Shah Alam, 18 December 2025 – Three students from the Arabic Literature program at Universitas Gadjah Mada recorded notable achievements at the Modern Languages Olympiad 3.0, held at Universiti Teknologi MARA UiTM in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The international competition brought together participants from various countries in a series of multilingual contests, with the main events culminating on 18 December 2025.

In the Arabic Poetry Recital category, Pandhita Hapsari, an Arabic Literature student from the 2023 cohort, won first place and also received the award for Best Script. Another student, Muhammad Hayyi’ Rosyada from the 2024 cohort, secured third place in the same category. Meanwhile, Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula, also from the 2024 cohort, achieved second place in the Arabic Champion Orator category and earned a special award for Best Impromptu Speech. Throughout their participation in Malaysia, the students were officially accompanied by Dr. Zurfa Purnamawati, M.Hum., a lecturer in Arabic Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, who supported during the competition.

MLO 3.0 was organized by the Academy of Language Studies at UiTM as a language competition featuring four main categories: Malay, English, Arabic, and Mandarin. The event series began with participant registration on 30 October 2025, followed by video submissions for the preliminary round until 6 November 2025. The judging process took place from 10 to 15 November 2025, with the announcement of preliminary results on 18 November 2025. The face-to-face final round was held on 16 December 2025 and concluded with a closing ceremony the following day.

In its official description, the organizing committee stated that the Poetry Recital category is a multilingual poetry writing and recitation competition that encourages expression in multiple languages while celebrating cultural diversity and unity. The Orator Champion category is described as a multilingual speech competition that facilitates the exchange of ideas across traditions, enriching the cultural value of public speaking.

These achievements reflect the students’ strong academic capacity and competitive language skills at the international level. Active participation in global forums of this kind reinforces the role of language as a bridge for intercultural dialogue and highlights the importance of education development that promotes cross-national collaboration for a more sustainable future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 15 December 2025 – The Archaeology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held the Archaeopreneur Bazaar as part of the fulfillment of the Final Semester Examination (UAS) assignment for the Archaeopreneur course. The course is taught by Sektiadi, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in Archaeology at FIB UGM, and aims to encourage students to develop creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in archaeological knowledge.

The bazaar featured eight booths representing student groups enrolled in the Archaeopreneur course. Each group showcased a variety of locally produced creative items, including bag charms, tumblers, scarves, illustrated pins, bags, and many other products. These creations not only emphasized aesthetic value but also embodied philosophical meanings inspired by cultural values.

Through this activity, students were trained to transform archaeological knowledge into creative products with both commercial and educational value. The Archaeopreneur Bazaar served as a contextual learning space that bridges academic studies and entrepreneurial practice, enabling students not only to understand theory but also to apply it in real-world contexts.

This activity aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of practice-based learning and student creativity. In addition, the bazaar supports SDG Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by fostering young entrepreneurship, as well as Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production through the development of local products that prioritize cultural values and sustainability.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, December 16, 2025 – The second session of the Neuroscience-Based Language Teaching Talk Show, themed Teaching with Emotion: How Affective Neuroscience Enhances Language, was held at R. Soegondo Building, Room 709, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event discussed the role of emotions in language learning and how a neuroscience-based approach can improve teaching effectiveness.

Moderated by Reski Ramadhani, the talk show featured four speakers: Natasya Ayu, Asmaul Husna, Luailik Mushffa, and Tisa Aini. The discussion focused on teachers’ practical experiences in managing both student and teacher emotions while ensuring that academic objectives are achieved effectively.

One of the speakers, Asmaul Husna, shared her experience conducting a teaching experiment in a basic speaking class at Kampung Inggris. She compared two approaches implemented in different periods, namely a content-focused approach and an emotionally driven approach. “When we build emotional closeness with students, they feel truly valued,” Asmaul said. She added that students who received emotional support showed greater appreciation and more positive feedback at the end of the course.

Luailik Mushffa highlighted the challenges of applying a neuroscience-based approach in the classroom, particularly in relation to teachers’ emotional readiness. She explained that teachers need to regulate their emotions before teaching in order to create a positive learning atmosphere. “In this neuroscience approach, we focus on students’ emotions. However, teachers’ emotions also need to be managed before entering the classroom,” she explained. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between emotional management and the achievement of learning objectives.

Practical advice was delivered by Tisa Aini, who encouraged teachers to engage in self-reflection before teaching. “Please take five to ten minutes before entering the classroom for a self-check,” she said. According to her, teachers’ emotions are easily transmitted to students, making emotional stability a key foundation for creating a sense of safety in the learning process.

Meanwhile, Natasya Ayu stressed the importance of developing a positive mindset among students toward language learning. She reminded teachers not to frame language learning as something difficult and encouraged the use of contextual and realistic learning materials. In her view, making mistakes while speaking is a natural part of the journey toward language fluency.

Overall, the talk show illustrated that language teaching cannot be separated from emotional aspects, both for students and teachers. A more humane and emotionally aware approach is seen as essential in creating a supportive, sustainable learning environment that remains relevant to learners’ future needs.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 14 December 2025 – To commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), a Wayang Kulit Purwa madya ratri (midnight) performance featuring the play “Rajamala Ruwat” was held as part of the Nitilaku 2025 series of events. The performance took place on Sunday (14/12) starting at 6:00 p.m. until completion at the Joglo of the Innovation and Creativity Center, and was open to the public.

In the performance, Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi, a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, appeared as one of the dalang (puppeteers). Ki Rafi’s participation reflects the active role of the younger generation, particularly FIB UGM students, in preserving and revitalizing the traditional art of wayang kulit.

The performance of “Rajamala Ruwat” was collaboratively presented by six dalang from various elements of the UGM academic community and the Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Association (KAGAMA), namely Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi (FIB student), Ki Gymna Cahyo Nugroho (Vocational School student), Ki Faizal Noor Singgih (KAGAMA, Faculty of Agricultural Technology), Ki Gilang Thomas Kumoro (KAGAMA, Faculty of Geography), Ki Jack Haryanto (Educational Staff, UGM University Secretariat), and Ki Prof. Drg. Suryono (Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry). The performance was accompanied by the Karawitan ensemble of the Student Arts Family.

The involvement of Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi in this cultural performance aligns with UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of culture-based and experiential learning. In addition, the activity supports Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by safeguarding the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage, as well as Goal 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through cross-faculty collaboration among students, alumni, and members of the academic community on a shared cultural stage.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

It is hereby announced to all students of the Applied Bachelor’s, Bachelor’s, Professional, and Postgraduate Programs that the re-registration and payment of the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) for the Even Semester of the Academic Year 2025/2026 will be conducted from 2 to 31 January 2026.

The document can be accessed via the following link: Pengumuman Pendaftaran Ulang Semester Genap 2025-2026_signed