Undip FISIP partners with University of Nottingham Malaysia to research Sinden
Semarang (ANTARA) - The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) at Diponegoro University, Semarang, is collaborating with the University of Nottingham Malaysia on a research project concerning sinden.
The Dean of FISIP Undip, Professor Teguh Yuwono, in Semarang, on Tuesday, welcomed the research collaboration conducted alongside academics from FISIP Undip and the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
The research, titled “The Social Arena Landscape of Indonesian Women Traditional Singer Performativity,” involves researchers from FISIP Undip and Dr Dag Yngvesson, an Assistant Professor from the School of Humanities, University of Nottingham Malaysia.
“His presence (Dag Yngvesson) is an excellent opportunity to strengthen international academic collaboration, particularly in research fields related to communication, culture, gender, and the performing arts,” he said.
He emphasised that the faculty provides full support for the research as it possesses an international scale that not only contributes to strengthening the institution’s reputation but also aims to provide a positive impact on society.
Collaboration with international academics is also expected to broaden research perspectives while enhancing the quality and reach of FISIP Undip’s research findings.
The study focuses on how women working as sinden occupy, experience, and negotiate their positions within the social and cultural arenas of traditional performing arts.
Official documents from FISIP Undip note that the research is scheduled to be conducted in Surakarta and Yogyakarta on 21-22 August 2026, led by Dr Hapsari Dwiningtyas Sulistyani.
As part of the research activities, the team conducted observations of wayang performances at the Raden Saleh Cultural Park (TBRS) in Semarang, alongside puppeteer Ki Sigid Ariyanto.
The observation aims to see firsthand how sinden are present and interact within the wayang performance space, and how the position of women is shaped through these performance practices.
The research continues through a study of eight sinden in Semarang with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The team is also conducting research in Yogyakarta, involving six sinden from various backgrounds, allowing the research team to observe the experiences of sinden more diversely.
The study examines them not only as performers but also as women facing cultural norms, social relations, expectations regarding the female body and voice, and changes within traditional art practices.