The festive air of UGM’s 74th anniversary not only delights the academic community but extends its charm to the people of Yogyakarta.
At the Pancasila Field of Grha Sabha Pramana on Saturday night (December 16), the renowned “Pasar Kangen” (Nostalgia Market) beckons culinary enthusiasts, creating a unique bond between the community and the academic hub.
A gathering of 75 food stalls, 25 MSME stalls, and 5 KAGAMA Community stalls converged to breathe life into this edition of Pasar Kangen. Commencing at 3:30 PM and continuing well into the night, entry was a breeze—simply follow the Instagram account @nitilaku_ugm and display it to the committee.
The market boasted an array of culinary delights from Yogyakarta and beyond, with East Java and West Java delicacies like “rujak cingur,” “krecek,” and “soto betawi,” garnering popularity among the visitors.
“There are various snacks; you can choose which typical food you want. It’s delicious. The event becomes a refreshing break after the exams. Equipped with entertainment, it’s all fun,” Yuninda Hilyah, a Faculty of Cultural Sciences student, expressed her delight.
Beyond the delectable offerings, the evening ambiance was enhanced by an art stage showcasing performances. The lineup ignited the scene, featuring acts such as Satu Indonesia Voice, Sound of Tedjo, KAGAMA Rock, Gama Band All Star, Paksi Band, Woro Widowati, etc.
Nostalgic tunes from the 70s, including “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Gamaband ‘80, transcended time. Impressively, the members of Gamaband ‘80, despite having long graduated and pursued separate careers, demonstrated an unwavering passion and skill.
Each song resonated with expertise and nostalgia, referring to the golden era of ‘70s rock. The audience, primarily from the 2000s generation, reveled in the experience.
“I’m also a fan of this genre of songs. It’s rarely performed on campus, and I can enjoy a free concert. I hope there will be events like this next year,” Rudi, an enthusiastic visitor, remarked.
The enthusiasm of the crowd manifested in the vibrant atmosphere that night. As midnight loomed, numerous stalls had to close due to being sold out. However, the ones still serving snacks found themselves swarmed by eager queues of visitors.
“It’s been sold out since 6 PM. It’s so fast because it’s crowded. Previously, it didn’t sell out this quickly. I had to reject buyers several times, which felt uncomfortable. Moreover, there will be more visitors tomorrow,” Bu Hajar, a vendor of krecek satay, spoke of the bustling atmosphere.
Pasar Kangen and the art stage graced the festivities for two days, from December 16-17, 2023. This collaboration between KAGAMA and the university solidified solidarity. It served as an appreciative ode to the year’s accomplishments, marking the grand conclusion of 2023.
Author: Tasya
Photo: Pasar Kangen Committee