The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies, Graduate School, held a Guest Lecture entitled “Glocalization and Cultural Identity” on Monday, May 26, 2025, from 13:00 to 15:00 WIB. The event took place in Room 407, 4th Floor of the Graduate School building and featured Prof. Dr. Ignatius Bambang Sugiharto, a distinguished scholar and cultural thinker in Indonesia.
Open to the public, the event received an enthusiastic response from participants, filling the venue to full capacity. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bambang expressed his appreciation for the active engagement of the attendees, which reflected a deep interest in the topic discussed.
The event began with a welcome speech by the Head of the Study Program, Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, S.Ant., M.Hum., followed by Agustinus Paulus Umbu Tali, M.A., who acted as the Master of Ceremony. The lecture continued with Prof. Bambang’s presentation, in which he emphasized that glocalization—the interaction between global and local cultures—has shaped increasingly fluid and complex cultural dynamics. Culture, he argued, should no longer be seen as static and exclusive, but as an open and evolving process shaped by exchange, translation, and cross-cultural reinterpretation.
Prof. Bambang further highlighted that globalization not only facilitates the emergence of more inclusive identities but also presents serious challenges, including growing social inequality and the dominance of global narratives that can undermine the integrity of local cultures. He urged participants not to adopt a defensive stance, but instead to reinforce their commitment to local culture through creative exploration, critical reflection, and cross-cultural collaboration.
In this context, culture is understood as a contested space of meaning and power, in which social actors contribute to shaping evolving ways of life and value systems. Reflective and collaborative cultural activism, he argued, is essential for fostering a more just and civilized global society.
Following the lecture, the event continued with an interactive discussion session. Participants showed high levels of enthusiasm, raising critical questions that enriched the discussion until the session’s conclusion. The atmosphere was vibrant and intellectually stimulating. The event concluded with a group photo session, marking the end of a productive and insightful academic gathering.
This discussion directly supports the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), particularly in advancing cultural literacy and safeguarding local cultural heritage in the face of globalization. (AHP)
