Yogyakarta, 3/1/2025 – A year prior to his enrolment to IISMA, Elkholy was already certain that he wanted to participate in this program. In order to succeed, this English Literature student of Batch 2021 had prepared himself by doing various preparations. Elkholy participated in ATF 2023, ISKA 2023 and some other organisations to gain more experiences in order to increase his chances of passing the first stage of selection. After passing the preliminary stage, Elkholy continued to prepare for the interview session by doing mock-up interviews. His efforts paid off because he was accepted as an IISMA Awardee at University of Leeds.

After going through a preparatory stage encompassing academic, financial, social, and technical aspects called IISMA Pre-Departure Series, Elkholy departed to University of Leeds on 16th of September. Upon arriving first at Manchester airport, Elkholy was warmly welcomed by a representative from University of Leeds. Prior to his departure, Elkholy had already received so many emails and newsletters from the university—which really proved to be a great source of information to help him settle in during his first weeks in Leeds. In addition to that, the university also gave two weeks of orientation filled with welcoming activities which really prepared Elkholy to start his academic lectures when week three came.

During his study period at Leeds, Elkholy was enrolled in four different modules. This was in accordance with the arrangement done by IISMA and the Study Abroad Team. These modules were Introduction to Psychology, Psychology in the Media, Challenges in Transport and Mobility and Natural Hazards. Elkholy intentionally chose modules that are not directly related to English Literature or one specific field, because he wanted to learn something entirely new. The efficacious teaching methods and well-structured assessments boosted Elkholy’s academic journey experience. Overall, Elkholy felt that he has been well enlightened of academic life at the world-renowned University of Leeds—an opportunity he would forever cherish.

Apart from academic obligations, Elkholy also experienced new cultural exposure during his stay.  It was easy to spot many castles and historical landmarks, which were still well preserved. Every city Elkholy visited had an art gallery and a museum housing their own individual contribution to the country’s history. Elkholy did not only learn new cultures from visiting historical sites or museums. For him, even the mundane activities of grocery shopping or interaction with locals in public transport were the greatest contributors to him learning new cultures. 

Elkholy was a little bit reluctant to bid farewell to the city that had left such great impressions on him. During his journey back home, he reflected how this IISMA journey has been nothing but extraordinarily worthwhile. It gave Elkholy the chance to study outside his major in a globally renowned university, exposed him to new cultures and people, enlightened his view upon the outside world, and shed light on possible future prospects of my study. There might be difficulties along the way, but they were easily paid-off with the vast amount of new academic and global experience he gained.

[Public Relations of English Literature UGM]

Yogyakarta, 25/1/2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held an online evaluation of the work program and finalized the accountability report for the IMABTA Management of 2024 on January 25, 2025. This event was attended by the Core Management of IMABTA 2024 and representatives of the prospective management candidates for 2025. The meeting began with remarks from Muhammad Rizqy Nawwari, the Chairperson of IMABTA 2024. He expressed his gratitude to all members of the management for their dedication in making the organization’s annual work program a success. Rizqy also conveyed his hope that this evaluation would provide valuable insights for the management in the upcoming year, enabling IMABTA to continue building strong and sustainable organizational governance.

Deputy Chairperson of IMABTA 2024, Farhan Aziz Wildani, expressed his appreciation to the management for their hard work over the past year. In his remarks, Farhan emphasized the importance of preparing the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART) to strengthen the organizational structure for the future. He hopes that the IMABTA 2025 management can prioritize this effort to ensure the sustainability of better organizational governance. This input aligns with the goal of supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 16, which focuses on creating effective, transparent, and inclusive institutions.

The event continued with a main session that included the evaluation of the work program and the finalization of the Accountability Report for the IMABTA 2024 management, led by the Secretary of IMABTA 2024, Aisyah Dian Azhar. During this session, various achievements and challenges encountered during the management period were discussed in depth to provide a clear overview for the next management team. This activity aims to ensure that IMABTA continues to adapt and evolve into a student organization that can positively impact its members and the wider community. This meeting marks the first step in building a strong institution in line with the values of the SDGs.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, January 21, 2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Study Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a meeting to prepare a new curriculum for 2025. The event took place in the Soegondo Building UGM and was attended by a team of curriculum-drafting lecturers, including Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. They were assisted by two student staff members, Nafila Azzahra and Hermawati Putri Dian Insani. The meeting began with opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., the Head of the Intercultural Department. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the attending lecturers and emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing a more relevant and adaptive curriculum. Prof. Sangidu also underscored the necessity of updating the curriculum to align with KBTT’s three main concentrations: Arabic Language and Literature, Arabic Culture, and Islamic Studies. Additionally, student input was taken into account when revising several key elements, such as Graduate Learning Outcomes (CPL), scientific vision, and course naming.

The intensive discussion was led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, who provided a platform for lecturers to share their ideas. One notable suggestion came from Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, who proposed that the scope of Middle Eastern studies should extend beyond Arab culture. He recommended the creation of a special course that explores both Arab and non-Arab cultures, including those of Israel, Iran, and Cyprus. This proposal aims to enhance students’ understanding of cultural diversity in the Middle East, while also contributing to the development of an inclusive and comprehensive curriculum. 

Through this meeting, the KBTT Study Program aspires to create a curriculum that meets academic needs and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on quality education. With this initiative, the KBTT Study Program is dedicated to producing graduates who excel in their fields while also possessing a broader global perspective. This new curriculum is envisioned as a strategic step toward establishing sustainable education that is responsive to global dynamics and the needs of contemporary society.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 20/3/25 – The Human Resource Development (PSDM) Division of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) held its first online meeting on March 5, 2025. The meeting was attended by Tasya Syams El-Diny, the Deputy Chairperson of IMABTA, along with all the administrators of the PSDM division. In her remarks, Tasya highlighted the importance of synergy among members in developing effective work programs during the management period. She stated that strong collaboration would be essential in creating activities that promote the ongoing advancement of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT). This initiative aligns with the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing the quality of education (Goal 4) and fostering partnerships for shared objectives (Goal 17).

The meeting continued with a discussion of the activity plan led by Anugrah Maulana Fadhli, the Chairperson of the PSDM Division. The conversation was dynamic, featuring a variety of ideas and proposals from division members. Some of the flagship programs planned include the compilation of a journal bank focused on Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, a scientific writing workshop, and a career development seminar featuring KBTT alumni. 

Additionally, IMABTA is committed to maintaining collaboration with the Indonesian World Student Association for the Middle East and Africa Region (PPIDK Timtengka). This collaboration will involve a series of events, starting with IMABTA Menyapa, followed by a book review, and concluding with an essay writing competition. 

All of these programs are designed to empower KBTT students with competencies relevant to contemporary needs while supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals. Through this meeting, the IMABTA PSDM Division hopes to create activities that benefit not only KBTT students but also have a positive impact on the wider community. With a spirit of collaboration and a vision for sustainability, all administrators are committed to implementing innovative programs that make a real difference. This initial step serves as an important foundation for developing superior human resources capable of contributing to sustainable development in the future.

[Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, Nafila Azzahra]

Jakarta – Muhammad Ghazi Al Ghifari and Amalia Faradilla, students of The Arabic Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, are participating in an internship program at the Directorate of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta. Students are assigned to the administrative subdivision under the guidance of Fehmi Kurnia, S.E., M.Tr.A.P., and Iqbal Fadli Muhammad, S.E.I., M.Si. The internship program, which runs from August 26, 2024, to November 29, 2024, aims to provide practical experience in managing zakat and waqf as part of Islamic philanthropy.

During the internship, students are involved in various activities, including analyzing data from the National Zakat Management Report (LPZN) 2022–2024, processing data on zakat collection and distribution, creating an amil (zakat administrator) data matrix, compiling and editing books, editing videos, and preparing presentation slides on zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and other religious social funds (ZIS-DSKL). They also have the opportunity to participate in official external activities, visit the National Amil Zakat Agency and Amil Zakat Institutions, attend the World Zakat and Wakf Forum 2024, and the inauguration of Firdaus Memorial Park.

Through this internship program, students gain a deeper understanding of zakat and waqf management as well as the relevant regulations. With the knowledge and experience they acquire, they are expected to contribute to improving the welfare of the community through Islamic philanthropy.

[S1 Sastra Arab, Amalia Faradilla]