As part of the implementation of experiential learning, students in the Master’s Program in Anthropology at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), UGM, conducted a field trip on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to the Bonokeling Indigenous Community in Pekuncen Village, Jatilawang Subdistrict, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. This activity was a field component of the “Traditional Governance Systems” course taught by Dr. Sita Hidayah, M.A. The objective was to deepen students’ understanding of traditional governance practices, community management, and the dynamics of the relationship between traditional systems and formal government through an ethnographic approach.

The students were welcomed by Ki Soemitro, Chair of the Village Customary Council, and Pak Narso, Head of Pekuncen Village. The meeting served as a forum for dialogue on the history of the Bonokeling community, the structure of customary leadership, and the community’s close connection to their ancestors through the concept of anak-putu—a spiritual and genealogical bond that forms the foundation of both the identity and social system of the Bonokeling community. Ki Soemitro explained that the survival of the indigenous community depends not only on written rules but also on the moral adherence of all anak-putu to the values inherited from Kyai Bonokeling. This system has proven capable of preserving traditional governance across generations amid the tide of modernization.

In addition to discussions, the students observed the architecture of traditional houses, communal spatial arrangements, and the conduct of traditional rituals. These observations and discussions revealed that indigenous communities possess the capacity for effective collective governance without relying entirely on formal bureaucratic structures. The Village Head explained that the formal government and traditional institutions do not compete with one another but rather complement each other. Village development policies are always consulted with traditional institutions to preserve and respect sacred spaces and the community’s cultural values. Conversely, various internal community issues—such as family disputes, social conflicts, or violations of customary norms—are resolved through customary deliberation before resorting to state legal mechanisms.

The Bonokeling community is open to technology, such as cell phones, yet remains vigilant to ensure that the values of individualism and consumerism do not supplant the principles of collective living inherited from their ancestors. Amid the tide of globalization, they face various challenges, ranging from adapting to state administrative regulations to the pressure of cultural commercialization through the tourism industry. In response, Ki Soemitro explained that the Bonokeling community employs a strategy of cultural resistance through a process of prudent negotiation. They comply with state administrative requirements to ensure the civil rights of their citizens, while still preserving Kejawen spiritual practices and value systems in their daily lives. Furthermore, traditional institutions strictly limit the commercialization of rituals to ensure that the sacred nature of traditions does not degenerate into mere tourist spectacles.

This activity provides a learning experience that goes beyond classroom instruction. Through direct observation, dialogue, and reflection with the indigenous community, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of traditional governance practices as a living, dynamic social system that continually adapts to the changing times.

Author: Dewi Widyastuti

The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM, in collaboration with Chung-Ang University (CAU), held the opening ceremony for the “2nd CAUGM” on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The opening ceremony took place in the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium. This cultural exchange program will run from July 20 through August 1.

The event was attended by 24 students from Chung-Ang University and 70 students from the Korean Language and Culture Program at FIB, UGM. Over the course of two weeks, participants will take part in various activities, such as cultural exchange classes, language exchange sessions, and collaborative activities designed to strengthen cross-cultural understanding between Indonesian and South Korean students.

At today’s opening ceremony, students from both countries presented lively cultural performances. Students from Chung-Ang University performed K-Pop dances and songs, a taekwondo demonstration, and traditional Korean musical instrument performances. Equally captivating, UGM students also presented traditional Indonesian cultural performances, including the Edan-edanan dance, the Sintren dance, singing, and pencak silat.

In addition, one of the main events in this series of collaborative activities is the Korean Festival, which will be open to the public on July 25. The general public and the campus community are invited to attend and experience Korean culture firsthand.

Through this series of activities, students not only gain academic experience but also have the opportunity to interact directly with participants from other countries. This type of cultural exchange is expected to broaden their global perspective, improve their cross-cultural communication skills, and strengthen ties among students from both institutions.

Author: Juleha (朱殷萱Chu Yin Hsuan)

“Gamelan Mahasiswa Sastra Nusantara,” better known as Gamasutra, once again enlivened the Gamelan Festival organized by the Faculty of Philosophy on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This festival is an annual event held as part of the Faculty of Philosophy’s anniversary celebrations. This year’s festival featured 52 gamelan groups, both from within and outside Gadjah Mada University. The event took place over two consecutive days, Saturday and Sunday, July 18–19, 2026.

Gamasutra performed six gendhing pieces: “Ladrang Sumyar,” “Lagon Emplek-emplek Ketepu,” “Lagon Kembang Jagung,” “Lancaran Aku Duwe Pitik,” “Ketawang Manggung Sore,” and “Ayak-ayak Pamungkas RRI.” “These gendhing pieces were performed with the intention of reviving a repertoire that hasn’t been performed in a long time, and to reintroduce traditional children’s songs,” said Yanuar, a student in the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who initiated this repertoire.

Each of these pieces has a different meaning. “Lagon Emplek-emplek Ketepu,” “Lagon Kembang Jagung,” and “Lancaran Aku Duwe Pitik” are children’s songs with cheerful rhythms. “Ladrang Sumyar,” which serves as the main piece in Gamasutra’s performance, is presented with a distinctly different feel. “Unlike Ladrang Sumyar, which is usually performed in the laras pelog pathet barang, we perform it in laras slendro pathet manyura,” said Yanuar. These pieces are also reconstructions of old recordings from RRI Yogyakarta, RRI Kraton Yogyakarta, SMKI Yogyakarta, and Karawitan Condong Raos.

Gamasutra’s participation in the Karawitan Festival is part of the efforts by students at the Faculty of Humanities, UGM, to continue revitalizing, preserving, and reintroducing the richness of Javanese karawitan to the wider public. Through a repertoire ranging from classical gendhing to children’s songs, Gamasutra demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the continuity of the karawitan art tradition amid the changing times.

[Humas FIB, Maylafaizza Nafisha Zifa]

On Monday, July 20, 2026, the American Studies Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, held a public lecture titled “The United States, the Middle East Conflict, and Implications for Indonesia: Geopolitical Dynamics, U.S. Interests, and Strategic Opportunities for Indonesia.” The public lecture featured Dr. Wajid Fauzi, M.PM., as the speaker. He is currently a Ph.D. student in American Studies and is set to graduate on July 22. He also served as Indonesia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Yemen (2012–2016) and Syria (2019–2025).

The lecture covered the Middle East as a region that has become a focal point for the study of international politics, the role of the United States in the region, and the strategic implications for Indonesia’s interests. The guest lecture was opened by Dr. Achmad Munjid, M.A., Ph.D., a lecturer in the American Studies Program. He emphasized that it is crucial for the public to recognize the significant impact that the current conflict between the United States and the Middle East has on Indonesia. This is also the reason why this public lecture was organized.

The presentation was then followed by a talk by Dr. Wajid Fauzi, M.PM. He encouraged participants to take a holistic view of the Middle East—not only through the lens of its wars and conflicts, but also by examining the layers beneath the surface. These include energy routes, trade routes, rivalries among regional powers, and competition among major nations with interests in the region.

Dr. Wajid Fauzi explained that the Middle East is not merely a region of conflict, but a geopolitical arena where global interests converge, power struggles unfold, and the quest for international legitimacy takes place. “Geopolitics teaches us that geography is not merely about the location of a country or the boundaries of a region, but rather a factor that shapes the distribution of power, economic interests, military strategies, and can even influence another country’s foreign policy toward that region,” he emphasized. He concluded that, in other words, geography is not a neutral factor but a source of advantage.

Conflicts in the Middle East also have implications for Indonesia, such as in foreign policy, the protection of Indonesian citizens, energy security, trade, food security, and national security. Indonesia is expected to continue pursuing an independent and active foreign policy and to serve as a “bridge builder” or diplomatic mediator in maintaining international peace.

[Humas FIB, Maylafaizza Nafisha Zifa]

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University hosted a visit from Pandaan Pasuruan State High School No. 1 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium, FIB UGM. The event was attended by 150 students, accompanied by their teachers, as part of a series of campus tours designed to introduce students to the world of higher education firsthand.

This educational visit aims to provide students with a broad overview and insight into their educational options after graduating from high school, particularly regarding the various majors offered at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) at UGM. During the informational session, participants received comprehensive information on the faculty’s profile, the strengths of its learning process, the application process for new students, and future career opportunities for its graduates.

The atmosphere became interactive as the Q&A session began. The students discussed daily life in Yogyakarta, ranging from estimated living costs and affordable food and housing to how out-of-town students can adapt to the environment and culture of Yogyakarta.

Through this visit, students from SMAN 1 Pandaan Pasuruan are expected to gain a realistic understanding of the learning environment and extracurricular activities at the university level. This activity also serves as a valuable opportunity for students to prepare themselves and solidify their choices before pursuing higher education.

[Author: Humas FIB Zaidan Abdurrahman]