On Monday, June 2, 2025, the Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR), Graduate School UGM organized a discussion held in Room 407 of the Graduate School building. This activity was part of a broader initiative to strengthen the academic atmosphere by promoting cross-cultural interaction and fostering international collaboration. The event featured Dr. Christopher J. Miller, a scholar and musician from Cornell University, United States, as the speaker. His interests and activities revolve around two points of focus: experimental music, and the music of Indonesia, especially Central Javanese gamelan. His presence brought an important international dimension to the development of scholarly discourse in the field of arts, particularly in music.

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Syawalan Seni was a celebration of two milestones: the 34th anniversary of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies program at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, and the 36 years of dedication by the beloved lecturer, G. R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang. Held over two days—8 and 9 May 2025—at GIK UGM, the event carried the theme “Performing Enchantment”, bringing together a diverse lineup of performers including Samba Sunda, the PSPSR Orchestra, and OM Jarang Pulang.

OM Jarang Pulang (OMJP) is a dangdut band formed by alumni and students of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies program. The current ensemble features Michael H. B. Raditya (percussion), Ribeth Nurvijayanto (keys), Agus Umbu (keys), Hata Nugraha (bass), Thalita Nur Fadillah (drums), Anbie Haldini (tambourine), Yuki Raudhul Rizky (guitar), and vocalists Selin Rimesu and Ratna Wulan Sari. Since its formation in 2018, OMJP has become known for its vibrant mix of dangdut, koplo, and ambyar, and has released three original tracks: “Baper,” “Udarasa,” and “Sajerone Segara Sajembare Samudera.”

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On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Graduate Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted the PSPSR Alumni Gathering: Reconnecting Bonds, Sharing Aspirations.

Held at the 5th-floor Auditorium of the UGM Graduate School, the event was warmly attended by PSPSR students, lecturers, and alumni. The session featured contributions from Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., Dr. Aris Setiawan, S.Sn., M.Sn., and Karen Hardini, M.A., with Heni Siswantari, M.A. serving as moderator.

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The opening of the Re.uni(que): Weaving Charms, Knitting Encounters exhibition and Syawalan Seni on Thursday, 8 May 2025, at the UGM Graduate School Building, highlighted the active role of students from the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This event was part of the 34th anniversary of PSPSR and the commemoration of Dr. Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A.’s 36 years of academic dedication.

PSPSR students from both master’s and doctoral levels were intensively involved in the preparation and execution of the event. In the week leading up to the opening, students worked together as committee members, taking responsibility for exhibition layout, artwork installation, logistics, guest management, and documentation. This collaboration strengthened student solidarity and provided valuable experience in art event management.

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The Performing Enchantment event on May 9, 2025, at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM was not only a showcase of artistic excellence, but also a night filled with deep emotional resonance for the audience.

From the opening Reog Ponorogo performance, the audience was immediately captivated. Cheers and applause filled the hall as dynamic movements and spirited music set the tone for the evening.  

“The energy was contagious. I was drawn into the atmosphere from the very beginning,” said Febry Anugerah, one of the audience members.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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