On Thursday, November 27, 2025, the Master’s Program in History at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a masterclass and student colloquium focusing on themes and issues in cultural studies. The event was attended by graduate students in History who share a strong interest in exploring cultural dimensions within Indonesian historiography.
The session featured Dr. Abdul Wahid, M.Hum., M.Phil., and Joss Wibisono, both lecturers and guest faculty at the Department of History, UGM. They actively engaged with the students, offering feedback, constructive criticism, and scholarly insights on the research topics presented. In addition, Dr. Arnout van der Meer, a historian and researcher from Colby College, United States, joined the event to provide further advice and perspectives to the participating students.
The masterclass was conducted in an interactive format, fostering dynamic two-way communication. Feedback and suggestions emerged not only from the faculty but also from fellow students, who actively contributed to the discussions and engaged with presenters on their research themes and plans. The presentations extended beyond material aspects of culture, delving into intangible dimensions such as belief systems, ways of life, and the moral values embedded in society. Moreover, many of the studies presented did not merely emphasize the aesthetic or exotic qualities of cultural products, but also examined their broader impact on social, political, and cultural systems and dynamics within communities.
This event was envisioned as a forum for dialogue and innovation, supporting UGM History graduate students in preparing and refining their research proposals and thesis plans. It also provided participants with the valuable opportunity to receive constructive critique and guidance, with the ultimate aim of producing scholarly work that is more comprehensive and meaningful, contributing to the advancement of knowledge.
Author: Mochamad Rizky Saputra
