
Amid the holy month of Ramadan, on March 22, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, the Study Program of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted an iftar gathering, preceded by a discussion titled Studies on Art and Religion. The event, held in the front corridor of the PSPSR study program office, brought together the entire PSPSR academic community. The keynote speaker, Dr. G. Budi Subanar, S.J. (Romo Banar), explored the intricate relationship between art and religion from both academic and cultural perspectives.
Beyond serving as a platform for intellectual exchange, this event also marked the 65th birthday celebration of Dr. G. R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., a distinguished academic with significant contributions to the fields of arts and culture. The discussion unfolded in a warm and engaging atmosphere, accompanied by a light drizzle in the late afternoon, adding a contemplative touch to the scholarly discourse. The event was further enriched by the presence of the Head of the PSPSR Study Program, Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, S.Ant., M.Hum., along with several other PSPSR faculty members, who actively participated in the conversation and contributed to the vibrant exchange of ideas.
More than just an academic forum, the gathering also provided an opportunity for collective prayer, fostering a sense of unity and well-being among participants. It was also a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., in celebration of his birthday. The event concluded with a group photo session and a communal iftar, strengthening the bond within the PSPSR academic community.
All activities held during this event align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 4 (Quality Education), No. 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and No. 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). (AHP)