucial for creating a safe and comfortable academic environment. She elaborated on various forms of violence that need to be watched out for, ranging from verbal, psychological, sexual, symbolic, to intellectual violence.

During this occasion, Prof. Wening reminded the new FIB students that their selection from a large pool of applicants is a significant achievement, but it must be accompanied by humility and respect for others. She emphasized that UGM should no longer be known for the term “killer lecturers,” but rather as a University that upholds healthy relationships.

The event was interactive, featuring a question-and-answer session between the new students and Prof. Wening. The discussion was lively, with questions coming from various majors within FIB. The critical inquiries from students enriched the collective understanding of the importance of building healthy relationships in both academic and social life.

The inaugural lecture concluded with a collective call to build awareness in creating security, comfort, and a positive learning spirit. It is hoped that all new FIB UGM students can embark on their academic journey with strong minds, healthy relationships, and a sustainable enthusiasm for learning.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event underscores the importance of access to education and the establishment of basic living standards. By fostering an inclusive academic environment, UGM aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to quality education and the necessary support to thrive.

Prof. Wening’s emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity resonates with the SDG goal of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the need for development assistance in underprivileged areas. By addressing these issues, UGM is not only contributing to the academic growth of its students but also to the broader societal development.

As the new academic year begins, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM is committed to nurturing a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration among its students and faculty. This commitment is essential for creating a conducive learning environment that promotes personal and academic growth.

Yogyakarta, June 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially signed a collaboration agreement with HOMSEA (History of Medicine in Southeast Asia) to co-host The 10th International Conference on the History of Medicine in Southeast Asia. The symbolic signing ceremony was held at Soegondo Hall, FIB UGM, with the Deans of FKKMK and FIB in attendance.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., Dean of FIB UGM, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to host such a significant international gathering and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in understanding the historical roots of health systems. Representing FIB UGM, Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A. served as the Person-in-Charge (PIC) of the event, actively coordinating the collaboration with HOMSEA and FKKMK UGM.

Held under the theme “The History of Medicine in Colonial, Post–Colonial, and Global Worlds,” the four-day conference takes place from June 23 to 27, 2025. The event began with a Pre-Conference Workshop on June 23, followed by the main conference sessions from June 24 to 26, and concludes with an optional Historical Hospital Tour on June 27.

This year’s conference addresses several vital subthemes

• Health, Medicine, and Decolonization,
• Community Health vs Medical Specialization,
• Connections and Differences within Southeast Asia,
• The Anthropocene from a Southeast Asian Perspective,
• Medicine, Ethics, Politics, and the Sustainable Development Goals,
• and Climate Change and Environmental Degradation.

Founded in 2005 by Prof. Laurence Monnais (University of Montreal) and Dr. Rethy Chhem (former Executive Director of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute), HOMSEA has served as a platform for scholars and practitioners to share insights and research on the history of health and medicine in the region.

To foster inclusivity, HOMSEA continues to provide travel bursaries and waived conference fees for participants from countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. These bursaries are made possible through support from institutions including the Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Pluralism, the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV), and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre.

This collaborative effort is expected to strengthen the development of research on the history of medicine in Southeast Asia and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of equitable and sustainable global health systems.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, June/10/2025 – The UGM Senate Hall was filled with a sense of anticipation as members of the academic community gathered to witness the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A., a prominent figure in the field of Health Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event, held from 09:00 to 10:00 WIB, featured an inspiring inaugural speech titled “Masuk Angin as a Cultural Phenomenon.”

In her address, Prof. Atik emphasized that three cultural dimensions—systems of ideas, cultural behavior, and cultural artifacts (Spradley, 1972)—can be used to understand the concept of masuk angin. She explained that masuk angin as a system of ideas reflects cultural conceptions of health, illness, and traditional healing philosophies.

As cultural behavior, masuk angin is evident in how the Javanese people choose various healing methods. Prof. Atik highlighted traditional practices such as using ancient coins for kerokan (a traditional scraping therapy), along with balms, oils, and spices—whether in drink form or packaged in sachets—as important components of the healing process (Triratnawati, 2012).

She also pointed out that the term masuk angin has evolved beyond its original health-related context and is now used metaphorically in political and economic discourse. This shift illustrates the dynamic nature of cultural expressions and their relevance in multiple aspects of daily life.

Prof. Atik’s research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting access to affordable medicine and achieving health equity. She stressed that understanding cultural practices surrounding health is key to developing effective and inclusive healthcare strategies.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including academics, students, and health practitioners, all eager to engage with Prof. Atik’s insights. The atmosphere reflected deep academic interest and enthusiasm, as attendees acknowledged the importance of integrating cultural perspectives into health discourse.

In her closing remarks, Prof. Atik encouraged the audience to appreciate the richness of cultural knowledge and its impact on health and well-being. She called for collective efforts to promote affordable healthcare and to consider cultural contexts when addressing health issues.

The inauguration of Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A. marked a significant milestone in her academic journey and underscored the vital role of anthropology in understanding health practices. Her work serves as a strong reminder of the need for cultural sensitivity in healthcare to help achieve the SDGs.

As the event concluded, participants left with renewed inspiration, motivated by Prof. Atik’s dedication to bridging the worlds of culture and health. The UGM academic community looks forward to her continued contributions to the advancement of Health Anthropology and inclusive healthcare solutions.

[Humas FIB, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, May 24, 2025 – In the spirit of promoting fitness, team spirit, and athletic potential among students, the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada launched its first basketball training session called Basket Asik IKMASA on Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, at the Faculty of Psychology Basketball Court, UGM.

Starting at 7:00 AM, the session was free of charge and open to all Arabic Study Program students from any year. Participants didn’t come alone—friends, family members, and partners were also welcome, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere on the court.

While the activity was held in a casual and cheerful tone, it also served as an initial step toward discovering promising basketball talent who could represent IKMASA in future sports competitions. 

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by encouraging physical activity and fostering healthy social networks through sports.

Basket Asik IKMASA is a testament to how a culture of health, camaraderie, and positive competition can thrive in a lighthearted and joyful environment—one basketball game at a time.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, May 23, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada brought together students in a lively sporting event, Fun Match Futsal SASRAB, held on Friday evening, May 23, 2025, at Telaga Futsal 1 starting at 5:30 PM.

Open to all Arabic Study Program students regardless of year or gender, the event also welcomed friends, family members, and partners to join the fun. With a participation fee of just Rp10,000, attendees enjoyed an energetic and friendly futsal match aimed at refreshing minds and bodies after a week of academic activities.

More than just a casual game, Fun Match Futsal SASRAB served as a platform to discover hidden talents and nurture interest in sports, especially futsal, among students. This activity also supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by promoting physical wellness and social connection in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Through this fun and energizing event, IKMASA aims to strengthen solidarity and encourage active lifestyles among Arabic Literature students. Fun Match Futsal proves that student bonding, sportsmanship, and well-being can all be fostered—one goal at a time.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]