On Wednesday, March 06, 2024, the Department of History of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM held a seminar series on the history of Chinese people in Indonesia. The seminar entitled “The Role of Chinese in Indonesian History” was held in the Multimedia Room, 2nd Floor, Margono Building, Faculty of Arts UGM from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This seminar was very interesting because the speakers who attended to present their research results came from China. Meanwhile, Dr. Farabi Fakih, M.Phil. from the Department of History UGM served as moderator.

The first speaker in the seminar was Guanmian Xu, an Assistant Professor from the Department of History, University of Peking. His research titled “Capitalism to Genocide: Batavia’s Sugar Frontier, 1700-1740” which explains the emergence of Chinese capitalism in the sugar industry and its relation to the Chinese genocide in Batavia in the 18th century. Xu, who used a global-history perspective in his research, revealed that the thick issues of racism, violence, and cross-cultural misunderstanding were factors that influenced the ethnic cleansing.

Meanwhile, Ma Guanglu who is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the School of International Relations, Xiamen University presented the results of his research entitled “Bung Karno’s Body and Chinese Doctors”. In his presentation, he explained about diplomacy in the medical field between China and Indonesia that occurred in 1962 until the fall of Sukarno’s government in 1965. Ma’s presentation quite clearly shows the political position of President Sukarno at that time towards the Chinese government.

SDGs 4 Quality Education | SDGs 4: Education | SDGs 4: Cultural diversity | SDGs 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDGs 1: Non-discrimination

American Literature is one of the courses in the Master’s Program in American Studies that uses American literary works from the classical era to Post-Modernism as the objects and materials for discussion. This American Literature class provides students with a new experience in exploring the relationship between American literary works and the country itself. Based on the understanding that the narrative of a literary work represents the author’s thoughts on the events they have experienced and the occurrences around them, this class presents various understandings of American literature and how it projects the state of society in each era, such as the Romanticism, Realism, and Harlem Renaissance eras.

In this lecture, the discussion began with an explanation of the Post-Modernism era, which emerged around the 1960s. With the development of new art forms like performance art as a result of World War II, other forms of art, including literary works, were also influenced, especially in terms of characteristics. Some of the characteristics explained in this session include how writers began to focus on the experiences of others with different backgrounds, or write about how power and ideology from those in power can influence society’s perception of their surroundings, while also raising awareness among the public about everything they believe in and hold dear.

Using Amanda Gorman’s work, ‘The Hill We Climb,’ which was recited during President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, the class discussion connected the author, a young Black woman, with America, particularly in its real-world context. Through presentations and discussions between students and the professor, this class produced various interpretations of how this poem depicts American democracy from a minority perspective. After lengthy discussions, the result of these student-professor dialogues and interpretations was that, despite America’s many ‘sins’ in the past, especially towards Black people, this poem serves as a call for all Americans, regardless of race, to pass on a better democracy and country to future generations.

Besides conducting an in-depth discussion on the meaning of a literary work, the conversation also delved into the writing style of Black authors, who use certain linguistic structures, and the presence of intertextuality, or the use of writings from other Black authors to reinforce the message being conveyed. Moreover, the discussion covered the characteristics of post-modernist literature and how ‘The Hill We Climb’ embodies one of these post-modernist traits.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 4: Basic literacy | SDGs 4: Basic literacy skills | SDGs 4: Education for sustainability | SDGs 4: Education | SDGs 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDGs 10: Education | SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities | SDGs 12: Efficient use of resources | SDG 16: Peace justice and strong institutions | SDGs 16: Education

The Department of Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a public lecture addressing an important societal issue: the gap between knowledge and action. This work skills-related lecture was held on May 8, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Soegondo Building 707, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The lecture was intended for undergraduate Cultural Anthropology students taking the work skills course but was also open to the public.

The keynote speaker at this event was Dr. Nicholas Goodwin, an expert in behavior change and CEO of Tulodo, a consultancy focused on promoting positive behavior change in society. Dr. Goodwin was accompanied by two work skills course lecturers, Dr. Pande Made Kutanegara, M.Si., and Prof. Dr. Bambang Hudayana, M.A., who provided additional contributions to the discussion.

In his lecture, Dr. Nicholas Goodwin highlighted a major societal issue: many people know what they should do but are either unable or unwilling to do it. An example provided was knowing the importance of doing good deeds but failing to implement them in daily life. “The gap between knowledge and behavior is often overlooked or considered the same, whereas they have significant differences,” stated Dr. Nicholas Goodwin.

According to Dr. Nicholas Goodwin, the lack of understanding of the difference between knowledge and behavior is the root of the problem. To address this, a better understanding is needed on how knowledge can be transformed into consistent and sustainable actions. Dr. Nicholas Goodwin also introduced the concept of “work skills pockets” developed by Tulodo, aimed at providing practical tools and strategies for individuals to change their behavior.

This public lecture aligns with the spirit of SDG number 4, which aims to provide quality education for all, and SDG number 8, which emphasizes the importance of creating decent work and sustainable economic growth. By enhancing the understanding of the difference between knowledge and behavior, and by developing comprehensive work skills pockets, it is hoped to contribute positively to achieving these SDG goals.

This work skills public lecture is expected to provide new insights for UGM Anthropology Department students on the importance of transforming knowledge into concrete actions in daily life. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this lecture can be implemented by students in their roles in society to create positive and sustainable change.

Author: Afif Naufal Widiadi

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 4: Education for sustainability | SDGs 4: Basic literacy | SDGs 4: Education | SDGs 4: Access to education | SDGs 4: Education in developing | SDG 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure | SDGs 9: Cooperation | SDGs 9: Affordable access | SDGs 9: Enterprises | SDG 10: Reduced inequality | SDGs 10: Culture | SDGs 10: Education | SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities | SDGs 11: Adaptable | SDG 16: Peace justice and strong institutions | SDGs 16: Accountable institutions | SDGs 16: Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals | SDGs 17: Capacity building | SDGs 17: Civil society partnerships | SDGs 17: Global partnership

Yogyakarta, April 16, 2024 – The Center for Language Studies (Pusat Bahasa) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), proudly organized the inaugural event for the English Academic of Purposes (EAP) program, in collaboration with the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas). The occasion marked the commencement of the EAP program tailored for the recipients of the DXHR (Development of Exhaustive Human Resources) scholarship under Bappenas’ Pusbindiklatren for the year 2024.

The distinguished ceremony, held at the FIB UGM premises, was graced by the presence of esteemed personalities from both academia and governmental institutions. Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, inaugurated the event. His presence and support underscored the significance of fostering academic excellence and international collaboration in Indonesia’s educational landscape.

Accompanying Prof. Setiadi was Mr. Wignyo Adiyoso, S.Sos, MA, Ph.D., the Head of Pusbindiklatren Bappenas, along with his team and the entire cohort of prospective scholars. Mr. Pandu Pradana, representing Pusbindiklatren Bappenas, delivered insightful presentations, elucidating the program’s objectives, scheme, and anticipated outcomes. 

The EAP program stands as a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to nurturing a cadre of highly skilled professionals equipped with proficient English language abilities and academic prowess. Participants of this program are slated to embark on a transformative educational journey, commencing with the first year of Master’s studies within Indonesia. This phase of their academic pursuit is generously funded by the Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/Bappenas.

However, the program’s scope extends beyond national borders. Following the completion of their initial year, participants will have the invaluable opportunity to further their studies at one of our esteemed partner universities in Japan. This subsequent year of study will be supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), facilitating not only academic enrichment but also fostering cross-cultural exchanges and international cooperation.

The EAP program encapsulates the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and global engagement. It serves as a beacon of hope for the future, wherein talented individuals are empowered to contribute meaningfully to Indonesia’s development trajectory while forging lasting bonds with the global community. As we celebrate the inauguration of this transformative initiative, we look forward to witnessing the remarkable achievements and contributions of its participants in the years to come.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 4: Education | SDG 9: Industry innovation and infrastructure | SDGs 9: Cooperation | SDG 16: Peace justice and strong institutions | SDGs 16: Accountable institutions | SDGs 16: Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals | SDGs 17: Fostering innovation | SDGs 17: Civil society partnerships