Yogyakarta, Sunday, November 10th 2024. The Suar Asa organization of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a Psychological First Aid Workshop and Peer Training, as well as the inauguration of new SUAR ASA members. Mental health is an important aspect of human life, as important as physical health. Mental health of students, especially in the UGM campus, is currently a serious problem. According to mental health data from the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA) presented at the Mental Health Competency Improvement for Ambassadors of Health Promoting University (HPU) at RSA UGM, from 2022 to 2023, there was an increase in the number of cases of student hospitalization with mental health problems, namely 21 and 51 cases respectively. In 2022, the gender percentage of mental health cases was most often found in female students compared to male students at 9.4% and females at 90.6%.

The Psychological First Aida and Peer Training was opened by the Head of the Administrative Office, Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs. who in this case represented the Chairperson of FIB UGM, in her remarks Erika said that the mental health problems of students at FIB UGM face various challenges, both academic and social that can affect students’ mental well-being. Transition from high school to university, high academic pressure, and personal problems often trigger stress and anxiety among students. Mental health issues at FIB UGM have become a serious concern. Mental health problems experienced by students are usually caused by personal and family problems.

In various mental health situations faced by FIB students, there is the Suar Asa organization which is a forum for students who play a direct role in supporting mental health services for FIB UGM students. Suar Asa is a student organization that focuses on mental health issues and prevention of sexual violence in FIB. In carrying out its function as an organization that deals with mental health issues, Suar Asa has a Teman Cerita program. Teman Cerita is a service opened by Suar Asa for FIB students who want to talk about their lives or to express what they are feeling. This service also collaborates with peer counselors in FIB as facilitators in this service who provide story sessions for FIB students. This service also collaborates with HPU FIB where reports on mental health cases and their follow-up also involve HPU FIB.

The Teman cerita program that has previously been implemented will be developed into a service that focuses on emotional support, namely through the Teman Sehat and Berbudaya (Peer Friends) mental health service. Teman Sebaya offers services as a story friend for students who want to share their problems. Suar Asa is undergoing regeneration of new members, so mental health services at FIB are not yet optimal. Therefore, Peer Friend training is needed to improve their knowledge and skills, in order to optimize the promotion, prevention, and mental health services of FIB UGM through Suar Asa. The participation of various parties is needed to prevent and treat mental health problems.

Yogyakarta, 28 October 2024 – The Department of Anthropology of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a seminar entitled “Refugee Protection in Indonesia and Beyond” on Monday, 28 October 2024. Located in the Multimedia Room, Margono Building 2nd floor, the seminar attracted participants from various backgrounds, including students, academics, and legal practitioners.

The event, which took place from 13.30 to 16.00 WIB, presented a number of expert speakers who discussed various aspects of refugee protection, both in Indonesia and in a global context. Here are some of the topics presented by the speakers:

1. Prof. Martin Jones from the University of York, UK, presented material on “Moving Beyond Protection Space”. He highlighted the need for innovative approaches in moving beyond the boundaries of protection space for refugees amid global policy challenges.
2. Fitria, S.H., M.R., Ph.D. from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, presented the topic “Legal Pluralism and Refugee Protection in Aceh”. In her presentation, Fitria explained the legal complexities faced by refugees in Aceh and the importance of legal pluralism in ensuring more inclusive protection.
3. Dr. Elan Lazuardi from Universitas Gadjah Mada explored the health challenges for refugees in Jakarta and surrounding areas in the topic “Unregulated Health Protection for Refugees”. He argued that health protection is still an issue that needs to be better regulated in national policy.
4. Dr. Realisa Masardi also from Gadjah Mada University, provided additional perspectives on refugees in Indonesia.

The seminar was welcomed enthusiastically by the participants, who had the opportunity to explore refugee protection issues through direct discussions with experts. Participants appreciated the importance of this seminar in providing a new understanding of the dynamics and challenges faced by refugees in Indonesia and the world. With the success of this event, the Department of Anthropology UGM is expected to continue to be a forum for critical discussions on crucial humanitarian issues at the national and international levels.

Yogyakarta, October 16, 2024 – The Master of Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a Public Lecture and Book Launch with the theme “Revealing the Veil of Trauma and Memory in Literature” on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The event took place in Room S709 Soegondo Building, 7th floor of the Faculty and was attended by academics, students, and literature lovers.

The event began at 08.30 WIB with a public lecture session that explored the important theme of trauma and memory in literary works. This topic discusses how literature can be a medium to reveal traumatic experiences and collective memory in a social and historical context. The participants seemed enthusiastic in attending the lecture and discussing with the speakers.

Not only a public lecture, this event was also coupled with the launch of four new books that will soon be published. The books include:

1. Being Women in Literature  
2. Indonesian Postcolonial Literature 
3. Trauma and Memory Literature  
4. Popular Literature with a Sociological Approach

The launch received high appreciation from the participants because the books present new and important perspectives in the study of literature in Indonesia, especially related to social issues, trauma, and memory.Despite the limited quota of participants, the event was successful and provided deep insights for all participants who attended. Many of them hoped that similar events could continue to be held as a venue for critical discussions about literature.

“This public lecture provided a very interesting perspective, especially on how literature can deeply represent trauma and memory. The books launched are also very relevant to current social issues,” said one of the participants. With the success of this event, the Master of Literature Program at Faculty of Arts UGM once again proved its commitment in encouraging innovative and impactful literary studies for the academic community and the public.

Yogyakarta, October 15, 2024 – TUESFORIA, an exciting collaboration event between *Creative Day* and *Panggung Kansas*, was successfully held and captivated the attention of many students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada. Located in Soegondo Courtyard, the event, which took place starting at 16.00 WIB, became a place of artistic expression and creativity for students who wanted to unwind in the midst of busy academic activities.

Organized by the Ministry of Creative Economy, Ministry of Interest and Talent, Abra Nirmala Cabinet, TUESFORIA offers a variety of interesting activities. The ‘Bead Knotting’ and ‘Clay Painting’ workshops were the highlights, where participants had fun creating with art materials while being accompanied by a refreshing afternoon atmosphere. These two workshops not only attracted participants because of their affordable price-only Rp 10,000-but also because they provided practical experience in producing artworks.

Photobooths with interesting backgrounds also became one of the visitors’ favorite spots. Students who attended captured their moments with friends, creating beautiful memories of this event. In addition, a number of FIB student tenants offered creative products that made the atmosphere more lively. Visitors can enjoy food that also enriches the event with the nuances of creative entrepreneurship.

The highlight of the event was the amazing performance of the Panggung Kansas talents, who mesmerized the audience with music and art stage acts. Melodious voices and energetic music filled the area, creating a warm and energetic atmosphere. Students in attendance seemed to enjoy every moment, singing along and clapping along to the beat.

The success of TUESFORIA cannot be separated from the full support of LEM FIB 2024 and the extraordinary spirit of student participation. This event is clear evidence that art and creativity collaboration can be an effective means of building togetherness and expressing oneself. With the success of this event, many participants hope that TUESFORIA can be an agenda that continues to be developed, as a space for gathering, expressing, and sharing creativity between students. “This event is very exciting! I hope it can be held again next year with more creative activities,” said one of the participants enthusiastically.

Yogyakarta, September 30, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a farewell lecture for Prof. Dr. Phil. Vincent Houben, a distinguished professor of Southeast Asian history and society, on Monday morning at the 7th Floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building. The event was attended by students in general, especially UGM history students, as well as Prof. Houben’s fellow lecturers.

In a lecture entitled “Area History in the Age of (De)globalization – a Retrospective and Prospective View,” Prof. Houben discussed the dynamics of regional history in the context of globalization and deglobalization, highlighting how these changes affect historical understanding. In his presentation, he invited students to reflect on the historical journey that has been taken and the challenges that will be faced in the future.

Prof. Houben recounted his academic journey, which began with the study of Indonesian history and Indonesian language at Leiden University from 1980 to 1987. He then continued his career as a lecturer in Indonesian history at Leiden from 1986 to 1997, before entering the maturity phase of his career by becoming a professor at Passau University and Humboldt University until 2022.

This event was a valuable opportunity for students to learn directly from the experiences and insights of an academic who has contributed greatly to the study of Southeast Asian history. With the spirit of sharing knowledge, this farewell lecture is expected to motivate students to continue to explore and develop the field of history in Indonesia. FIB UGM will always remember Prof. Houben’s contribution and wish him all the best for his next journey in retirement and future projects.