A total of six students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences underwent a Certified Cultural Internship program placed at the Balai Pelestarian Kebudayaan region X (Yogyakarta – Central Java), this internship is part of the Certified Internship and Independent Study activities. They came from several study programs namely Cultural Anthropology (Amandha Eva, Gemma Padira, Via Vitarina, and Widya Pandega), History (Duhita Prananing Tyasayu), and Arabic Literature (Salma Shidqiyah). The six students were divided into two fields, namely Assistant Cultural Heritage Recorder and Assistant Recorder of Cultural Promotion Objects. For four months from September to December 2024, they had the opportunity to expand their knowledge related to cultural heritage preservation, starting from multi tagging analysis, documentation, the process of determining cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage, data collection, to interviews.

Documentation of internship students while exploring Ijo Temple

Not limited to data collection, interns also have the opportunity to participate in the process of the Cultural Heritage Expert Team hearing and play a direct role in the formation of Regional Cultural Thoughts (PPKD). Before collecting data directly in the field, they were introduced to the Directorate General of Culture and its duties and functions, they also received briefings related to the types and legal protection of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Promotion Objects,

As a final project, they translated the cultural heritage into a magazine entitled Tracing the Charm of Ijo Temple: Civilization Above the Clouds, a “Cultify” podcast inviting KI Gondo Suharno, and flashcards containing several Objects of Cultural Advancement as learning media for students in kindergarten. In addition, they also worked on individual assignments in the form of scientific papers on critical reviews of various aspects of cultural heritage.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sandya Kirani]

In order to support the sustainability of inclusive and sustainable development, it is important to understand how anthropology graduates can utilize their competencies to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) A sharing session held at Sambi Resort on Friday, December 4, 2024 provided interesting insights related to the career journey of anthropology alumni in the development sector and the challenges faced. The event was presented by Reza Altamaha, an alumnus of the cultural anthropology undergraduate program class of 2016 who currently works as a Technical Assistant at Folur Project Indonesia.

With the title “From Theory to Action: Practitioners’ Experience in Driving Change,” Reza talked about the importance of knowledge and learning in building competence, both from a technical perspective and in understanding the various positions available in the development sector. According to him, career paths in this sector have clear stages, starting from entry level roles such as technical assistant and field coordinator, to senior positions such as project director or project advisor. In addition, there are also opportunities for those interested in working as freelancers or consultants.

Challenges in a Development Career

The main challenges faced by those working in the development sector, including in projects such as FOLUR, are funding and bureaucracy. Reza emphasized that communication with project heads is sometimes an obstacle, especially in coordination that involves many parties. In addition, mental health is also an important issue, given the high work pressure in this sector.

Photo of Reza during Sharing Session

Career development and extensive networking are also key in this sector. Reza emphasized the importance of deepening specialization through training and joining mentoring programs to get work-related guidance. In addition, volunteering and hands-on experience with social issues in Indonesia can help build sensitivity to the real conditions faced by society.

Reza also explained the importance of building a contextual CV or CV that is relevant to previous experience and the job being applied for. This is very important to show how academic background and practical experience can be integrated with the desired position in the world of work.

Another topic highlighted next was morality at work. Reza emphasized the importance of personal integrity and considered resigning from a job if moral values are threatened. The decision should be made carefully, considering factors such as financial condition and long-term career choices.

The event was closed with the distribution of one free book entitled “Shadow Play” by Sheri Lynn Gibbings by asking the best question. This was followed by a group photo with all participants.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sandya Kirani]

In order to strengthen collaboration and exchange experiences in managing student organization activities, the Cultural Anthropology Student Family of Gadjah Mada University (KEMANT UGM) conducted a comparative study to the Social Anthropology Student Family of Diponegoro University (KAWAN UNDIP), Semarang. This activity took place on October 14, 2024 and was attended by dozens of participants from KEMANT UGM.

This comparative study was not just for fun or sightseeing. However, the main purpose of this activity is to strengthen relations between student organizations from both universities, exchange information related to the superior work programs of each student association, exchange stories about practices in student organization management, especially in the scope of student empowerment and community service, and classroom learning curriculum.

The series of comparative study events began with a warm welcome from the host, namely the head of the UNDIP KAWAN student association, which was then followed by an introduction to the organizational structure and work programs of each division. After that, the speech was continued by the chairman of the KEMANT UGM student association who also introduced the organizational structure and work program of each division.

The activity continued with gathering per division and discussing. In this session, the same divisions in both associations were brought together to exchange information. In addition, introductions were also made more in-depth, such as telling stories related to hobbies, favorite foods, and exchanging contacts that are expected to continue communication in the future.

After the discussion session, the next agenda was lunch and continued with mini games guided by the KEMANT UGM PSDM division. All participants followed the games happily and full of laughter. Activities that can bond and increase intimacy between associations.

With the spirit of collaboration, the activity ended with a group photo in front of UNDIP’s iconic statue, the white horse statue.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

In order to introduce sesajen to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and preserve Javanese culture, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held a workshop with the theme of Javanese sesajen, successfully held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The workshop was attended by the lecturers of the Tata Cara course R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S. M.A., and Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P. M.A., as well as students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2023, who were enthusiastic to explore further the meanings of offerings in Javanese tradition. The resource person presented was a cultural activist who has very extensive knowledge of sesajen, Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P. explained the various types of sesajen and their symbolic meanings.

Javanese people mostly interpret an object as a symbol, one of which is an sesajen used as a form of offering that is usually used in traditional ceremonies or spiritual rituals, has an important role in the lives of Javanese people. The essence of sesajen is as a symbol of ngawruhi or giving reminders to ancestral spirits, nature, or as a form of gratitude and prayer for the blessings given by God Almighty.

The workshop aims to introduce the importance of the sesajen tradition and how to make it properly in accordance with the cultural values contained in it. The workshop participants were given the opportunity to directly see various kinds of sesajen with their respective meanings. In the explanation of the speaker, Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P., said, “Through this workshop, we hope that students can better understand the essence of sesajen, not only as objects used in rituals, but also as part of a cultural heritage that must be preserved because Javanese people really believe in symbols, one of which is this sesajen used to show prayer and gratitude.”

Each type of sesajen has its own meaning. Sesajen made from natural materials such as flowers, fruits, rice and leaves have deep symbolism, reflecting the harmony of humans with the surrounding nature. The speaker explained about the various kinds of sesajen and the meanings they contain. One of the sesajen that is at least provided during the traditional ceremony is the pisang sanggan, which is a banana totaling 1 catch. Sanggan comes from the word “sangga” which means buffer or support which is interpreted as the basis of all series of ceremonies. pisang sanggan are usually equipped with coins which mean prayers to God asking to complete everything if something is missing and there are also roses as a symbol of wewangen or fragrance for the ancestors.

Pisang sanggan with flowers and coins

In addition to pisang sanggan, one form of sesajen that is often served is tumpeng robyong which is a savory rice and some complementary side dishes. Tumpeng robyong is very identical with eggs, shallots, and red chilies that are skewered into a single unit. It serves as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and harmony between humans and nature. Usually served in happy events such as celebrations, tumpeng robyong is expected to be a symbol that the owner hopes that all events run smoothly and are assisted by many people. The use of savory rice in this tumpeng symbolizes the Javanese people to always remember the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

The form of tumpeng robyong

Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P. also added that “desa mawa cara, negara mawa tata” so each region must have different forms and contents of sesajen. Sesajen is not interpreted as something that leads to polytheism. However, it teaches Javanese people how to symbolize a prayer and give it meaning.

One of the workshop participants, Bagus Ulinnuha, revealed that he learned many new things about the meanings of offerings in more detail thanks to this workshop. “I just found out that every element in the sesajen has a very deep meaning. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to participate in this,” he said.

Explanation from the speaker: Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P.

The preservation of this sesajen tradition is considered important, considering that more and more young people are starting to alienate from their cultural roots. This workshop is expected to be a starting point for the community to better appreciate the cultural heritage that has been passed down by the ancestors and remove the negative stigma regarding sesajen. It is hoped that with this workshop the Javanese community, especially the younger generation, will be able to understand more deeply the meaning of the symbols that have been passed down by the ancestors and can implement them in their daily lives.

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

Temu Budaya Nusantara is an annual event of IMBASADI (Association of Regional Language and Literature Students throughout Indonesia), whose venue is rotated according to the plenary meeting. As a result of the XXIX Nusantara Culture Gathering National Conference at I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University, Bangli, on November 8, 2023, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) was chosen as the host of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX in 2024 under the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University.

The Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX in 2024 be held on November 11-15, 2024. Proudly, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program welcomed the delegation guests. The participants enthusiastically followed the series of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX 2024 events from the first day to the end of the event.

This year’s Temu Budaya Nusantara carries the theme “Manggala Gadjah Mada: Ancala Raksi Budaya”. With deep meaning to the majesty of Maha Patih Gajah Mada, and the fragrance of culture. As such, many activities were carried out that were closely related to the cultures of each delegation present. The delegations present included Bugis Makassar Regional Literature (Hassanudin University), Javanese Language Education (Sebelas Maret University), Javanese Language Education (PGRI Semarang University), Batak Literature (University of North Sumatra), Religious Literature and Balinese Language Education (I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University), Regional Literature (Sebelas Maret University), Balinese Language Education (Ganesha Education University), Javanese Language and Literature Education (Semarang State University), and finally, Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture (Gadjah Mada University).

Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX began with the opening of the event which was held directly at Soegondo Auditorium, 7th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. Beginning with the Golek Ayun-Ayun Jugag dance, followed by showing the teaser of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX and several remarks starting from the representative of the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., remarks from the chief executive of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX, Bima Muslih, and others.

Performance of Golek Ayun-Ayun Jugag Dance by students of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX was opened with the symbolic opening of Gajah Mada’s wayang by the representative of the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum. The opening was also enlivened by an exhibition of regional musical instruments and a traditional culinary festival from each delegation’s home region. Then the event continued with delegation orientation to get to know each other and perform their best yells. In the evening, the delegates participated in a series of Cultural Performances which contained performances of script readings in the regional language of each delegate.

Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum. symbolically opened the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX.

There are a lot of competitions held in this Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX. The competitions that have been held include the Batik Design Competition which is carried out online with an assessment system through the calculation of the most likes on the Instagram account @manggala.gadjahmada. In addition to the batik design competition, Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX also held other competitions, including the National Scientific Writing competition, Fairy Tale Competition, TikTok Nusantara Competition, Documentary Competition, and Essay Competition. Another activity that is no less interesting is Tilik UGM, where delegation participants take a series of UGM campus tours and learn the history of Gadjah Mada University.

Awarding of competition winners was held on the fourth day of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX. The awarding night also featured a puppet show called Gajahmada Kridha (Ra Kuti Balela) masterminded by a student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2023, Ki Rafi Nur Fauzy. All delegates participated in the awarding night which was also the closing of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX. Many members of the public also watched the Gajadmada Kridha puppet show.

Trophies of the winners of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX series of competitions

On the last day, the delegates participated in a series of Cultural Tourism activities to Pakualaman Temple. The delegates and some of the organizers of Temu Budaya Nusantara toured Pura Pakualaman accompanied by several lecturers from the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and ended with the return of the delegates to their hometowns.

Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX is a representation of the young generation who actively participate in preserving their respective cultures. Coming from different regional backgrounds, cultures, and customs, IMBASADI is able to unite this diversity. With the implementation of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX, it shows that there are still many students who are concerned with regional culture and have the skills to develop it, it is fitting for the new generation to promote the diversity of regional cultures in Indonesia with their abilities.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science, Editor: Sandya Kirani]