Biokultur

Facial Aging Pattern of the Javanese Population in Indonesia: Contributions for Age Progression Analysis in Forensic Arts

2025-01-04T11:53:55+07:00

The pattern of facial aging helps put the perception of age into face approximation from the skull, making the face
more recognizable to the next of kin. The objective of this study is to determine the facial aging pattern of Javanese
people in Indonesia. This study utilized the descriptive quantitative method to identify the highest frequency of the
facial aging pattern variables according to its prominence (0 = Not visible; 1 = Slightly visible; and 2 = Clearly
visible). This study involved 50 male and 50 female samples of the Javanese population. Each sexed samples were
divided into two age-based groups: 40-44 and 45-49. The wrinkles on males and females aged 40-44 are mostly
slightly or not visible. In the 45-49 age group, the wrinkles are visible on the forehead, eyes, and cheeks. Sex
differences are found in the forehead and cheek grooves, with males having deeper wrinkles. Premature aging of the
male samples might be caused by longer working hours and heavier smoking habits. Aside from sex and gender,
ancestry also contributes to a unique aging pattern of the Javanese, differentiating them from other populations. The
complex interaction between both sociocultural and biological factors is significant in forming a certain pattern of
facial skin aging in different populations and sexes. Aside from its theoretical contribution to studies on human
biological variations, this study can be referenced to depict more accurate and appropriate facial features in forensic
cases that require facial approximations, especially those involving the Javanese people and the general Indonesian
population.

Trafficking in Person Among Singkawang Women

2025-02-11T10:20:00+07:00

Trafficking in persons, involving modern slavery, sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ trafficking, is a global
issue in Indonesia, particularly in border areas like Sumatra and Kalimantan. Mail-order brides, promised marriages,
are exploited, despite local village officials' disregard. This research aims to identify and examine the trafficking in
persons still occurs between the women of Singkawang, West Kalimantan, and Taiwanese men. This qualitative
research uses a descriptive method to study mail-order bride trafficking in Singkawang, West Kalimantan, a region
bordering Sarawak-East Malaysia. The study involves observation, focus group discussions, and data analysis,
identifying themes and addressing issues such as poverty, low education, and deeply rooted local culture. Mail-order
brides in Singkawang, are a growing global phenomenon where women migrate for better livelihoods. Victims often
face sexual and labor exploitation in their home countries. Stakeholders must monitor marriage brokers to address
this issue.

"Yes, I'm Nude”: Deconstructing Body Image Stereotypes in Nxde by (G)I-DLE

2025-01-04T11:49:20+07:00

The evolution of the Korean music industry, or K-Pop, has now become a global phenomenon. K-Pop has
transcended boundaries, not only as a genre of music but also as a medium capable of conveying messages and
critiques on societal issues. (G)I-DLE’s 2022 song “Nxde” stands out in this regard, addressing body image and
challenging stereotypes related to women’s representation. This study investigates how “Nxde” deconstructs body
image stereotypes and critiques the objectification of women within K-Pop and broader media cultures. Using
Charles Morris's semiotic analysis, this research examines syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic aspects of the song's
lyrics and imagery, positioning "nude" as a symbol of self-authenticity that opposes superficial standards often
imposed on female idols. Findings indicate that “Nxde” aims to empower women by redefining nudity as an
expression of authenticity. As seen in society, the meaning of nudity is often only considered as sexualized and
inappropriate norms. While this also raises questions about the potential contradictions between feminist messages
that may still conform to patriarchal standards. In conclusion, “Nxde” exemplifies K-Pop's dual role as both a
platform for progressive social commentary and a potential reinforcer of traditional beauty norms. The study
suggests that songs like “Nxde” can stimulate discourse on body image and foster more nuanced representations of
women. However, the findings also underscore the complexities of using provocative imagery to convey messages
of empowerment, highlighting the need for further research into media’s influence on gender perceptions.

Ecofeminism Among Women Farmers in Pakel Village, Banyuwangi: An Ethnographic Study Amidst Land Conflicts

2025-04-09T09:08:41+07:00

In conflicts and struggles, women are both actively involved and affected, as discussed in various studies. However,
research on the lives of women farmers in land conflicts in Pakel village, Banyuwangi Regency, is still limited. This
study aims to describe the lives of women farmers in land conflicts that occur in Pakel village, Banyuwangi
Regency. Pakel Village was chosen as the research location because the women had been abandoned by the men to
avoid police arrest during a land conflict, leaving them to survive on their own. This qualitative research approach
uses ethnographic methods with ecofeminism theory from Vandana Shiva. Primary data was collected through
participant observation, informal interviews, and in-depth interviews. The technique of determining informants in
this study used snowball sampling with a total of five female informants to be interviewed in depth. The results
showed that women farmers in Pakel village, Banyuwangi Regency, played an active role in the struggle. From their
dual roles as heads of households and housewives in the pre-land reclamation period to their active participation and
roles in various aspects of their daily activities after the land reclamation—such as farming, cooking, caring for
children and/or grandchildren, istighosah, mediating conflicts, participating in night patrols, and fighting back. The
violence in this land conflict also had a traumatic impact on one of the women farmers, so psychological services
were provided. Further research is needed to better understand the role of women in land conflicts in Pakel village,
Banyuwangi Regency, with different themes and from various disciplines.

Lumbung Mataraman as a Strengthening of Food Security in the Special Region of Yogyakarta

2025-03-10T10:27:30+07:00

This study investigates the role of the Lumbung Mataraman program in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) in
enhancing food security and supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly
SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research was conducted in Sleman, Bantul, and
Gunungkidul regency’s regions with active participation in the program and diverse agroecological contexts. Data
were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews with key stakeholders (including local
officials, extension officers, barn managers, and smallholder farmers), and policy documents and reports analysis.
The findings reveal that Lumbung Mataraman improves local food availability and resilience and fosters community
empowerment, institutional coordination, and the preservation of local wisdom. Moreover, the program supports
gender inclusion and sustainable agricultural practices and strengthens the socio-economic fabric of rural
communities. Lumbung Mataraman is a replicable model for sustainable, community-driven resilience strategies in
other regions by integrating traditional food security mechanisms with contemporary development frameworks.