Stevanaventi Asriuni Minarpradipta, a graduate student in the Master’s Program for Performance and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at UGM, demonstrates her prowess by taking on three crucial roles in the latest musical film by renowned director Garin Nugroho, “SIAPA DIA” (WHO IS SHE). Known affectionately as Achi Pradipta, this woman not only appears as a supporting actress but is also entrusted as a vocal coach, vocal arranger, and vocal director. Her involvement serves as proof that the academic world is capable of producing competent arts practitioners ready to contribute to the creative industry.

The newly released film “SIAPA DIA” takes audiences on an emotional journey with the character Layar (played by Nicholas Saputra). Layar traces cross-generational romance stories—from the era of his great-grandfather and grandfather, to his father. To find inspiration in creating a musical theatre. Directed by Garin Nugroho, this film features an array of top-tier stars including Gisela Anastasya, Widi Mulia, Dira Sugandi, Happy Salma, Morgan Oey, and Ariel Tatum. Among these big names, Achi Pradipta successfully adds her own distinctive touch through her significant contribution to the vocal department. 

Musical Acuity that Earns Praise

One piece of evidence of Achi’s talent was revealed during a post-screening discussion at Empire XXI Yogyakarta on August 25, 2025. Actress Widi Mulia shared a memorable moment from the filming location that highlighted Achi’s artistic sensitivity.

“There was one scene where Mas Garin asked us to sing spontaneously. Fortunately, Achi was there and immediately sprang into action, accompanying us with her keyboard,” Widi recalled.

This moment demonstrates Achi’s ability to read situations and create musical harmony instantaneously. Her quick flow of melody that harmonized with the actors’ vocal improvisations becomes proof of her exceptional acuity and talent, transforming a spontaneous challenge into a captivating scene. Achi Pradipta’s contribution to “SIAPA DIA” represents an excellent synergy while serving as inspiration for other art students to create works. This achievement also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the integration of academic expertise into professional practice, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by strengthening the creative industry and promoting cultural innovation. (DF)

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)

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025, a field study program was conducted by the Visual Arts, Design, and Media Arts Criticism course, mentored by Dr. Suwarno Wisetrotomo. The activity took place at the Jogja Art+Books Festival 2025 (JABFEST), located at The Ratan, Jalan Ringroad Selatan No. 93, Panggungharjo, Sewon, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This year, JABFEST adopted the theme “Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari: 82 Tahun Kuntowijoyo” (The Train Departing in the Morning: 82 Years of Kuntowijoyo). The festival featured various programs, including art exhibitions, book discussions, artist talks, a book bazaar, and other related events.

During this visit, students from the Visual Arts, Design, and Media Arts Criticism course of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada, observed the art exhibition at The Ratan gallery. The exhibition showcased works by renowned artists such as Nasirun, Enka Komariah, Pupuk Daru Purnomo, Wedhar Riyadi, and others. Class participants critically analyzed the artworks from diverse perspectives, consistent with their individual academic backgrounds. The observation also encompassed how each artwork responded to the theme “Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari: 82 Tahun Kuntowijoyo,” as well as the implications of a literary archaeology approach in contemporary art that informed the artists’ creative processes.

Subsequently, following the observation in the exhibition space, the students and Dr. Suwarno Wisetrotomo continued the activity with a discussion session involving artist Pupuk Daru Purnomo. This discussion focused on the artist’s creative process in producing his work, particularly in the context of Pupuk Daru Purnomo’s pieces that were recreated with considerations of different spaces and times of execution. One of the exhibited works, for instance, featured a sketch reproduced years after the artist had returned from the original location. Pupuk Daru Purnomo explained, “There are memories that linger and are quite impactful, when I draw about a specific location or moment I experienced. Even though redrawing it feels different, the memory I felt remains the same.”

Dr. Suwarno Wisetrotomo also elucidated Pupuk Daru Purnomo’s artistic journey, emphasizing that changes or differences in an artist’s creative process are natural. He highlighted that the creative process can continue to be internalized and expressed in artworks, regardless of material differences. Nevertheless, the unique characteristics of each artist remain the essence that strengthens the identity of their work.

This field study significantly contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Firstly, it supports SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing innovative out-of-classroom learning experiences that enrich students’ understanding through direct interaction with artworks and professional artists. Secondly, it indirectly contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by supporting the art ecosystem and creative economy, which promotes decent work for artists and economic growth. Finally, this activity aligns with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as it enriches the cultural life of the city and promotes cultural inclusion and identity through art. (IP)