A simple stage performance, “Senja Gurau,” was held at the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM) on Friday afternoon (Sep. 20).
The event featured several local musicians and bands as a brief respite from the busy daily routines. Students and lecturers were seen sitting together, enjoying the music as dusk approached.
The event was enlivened by performances from UGM alumni band Forum Band Fisipol (FoF) and Jalan Tua ft. Ndan Yok Band.
Yogyakarta-based singer-songwriter and UGM English Literature student Ardhanamesvari Nuringtyas Aji also graced the stage with her golden voice. In addition to the music, FIB UGM’s Tourism students performed a captivating dance titled Sastra Oebah.
The evening culminated with a performance by guest star Parkis Band, adding to Senja Gurau’s excitement. The debut of the event garnered many positive responses from students. They were pleased to enjoy free entertainment after their classes.
Yuninda Hilyah Aqilah, an Indonesian Language and Literature Program student, expressed her delight in the performance.
“We just finished class, so this was entertaining,” said Aqilah.
She and her friends hoped that events like this could continue to be held regularly.
Similarly, David Sofyan Wilaynato, a FIB UGM student who enjoyed Senja Gurau, said he was entertained.
“There’s a lot of assignments right now, so this event was a great way to have fun,” said Wilaynato.
For him, this event helped break the monotony of college life’s busy activities and assignments.
“Especially with the jokes from the MC, it was such a relief. Events like this are really needed,” he added.
The warm conversations while enjoying angkringan snacks seemed simple but difficult to find amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Not only serving as a brief break, Senja Gurau also acted as a bridge for collaboration between students, alumni, and the UGM academic community.
Performers were intentionally invited from UGM alumni to share their experiences and establish connections with the students.
“I hope Senja Gurau can serve as a space for students to relax and release the mental burdens of their college life, like a form of stress release,” added Professor Gandes, UGM Director of Education and Teaching.
According to Professor Gandes, Senja Gurau is also an initiative to promote mental health within the academic environment.
“Students often get caught up in their studies, academic pressures, and the drive to excel, which can affect their mental health. That’s why a space like Senja Gurau is necessary to relieve the pressure and academic demands,” he explained.
Anang Batas, a well-known MC and alumnus of the UGM Faculty of Literature, was the initiator of Senja Gurau, working in collaboration with the UGM Directorate of Education and Teaching to design this program.
In his opening remarks, he acknowledged the importance of mental health for everyone. The constant daily grind can cause stress and pressure.
“There needs to be a moment of rest to relax both body and mind after working hard. This can help make people feel more relaxed and productive when they resume their activities,” he said.
Report by: B. Diah Listianingsih
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif