Yogyakarta, May 21st 2025 – The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) of the Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully held a series of “Syawalan Seni” (Artistic Gathering) events on May 8th and 9th, 2025. Embracing the spirit of post-Ramadan spirit, the event served as a platform for gathering lecturers, alumni across generations, students, colleagues, and partners of PSPSR. Beyond mere camaraderie, this year’s Syawalan Seni held a dual significance: appreciating 36 years of dedication of their lecture Dr. Lono Simatupang to the world of art and academia, and celebrating the 34th anniversary of the PSPSR UGM program in nurturing art scholars. The Syawalan Seni series comprised an Alumni Gathering, an Art Exhibition, a Seminar, and a Performance, each designed to weave together social and intellectual connections through art and discourse.
The festivities of Syawalan Seni commenced with the art exhibition titled “Re.uni(que): Weaving Charm and Knitting Encounters” on Thursday, May 8th, 2025, at Building Unit 03 of the UGM Graduate School. The opening ceremony was attended by dozens of exhibiting participants and invited guests. The MC, Indah Ayu Fitria, M.A., opened the event, followed by a warm welcome from the Chief of the PSPSR Master Program at UGM, Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., who expressed her appreciation for the presence of alumni from various regions.
The exhibition curator, Dr. Nadiyah Tunnikmah, M.A., in her remarks, conveyed that the exhibition was a “performance” inspired by the figure of Dr. Lono Simatupang. She emphasized that the interaction between the 25 exhibited works of visual art – ranging from paintings and installations to crafts, photography, and plastic upcycling art – and the visitors would create a unique meaning. The exhibition was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Collaboration of the UGM Graduate School, Prof. Dr. Widyanto Dwi Nugroho S. Hut, M.Agr., who admired the collaboration evident in the exhibition. One of the works that drew attention was an innovative fashion installation by PSPSR UGM Master’s student, Dharajatya Tri. P. Through unique creations from fabric scraps, Dharajatya conveyed a critical message about the issue of textile waste and the importance of sustainability.
Following the exhibition opening, the event continued with the PSPSR UGM Alumni Gathering. Led by the MC, Indah Ayu Fitria, M.A., the event began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem and the Gadjah Mada anthem, followed by a dance performance by Elan Fitra Dianto, M.A., and Maharani Hares Kaekasi, M.A. The alumni speakers were introduced by the moderator, Heni Siswantari, M.A., which then led to suggestions and insights from Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., Dr. Aris Setiawan, S.Sn., M.Sn., and Karen Hardini, M.A. A warm discussion on alumni aspiration activities took place, serving as a platform for alumni to exchange ideas and strengthen their network. The event concluded with a group photo session.
On Friday, May 9th, 2025, Syawalan Seni presented the Seminar “Beyond the Wall of Self”. This event became a space for reflection on the legacy and thoughts of Dr. Lono Simatupang. After registration and the singing of the national anthem and university anthem, the Dean of the Graduate School and the Chief of the PSPSR Master Program delivered their remarks. A dance performance by Paimin, M.A., and Luvita Pradana P., M.A., as well as a group photo session, preceded the main session.
The moderator, Dr. Eli Irawati, M.A., introduced the speakers who were PSPSR alumni with a personal connection to Dr. Lono Simatupang. They were Dr. Irwandi, M.Sn. (Rector of ISI Yogyakarta), Nyak Ina Raseuki, Ph.D., Dr. Dede Pramayoza, M.A. (Chief of the Theater Studies Program at ISI Padang Panjang), and Michael H.B Raditya, S.Ant., M.A. The speakers shared their memorable experiences and the influence of Dr. Lono Simatupang on their academic and creative journeys, highlighting his extensive knowledge and the inspiration he provided. The event continued with the presentation of mementos and a Sape (Bornean lute) musical performance by Riana Kapri, M.A., and concluded with a prayer and friendly gathering.
The culmination of Syawalan Seni was the Performance “Performing Enchantment” on Friday evening. Following registration, the audience was treated to a variety of captivating performances, ranging from Reyog Ponorogo and Manjalo Tua ni Gondang by the Ethnomusicology Department of ISI Yogyakarta, to a performing speech by Dr. Paramitha DF., M.Hum., and the Vice-Rector of UGM, Dr. Arie Sujito, M.Si. The event opened by the MC, Dalatina Peloggia Gustianingsih, M.A., the event continued with the singing of the national anthem and university anthem accompanied by an orchestra of PSPSR alumni and students. The PSPSR Light Orchestra, a performance by Landung Simatupang, Randai “Laksamana Muda” from ISI Padang Panjang, the PSPSR jingle titled “Daya Seni” by Ribeth Nurviejayanto, M.A., and a special appearance by Dr. Lono Simatupang enlivened the evening. The performance concluded with energetic performances by New Orkes Melayu Jarang Pulang and Sambasunda from ISBI Bandung.
This series of Syawalan Seni events was a tangible manifestation of the strong collaboration between lecturers, alumni, and students of PSPSR UGM. More than just a celebration, the event was an expression of appreciation for the dedication, works, and bonds of friendship that have been forged over the 34-year journey of the study program and the 36 years of dedication by Dr. Lono Simatupang in advancing the world of art and thought in Indonesia. The “Re.uni(que)” exhibition will continue until May 21st, 2025, and is open to anyone who wishes to experience the charm of the artworks by the academics and artists of PSPSR UGM.
Author : Berlian Belasuni