Yogyakarta, September 27th 2024─In an important initiative to raise awareness about human rights violations, students of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM organized Arts Week 2024. The festival was held for five days from September 23 to 27, 2024.
The festival serves as a platform to showcase the creative expression of FISIPOL UGM students in interpreting social issues. This year, Fisipol Arts Week carries a theme entitled “Selametan Terlahirnya Kembali Ingatan” or Gratitude for the Reborn of Memories. The theme was chosen as a reminder of the issues of human rights violations and the silencing of public space in Indonesia. With a focus on the events of Black September, Arts Week seeks to reflect on the social, cultural and political events that have shaped the nation throughout history.
Arts Week 2024 featured a diverse arts agenda, including film discussions, literary performances, and exhibitions. One of the highlights of this event was the “Memori September” exhibition designed by the Advocacy and Public Opinion Management (Advomop) team of Dema FISIPOL UGM. The exhibition, which can be accessed openly at the Sansiro Park of FISIPOL, is the result of collaboration between various institutions and student activity units of FISIPOL to display various art disciplines, such as fine art, installation, photography, and performance.
The exhibition emphasizes equal access to cultural expression and the importance of accountable institutions in addressing human rights violations. By building partnerships together, the “September Memory” exhibition aims to create a more inclusive environment where different voices can be heard and respected.
With a theme that is quite dark and emotional, the works displayed are not only entertaining, but also provoke deep reflection. According to Laurentius Demas, the person in charge of the Advomop Dema 2024 work program, the “September Memory” exhibition is expected to be an instrument to increase understanding of the importance of respecting human rights in everyday life.
“The September Memory is a platform to encourage real action in the fight for human rights, and to remind us all that our collective voice is the main force in achieving positive and meaningful change,” Laurentius said in an interview.
By reflecting on past injustices, FISIPOL Arts Week 2024 encourages a collective commitment to prevent discrimination, human rights conflicts, and all acts of violence. This event is a form of student support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on points 10 (reduced inequality) and 16 regarding peace, justice and resilient institutions.
This year’s FISIPOL Arts Week is expected to not only be a place for art appreciation, but also a space for dialogue for the community to eliminate abuse and discrimination.