As part of the 15th National Scientific Meeting on Arabic Language (PINBA) held on 6–8 August 2025, the Middle Eastern Culture and Religious Issues (MECRI) Journal, managed by the Master’s Programme in Middle Eastern Studies (KBTT) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Arabic Studies Journal Managers (PPJKBA). The signing took place at the Ibn Rusyd Hall, Darunnajah University, South Jakarta, and was represented by Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., as the main manager of MECRI.

MECRI has currently achieved Sinta 4 accreditation and successfully entered the EBSCO international index. This achievement reflects the ongoing dedication to making MECRI a reputable academic forum in the fields of cultural studies, multi-ethnicity, and religious heritage in the Middle East. However, the challenges ahead are to improve the accreditation rating to Sinta 2 or even Sinta 1, as well as to achieve the Scopus indexation target. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to strengthen the quality of journal management, ensure consistency in publications that meet international standards, and expand collaboration networks with strategic partners, both nationally and globally.

The existence of an internationally reputable journal is of strategic urgency for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. In addition to being an important instrument in strengthening the university’s academic reputation and ranking, a reputable journal also serves as a gateway for cross-border research collaboration, a means of publishing the research results of the educational community, and proof of FIB’s commitment to contributing to the development of the humanities at the global level. For UGM, achieving international indexing for the journal signifies a significant step in strengthening its research portfolio, enhancing its visibility in the global academic network, and adding to its achievements that support UGM’s position as a world-class research university.

PPJKBA has a long track record in assisting journals to achieve national and international accreditation. Its organisational experience includes training in editorial management, improving the quality of manuscript editing, and facilitating networks of international reviewers and authors. This collaboration is expected to become a strong foundation for MECRI to strengthen its management quality, expand its visibility, and enhance its academic reputation at the global level.

The signing of this MoU is also a strategic step in line with the mission of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM in strengthening its position as a centre for humanities studies that is superior and internationally renowned. Institutional support from FIB UGM will be an important driver for the optimal synergy between MECRI and PPJKBA, resulting in high-quality scientific publications and contributing to the development of knowledge in the field of Middle Eastern studies.

With this collaboration, MECRI is optimistic that it can expand the scope of its studies, strengthen the quality of published manuscripts, and establish connectivity with academics across countries. This collaboration is not only beneficial for improving the quality of the journal, but also serves as a vehicle for capacity building for managers and writers in the Master’s Program in KBTT and FIB UGM as a whole.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

On 22 September 2025, the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, held a public lecture on the theme of the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Sufi Order. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina, a leading expert from the University of Malaya in the study of Islamic creed and thought, particularly in the field of Sufism, who provided in-depth insights into the history and teachings of this Sufi order. This public lecture aimed to provide a more detailed introduction to the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order and explore its influence in the world of Islamic spirituality, particularly in the context of other Islamic orders.

In the public lecture, Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina outlined the history of the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order, which is a branch of the Tijaniyyah Order. She explained the origins of this order and its teachings, which emphasise the importance of spiritual purification and closeness to God through various spiritual practices, such as zikr and meditation. This order is renowned for its emphasis on purity of heart and personal development through intensive spiritual guidance, which has made it the preferred choice of many Sufi followers in various regions.

Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina also discussed how the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order has developed over time, as well as its contribution to shaping spirituality in the lives of Muslims. This order, rooted in the Sufi tradition, is characterized by its teachings that unite spirituality and everyday practices, thereby having a significant impact on the character and morality of its followers. In her presentation, Prof. Zarrina emphasised the importance of this order in maintaining a balance between the spiritual and social dimensions of Muslim life. 

The event concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer session, where participants had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order directly with Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina. This discussion provided an opportunity for participants to explore in greater depth how this order influences the lives of its followers and its role in the broader context of Islamic spirituality. Through this public lecture, it is hoped that participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of orders in the spiritual development of Muslims worldwide.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

On 29-31 October 2025, UIN Syeikh Nurjati Cirebon held a Curriculum Workshop attended by representatives from several IQLAB members from various universities in Indonesia. The event began with a ceremony and several speeches, one of which was from the chair of the Workshop committee, Erfan Gazali, M.Ag. This was followed by a speech from Dr. Uki Sukiman, the chair of Iqlab Indonesia at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, who explained the importance of this organisation in uniting the increasingly developing Arabic Language and Literature programmes, both in terms of scholarship and the growing number of Arabic Language and Literature programmes.

On the second day, the event continued with the Implementation of the Self-Assessment of Study Program Curricula, guided by Haeruddin, M.A., and Dr. Uki Sukiman. In this event, participants were invited to conduct a self-assessment of the curricula of their respective study programmes. This event aimed to increase participants’ understanding of the importance of self-assessment in curriculum development. In the evening, the event continued with the Promotion of the UGM Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Programme, presented by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., who introduced the programme to participants.

On the third day, participants were invited to learn about the local culture of Cirebon through a visit to the Kasepuhan Palace and a culinary tour of empal gentong. This activity aimed to strengthen the rapport between IQLAB Indonesia administrators and programme coordinators, as well as to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions. The event concluded with a visit to the Sang Ciptarasa Mosque, a symbol of spirituality and Islamic history in Cirebon. This workshop also served as the annual meeting of IQLAB Indonesia members as mandated in the IQLAB Indonesia Articles of Association, which invited participants to evaluate their respective study programme curricula in accordance with BAN-PT standards.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

Academics from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (FIB UGM) reaffirmed their role in Indonesian philological studies by actively participating in the XX International Symposium on Nusantara Manuscripts (SIPN) and the Eighth National Conference (Munas) of the Nusantara Manuscript Society (MANASSA), held 15–17 October 2025 in Jakarta. The event, titled ‘Nusantara Manuscripts: Collective Memory and the Future of Indonesian Philology,’ was organized by MANASSA, the National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). It united researchers, academics, and cultural activists from Indonesia and abroad to discuss the future direction of philology and to build manuscript research networks in the digital era.

In this biennial scientific forum, lecturers and students from the Faculty of Humanities, Gadjah Mada University, played an active role as speakers and presenters. These included Dr Sudibyo, M.Hum.; Dr Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum.; Dr Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A.; Dr R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A.; and Dr Phil. Ramayda Akmal, S.S., M.A. Five FIB UGM students also presented their research: Nanda Nursa Alya (Master of Linguistics), Priyo Joko Purnomo (Master of Literature), Ajeng Aisyah Fitria (Master of Literature), Sarwo Edi Wardana (Master of Literature), Tarlen Handayani (Master of Anthropology), and Anugrah Maulana Fadhli (Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies). Their involvement reflects their seriousness and dedication in building a dynamic, critical, and relevant manuscript research ecosystem in Indonesia to face the challenges of the times.

A special moment coloured this year’s symposium: Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., a retired lecturer from FIB UGM, received the Pustaka Paripalana 2025 for her dedication to preserving the archipelago’s manuscripts, especially through her work at the Pura Pakualaman Library, Yogyakarta. The Jury Chair, Prof. Dr. Oman Fathurahman, noted that the award reflects Dr. Sri Ratna’s perseverance, diligence, and consistency in safeguarding the nation’s knowledge heritage. The forum concluded by appointing Dr. Agus Iswanto, MA.Hum., as Chairman of MANASSA for 2025–2029. He carries the mission to encourage the younger generation to explore philology and manuscript studies (17/10).

FIB UGM representatives actively participated in SIPN XX. Their involvement demonstrated academic contributions and affirmed their commitment to making manuscripts a bridge between the nation’s past and future knowledge.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

West Java, October 29, 2025 – The Curriculum Team of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), took part in the Curriculum Standards Assessment Workshop organized by UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. The event gathered 19 Arabic Language and Literature study programs from various universities under both the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. 

Participating universities included Universitas Gadjah Mada, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Universitas Hasanuddin, UIN Alauddin Makassar, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Sekolah Tinggi Dirasat Islamiyah Imam Syafi’i Jember, STAI Riyadlul ‘Ulum Tasikmalaya, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, UIN Satu Tulungagung, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, and UIN Salatiga. This broad participation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening inter-institutional collaboration in shaping a modern and adaptive approach to Arabic language education in response to contemporary challenges.

The opening ceremony, held at the 8th floor auditorium of the SBSN Siber Building, was attended by faculty leaders and members of the Ittihad Aqsam al-Lughah al-‘Arabiyyah wa Adabiha (IQLAB) central board. In his address, Dr. Uki Sukiman (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta), Chairperson of IQLAB Indonesia, emphasized the growing importance of synergy among Arabic Language and Literature study programs in advancing both academic excellence and institutional development. The workshop was officially inaugurated by Dr. Wakhid Nashruddin, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati, who highlighted the urgency of curriculum evaluation as a strategic step to enhance graduate competitiveness.

The sessions continued with curriculum development and assessment discussions led by Haeruddin, M.A. (Universitas Hasanuddin), Head of the Curriculum and Quality Assurance Division at IQLAB, who presented the concept of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and stressed the importance of continuous assessment in curriculum improvement.

On the second day, participants conducted self-assessments of their respective study programs and endorsed two key documents: the Curriculum Development Guidelines and the Curriculum Draft Assessment Manual. Both documents were signed by all participants and officially ratified by Dr. Uki Sukiman, M.Ag, Chairperson of IQLAB Indonesia, accompanied by Siti Aminah, S.S., M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada, who serves as IQLAB’s Secretary General.

Beyond the academic agenda, the workshop also served as a platform to foster camaraderie and collaboration among institutions. To close the event, participants explored Cirebon’s rich cultural heritage through visits to Kasepuhan Palace and Masjid Sang Cipta Rasa, followed by a culinary experience featuring the city’s signature dish, empal gentong, at Krucuk.

Through this workshop, IQLAB Indonesia and participating institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the quality of Arabic Language and Literature education in Indonesia, fostering inter-institutional partnerships, and aligning curricula with the evolving demands of the modern world and global educational standards.

Author: Siti Aminah, S.S.,M.A.