The Student Publishing and Press Organization, known as BPPM Psikomedia, succesfully held a talkshow called ‘Talkshow Sikolastik’ on Saturday, November 3, 2018 in UGM Psychology’s G-100 Auditorium. The ‘gates’ opened at 7.30 a.m., although the start was officially at 8 a.m. The event ended at 12 p.m. Sikolastik is a yearly event, and is one of the biggest programs of BPPM Psikomedia. This year, Sikolastik also consists of video-making and infographics competitions. The talkshow was titled ‘Gender in the Media Frame (Gender dalam Bingkai Media) this year. In this opportunity, BPPM Psikomedia also held a launch event for their new magazine, with the issue of Gender Psychology.
Asa Saliha, the Head Officer of 2018’s Sikolastik, explained that the theme of Psychology, Gender, and the Media was chosen for the talkshow and the magazine issue because it is a timeless issue that continues to be discussed. It can be seen from how even nowadays there are still a lot of stereotypes in Indonesian society regarding gender. The development of technology and the huge impact the media brings become an interesting way to think and see gender. “Through Sikolastik, we try to talk about gender issues in the media. This can also let the public learn that nowadays, we should be free of outdated stereotypes and be able to work together in many things regardless of our gender. Hopefully, the aim we were hoping for, which is to educate and bring light to important topics, can be accomplished through Sikolastik,” Asa said.
Sikolastik 2018 brought Ahmad Tohari and Yovantra Arief as guests in the talkshow. An alumni of UGM Psychology, Agnes Laylicha, S.Psi., hosted the talkshow. Ahmad Tohari is a legendary novelist, with one of his works being the epic Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk. Yovantra Arief is the Vice Director of Remotivi. Although the two guests work in two different fields, Sikolastik invited both to speak at this event. The speakers can talk about gender from the perspective of someone who works in the media and someone who works as a writer.
People who came to watch the talkshow did not come only from UGM Psycholgy, but also from outside of the faculty. The 2018 Sikolastik Talkshow received a warm response from participants. They said that this event can give them knowledge and information about gender in the media these days. The day of the talkshow is also the first day the magazine starts selling. The magazines were sold in a booth inside of the auditorium, so talkshow attendees could buy it on the same day. Sikolastik ended with a book signing session with Ahmad Tohari and also a photo session with the speakers, audience, and the committee.