Yogyakarta, 21th of October 2024—Fisipol UGM, together with Inklusi and various local communities, held the Pasar Sepaham event on Monday (21/10). This event was held at Fisipol’s Selasar Barat & Sansiro Park from 10.00 -17.00 WIB. Pasar Sepaham offered various forms of activities, ranging from talk shows, exhibitions, workshops, bazaars, art performances, and so on.
Putu Alit, as the Creative Team of Pasar Sepaham mentioned that this event aims to provide safe spaces for individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds to interact and share stories together on the issue of inclusion. Not only that, Putu also said that Pasar Sepaham also became a medium for visitors to build solidarity and encourage issues about inclusion. “We hope that Pasar Sepaham can facilitate processes that raise awareness across generations and groups, so that socially and politically marginalized groups can be recognized for their rights as human beings,” added Putu.
This year’s Pasar Sepaham carries the theme of “Unjuk Rasa, Saling Jaga”. Putu explained that protests became a symbol for care, empathy, and collective actions to be present in social issues that affects everyone. Caring for each other shows the spirits of collectively taking actions and protecting marginalized groups in society.
Putu then mentioned that there were more than 37 communities involved in Pasar Sepaham, which ranged from artists, adherences of local religions, survivors of violence, gender minority communities, communities working on the rights of neglected children, disabled communities, and many more. Some of the communities are Kiprah Perempuan, Aisyiyah, Paguyuban Sumarah, Kolektif Keluar Kelas, Sekolah Pagesangan, Pak Leo dan Kesiram, Radio Komunitas, Penghayat Tulis Tanpo Papan, SIGAB Indonesia, Harapan Fian, Cupable, Queer Language Club, and other communities or individuals.
Putri, as a representative from Aisyiyah, an organization that works towards the protection of women and children and the empowerment of people with disabilities, felt that this collaborative event had a positive impact. According to Putri, this event can be a means to change society’s stigma on marginalized groups. “People with disabilities actually have the capability to be creative and they can play a role towards social change in society, as long as they are given the opportunity and access to do so,” explained Putri.
Layla Fadhillah, one of the students who visited Pasar Sepaham, shared her experiences regarding the event. According to her, this event is fun and it can also increase knowledge on issues regarding inclusion. “It is fun, I got some new knowledge and experiences because I can interact directly with marginalized groups with various different backgrounds. This event reflects an inclusive society,” mentioned her.