Yogyakarta, Tuesday, November 26, 2024. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada is organizing an introductory gender class exhibition that presents Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, SS, M.Hum., DEA and Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, SS, MA, as resource persons for this activity. The event will take place on November 26 and 28, 2024, from 09.00 to 16.00 at Selasar Soegondo. The exhibition aims to empower individuals by providing equal access to artistic expression that raises important issues such as gender equality, justice, and stereotypes.

The exhibition features interactive installations and artworks created by various voices that have finally found the courage to speak up. It becomes a platform for empowerment, with a special focus on empowering women and marginalized communities. By showcasing these powerful narratives, the exhibition seeks to promote equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender or background.

“Hacking Silence” is not just an exhibition; it is a call to action. The show invites visitors to engage in discussions about the importance of equality and the need for equal access to resources and opportunities. The artworks displayed will challenge social norms and encourage viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of justice and equality.

The event is designed to inspire and educate. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and discussions led by artists and activists concerned with these issues. This interactive approach aims to empower individuals to become advocates for change in their respective communities.

In addition to visual art, the exhibition will also feature performances and poetry sessions that amplify the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. These performances will highlight the importance of storytelling in the struggle for justice and equality, emphasizing that every voice matters.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences believes that art has the power to transform society. By providing a space for these important conversations, the exhibition aims to build a sense of community and solidarity among visitors. It is an opportunity for individuals to come together, share experiences, and support each other in the pursuit of justice.

Yogyakarta, Saturday, 2nd of November 2024. The Korean Language Student Association organised an event entitled, ‘Women’s Film Festival: The Voices from South Korea and Indonesia’ as one of the 19th Korean Day series on 2 November and 3 November. This activity aims to explore the issue of women’s careers through films directed by women from both countries. Both Indonesia and South Korea share many similarities on this issue, including women’s opportunities to access education, employment, and politics. Typical cultural challenges still pose barriers, such as the normalisation of double burden, discrimination, and the threat of violence. The event was held at Soegondo Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, and was divided into two sessions on the first day, starting in the morning and afternoon.

In the morning, the event started with the screening of Kim Ji-Yong’s film: Born 1982, which is an adaptation of the novel by Cho Nam-joo, following the life of Kim Ji-young, an ordinary South Korean woman who faces the pressures and gender biases that permeate a patriarchal society. The story delves into the sensitive issue of Ji-young’s gradual struggle with societal expectations placed on women, especially in terms of career, family, and identity. Participants watched Cho Nam-joo’s adaptation of the novel, at the two-hour film screening. After the film screening session, participants were given the opportunity to ask questions guided by a moderator and presented by film director Kim Ji-Yong: Born 1982, Kim Do Young, via Zoom.

In the Q&A session, various participants asked director Kim Do Young a number of questions, such as the challenges and difficulties in making the film, the film’s contribution to feminism, criticism that arose, and others. The participants then ended the Q&A session with a group photo with Kim Do Young.

On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a course on Ethnography of the Sumatra Region which took place in the courtyard of the Soegondo building. The event, which began at 09.00 WIB until 14.00 WIB, aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the human and ethnic cultural dynamics in the Sumatra region and hone appreciation for local cultural forms and practices. The participants of this activity were all students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who took the Ethnography of the Sumatra Region course, totaling 74 students. In addition, the event was also attended by several INCULS students who participated as part of the program.

This practicum course in the form of cooking together is an affective supplement to build the affective side of students such as cooperation, discipline, dedication, ethics and responsibility. Through this joint cooking activity, students are expected to understand that food is not as simple as buying and enjoying. There is a cognitive process of recognizing taste, honing taste sensitivity through combination, which overall requires patience, accuracy, cooperation, and empathy. Furthermore, this process is expected to have a better attitude of appreciating food, not wasting food, and appreciating local food which is now starting to be abandoned.

The event began with a general explanation by the lecturer regarding the rules of the game, for example related to the order and time of implementation. Furthermore, the lecturer explained about the main types of spices used to cook rendang. All the spices were displayed on a table in front of Soegondo’s terrace. After enough explanation and questions and answers, each group took a ‘ration’ of 1 kilogram of beef that had been prepared, as well as the basic spices that had been prepared on display. For the spices, they took their own according to their own needs.

In the previous week, technical cooking issues had been discussed in class. Students are allowed to find their own rendang recipes. Therefore, it is possible that there are differences in additional spices and cooking techniques.  Some include brown sugar, some include grated coconut. There are also those who include turmeric leaves.

At 09.30am, the students returned to their desks and started cooking. While the students were cooking, the lecturers and their ‘assistants’ were also doing the same. The atmosphere became exciting. Moreover, it was also announced that there would be an assessment conducted by the ‘jury’. The judges were interns in the department who were actually tasked with documenting the activities. Because there will be this ‘assessment’ the students become excited. Several times students came to the lecturer’s desk to ask about cooking techniques or ask for additional spices. Some students were also seen making phone and video calls to their parents about the ‘correct’ cooking procedures. Although it was obvious that the majority of the students were not used to cooking, they were in good spirits. Occasionally shouting and chattering cheerfully. Occasionally came to the lecturer’s desk to compare his cooking with his group.

Finally at 12:30 the cooking program according to the agreement was stopped. Then the impromptu judges came to each group to give an assessment based on two criteria: appearance of cooking and taste. Based on the accumulated scores, group 3 became the champion for the flavor category, and group 4 became the best in terms of the appearance of rendang (looks very beautiful brown, apparently added brown sugar, and it makes it Jogja rendang). One interesting thing was also the creation of group 5 who made rendang with a soft and very light flavor, making it suitable for tourist consumption.

The event was closed with a brief review from the lecturer about the whole process and student impressions. The event was closed with a group photo and a meal together. Some students were even eager to join the queue for rendang made by the lecturer.In terms of achievements, this event can be said to be a success. As the main goal of the ethnography course is appreciation and respect for differences, this event clearly provided new experiences for students about nasi padang. They had never imagined that it would be that difficult to enjoy rendang rice. It takes time, commitment, and intelligence in organizing composition and technicalities. This made students realize to appreciate traditional food more, even if they can afford it.

Another important thing to emphasize is that lectures do not always have to be about reviewing and paper-oriented assignments. This activity is one of the ways that lectures can be more relaxed and enjoyable while still being critical and academic.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Prof. Bambang Hudayana delivered a public lecture on culture as part of the Opening Ceremony of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. This lecture successfully captured the attention of many participants with its highly relevant and profound topic on the importance of becoming a cultural activist.

In his presentation, Prof. Bambang emphasized the importance of being a cultural activist. According to him, cultural activists must have awareness and sensitivity towards cultural issues present in society. He also stressed the roles of companion and cultural advocate that these activists must undertake. He added that promoting regional culture is crucial as it holds significant value for our lives.

Moreover, he highlighted that whatever is taught at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM always includes cultural elements that can serve as guidelines for empowering our culture.

Prof. Bambang also raised the issue of gender equality in all aspects of life. He reminded us that our culture contains values that elevate the dignity of women, making it essential to continue empowering them.

This public lecture provided valuable insights to the participants about the importance of preserving, maintaining, and empowering local culture. Prof. Bambang Hudayana successfully conveyed important messages that inspired the participants to become cultural activists committed to the preservation and development of culture in Indonesia.

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, marked a historic day for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) with the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. The event was held in the front yard of the Margono Building, commonly known as Greenland, and was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Setiadi, Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. In his speech, Prof. Setiadi introduced the vice deans, heads of study programs, and unit coordinators at FIB UGM. “I hope the students get to know the people who will assist them during their studies at FIB UGM,” said Prof. Setiadi. This introduction aimed to create a closer and more familiar relationship between students and the faculty, fostering a conducive and supportive learning environment.

The event’s excitement continued with various performances from semi-autonomous bodies (BSO) of FIB UGM. Among them were Sastra Oebah with a captivating theater performance, Rampoe with energetic traditional Acehnese dances, and Buchaechum showcasing the elegant and mesmerizing Korean fan dance.

Another highlight was a cultural discussion session featuring Prof. Bambang Hudayana as the speaker. This discussion covered current issues in the cultural world and how students can actively participate in the preservation and development of local culture. This session served as an inspirational moment that motivated students to delve deeper into and appreciate the cultural wealth they possess.

Additionally, there was a sharing session with successful alumni from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. There was also a session led by Mrs. Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs., about the administrative procedures for borrowing rooms and facilities at FIB UGM.

The Opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 was not only an introduction and entertainment event but also a means to strengthen the relationship between students and the faculty and enrich cultural insights. With high spirits, it is hoped that FIB UGM students will continue to contribute to preserving and developing Indonesian culture.