Yogyakarta – Polanco S. Achri, a writer born in Yogyakarta and currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues to make waves in the art scene. Known for his poetry, prose, and essays on performance and visual arts, Polanco also actively contributes as a scriptwriter and musician in the Utusan Negeri Dongeng community. He is the mind behind the management of Pendjadjaboekoe and a member of Sindikat Muda Liar Ngantukan. His achievements include curating exhibitions such as Soil Distortion #2 (2024) and Membaca Jokpin (2024), as well as directing documentary films Di Balik Merangkul (2021) and Sangu Rasa (2023).

Most recently, Polanco has taken on the role of curator for the Moda-Modif Exhibition, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 11, 2025, at Rumah DAS Gallery, Condongcatur. Open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the exhibition invites visitors free of charge, with no prior registration required.

About Moda-Modif: Youthful Energy in Motion
The Moda-Modif Exhibition (Creativity in Visual Arts by Youth) embodies the ideas of Moda (movement) and Modif (modification). These concepts reflect the continuous exploration, learning, and innovation of young artists who push boundaries to create new narratives.

This exhibition serves as a stepping stone, offering young artists a bridge to larger platforms. Their art is a result of a journey that is both creative and reflective. Beyond a mere display of visual arts, Moda-Modif fosters interaction through activities such as Artist Talks, Curatorial Tours, Reading Space Activations, and collaborations with local communities. Every aspect of the exhibition is designed to bring art closer to the public.

Featuring works by 17 young artists over three weeks, the exhibition highlights not only the aesthetic aspects of their creations but also stories of transformation, adaptation, and the dynamic spirit of youth.

Polanco’s Aspirations
Polanco hopes that the Moda-Modif Exhibition will encourage young artists from Yogyakarta and Solo to continue evolving, taking bold steps, and finding creative strategies to thrive.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing works; it’s about building courage and ingenuity in navigating the art world,” he remarked.

Through his role as curator, Polanco reaffirms his dedication to bridging artistic expression with broader societal engagement, ensuring that the voices of young creators are heard and appreciated.

Photo Source: Doc. DAS House

Yogyakarta, December 20, 2024 – The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Period IV Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) Ngargoyoso “Menuju Lawu” team was officially dispatched to the service locations in Kemuning Village and Berjo Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency. The team will run the service program for 50 days.

Preparations for departure began early in the morning at 07.30 WIB at the UGM Fire Brigade Post. Students were seen busy loading equipment such as suitcases, backpacks, and other needs to support activities in the field. Before leaving, all team members underwent a final briefing to ensure coordination and readiness.

Among the team members, there are two students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, namely I Putu Adhimas Radiansyah Aryawan (Archaeology Study Program, class of 2022) and Khirana Marwadika (History Study Program, class of 2022). Their presence is expected to contribute to the optimization of village potential and community empowerment programs based on Smart Village and Eco Tourism in both villages.

The trip from Yogyakarta to Kemuning Village and Berjo Village took about 2.5 hours. Arriving at the location, the team immediately conducted a briefing and cleaned up to start the service. For the next 50 days, the KKN-PPM UGM team will try to help the local community in developing the village potential while creating a sustainable empowerment model.

With the spirit of togetherness, the team hopes that this program will not only provide tangible benefits to the people of Kemuning Village and Berjo Village but also become a valuable experience for UGM students in implementing the knowledge they have learned in college.

The Department of Anthropology UGM hosted a significant guest lecture by Dr. Edna Agyepong, an academic from the University of Energy and Natural Resource. The guest lecture aimed to explain the complexities of cultural diversity and economic development in Africa, particularly in developing countries.

Dr. Agyepong began her lecture by emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity in shaping land use practices. He argued that understanding local customs and traditions is crucial for effective land management. “Cultural diversity is not just a matter of heritage; it is a vital resource for sustainable development,” he said. This perspective is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which encourages quality education that promotes sustainability.

The lecture also highlighted the role of education for sustainability in empowering communities. Dr. Agyepong pointed out that education initiatives must integrate local knowledge and practices to be effective. “When we educate people about their land and its significance, we empower them to make informed decisions,” he explained. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, which is crucial for sustainable economic development.

Dr. Agyepong also discussed the economic development challenges facing many African countries. He noted that while there is potential for growth, external factors such as climate change and global market fluctuations often hinder progress. “Developing countries must navigate these challenges while also preserving their cultural identity,” he said. This balancing act is critical to achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The guest lecture also discussed the importance of civil society partnerships in driving development assistance. Dr. Agyepong emphasized that collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities is essential for effective resource management. “Civil society plays a critical role in championing the needs of the people and ensuring that development initiatives are inclusive,” he said. This collaborative approach can lead to more sustainable outcomes and greater community engagement.

As the lecture progressed, Dr. Agyepong shared case studies from various African countries, illustrating successful initiatives that integrate cultural diversity and sustainable practices. These examples served as inspiration to the participants, demonstrating the potential for positive change when local knowledge is valued and integrated into development strategies.

The audience was highly engaged during the Q&A session, where students asked questions about the practical application of Dr. Agyepong’s theories. Many expressed a desire to learn more about how they can contribute to sustainable development efforts in their own communities. Dr. Agyepong encouraged them to seek partnerships and engage with local organizations to make a meaningful impact.

In conclusion, Dr. Agyepong’s lecture provided valuable insights into the complexities of land use and cultural diversity in Africa. The emphasis on education for sustainability and the importance of civil society partnerships resonated strongly with participants, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts in achieving the SDGs. As the event drew to a close, participants left with renewed vigor and commitment to drive sustainable development in their own contexts. Dr. Agyepong’s lecture was a significant step in this direction, inspiring the next generation of leaders to embrace cultural diversity and work towards a sustainable future.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Sandya Kirani]

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) received a visit from Institut Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA) in order to benchmark the Tourism Study Program. The meeting took place at Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, and was attended by representatives of lecturers and students from both institutions.

This visit aims to deepen ITERA’s understanding of the management of the Tourism Study Program. During the discussion, representatives from the Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM explained their curriculum structure, including the number of credits and courses offered in each semester. ITERA got a detailed description of the learning patterns and various best practices applied at FIB UGM.

In addition, the discussion also covered the challenges faced in running the study program, such as curriculum development, implementation of field practice, and management of human resources and infrastructure. Both institutions exchanged ideas to overcome these obstacles, and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.

This activity is expected to provide inspiration for Institut Teknologi Sumatera in managing similar study programs, as well as strengthening the collaborative relationship between the two institutions in supporting the advancement of tourism education in Indonesia.

On October 19, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held the opening ceremony of Abhiseka Kramasisya and a talk show with lecturers and alumni who became speakers for new students. Abhiseka Kramasisya is a routine event organized by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In 2024, Abhiseka Kramasisya invited speakers who have a lot of experience that can be shared with new students. All invited speakers have extraordinary careers in their respective fields. New students get motivation and an overview of the various professions undertaken by alumni. Starting from being a courtier to entering the entertainment world, the diversity of professions of alumni of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program shows that Javanese Literature and Culture can develop in any field.

Picture 1 Lecturers on study program workshop

Before entering the talk show with alumni, new students were first introduced to departmental materials delivered by lecturers who were present, both offline and online. The lecturers who attended offline included Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. delivered departmental material in accordance with their respective majors. Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., accompanied by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., explained the philology section. Starting from the definition of philology to the process of learning philology. Followed by a presentation by Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., explaining the specialization of linguistics, and the last one was delivered by R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., who explained the literature section. Then there were several lecturers who joined online because they were continuing their studies abroad, including Yosephin Priastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., who was continuing her studies at Leiden University. Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., who is in France to continue her studies at PSL University, and finally there is Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A., who is in Germany and studying at Universitat Hamburg.

Picture 2 Lecturers who attended online

This departmental session was well received by all Abhiseka Kramasisya participants. “The material makes me more familiar with the study program, so I understand more about the majors tomorrow, it’s also fun to get to know all the lecturers,” said Andini Nuraini, one of the new students participating in Abhiseka Kramasisya. With this session, it is hoped that new students can find out information about the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, be able to guide their knowledge to achieve noble goals, and always preserve Javanese culture.

The event continued with an alumni talk show delivered by 3 speakers namely Sukma Putri, Razan Bahri, and Rizky Inggar. The first speaker, Sukma Putri, conveyed information related to her current profession as a servant of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Sukma also conveyed the message and impression of being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The motivation given by Sukma to new students is very interesting, “Thank you for choosing Javanese Literature, because your first step in choosing here can already create a big step in the future. Cheer up to all of you, be healthy and sane always because you deserve a beautiful miracle from what you have chosen,” she wrote in one of the powerpoint slides shown.

Picture 3 Sukma Putri delivered her material

Razan Bahri as the second speaker, he attended this event online because he was abroad, to be precise he worked as a staff of the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne. Some new students get the view that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture does not limit them from having a job outside their major. Razan Bahri said that mastering English at this time is an important thing that must be done, without excluding the use of mother tongue and Indonesian. Using English to introduce Javanese culture in the international arena can initiate steps to preserve Javanese culture and promote it further.

Picture 4 Razan Bahri delivered his material

The third speaker was an alumni student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, which was then still called Sastra Nusantara class of 2003, she plunged into the world of Indonesian entertainment. She has participated in many television programs, she is famous as a female comedian who is very multitalented, in addition to her jokes that always succeed in making people laugh, she is a singer who can also play roles. Rizky Inggar Lukitovati, who is often called Mbak Kiky, was the speaker at the Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 alumni talk show. Entered in several award nominations and won one of them, Rizky Inggar told the beginning of her career until she could reach her current life. Rizky Inggar gave many views that the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program will one day create many great people who can be influential for the future. In fact, the image as a Javanese with his medhok dialect was able to bring Rizky Inggar to become a famous artist who has a strong identity and characteristics today. This shows that the existence of Javanese culture is valued and should be empowered, so that it does not become extinct. Rizky Inggar also emphasized to continue to be enthusiastic about achieving dreams even though there are many obstacles in the way, with confidence and determination, everything can be achieved.

Picture 4 Rafael Raga’s conversation as moderator with Rizky Inggar

In the talk show with alumni, students get provisions to undergo the world of lectures. The three speakers also provided some motivation to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program who might feel pessimistic about their job prospects after graduation. Emphasizing that Javanese Satra students must believe that their expertise is needed in various sectors, especially in the creative industry, media, and education. The warm and insightful discussion provided many valuable lessons for all participants, especially in facing an increasingly competitive professional world. The speakers who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes provided a broad perspective on the various opportunities that students can take advantage of after graduation. Through this talk show, it is hoped that students can be motivated to continue working and prepare themselves to face future challenges that are full of opportunities.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Sandya Kirani]