PSPSR UGM students embarked on a field study to some of Yogyakarta’s most iconic temples—Sambisari, Plaosan, Sojiwan, and Banyunibo. Guided by Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, MSc., an expert in archaeology and art history, the visit provided a rare opportunity to explore Indonesia’s cultural and artistic heritage up close.
During the study, students examined the intricate designs, symbolic reliefs, and spatial arrangements of the temples, revealing the depth of knowledge and skill possessed by ancient Javanese civilizations. Prof. Timbul emphasized that these temples are not merely relics of the past but are “living archives” that tell the stories of a vibrant Hindu-Buddhist era.
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The Nitilaku Parade at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took place, commemorating the university’s 75th anniversary and its 15th Lustrum. The event attracted thousands of participants, including PSPSR UGM’s academic community, alumni, and local residents, filling the Sekip and Bulaksumur areas of the campus in a celebration that was not just a ceremony, but also a powerful reinforcement of national unity.
This year’s Nitilaku Parade was not merely a procession—it was a profound journey back in time, reflecting the long history of UGM from its founding in Kraton to its current location in Sekip and Bulaksumur. The event encouraged participants to reflect on the spirit of struggle that led to the establishment of the university and its significant role in Indonesia’s history. The parade conveyed a powerful message of national unity, reminding everyone that despite Indonesia’s diversity, the spirit of togetherness remains essential.
Graduate students from the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program visited the Cemeti Institute for Art and Society as part of a field study aimed at exploring the intersections of history and contemporary art. The trip, led by Dr. Sri Margana, a lecturer in Archaeology and Art History, provided students with an opportunity to delve deeper into Indonesia’s artistic heritage through a modern perspective.
Cemeti Director Ditoyuwono warmly welcomed the group, offering an overview of the institute’s history and its pivotal role in fostering the development of Indonesian visual arts. During a guided tour of the space, Ditoyuwono highlighted the institute’s innovative approach to curating and showcasing art.
The accreditation status of the Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has officially been converted from “A” to “Unggul” effective as of November 12, 2024. This accreditation conversion process was undertaken to comply with the regulations of the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT) and to ensure the continued maintenance of education quality in Indonesia. This change reflects the program’s commitment to delivering high-quality education on a sustained basis, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education. The new Accreditation Certificate, as outlined in Decree No. 6760/SK/BAN-PT/Ak.KP/D/XI/2024, has been ratified, reaffirming the PSPSR Doctoral Program at UGM as a leading institution with a strong dedication to excellence in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies. This accreditation status is valid from November 12, 2024, to May 28, 2026. (AHP)
The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) has once again organized the Gladhi Nalar activity, which this time took place in Bandung. The journey from Yogyakarta to Bandung was made by train on Saturday, October 29, 2024, departing from Tugu Station in Yogyakarta at 10:29 PM and arriving at Bandung Station at 5:23 AM.
On the first day in Bandung (October 30, 2024), a total of 21 Master’s and Doctoral students visited Selasar Sunaryo Art Space and NuArt Sculpture Park. At Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, the students, accompanied by Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum. (Head of the Master’s Program PSPSR), Dr. G.R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A. (Quality Assurance Coordinator of the Master’s Program PSPSR), and Niken Salindri, M.A. (Academic Staff of PSPSR), were received by Heru Hikayat, the curator of Selasar Sunaryo Art Space, who explained aspects of managing the art space. At the end of the visit, the PSPSR students had the opportunity to have a dialogue with Mr. Sunaryo, the founder of Selasar Sunaryo Art Space. At NuArt Sculpture Park, the students were guided through the gallery, and by the end of the visit, they had a sharing session with sculptor Mr. Nyoman Nuarta, the founder of NuArt Sculpture Park.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Room 407, 4th floor of the Graduate School Building at Universitas Gadjah Mada, a workshop on Polonaise: Traditional Dance and Music of Poland, was held. The workshop was led by Dr. Marzanna Poplawska from the University of Warsaw as part of a collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Indonesia. Polonaise is an intangible cultural heritage of Poland that UNESCO officially recognized in 2023. According to UNESCO, Polonaise is a lively Polish group dance performed by a few to several hundred couples in a procession, following the lead set by the first couple.
On Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the Auditorium Room on the 5th Floor of the Graduate School Building at UGM, the Master’s and Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies, along with the academic community and its alumni, held a celebration for Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, M.Sc.’s 80th birthday (Sedasa Windu). Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., the Head of the PSPSR UGM Master’s Program and coordinator of the event, stated in her introduction that Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, M.Sc. is an important figure in the PSPSR UGM Program. Since becoming the second Head of the Program (after Prof. R.M. Soedarsono), Prof. Timbul has been an integral part of the PSPSR UGM family.
To support Master’s students in completing their theses more effectively and efficiently, the Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada initiated the Collaborative Thesis Coaching Session (CTCS). This event took place from October 4–6, 2024, at Griya Persada Convention & Resort, Kaliurang. The CTCS series included monitoring and evaluation of students’ academic progress, collective guidance sessions, study group discussions, and independent work sessions for students currently working on their theses.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., the Head of the PSPSR UGM Master’s Program, expressed her hope that this initiative would provide students with an opportunity to focus intensively on their thesis work. The Program also ensured that students could meet and engage in in-depth discussions with their supervisors. Additionally, Niken Salindri, M.A., an academic staff at PSPSR UGM, shared several points regarding the technical standards for thesis writing and the procedures for proposal seminar registration and thesis defense. Approximately 24 students in the final stages of their thesis participated in the event. This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4) of Quality Education. (AU)
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)
Yohanna Simanjuntak, a student from the Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies at UGM’s Graduate School, was selected as UGM’s Favorite Mental Health Ambassador 2024 on Sunday, September 8, 2024. This program was initiated by the Ministry of Mental Health of UGM’s Student Executive Board (BEM KM UGM). Before the final day of selecting UGM’s Mental Health Ambassadors, after a long selection process, 10 finalists for UGM’s Mental Health Ambassador 2024 were chosen.