Author name: Ghina Nafsiya

Jatinangor – Creating an environment that is free from corruption is a vision that needs to be realized by all types of institutions. This is a form of honesty that is important to uphold in creating an environment of fairness and integrity.  In implementing the anti-corruption policy echoed by Universitas Padjadjaran, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences strives for every element, both study programs and support staff to firmly reject all forms of actions that lead to corruption and gratuities.  Policies to support the creation of integrity zones in the world of education are a shared responsibility. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences always strives to maintain a corruption-free academic environment with the support of a clean bureaucracy for the entire academic community.  Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi SekartajiTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences held a public lecture with the theme “Popular Culture and Pop Islam” on Thursday, November 11. This public lecture presented an scholar from the University of Pittsburgh, United States, Prof. Andrew N. Weintraub. More than 350 participants from the academic community of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Unpad and invitations from outside attended the online public lecture. This public lecture is part of the Popular Culture (Budaya Populer) course in the Master of Cultural Studies Program and the Cultural Studies (Pengkajian Budaya) course in the undergraduate program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Unpad. This public lecture was held in the framework of the 63rd Anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran. As also stated by Prof. Aquarini Priyatna, Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Unpad, this public lecture activity that presents professors from world-renowned universities is part of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’s efforts to support the improvement of UNPAD’s ranking towards World 500. Prof. Andrew is known as a scholar who focuses on Indonesian studies. The ethnomusicology professor’s research focuses on music and popular culture narratives. Due to Prof. Andrew’s intense research on popular culture in Indonesia, it’s no surprise that his command of Indonesian is very fluent. In the two-hour event, Prof. Andrew eloquently delivered his presentation on popular culture in Indonesian. In the lively lecture, Prof. Andrew gave a very clear explanation of popular culture. He started from the most basic explanation, starting from the discussion of its etymology, then went into the dynamics of the development of the term popular culture. After that, Prof. Andrew moved on to a case study of popular culture in Indonesia, namely pop dangdut films starring Rhoma Irama from the 1970s to the 1980s. It was noted that there were 28 movies produced during that period. Pop dangdut movies, as Prof. Andrew points out, are popular cultural expressions of moderate Islam. These movies are very popular among Indonesians. Despite film critics who viewed these pop dangdut films as aesthetically unpromising, these films actually dominated the Indonesian cinema world at that time. In fact, there were no imported films that could beat its popularity, even when based on profit. As stated by Prof. Andrew, in one of his interviews with Rhoma Irama, the key to the success of Rhoma’s pop dangdut genre films were action, love, humor, and songs. It is this formula that successfully binds the audience. The main character in this movie not only presents Islam in a popular way so that it is easily understood by the general public but also has in partial for minorities. Many questions arose from the lecture participants, both delivered through written messages and verbally. In general, the participants were very enthusiastic about listening to Prof. Andrew’s presentation. This indicates that the themes of popular culture are always interesting to observe because they become the daily practice of society. Writer: Muhamad AdjiTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

Jatinangor, November 16 – Padjadjaran Nursing Corps, an organization under the Student Executive Board “Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa” or BEM from the Faculty of Nursing Universitas Padjadjaran, participated in the world campaign on diabetes prevention by conducting diabetes risk screening, education, photo booth with clue circle, and fundraising for diabetes patients. This activity was also held to commemorate World Diabetes Day on November 14. This significant activity, fully supported by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and all other faculties in Unpad, was attended by 138 visitors, from November 9 to November 14 at Gerbang Lama Unpad.   From the screening based on age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, history of hypertension, history of high blood sugar, dietary patterns, and exercise habits of 138 visitors, it was found that 70% of them had a low risk of diabetes, 24% had a slightly increased risk, 4% had an intermediate risk, and 2% had a very high risk. Although most people have a low risk of diabetes, it does not guarantee they are not at risk. Neglecting to maintain diet, exercise, and other healthy lifestyles will allow for a higher diabetes risk. On the other hand, most attendants adiabetesitted that they were not fully aware of diabetes risks and diabetes prevention efforts. In fact, research on the families of people with diabetes who interact directly and are exposed to people with diabetes also showed more or less the same results that they did not fully perform the expected preventive behaviors, such as checking blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, and doing regular exercise. Additionally, most people still have the belief that diabetes is only suffered by “older people”. However, based on data, diabetes is also found among children and adolescents, which is allegedly closely related to the findings of obesity in toddlers. This data reinforces the importance of follow-ups in the form of increasing the intensity of education and screenings, so as to extend everyone’s awareness on the significance of prevention efforts.  In Indonesia, prevention is still a major challenge. People’s habit of waiting to get sick or for symptoms to appear first and then deciding to visit the health center or hospital causes them to feel strange if they are asked to do a health check when they are in a “healthy” condition. Changing habits is not always easy.  As of now, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Indonesia is still one of the 10 countries with the highest number of Diabetes Mellitus (diabetes) patients in the world and it is estimated that the number of diabetes patients will continue to increase, at a younger age even.  Data also shows that many people with diabetes are diagnosed late, and many of them are diagnosed accidentally or after experiencing complications. This condition makes efforts on handling and prevention of complications more difficult and prone to ineffectiveness. In addition to the increasing number, diabetes is also known to cause many negative impacts, whether that be physically, psychologically, socio-spiritually, or financially, both for patients and families. Seeing the various impacts, it is hoped that with this campaign, every individual realizes as soon as possible the importance of checking the risk level of diabetes so that they can make treatment efforts or maintain a healthy lifestyle. If this awareness arises in the community, then late diagnosis and complications due to diabetes can be reduced.  Writer: Yohanes William IvakdalamTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

“An Introduction to Buddhist and Hindu Bronze Sculpture in Southeast Asia: Examples From Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thai-Malay Peninsula” On Monday, November 8th, a Guest Lecture was held by the History Program, Universitas Padjadjaran. The activity was officially started by the speech of the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Aquarini Priyatna, M.A., M.Hum., Ph.D. and attended by more than 100 hybrid participants. The lecture theme was “An Introduction to Buddhist and Hindu Bronze Sculpture in Southeast Asia: Examples From Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thai-Malay Peninsula” presented by Dr. Mathilde Mechling. Dr. Mechling is a graduate of the Doctoral program in Languages, Civilizations, and Asian Societies in 2020 at Universite Sorbonne Nouvelle, France and Leiden University, the Netherlands. Her research centred on Hindu and Buddhist bronze statues in the Indonesian Archipelago. In the activity that took place around 10.00 to. 11.30 WIB, Dr. Mechling explained the composition of bronze forming material for making Hindu-Buddhist statues, models of how Hindu-Buddhist statues are made, and the findings of inscription plates embedded in the pedestals of Buddhist bronze statues. In addition, the placement of bronze statues in temple niches, features of statues that have similarities in reliefs found in temples, and a comparison of bronze carving styles from Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka, are also explained. Dr. Mechling explained in detail how to determine the time periodization of bronze statues, which can be done by observing the details of decoration and ornamentation and comparing the style of carving on other bronze statues. Dr. Mechling mentioned that there are problems when determining the origin of bronze statues because they are usually small, so they are easy to carry and move. Lastly, Dr. Mechling explained that Southeast Asia was not always the region that received the influence of the Indian carving style and it is possible for the other way around: Southeast Asia influenced the Indian carving style. After Dr. Mechling finished his presentation, the event continued with a brief presentation on Hindu-Buddhist bronze sculptures from Indonesia by Dr. Etty Saringendyanti, M.Hum who is a lecturer and also an archaeologist from the History Study Program, Universitas Padjadjaran. The activity was continued with questions and answers from the participants to Dr. Mechling before it got officially closed. Writer: FIB Media TeamTranslator: Firda Khoirunnisa

A healthy ecosystem is one of the pillars of sustainable life. However, many human activities are often fatal to the existence of these ecosystems. One of them is the forest fire that occurred in Gunung Geulis, which was caused by the dry season and human activities.  In response to this event, the Social Ministry of the Student Government Association of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran organized a work program with the theme “Sewagati.” The word comes from Sanskrit which means “devotion.” This program has been implemented since three years ago. This activity was carried out in the form of planting 50 types of tree seedlings, such as mahogany trees and manglid trees.  This year, Sewagati took the form of reforesting the Gunung Geulis forest on Sunday (29/10/2023) in Jatimukti Village. The activity also empowered the village residents to participate. This aims to ensure that the Jatimukti Village residents can understand and care about the condition of the surrounding environment. Thus, it is hoped that they can avoid things that have the potential to damage the environment.  Sewagati 2023 activities carry the jargon #MariHijaukanKembali. This departed from the community’s unrest over the Mount Geulis fire incident.  In their activities, students of Unpad Government Studies collaborated with the Gunung Geulis Farmers Communication Forum. This is because the activities carried out are not only reforestation but also sustainable maintenance efforts.  The Sewagati program is actually in accordance with one of the principles of the Tridharma of Higher Education in the form of social service. This activity was also attended by the Chairman of the Gunung Geulis Farmers Communication Forum, Saepudin, and several Sumedang media partners.  This activity also received a positive response from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) as an “environmental culture” activity, a good culture in appreciating nature by preserving nature.  Saepudin expressed his appreciation for the program run by the Unpad Government Studies students. This is because according to him, the community has paid less attention to environmental sustainability.  “Now, with this student activity, we hope that it will become an embryo for other communities, especially those who are under the stands or under the hills, to care and want to engage in greening efforts. However, it should be underlined that it is not only ceremonial to plant trees and then take pictures. Furthermore, it should be left alone, there must be efforts to maintain or care for trees. Especially now that it is the dry season, the water intake must be maintained,” he said. The Sewagati program initiated by the Unpad Government Studies Student Association can be an inspiration for other activities, both by students and the community, to be more sensitive in improving the condition of the ecosystem. Because the sustainability of future life is influenced by current environmental conditions.  Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi SekartajiTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

The utilization of disposable goods is still a problem that is often encountered in society. This frequently causes various kinds of problems related to waste that have the potential to damage the environment.  This has become one of the concerns of young people today to be able to innovate in utilizing waste into something valuable. In line with that, a group of Universitas Padjadjaran students took the initiative to utilize coffee bean skins into consumable cups. The students are Ardhia Pramesti, Widya Silva Gramita, Sabrina Maharani Putri, Afina Viany Judawisastra, and Fahruni Alya Jasminea Bayuaji. They all come from the Food Technology study program.  The development of environmentally friendly products developed by Unpad students named “Scara Cup” is based on research, knowledge, and learning experiences that have been received during lectures. This innovation is one of Unpad’s efforts to reduce the use of disposable goods, such as plastic cups. In addition to coffee bean skin, the innovators also combined several other natural products, such as flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and chocolate to prevent the liquid from penetrating the glass.  One of the team members, Widya Silva Gramita, explained that coffee bean skin is useful as an antioxidant that is good for health. This is a positive side that not many people realize.  “The creation of Scara Cup aims to prevent waste pollution, where coffee bean skins can cause large organic waste pollution,” Widya added through her written explanation.  The development of Scara Cup as an effort to reduce the use of disposable products is also supported by an interesting fact that this innovation can also be a filling snack. With this uniqueness, Scara Cup successfully obtained funding from the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Entrepreneurship Student Creativity Program (PKM-H).  The uniqueness of the Scara Cup is also in its excellent durability. If this product is filled with normal-temperature liquid, it can last up to six hours. Meanwhile, if filled with high-temperature liquid water, Scara Cup can last up to thirty minutes.  Various efforts were made by Unpad students to be able to promote this environmentally friendly product, such as participating in environmental-themed exhibitions, opening pre-orders through their Instagram page @scara.cup, and collaborating with various coffee shops.  A student member of the product development team, Ardhia Pramesti, said that Scara Cup’s target consumers are people who have an interest in coffee and those who are aware of, and want to contribute to addressing environmental issues.  “Hopefully, we want Scara Cup to be known more by the wider community. We also want its marketing reach to be wider, not only in Jatinangor and its surroundings,” he explained further.  Improving environmental issues is actually the responsibility of all elements of society. Through the development of products derived from this waste, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and all other faculties at Universitas Padjadjaran actively contribute to reducing the use of disposable products.   Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi SekartajTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

Jatinangor, October 27 – Students have 4 important roles which are expected by society, namely the role as agents of change, social control, iron stock and moral force. As agents of change, students are the drivers of society towards better development. Students are capable of being the pioneers of progress through their knowledge, ideas and skills. Therefore, as a place to sow the seeds of pioneers of progress, universities have an important role to commit and understand the real issues of the surrounding community, especially rural communities that have the potential to develop. With the intention of answering and finding solutions from the assessment of community complaints, as well as realizing the role as an agent of change, BEM KMFP Unpad held one of its work programs called “Faperta Bersama Desa”or “Faculty of Agriculture Together with the Village” as a form of concern for village development.  This promising program has the full support of various faculties in Unpad, one of which is the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This activity is a socialization to the community, with content or training on how to overcome challenges in society related to agriculture, with the aim of raising the potential and condition of the village which focuses on fostering community groups and developing villages assisted by the Faculty of Agriculture Unpad. On Sunday (10/10), BEM KMFP Unpad together with the Plant Clinic (Klintan) Unpad conducted a survey of chili fields in Jatimukti Village and discussed the causes of problems that were affecting the main commodity of Desa Jatimukti with the Head of the Muktisari Farmer Group of Desa Jatimukti, Mr. Bandi. As a result, it was found that the problem that attacked the main commodity of Desa Jatimukti came from fruit flies that infested the chili peppers. Later on Saturday (16/10), BEM KMFP Unpad and Klintan conducted an educational session to the farmers of Desa Jatimukti on how to make fruit fly traps using Methyl Eugenol. With this activity, it is anticipated that the collaboration between the local community and the academic community of Unpad (especially the Faculty of Agriculture Unpad) will be much stronger. In addition, it is also hoped that this activity can improve students’ ability to establish good bonds with the community, especially the Muktisari Farmer Group in Desa Jatimukti. Writer:Yohanes William IvakdalamTranslator: Dhia Anaulva Putri

Jatinangor, October 24 -In welcoming the U-20 World Cup, Jati Stadium of Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad), Sumedang Regency, undergoes improvements. Jati Unpad Stadium is one of the stadiums included in the joining field as a training ground for a number of countries along with the field at IPDN (Kab. Sumedang), Sidolig Stadium (Bandung City), and Sabilulungan field (Bandung Regency). Head of the Public Communication Office of Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) Dandi Supriadi reported that from the results of the latest coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and PUPR, there are several sections of the stadium that will be renovated soon. Dandi listed that the grass will be replaced, as well as the spectator seats, followed by the changing rooms. He also explained that Jati Stadium is internationally recognized as it was used as a training location for the 2018 Asian Games. Therefore, the renovation process does not have to start from scratch and only needs to be upgraded to match what FIFA has required. “So what is requested now will be renovated, and all costs will be borne by the government through PUPR. The focus is to replace the grass. Not that the grass is bad, but they (FIFA) do have to maintain quality standards,” he elaborates. He adds that the renovation of the Jati Stadium will most likely be conducted next month. Meanwhile, the Sumedang Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports Office (Disparbudpora) well-accepted the plan to have the two stadiums in its area used in the course of the event. Head of the Disparbudpora Office Hari Santosa admitted that the Sumedang Regency Government does not yet know in detail what should be improved in the two fields. However, with the selection of IPDN Stadium and Jati Unpad Stadium, the area of Sumedang can be introduced and brought to the eyes of the world. Hari explained that yesterday there was only a notification about two fields that were appointed as training grounds from many fields. He believes that this was surely an opportunity to be grasped and needs to be taken seriously as most likely, many people would be present at the location. Writer: Yohanes William IvakdalamTranslator: Dhia Anaulva Putri

Jatinangor, West Java – Food and drink is a primary need for every living being. However, not everyone can afford it. One of the factors is the economy.  Realizing the reality of these conditions, a Chemistry student at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Nur Rachman, also known as “Ray,” is opening an opportunity that allows everyone, including students and the surrounding community, to have enough money to pay for their food. To do so, he is opening a restaurant named “Surga Dunia” with a vision of “Indonesia Against Hunger” or “Indonesia Anti Kelaparan.” With this, Ray hopes to feed the economically underprivileged. “Usually, at the end of the month, my friends have trouble eating because they run out of money. The least we can do is to help them instead of treating them and making them dependent to us,” said Ray to Unpad Public Relations on Thursday (23/10).  The business developed by Ray has experienced ups and downs. Since its opening in 2012, Ray has often tried to attract investors to be persuaded by his restaurant concept. However, after 3 months of running, the business suffered losses due to the dishonesty of the customers. The restaurant, which was intended to help the poor, was instead utilized by well-off customers who paid whatever they liked.  In spite of this loss, Ray and his three friends did not stop trying to help. They often reviewed and evaluated the “Surga Dunia” or “Heavenly World” concept. This led them to a new method by implementing a certain period for the customers who wanted to pay as they pleased. However, this still did not work optimally, so Ray decided visitors should pay according to the set price. Even with this implementation, Ray was still able to help the economically underprivileged by giving “meal scholarships.” “Those who can’t afford the food just need to register with us, so it’s like giving a meal scholarship. All they have to do is register, fill in the form and submit a Certificate of Disadvantage (“Surat Keterangan Tidak Mampu “ or SKTM) and we will give them an Anti-Hunger Card (“Kartu Anti Kelaparan”). Thus, the segmentation becomes clearer,” he said.  The concept of “doing business while doing charity” was in fact able to bring Ray to win first place at the national level in the Industrial and Boga category at the National Young Entrepreneurial Achievement event, which was held by Indonesia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. Ray admitted that the restaurant concept was the only one in the Asian region at that time.  From all his past industrial business, Ray admits that he truly enjoys his current one. He explained that this can manifest his goal of helping students, staff, and the economically disadvantaged with sincerity. Programs that contribute to poverty alleviation are hoped to become more widespread and able to realize their functions according to the target. This is the right step in an effort to reduce the shortcomings of hunger that can occur to students, staff, and the wider community who cannot afford it.  Writer: Maria Imanuella Dewi SekartajiTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah

Jatinangor, October 23, 2023 – Student Executive Board (BEM) Nursing PSDKU Universitas Padjadjaran in collaboration with PMI Pangandaran Regency held a blood donation event at PSDKU Unpad Pangandaran campus, Saturday (21/10).  This activity is the culmination and closing event of a series of “Future Nurse” activities, a work program from the Social and Community Department of BEM Nursing Pangandaran Region as a means to directly apply the skills of nursing students to the surrounding community.   The event was attended by Pangandaran PMI Headquarters Dadang Gunawan, Head of Pangandaran Campus Nursing Study Program Dr. Siti Yuyun Rahayu Fitri, Nursing lecturers, education staff, students from various study programs at PSDKU Unpad, as well as several students from Unpad Jatinangor Campus, including students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB).  In his speech, Dadang appreciated the donors who had donated their blood. He hoped that this blood donation action could have a positive effect on others in need. Dadang also expected that this activity could be carried out regularly.  By donating blood for others in need, it is expected that students’ sense of caring for others is also built in this activity.  In this activity, a total of 56 blood bags were produced consisting of various blood types, namely A, B, AB, and O. Writer: Yohanes William IvakdalamTranslator: Jauza Maryam Mumtazah