Yogyakarta, May 13, 2026—The Department of Art and Literature Appreciation (DASS) at KOMAHI FISIPOL UGM emphasized the creative process, self-expression, and inclusivity at the Artlab 2026 event, held May 11–13 in Yogyakarta under the theme “Be Human, Be Free.”
Nasmaria Putri, Head of DASS, explained that the theme “Art in Politics: Be Human, Be Free” was deliberately chosen as a broad umbrella that does not impose limitations, allowing participants from diverse backgrounds to join. “We really tried to find a very general theme where people can interpret it in multiple ways. Like, people can interpret the theme themselves—it’s that open,” she said.
Under the overarching theme “Be Human, Be Free,” this annual event features book discussions, film screenings, art and dance workshops, and an art exhibition. ArtLab 2026 involves collaboration with various parties, such as an exhibition of works previously submitted by participants, which will be displayed at the space provided by ArtLab in the West Lobby of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences throughout the event.
One of the most significant sessions was the Book Discussion held on the first day, May 11. In collaboration with the INKA community, this session featured Muflihun discussing Wijaya Herlambang’s work, “Post-1965 Cultural Violence: How the New Order Legitimized Anti-Communism Through Literature and Film.” In addition, Artlab also held an Italian charm bracelet art workshop in collaboration with Day of Art Jogja.
On the second day, there was a dance workshop session in collaboration with Sastra Oebah, with open registration for the entire FISIPOL community. Furthermore, on the second day, a movie screening of “Dead Poets Society” was held in collaboration with HI-CINE (one of KOMAHI’s student organizations), where participants selected and watched the film together—a choice that naturally aligned with the event’s theme.
Finally, to conclude the entire series of events, on the last day ArtLab collaborated with the FISIPOL Music Forum (FMF) to host a Jamming Session where HI-Tunes (part of DASS) could participate in performing at the WEDEVE event, which was enjoyed by all ArtLab visitors.
Artlab 2026 successfully created a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions, express their creativity, and build capacity across various fields of the arts. With a focus on inclusivity and equal access to education, the event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education and fostering creativity as a means of personal and social development.