The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recorded a notable academic achievement at the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony for Period II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (January 21, 2026). One of its graduates, Iftinan Rose Putri Safana, earned the distinction of fastest graduate, completing her studies in 1 year, 8 months, and 8 days.

The postgraduate graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences this period conferred degrees upon 46 graduates, consisting of 38 master’s graduates and 8 doctoral graduates. Of the total master’s graduates, 21 received the cum laude distinction, with an average Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.77.

Iftinan’s achievement as the fastest graduate reflects academic consistency, careful study planning, and the effectiveness of the learning process and academic supervision within the Master’s Program in Literature. Completing a master’s degree in less than two years demonstrates that postgraduate education can be pursued optimally without compromising academic quality.

In her remarks at the Mangayubagya (farewell and appreciation) ceremony for graduates of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Vice Dean of FIB UGM, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., emphasized the vital role of education in shaping individuals who are critical and socially responsible. She cited Paulo Freire’s thought that the task of education is to form people who will later become agents of change.

“Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world. Education at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, including in the Master’s Program in Literature, is directed toward shaping graduates who possess intellectual sensitivity and a commitment to humanitarian values,” she said.

Academic excellence at the master’s level was also demonstrated by the highest GPA achievement, attained by Hanina Naura Fadila, a graduate of the Anthropology Study Program, with a GPA of 3.93. In her address as the representative of master’s students, Hanina invited graduates to view their academic work as a form of intellectual responsibility.

The achievements of the Master’s Program in Literature graduates at this graduation ceremony align with UGM’s commitment to supporting quality education, through the provision of excellent, reflective postgraduate education oriented toward holistic human development.

Author: Khotibul Umam

Yogyakarta, January 24, 2026 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), hosted the 2026 The 1st CAUGM Korean Festival, a cultural event that offered the general public a hands-on experience of Korean culture. The festival was held on Friday (January 24) at the Margono Corridor, FIB UGM, and was open to anyone with an interest in Korea.

Korean Festival 2026 was a collaborative initiative between students of Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University (CAU), South Korea. The event aimed to strengthen cross-national cultural relations while serving as a platform for cultural exchange between Indonesia and Korea through an educational and entertaining approach.

A wide range of programs was featured during the festival, including Taste Korean Cuisines, which allowed visitors to sample Korean traditional foods in limited portions, as well as cultural experience booths that offered direct exposure to Korean culture. Visitors had the opportunity to try on Hanbok, traditional Korean attire, and to learn about traditional Korean musical instruments through interactive booths provided at the venue.

In addition, the event was enlivened by special performances from UGM and CAU students, as well as a Random Play Dance session that was open to visitors and became a major attraction, particularly for fans of Korean pop culture. The entire series of events began at 10:00 a.m. (WIB) and was open to the public without any mandatory registration.

The implementation of Korean Festival 2026 aligns with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education through the provision of cross-cultural learning spaces beyond the classroom, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through international collaboration between educational institutions in Indonesia and South Korea. The festival also reflects the spirit of SDG 11, which focuses on building inclusive communities by providing safe and open public spaces for cultural interaction.

Through Korean Festival 2026, FIB UGM reaffirmed its commitment as an academic space that supports cultural diplomacy, global exchange, and the strengthening of cross-cultural understanding among students and the wider community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Thursday, February 29, 2026 – ICESCO has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening linguistic and educational policies by hosting an international forum titled “التخطيط اللغوي والتخطيط التربوية” (Language and Educational Planning). The event was held virtually via Zoom, drawing participants from across the globe.

The forum brought together a diverse group of academics, educators, researchers, and students from Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and several other nations. It served as a collaborative platform to explore the nuances of language and educational strategy. During the session, keynote speaker Dr. Ahmed Al-Rahban shared profound insights into the symbiotic relationship between linguistic policy and formal education systems.

Language planning was highlighted not merely as a tool for preserving national and native languages, but as a cornerstone of sustainable educational strategies. The discussion underscored how linguistic policies directly influence curriculum development, teaching quality, and the formation of cultural identity in an increasingly globalized world. Through interactive dialogues, participants exchanged experiences and best practices tailored to the unique educational landscapes of their respective countries.

The virtual nature of the event facilitated a broad and inclusive cross-border exchange. Despite the digital format, the enthusiasm of the attendees was evident through the dynamic Q&A sessions and active discussions that took place throughout the program.

Through this initiative, ICESCO aims to spark strategic ideas and insights that contribute to the refinement of language and education policies worldwide. This forum is part of ICESCO’s ongoing efforts to bolster international cooperation in the fields of education, linguistics, and culture.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) recorded a significant academic achievement by placing four disciplines at the top national rank in the World University Rankings by Subject 2026 released by Times Higher Education (THE). These four disciplines contributed to two broad subject areas that also positioned UGM as the leading university nationally, namely Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities.

Based on the rankings, UGM secured first place nationally in the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities categories. Within these two subject areas, FIB UGM contributed four leading disciplines: anthropology, languages, literature and linguistics, history, and archaeology.

Times Higher Education is a global higher education ranking organization that has provided university performance data since 2004. Its rankings are widely used by students, academics, university leaders, governments, and industry stakeholders to assess the performance of higher education institutions worldwide.

As stated on the official Times Higher Education website, subject rankings are designed to provide a more specific picture of institutional strengths in particular fields of study. “We create university rankings to assess the performance of higher education institutions on the global stage and to provide a reference source that helps readers understand the diverse missions and achievements of universities,” Times Higher Education explained in its official statement.

The World University Rankings by Subject cover 11 broad subject areas encompassing a total of 148 academic disciplines. Although they use the same methodology as the THE World University Rankings, the weighting of indicators in the subject rankings is adjusted to reflect the characteristics of each field, ensuring a fairer and more relevant assessment.

For the Social Sciences category in 2026, the assessment includes disciplines such as communication and media studies, politics and international studies including development studies, sociology, geography, and anthropology. Meanwhile, the Arts and Humanities category covers languages, literature and linguistics, history, philosophy, theology, architecture, archaeology, as well as performing arts and design.

The achievement of these four disciplines at FIB UGM reflects the faculty’s consistent development of strong and relevant academic and humanities research in response to global social dynamics. This accomplishment also underscores the role of higher education institutions in producing knowledge, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening cross-cultural understanding as essential foundations for sustainable and equitable development in the future. 

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

The Studio Ghibli anime film Kiki’s Delivery Service, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, presents a story that remains relevant to the realities of young migrants, particularly university students. Through a simple yet meaningful narrative, the film invites audiences to reflect on the process of growing up, independence, and the importance of maintaining mental well-being during the transition into adulthood.

Kiki’s Delivery Service follows the journey of Kiki, a 13-year-old young witch who decides to leave home and live away from her family in order to learn independence. In an unfamiliar city, Kiki struggles to survive by running a delivery service using her ability to fly. At the beginning of her journey, she is portrayed as enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic about her new life.

However, as time passes, Kiki begins to face various challenges. Feelings of exhaustion, self-doubt, and the tendency to compare herself with others lead her into an identity crisis. This condition even affects her magical abilities, causing her to lose her power. Through this conflict, Kiki’s Delivery Service illustrates that the process of growing up does not always run smoothly and is not solely about achievements, but also about failure, uncertainty, and learning to accept oneself.

Kiki’s experiences closely resonate with the lives of young migrants, especially students who live far from their families. The initial excitement of gaining freedom often turns into the realization that independent living comes with great responsibility. Academic pressure, demands for productivity, and constant exposure to others’ achievements frequently generate feelings of insecurity and stagnation. In such circumstances, a supportive environment and a strong support system play a crucial role in maintaining emotional balance.

More than mere entertainment, the anime film Kiki’s Delivery Service conveys an important message about giving oneself space to rest. The film emphasizes that feeling tired is not a sign of failure, but a natural part of the growth process. This message aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, which highlights the importance of mental health as a component of individual well-being. In addition, the film also reflects SDG Goal 4 on Quality Education, especially learning through life experiences, as well as SDG Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, as seen in Kiki’s efforts to work independently and adapt to a new environment.

Through Kiki’s story, the film encourages students and young migrants to recognize that everyone grows at their own pace. Taking time to breathe, understand oneself, and accept the process are essential steps in the journey toward adulthood.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Source: Studio Ghibli anime film Kiki’s Delivery Service directed by Hayao Miyazaki (released in 1989)

Photo source: Kiki’s Delivery Service Original 1989 Japanese B5 Chirashi Handbill – Posteritati Movie Poster Gallery