Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized an inspiring dialogue titled “Beyond the Wall of Self” on Friday, May 9, 2025. This event commemorated 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic journey and 34 years of PSPSR UGM’s contributions. The dialogue provided a platform for reflection on meaningful interactions and relationships with Dr. Lono Simatupang, particularly within academic and creative contexts. Lecturers, alumni from various generations, and students of PSPSR UGM attended the event. This activity served as a space to reflect on PSPSR’s role as an educational institution shaping individuals and fostering the creation of significant works. The Dean of the UGM Graduate School, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., highlighted PSPSR’s role in producing alumni as a key indicator of success. She emphasized that the multidisciplinary approach forms PSPSR’s core strength, broadly impacting society.
Dr. Ely Irawati, S.Sn., M.A., moderated the dialogue, which featured several PSPSR alumni as speakers. Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn., Rector of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta, recalled how Lono Simatupang frequently employed analogies that facilitated his understanding and explanation of complex concepts. “He helped me simplify analogies to explain concepts to students,” Dr. Irwandi stated.
Nyak Ina Raseuki, Ph,D. offered a different perspective, sharing her initial meetings and discussions with Lono Simatupang, which provided significant insights into performance. “Our two-way discussions were very memorable, especially regarding the connection between his knowledge in anthropology and art. Lono, as a teacher, was also a friend for exchanging ideas. For me, Lono is an extension,” Nyak Ina expressed, illustrating how an educator’s influence can transcend formal boundaries.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dede Pramayoza, M.A., Head of the Theatre Study Program at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Padang Panjang, shared nostalgic memories of the academic atmosphere at PSPSR. He recalled Lono Simatupang’s discussion on the ‘audience’ in a theatre workshop, a unique perspective when other participants focused on the theatre text. This prompted Dr. Dede to explore further and pursue his master’s and doctoral studies at PSPSR UGM.
Michael H.B Raditya, S.Ant., M.A., highlighted how Lono Simatupang successfully elevated cultural phenomena like dangdut from a stigmatized “kampungan” label to part of the national discourse through academic study, such as in his thesis analyzing “kampungan and gedongan.” “Mas Lono saw that participation in art could be both participatory and presentational,” Michael explained.
The “Beyond the Wall of Self” dialogue served as a celebration and affirmed the importance of quality and collaborative education. The event inherently supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting critical thinking and the exchange of cross-generational and cross-disciplinary ideas; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflected in the strong collaboration among lecturers, alumni, and students. This dialogue demonstrates that individuals and institutions can achieve greater and more sustainable impact by transcending self and disciplinary boundaries. (IP)
