UGM used to hold Gadjah Mada Fair (Gama Fair). This activity was usually held to commemorate the anniversary of UGM. It was first held in 1986 and last in 1997. The activities at the Gama Fair were quite diverse, ranging from bazaars, competitions, and even shows. The participants also varied, ranging from multinational companies to vendors. Every time this was held, the people of Jogja gathered here.
Now, UGM wants to revive a similar project by holding a culture and arts festival, Gama Fest. A great event also held to enliven the celebration of UGM’s 60th Dies Natalis which will be held from the 8-16 of October 2009 in the Grha Sabha Pramana courtyard and building.
Told by the chairman of the Gama Fest Committee, Dr. Ir. Witjaksono, M.Sc., these activities are held as a way for UGM students to express their appreciation of many things ranging from arts, culture, to the increase of SOFTSKILL that they have learned. Gama Fest is intended for campus residents and the public. "UGM wants to show how differences can give the spirit of a multicultural campus," Witjaksono told reporters, Wednesday (7 / 10), at the Dixie Resto in Gejayan.
He added that various forms of activities will be carried out, among others are Orchid Gardens and Ornamental Plants exhibition, Kethoprak performance, Kampung Budaya UGM, Arena Expo and Exhibition of Pimnas results. Furthermore, Education and International culture Exhibition, Batik Exhibition, and Culinary Festival will also be held.
The Coordinator of the exhibitions, competitions, and training of planters of orchids and ornamental plants, Dra. Upiek Ngesti, says the orchid exhibition activities are organized to increase the interest of the public in orchids in Indonesia . "We want to invite the community to grow orchid plants and introduce the diversity of orchid species," said the Lecturer of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Meanwhile, batik exhibition organizer, Prof. Gardjito, claimed to have cooperated with 13 companies which will exhibit 60-70 batik pieces with a variety of motives. In addition, five batik designers from Jogjakarta were also invited to hold a batik fashion show. "We want to raise the potential of existing batik throughout Indonesia , ranging from printed batik, written batik, etc.," she said.
For the educational and international culture exhibitions, Wiwid Prasetyo said about 44 countries plan to get involved directly. Some 33 students from various countries and 9 from the embassies (the United States , China , Korea , Vietnam , Suriname , India , Malaysia , France , and the Middle East) , plan to take part to enliven the educational exhibits, arts performances, and culinary festivals.