On Thursday, September 19, 2024, in the leadership meeting room on the 2nd floor of the UGM Graduate School, PSPSR UGM students had the opportunity to meet with Hilmar Farid, M.A. Ph.D., the Director General of Culture for the 2015-2024 period. The event was led by Dr. GR. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., and accompanied by Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., Head of the PSPSR UGM Master’s Program, and featured a lively dialogue between PSPSR students and Hilmar Farid. The discussions on that day focused on the importance of a broad understanding of culture for cultural practitioners, particularly PSPSR UGM students, whose studies are deeply connected with cultural practices. Several students also raised questions about persistent cultural issues in society, including conflicts related to local cultural heritage rights and the preservation of cultural advancement objects. Hilmar Farid emphasized the government’s crucial role in recognizing cultural dynamics in society and the challenge of providing fair space for diverse community cultures.
The participants enthusiastically engaged in this sharing session. The topics discussed in this dialogue align with SDG no. 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), and 17 (Partnerships for the goals). (AU)