Professor of Literature and Gender Studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), Wening Udasmoro, received the Remise Des Palmes Académiques award from the French Government on Wednesday (Dec. 4) at UGM’s Central Office.
The award ceremony was attended by the French embassy, university leaders, and the academic community of UGM.
The Remise Des Palmes Académiques is the French government’s highest and oldest academic award.
Historically, this award was first initiated in 1808 by Napoleon I. Over time, the French government has granted the Remise Des Palmes Académiques to academics worldwide who have dedicated themselves to studying French cultural heritage.
According to Fabien Penone, the French Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor Leste, Professor Udasmoro’s works were deemed worthy of receiving France’s highest academic honor.
“For thirty years, Professor Udasmoro has promoted Francophonie in Indonesia, acting as a bridge between Indonesia and France. You truly deserve this Palmes Académiques award,” said Penone.
Penone also expressed his appreciation for the academic community in Indonesia, stating that Indonesia is a priority for France.
He hopes to strengthen bilateral relations across academic, cultural, economic, and political sectors. One way to do this is by increasing global academic collaboration to exchange cultures and appreciate academic research and studies.
“Professor Udasmoro, in my view, has been deeply involved in scientific activities and maintains a close relationship with France. Therefore, she fully deserves this award,” added Penone.
He hopes Indonesian academics recognize that Indonesia is a major player considered on the international stage, with plenty of global opportunities to develop research and enhance their skills.
Professor Udasmoro expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the recognition.
“It’s an honor. I feel deeply moved and have never imagined this. I dedicate it to UGM, my fellow lecturers, and colleagues who have supported me all this time,” she said.
Throughout her thirty years as an academic in French literature, Professor Udasmoro has produced interdisciplinary studies within the social humanities.
For Professor Udasmoro, studying French culture and literature has become a part of her life. She was raised in a family steeped in culture and the arts from childhood. From there, she became familiar with French songs and films, such as Alain Delon’s films and music by Christophe and Serge Gainsbourg.
Her love for French literature and culture also inspired her thesis, which examined the interpretation of the Javanese myths of Rara Jonggrang and Rara Mendut through Claude Levi-Strauss’ structuralism theory.
Professor Udasmoro’s contributions to advancing knowledge and French culture continue. When the Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF) was first introduced, she was one of the pioneering examiners.
Her research on literature, gender, sexuality, conflict, media, identity, and discourse conflict analysis frequently cites the works of major French thinkers.
“I consider myself fortunate. At the same time, this is a challenge for me. I hope to contribute more through French studies, which have long anchored world civilization,” Professor Udasmoro stated.
This UGM Vice-Rector also advised academics to continue contributing through their work and research for education and society.
“Never tire of developing yourselves through your works and research, as recognition will come from all directions.”
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Firsto