Yogyakarta, October 15, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from MAN 2 Cianjur on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. The event took place in the Auditorium of Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, attended by students and accompanying teachers from MAN 2 Cianjur. The activity began with an official opening, followed by the presentation of the vision and mission of the visit by the school. They expressed the hope that this visit can provide a deeper insight into the role of universities, especially UGM, in the field of cultural sciences and the contribution of students in society. 

After that, the participants were treated to a video that introduced Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. To enliven the atmosphere, the event continued with a quiz session about the information that had been conveyed in the video, which was greeted enthusiastically by the students. They actively answered the questions posed and competed healthily in a spirited atmosphere. Continuing to the main session, the students received a more in-depth presentation about FIB UGM. The question and answer session was interactive, where the students did not hesitate to ask about student life at FIB UGM, how they are involved in cultural preservation, and how students maintain religious values in the campus environment.

Uniquely, after the official event ended, the students carried out an assignment from their teacher to interview students of FIB UGM. The questions asked revolved around the role of students in preserving culture and religion. This task aims to make students not only listen to the material, but also directly interact with students to get a more real and personal perspective, and MAN 2 Cianjur gave a token of gratitude to the speakers for the knowledge and experience that had been shared. This activity not only provides academic insights to students, but also instills the importance of cultural and religious preservation in everyday life, especially among the younger generation.

Good news came from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), which managed to pass ten students in the 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). This prestigious event will be held at Airlangga University on October 14-19, 2024.

PIMNAS is an annual competition organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI) under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology. This activity is the culmination of the Student Creativity Program (PKM) which provides an opportunity for students to present their scientific work at the national level.

The students who passed are:

1. Muhammad Fahmi Rafsanjani – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
2. Muhammad Hafidz Zidan – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
3. Pamula Nur Kriswardhani – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
4. I Ketut Aditya Prayoga – Tourism Study Program
5. Ilham Andriyanto – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
6. Aqilurrachman Abdul Charitz – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
7. Yuni Setya Ningrum – History major
8. Muhammad Fernanda Dhiyaul Hak – Archaeology Study Program
9. Fatiya Hasna Alifan – History Program
10. Laras Tristanti – Archaeology Study Program

This success is the fruit of hard work and dedication of students in developing creativity and scientific reasoning. Hopefully, this participation will not only provide valuable experience for students, but also increase the reputation of the Faculty of Humanities UGM in the national arena.

With the spirit of collaboration and innovation, students are expected to bring home achievements and positive contributions to the development of science and culture in Indonesia. Congratulations to all students who have successfully passed in PIMNAS 37!

Yogyakarta, October 9, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from SMAN 1 Cluring, Banyuwangi, and MA Binaul Ummah, Bantul, at the faculty auditorium. This activity aims to give insight to the students about the existing study programs as well as the important role of the faculty in preserving culture. 

In the question and answer session, students from SMAN 1 Cluring asked questions about FIB’s contribution in preserving local culture and the challenges faced in the era of globalization. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences explained that the faculty plays an active role through research and community service, developing programs that promote local culture, although they face challenges such as the influence of foreign cultures and the lack of attention of the younger generation to cultural heritage. Students also asked about steps students can take to join the global exchange network, where it was explained that students are advised to be active in international organizations and develop foreign language skills.

Meanwhile, from MA Binaul Ummah, students asked about the UGM entrance pathway for tahfidz. The faculty explained that UGM provides special pathways for prospective students who have achievements in the field of tahfidz, with an emphasis on the importance of following the appropriate selection. Students can apply through the achievement pathway. They also questioned the job prospects for Arabic Literature graduates. It was explained that Arabic Literature graduates have extensive career opportunities, including in education, translation, diplomacy, and the media industry. This visit is expected to give students a better understanding of the importance of education in the field of cultural sciences as well as the opportunities that exist at UGM, hopefully students will be inspired to continue their studies to a higher level and contribute to the preservation of local culture.

The Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a Cultural Anthropology Proposal Seminar as an essential step for students before conducting fieldwork. The seminar was divided into 10 clusters, including Care and Health, Economy, Environment and Humanity, Infrastructure, Arts & Media, Youth, Gender, Farmers, Communities, and Popular Culture, with a total of 58 participating students. This open forum was attended by examiners, and graduate student mentors (Master’s and Ph.D.), and was also open to the public.

Each day, 10 to 20 students presented their research proposals, where they received feedback and constructive suggestions from faculty and mentors. The seminar took place over three days—Thursday, September 19, 2024, Friday, September 20, 2024, and Monday, September 23, 2024. It was held in three rooms (Soegondo 511, 514, and 709), with 12 faculty members serving as examiners and 9 graduate students as mentors. In the seminar, each student presented their research proposal in front of the examiners and mentors, followed by a discussion session to provide suggestions and critiques. The goal was to help students refine their research plans before heading into the field.

One of the examiners, Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi, S.Ant., M.A., or more commonly known as Mas Zamzam, emphasized that the beginning of research stems from our curiosity or the questions we want to answer. He stressed the importance of thoroughly reviewing research questions before starting a project. This was intended to ensure the alignment of the title with the question, define the research boundaries, and deepen the students’ understanding of their chosen topic. Throughout the discussions, Mas Zamzam consistently asked students to further explain their research questions, urging them to reflect critically on their research approach. The hope was that by the time they enter the field, students will have a clear grasp of the data needed and the appropriate boundaries based on their research topic.

The Cultural Anthropology Proposal Seminar was not only a critical academic milestone for students but also supported several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality). Through mentoring and open discussions, students were trained to gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and cultural issues they were investigating. The aim is that their research will make meaningful contributions toward addressing societal challenges such as social inequality, health problems, environmental issues, gender, and community concerns—ultimately contributing to more inclusive and sustainable development.

[FIB UGM PR, Writer: Bonifacius Edo, Editor: Aldiza, Translator: Aldiza]

Thursday, April 25, 2024 – Delegations from Indonesia and the Netherlands gathered to attend the bilateral meeting of The 23rd Mixed Economic Commission between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jakarta, Indonesia (25/4). In the agenda, both countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including economy, investment, transportation, maritime, education and culture, energy and mineral resources, and health.

On this occasion, Mr. Didin Wahyudin stated that economic cooperation between the two countries needs to be strengthened, considering the potential in trade relations, renewable energy, and the Indonesian diaspora. In the investment sector, Indonesia views its relationship with the Netherlands as an opportunity to expand cooperation with Europe. The Dutch delegation agreed to design and continue government-to-government (G to G) and government-to-business (G to B) programs on wind energy, solar power, hydrogen, and more to strengthen energy cooperation. Among the implementations already carried out by the Netherlands to deepen the understanding of energy implementation in Indonesia are collaborations with Pertamina and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Additionally, to support maritime cooperation, the Indonesian delegation emphasised the implementation of the 2022-2025 MoU by proposing a bilateral meeting to discuss sustainable port development and sea building.

Both Indonesia and the Netherlands appreciated the participation of both countries in fostering regional economic cooperation. Financial support from the Netherlands has been highly beneficial for investment. As a Development Partner of ASEAN, the Netherlands greatly values Indonesia’s warm reception.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Writer: Arviani Fayzaila Ramadhanti, Editor: Rifal Fadlurrahman, Translated: Aldiza]