A second Forum Rabu Wagen session was held on August 20, 2025. The session began with a welcoming speech from Dr. Budi Irawanto to the participants, especially the new students attending the Rabu Wagen Forum session for the first time, which was organised by the Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at UGM. Twenty-two postgraduate students attended the second event of the year. Two speakers who are also doctoral students of PSPSR, namely Terra Bajraghosa and Agustinus Paulus Umbu Tali, were selected to present their research progress. Terra Bajraghosa initiated the knowledge-sharing session, titled “Exploring the Identity of Independent Comics.” The research scheme shared was comprehensive and inspiring.

This was followed by a question-and-answer session and a discussion related to the topic. Participants who attended were also able to understand how to collect data manually without using apps. This really helped students understand various unique ways, and was not limited to just relying on apps. Next is a sharing session from Agustinus Paulus Umbu Tali, titled “Reflection on Cultural Interventions in the Transmission of Knowledge of the Sumba Gong Ensemble through Technology: A Proposal.” Through this session, Agus discussed the importance of the Sumba Gong ensemble. His sharing was interesting, especially regarding the names of each gong, which were very unique and meaningful, followed by a discussion and feedback from the participants. Overall, this second session was successful and received good feedback from students.

The forum also supported SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through academic exchange and cultural preservation. It will continue with the 3rd session of the Rabu Wagen Forum, scheduled to take place on September 20, 2025, featuring two speakers from S3 PSPSR UGM. (Hajar Aznam)

Yogyakarta, August 23, 2025 – The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR), Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, held its second dissemination forum, “Gelar Jejak #2 – Technology of Enchantment,” on Saturday (23/8). This forum provided a reflective and dialogical space for alumsto present their thesis research and engage with the public.

Moderated by Heni Siswantari, the event featured two presenters:

Rifa Fitriana, S.Sn., M.A., delivered her research “The Allure of Flow-Art in Flownesia’s Fire Dance Performances.” She explained how fire dance transcends physical performance, becoming a symbolic space that combines technical agency, visual aesthetics, and representation of identity. The incorporation of flow techniques emphasises integration between local traditional values and modern technological advancements.

Agim Gunawan, S.Sn., M.A., presented “Pepe-Pepeka ri Makka: A Performance of Risk.” His study revealed that risk management in the performance is shaped not only by technical skills and properties but also by non-technical aspects such as rituals, prayers, and spiritual beliefs, all of which complement each other to ensure safety and meaning.

Attended by 41 participants, the forum reflected PSPSR’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): by integrating cultural heritage, creativity, and education in contemporary discourse. (Icha Maharani)

The Graduate Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR), Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues its initiative Ngobrol Tesis—a discussion forum designed to share academic insights in a conversational yet informative format. The program invites PSPSR alumni to share their experiences, research processes, and findings from their master’s theses, from initial ideas to final outcomes.

In this edition, the featured speaker was Ramdani Rachmat, S.Sn., M.A. (PSPSR Alumnus, 2022 Even Semester), presenting his thesis entitled “Art and Cultural Memory: A Case Study on the Wanar Dance and the Banda Genocide in Maluku.” The discussion was moderated by Delfin Febriansyah, S.Sn. (PSPSR Student, 2024 Odd Semester).

Ramdani explained that his research topic originated from his participation in a program initiated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, which eventually led him to explore the artistic heritage of Wandan Village in Maluku. Among its cultural richness, the Wanar Dance particularly drew his attention, not only for its artistic value but also for its profound emotional and historical resonance.

His thesis connects the symbolic meanings embedded in the Wanar Dance with the historical narrative of the Banda genocide. Through this research, Ramdani aims to explore the identity of the indigenous Banda people, offering new perspectives on collective memory, cultural expression, and the interrelationship between art and history.

The full discussion can be accessed through the Ngobrol Tesis podcast at the following link:

[http://ugm.id/NgobrolTesis2].

This initiative is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting education, preserving the arts, and reinterpreting cultural heritage.

The Graduate Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has released a new episode of Ngobrol Tesis, a discussion program now available as a podcast. This edition features two PSPSR alums from the 2022 odd semester cohort: M. Ismail Hamsyah, S.Ant., M.A., and Muhammad Yudi Eko Nugroho, S.Pd., M.A., who shared insights on the role of sound engineers in both traditional and contemporary performing arts.

Ismail presented his research on sound engineering in the Ramayana Ballet performance at Prambanan through his thesis entitled “Suara-Suara Peracik Bunyi: Kajian Artistik dan Estetik Sound Engineer Gamelan Sendratari Ramayana Prambanan”. He emphasised how artistic and aesthetic aspects significantly contribute to shaping the audience’s auditory experience.

Meanwhile, Yudi discussed the Keroncong Plesiran Vol. 7 concert, based on his thesis “Peran Penata Suara sebagai Pembentuk Peristiwa Auditori dalam Konser Keroncong Plesiran Vol. 7”, highlighting how sound engineers create a distinctive musical atmosphere during performances.

Moderated by Stefanaventi Asriuni Minarpradipta, S.S., a PSPSR student from the 2024 odd semester cohort, the podcast serves as a reflective and inspirational platform to explore research processes and artistic practices from the perspective of alums. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

The full podcast is available on the official PSPSR UGM channel at http://ugm.id/NgobrolTesis1. (AHP)

On 14 August 2025 at 2 pm, the welcoming session, titled “Beyond the Gate”, for postgraduate students in Performing Art and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) took place at the Ullen Sentalu Museum, accompanied by the Mountain Piano Concerto. The inaugural event brought together Ullen Sentalu and PSPSR students from Gadjah Mada University. This concert featured Henk Mak van Dijk (Pianist), Asriuni Pradipta (Soprano), who is also a master’s programme student at PSPSR and Eko Balung (Violist). The students and other visitors in attendance enjoyed the concert. They expressed that the performance was awe-inspiring, particularly due to its location in an open and tranquil area of Ullen Sentalu. The MoU signing ceremony between PSPSR and Ullen Sentalu Museum was conducted following the performance session. The previously held musical performance was also a part of this collaboration. It is hoped that there will be increased collaboration between PSPSR and industry in the future, which will allow students to acquire new knowledge and experience. This initiative supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Hajar Aznam)

Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Graduate School hosted “Beyond the Gate” on August 14, 2025, as an opening event to welcome both new and returning students to the programmes in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR). The session began with a presentation from Dr Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., related to the master’s programme at PSPSR, followed by a presentation from Dr Budi Irawanto, S.I.P., M.A., as the head of the doctoral programme. Both describe the academic pathway and study plan, as well as the programme’s vision and mission. Dr G.R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., also addressed the students with his welcome remarks, saying, “You (students) are not just users of theory but also makers of theory.” His words inspired the students who attended the session. This programme concluded with an individual introduction session for each fellow student, followed by a photography session and lunch together. On their first day on campus, the students who participated in the Beyond The Gate session were overjoyed by the warm reception they received. This activity supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (Hajar Aznam)

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, doctoral students of the PSPSR UGM initiated a sharing session forum. The session was led by Dr. Trisna Pradita, S.Sos., M.M., an alumnus of the PSPSR doctoral program who had just officially graduated at the commencement ceremony held the day before.

The main topic of this session was an introduction to NVivo. NVivo is a qualitative data analysis software that helps researchers organize, analyze, and gain insights from unstructured data, such as interviews, open-ended survey responses, field notes, academic articles, and social media content. It can be used to code data, identify themes and patterns, and visualize findings.

Before diving into NVivo and how it supported his doctoral research, Dr. Dita (as he is commonly known) began by sharing practical insights he had taken from the book Atomic Habits and applied in his daily life. These included how quantity can lead to quality, how happiness can be found in progress—which in turn drives motivation, the “two-minute rule,” the importance of maintaining consistency or rhythm in work, the distinction between instant gratification and long-term fulfillment, and the analogy that even a slight change in the direction of an airplane can eventually lead to a vastly different destination.

He then continued by explaining how he utilised NVivo throughout his dissertation process, illustrating his point with practical examples. The doctoral students of PSPSR responded with laughter, joy, and lively enthusiasm, as Dr. Dita—who is also a professional comedian—delivered the session with a unique blend of academic insight and humour 

The PSPSR Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada fully supports student-led academic initiatives such as this, recognizing their vital role in fostering intellectual exchange and strengthening academic culture. Forums like these promote collaboration, peer support, and a sense of community that are essential throughout the doctoral journey, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (AU)

The Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR), Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again celebrated the graduation of one of its students during the Commencement Ceremony of Period IV for the 2024/2025 Academic Year, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Dr. Trisna Pradita Putra, a permanent lecturer at the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta, successfully completed his doctoral studies and was officially conferred his doctoral degree in this period. This accomplishment represents not only a personal milestone for Dr. Dita but also a point of pride for the PSPSR academic community.

In his dissertation, Dr. Dita explored the topic of comedy performance management, using the case study of organizational and production management practices of the comedy group “Double S” in Yogyakarta. His research highlights the critical role of arts management elements in optimizing other supporting aspects of a successful professional comedy performance, including performers, audiences, sponsors, physical evidence, and service processes.

The Head of the PSPSR Doctoral Program, Dr. Budi Irawanto, S.IP., M.A., expressed his appreciation for this achievement. He hopes that this accomplishment will further strengthen Dr. Dita’s contributions in both academic and practical fields of arts management, and inspire other PSPSR students to continue striving for excellence.

This graduation reflects PSPSR’s ongoing commitment to advancing arts knowledge through strong research-based scholarship and practice, while actively contributing to the development of Indonesia’s arts and cultural ecosystem. This effort supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education.

Congratulations to Dr. Trisna Pradita Putra on earning his doctoral degree. May success continue to accompany his journey in contributing to the advancement of arts and education in Indonesia. (NS)

A heartfelt and proud atmosphere filled the Graduation Ceremony of the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) for the fourth period of the 2024/2025 Academic Year, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. On this occasion, the Master’s Program in Performing and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) celebrated the graduation of two master’s students, Anzal Zikri and Shinda Regina, who have successfully completed their studies.” 

During the ceremony, Anzal and Shinda presented a beautiful performance of the Zapin Bojong Dance. This dance presents a synthesis of Malay and Sundanese cultural elements, performed by graduate students from the Master’s Program in Performing and Visual Arts Studies. It serves as a representation of the dancers’ cultural backgrounds. The choreography and musical arrangement are derived from two traditional sources: Zapin Kampung Manggis, a dance form rooted in the Malay community of Jambi, and Keser Bojong, recognized as the first Jaipongan dance created by Gugum Gumbira in 1978.

This event serves not only as a marker of academic achievement, but also as a tangible demonstration of the Performing and Visual Arts Studies Program’s (PSPSR) contribution to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), by highlighting academic accomplishments and the readiness of graduates to contribute to society.

The Master’s Program of Performing and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) congratulates all graduates. May the knowledge, experience, and creative spirit developed during their studies at UGM continue to grow and benefit the wider community. University graduates have the potential to become skilled workers or entrepreneurs who support national economic growth. This graduation ceremony can be seen as a transition towards productive contributions in the workforce, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). (NS)

Yogyakarta, July 16, 2025 – The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR), Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, organisedorganized a dissemination forum entitled Gelar Jejak #1: Art and Technology. This forum served as a platform for students and alumni to share the results of their thesis research, as well as a reflective and dialogical space that bridges academic discourse with public engagement through the medium of art.

The forum featured two speakers: Akhmad Mu’izzanur Sastrabayu, S.Pd., M.A., and Erick Antonio Karo Sekali, S.Sn., M.A., who presented topics on the preservation of traditional musical instruments through technology and intergenerational education.

In his presentation, Akhmad Mu’izzanur discussed his research, entitled “Art and Technology: Preserving Traditional Musical Instruments and Reflecting on the Future.” He developed a digital instrument based on Virtual Studio Technology Instrument (VSTi) to document and preserve the sound of the panting, a traditional musical instrument. Through a process of recording and mapping playing techniques into the Native Instruments Kontakt software, this work offers an innovative solution for digital preservation of traditional music, making it accessible for contemporary learning.

Meanwhile, Erick Antonio Karo Sekali presented his research on the (Re)construction and Production of the Murbab Musical Instrument as an Educational Tool for the Younger Generation. This study reconstructed the physical form of the murbab, a bowed instrument from Karo culture that is now extinct. By combining ethnomusicological approaches with 3D modelling technology, the murbab was successfully recreated based on historical data and local cultural practices. Professional musicians also tested the reconstructed instrument for both acoustic and auditory quality.

This event not only showcased research outcomes but also encouraged public participation in cultural preservation through education and technology. Gelar Jejak #1 directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

•         SDG 4 – Quality Education, by providing inclusive access to culturally and technologically integrated learning; and
•         SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the preservation of local cultural heritage as part of sustainable community development.

The forum was conducted online on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and was attended by approximately 40 participants, including students, lecturers, researchers, art practitioners, and the general public. The participants’ enthusiasm demonstrated that art and technology remain vital spaces for fostering intergenerational dialogue within the framework of cultural preservation and innovation. (AHP)