Yogyakarta, May 8th 2025 — The Syawalan Seni activity of the Performing Arts and Fine Arts Program (PSPSR) UGM, not only a place for friendship and art appreciation, also shows the close relationship between lecturers and students that is warm and full of a sense of kinship. In an informal but meaningful atmosphere, this meeting revives the spirit of an academic community that is not only built on the basis of the obligation to learn, but also on mutual respect and inspiration.
There was a close atmosphere between the lecturers and alumni who were present from the beginning of the event. There was no barrier between teachers and students—there was only a human encounter between individuals who had grown together in the space of science and art. Laughter, applause, and casual conversations full of nostalgia marked the relationship established in the classroom, which has now transformed into a deeper relationship: a relationship between colleagues, friends, and intellectual families.
Dr. Raden Rara Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari and Dr. Aris Setiawan, two lecturers who also attended as speakers, not only gave inspiring presentations, but also interacted warmly with the alumni—remembering names, reminiscing about college moments, and sharing personal stories that connect them.
For the alumni, the presence of these lecturers was an important symbol: they never really left campus, due to the relationships that were built. It did not end at the final exams, but continued to live on in each of their life journeys. “I feel like I’m coming home,” said one of the alumni with sparkling eyes. “Our lecturers are not just teachers, they are part of our journey to become human beings.”
The deep message of this activity underlined the importance of building an academic community that not only pursues scientific achievements, but also fosters human values—empathy, mutual trust, and long-term support. In an increasingly fast-paced and competitive world, spaces like Syawalan Seni serve as a reminder that true education occurs when teachers and students can learn from each other, strengthen each other, and stay connected beyond the formal structure of education.
This close relationship between lecturers and students is the foundation for a healthy and sustainable academic ecosystem. When knowledge and love grow side by side, a generation of intellectuals is born who are not only academically intelligent, but also emotionally and socially mature.
Author: Burhanul Aqil