A collaborative research study between the Department of Anthropology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Department of Anthropology at Padjadjaran University (UNPAD) is currently underway (May – October 2024) focusing on eating habits and food-giving traditions for toddlers. The research, titled “Eating Habits and Food-Giving Traditions for Toddlers in Efforts to Prevent Stunting in Rural Sundanese Areas,” is being conducted by two researchers: Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A. from UGM and Erna Herawati, S.Ant., MA., PhD. from UNPAD. They are academics with extensive track records in anthropological research, particularly related to public health.

This study focuses on the eating habits and food-giving traditions for toddlers in Cileles Village, Jatinangor District, Sumedang, West Java. The village was chosen as the research site due to its paradoxical condition: despite having good access to natural resources and healthy food, it still has a relatively high stunting rate. This phenomenon indicates issues in consumption patterns and food-giving traditions. One interesting early finding is the high consumption of aci (tapioca flour)-based foods, which are suspected to contribute to the high stunting rate. Aci-based foods are often given as main meals, not just snacks, even to toddlers.

The main objective of this research is to enhance understanding of the eating patterns and food-giving traditions that can influence stunting in rural Sundanese areas. The study also aims to identify and promote local foods with good nutritional content while minimizing the provision of foods that can cause stunting. This research has broader implications in efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) points 1, 2, and 3, which are No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Good Health and Well-being for all ages. By improving the nutrition of toddler food and educating the community about the importance of healthy eating patterns, it is hoped that significant improvements in the health and well-being of the people in Cileles Village and other areas with similar issues can be achieved.

The research involving Dr. Atik Triratnawati and Erna Herawati is expected to make a significant contribution to efforts to address stunting in rural Sundanese areas. By highlighting the importance of understanding eating habits and food-giving traditions and identifying healthier local foods, this study aims to encourage positive changes in community eating patterns. The output of this research will be published in a scientific journal in October 2024, making the results accessible to various interested parties, both academically and practically. Thus, it is hoped that this research will not only provide new insights but also serve as a foundation for more effective health policies and programs in the future.

Author: Afif Naufal Widiadi

Rina Kurana Awom is a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Literature and Culture at the University of Papua, Manokwari. Coming from the Biak tribe in West Papua, Rina is currently pursuing her PhD in Humanities (Study of Oral Traditions) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Her story reflects an academic journey filled with challenges and courage.

Rina’s decision to continue her studies at UGM is not her first time. After completing her undergraduate degree at Cenderawasih University in 2005, she immediately pursued her master’s degree at UGM, encouraged by her mother. Although initially intending to gain work experience, Rina received a scholarship from the Center for Education and Training for Women of the Evangelical Christian Church in Papua Land (P3W GKI), which further strengthened her academic journey to pursue her master’s degree. After successfully completing her master’s degree in 2008, Rina felt confident to return to UGM for her PhD due to its academic reputation and the comfort she felt in Yogyakarta. Additionally, the support of professional lecturers in her field of interest and the availability of the Humanities PhD program at FIB UGM were her main reasons.

After living in Yogyakarta, Rina feels very comfortable and safe. She has felt this comfort since her master’s studies in 2005. Although Yogyakarta is becoming more crowded, the friendliness of the locals and affordable living costs make her feel at home. Rina is glad to be able to worship peacefully in churches that are accessible. However, she experienced culture shock, especially in understanding directions and finding accommodation, as local people generally use terms like west, east, north, and south to show directions.

During her time at UGM, Rina focused more on academic activities. However, FIB UGM provided her with opportunities to participate in activities such as Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and local research with the Center for Policy Studies and Population (PSKK) UGM, enriching her academic experience.

Rina recommends FIB UGM as a study option for her friends in Papua. She sees many positive changes and developments at UGM, especially with the “Kampus Rakyat” slogan. The supportive campus environment, continuously evolving facilities, and competent lecturers make UGM an ideal place to pursue education. The affordable cost of living and the friendliness of the entire campus community add to the positive experience of studying at UGM.

With all the experiences and support she has received, Rina feels that Yogyakarta has become a “home away from home” for her, providing comfort and opportunities for growth amidst the challenges of living far from her hometown.

On Monday, May 13, 2024, the first day of the 13th Gugur Gunung was successfully celebrated at the Margono Terrace, 1st floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Jawaisme Fest, a part of this event, attracted a diverse audience, including university students, INCULS students, FIB staff, and high school students visiting FIB UGM.

Jawaisme Fest is an exhibition of Javanese art, literature, and culture. Some of the cultural products displayed included Nusantara manuscripts, traditional Javanese everyday clothing from Yogyakarta, wayang kulit (shadow puppets), gamelan instruments, traditional customs and weton (Javanese astrological system), traditional games, and various other cultural items.

The Nusantara manuscripts on display included Javanese-script manuscripts, illustrated lontar manuscripts from Bali, and replicas of Batak manuscripts. Wayang kulit characters such as the Pandawa (Yudistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa) and Punakawan (Semar, Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong) welcomed the visitors. Some of the gamelan instruments displayed included the saron, kendhang ciblon, kethuk, kempul, and gong. Traditional games like yo-yos, othok-othok hammers, othok-othok boats, bekel, slingshots or plintheng, bas basan, tops, and various other games evoked a sense of nostalgia for the past. The Javanese customs showcased included life cycles from birth to death, and an introduction to weton, sparking visitors’ curiosity to learn more.

The diverse cultural products exhibited successfully piqued visitors’ interest. They showed enthusiasm through various questions posed to the booth attendants. Visitors were also given the opportunity to try out traditional games, handle and play wayang kulit, play gamelan instruments, view Nusantara manuscripts, and try their luck at a prize draw booth.

The excitement didn’t end there; Jawaisme Fest will continue on the second day of the 13th Gugur Gunung, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM WIB. The second day promises to be even more special with a Jathilan dance drama titled “Turangga Sastra Nuswantara” performed by students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program. The Jathilan dance drama will be made even more captivating by the presence of Lala Atila, a famous campursari singer, who will perform traditional Javanese singing during the show.

Author: Haryo Untoro

After previously receiving an A accreditation, the Korean Language and Culture Program at UGM has successfully obtained an ‘Excellent’ accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education. This ‘Excellent’ accreditation is valid from May 21, 2024, to August 16, 2028, and has been ratified through the Decree of the Director of the Executive Board of BAN-PT No. 4269/SK/BAN-PT/Ak.KP/S/V/2024.

To achieve the ‘Excellent’ status, the program underwent various evaluations by the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education. These evaluations were conducted by the Korean Language and Culture Program Team in collaboration with the Quality Assurance Unit Team of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM. Additionally, the efforts of the program were supported by contributions from all parties, including alumni and stakeholders.

This achievement demonstrates the program’s commitment to continuously improving the quality of its curriculum and human resources. The ‘Excellent’ accreditation is also expected to provide the program with opportunities for various collaborations, both nationally and internationally. This aligns with the program’s commitment to always providing the best quality education for all its students.