The Performing Enchantment event on May 9, 2025, at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM became a vibrant stage for celebrating Indonesia’s cultural diversity. an event held by the Graduate Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) UGM, the event showcased the rich traditions of various regions, uniting different identities in a night full of harmony.

From the outset, the audience was greeted by the grandeur of Reog Ponorogo, an energetic cultural icon from East Java. The atmosphere then shifted to a solemn mood during the Batak thanksgiving ritual, Manjalo Tuani Gondang, performed meaningfully by Dr. Lono Simatupang and his family. This Batak tradition, rich in family values and gratitude, demonstrated how performing arts can bridge cultures. read more

A warm and enthusiastic atmosphere filled the UGM Graduate School Building on May 8, 2025, as the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially opened the Re.uni(que): Weaving Charms, Knitting Encounters exhibition. The visual documentation on this first day captured important moments, interactions, and expressions from participants and guests in this celebration of art and togetherness.

The morning began with a coffee morning session, providing a warm space for guests, students, lecturers, alumni, and artists to greet each other and share stories. The camera captured the friendly atmosphere, cups of coffee, and laughter that marked the meaningful start of the day. read more

Yogyakarta, May 8, 2025 – The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially opened the Re.uni(que): Menganyam Pesona, Merajut Perjumpaan. at the UGM Graduate School Building. This event brought together students, alumni, and lecturers, highlighting PSPSR’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through art and intergenerational collaboration.

Dr. Nadiyah Tunnikmah, M.A., as the curator, emphasized that the exhibition was not merely about displaying artworks, but about creating a space for dialogue and social reflection. “Each piece was selected to represent the collective journey of the PSPSR community. We want visitors to experience the meaning of encounters, collaboration, and diversity, which are the strengths of art and support the inclusivity principle of the SDGs,” Dr. Nadiyah explained. read more

Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program, the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, hosted a sharing session titled “Research Methods (in the Study of) the Arts,” featuring Michael HB Raditya, M.A., Ph.D (cand.) as the speaker. The event took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Room 407, 4th Floor, Graduate School UGM, starting at 9:00 AM.

Currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Melbourne, Michael HB Raditya discussed methodological shifts in arts research, drawing from his ongoing study on dangdut, an Indonesian popular music genre. He highlighted the increasing role of digital technology and the internet in shaping contemporary research practices, especially through the use of big data and internet-based data collection. read more

On April 23, 2025, an engaging academic discussion was held by Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, titled “Unpacking the Dancer’s Body (Practice as Research/PaR)”. The event featured several notable speakers, including Dr. Bambang Pujasworo, a faculty member of the Graduate Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) UGM, Galih Prakasiwi, M.A., an alumnus of PSPSR UGM who served as the main discussant, and Heni Siswantari, S.Pd., M.A., a Ph.D. candidate at PSPSR UGM, who acted as the moderator. read more

On May 9, 2025, the Graduate Program in Performing and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held Performing Enchantment at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM, presenting a rich evening of diverse expressions in the performing arts.

From the outset, the spatial arrangement stood out. Instead of using the conventional stage, the performance area was placed in front of it, giving performers the freedom to move and create dynamic floor patterns. The Reog Ponorogo musicians were positioned beneath the left-side stands, near the entrance and the audience, producing a surround sound effect that felt immersive and immediate. read more

On May 9, 2025, the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) showcased the power of artistic collaboration at the Performing Enchantment event, held at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM. The event was the culmination of a series of celebrations marking 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic contributions and 34 years of the PSPSR Program at UGM.

The event’s core was its seamless collaboration among artists, academics, alumni, students, and families. The opening Reog Ponorogo performance set the tone, bringing together local Reog artists and PSPSR’s creative team to blend tradition with fresh artistic direction. read more

On May 9, 2025, the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a sarasehan themed “Beyond the Wall of Self,” where Dr. Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., reflected on his personal and professional journey, emphasizing the significance of growing together with others.

Unlike typical commemorations that focus on external tributes, Lono Simatupang deliberately chose “Beyond the Wall of Self” to highlight how his artistic and academic journey has always been shaped by encounters and collaborations. “I did not want others to merely talk about me, but rather, I wanted to share how I have grown because of and together with others,” he remarked during the event. read more

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. read more

The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organised a session on Thursday, May 8, to connect with PSPSR alumni under the theme, “Menjalin Silaturahmi, Menggelar Aspirasi.”  This event was moderated by Heni Siswantari, M.A., and featured three speakers who provided inspiration and insight: Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum, Dr. Aris Setiawan, S.Sn,  M.Sn, and  Karen Hardini, M.A.

This program was part of the Syawalan Seni celebration, which marked 34 years of PSPSR UGM and 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic journey. In his sharing, Dr. Paramitha presented the latest data and news from PSPSR to guests, alumni, and students. This sharing provided a discourse to everyone about what has been done and what else can be done to ensure the sustainability of the quality of education in line with the recommendations in the SDG requirements. Dr. Paramitha also presented the most recent curriculum structure development and is a major driving force behind the study program. The presentation is significant since the individuals present are considered stakeholders, and their opinions and perspectives are helpful for improvement. Dr. Paramitha also extended a warm welcome to alumni and anybody else interested in knowledge-sharing initiatives. read more