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]

Melbourne, 15-17 December 2024 – Lecturers from the UGM Korean Language and Culture study programme once again took part in one of the international conferences related to Korean Studies. This time Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi participated as a presenter from Indonesia in ‘The 4th Biennial International Conference and Annual Teacher Workshop’ organised by the Australian Association of Teachers of Korean (AUATK) held in Melbourne from 15 to 17 December 2024. This annual event attracts Korean language researchers and educators from around the world, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in Korean language education.

In 2024, AUATK’s theme is ‘The Use of AI in Korean Language Teaching,’ a topic relevant to technological developments in education. The integration of artificial intelligence into language teaching is a significant step towards improving access to education. By utilising AI technology, educators can create a more inclusive learning environment that meets a variety of learning needs.

During the three-day event, the conference featured various academic activities, including a workshop from the Korean National Language Institute, paper presentations, and an AI Prompt Engineering Workshop. The event provided a platform for academics and educators to discuss and share insights regarding innovations in Korean language teaching methods. The conference can serve as an important platform to foster collaboration among educators and researchers in the field of Korean language education. By bringing together experts from different backgrounds, the event encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of new approaches in teaching Korean as a foreign language.

The following are our lecturers’ impressions of the conference:

‘Wonderful. I gained new experiences and networks. I think it is time for the UGM Korean Language and Culture programme to not only focus on Korean Studies in Korea but also around the world. It is possible that UGM researchers can collaborate with Korean language researchers from renowned universities in the world besides those in Korea.’ – Alfiana

The participation of UGM Korean Language and Culture Study Programme lecturers in this prestigious conference confirms the commitment to advancing the field of Korean language education. By sharing knowledge and experiences, educators can contribute to global discussions on best practices and innovative teaching methods. The conference is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on Quality Education, as well as Innovation and Infrastructure.

[Public Relations of Korean Language and Culture, Sherina Azmi Ahmad translated by Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 15/3/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) 2025 is jointly organized by the Institute of Nature and Malay Civilization (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with the Javanese Literature Study Program, Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Department of Museum Malaysia (JMM). SEMEJA IV includes various components designed to foster meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration. The main focus is on how cultural heritage can contribute to community empowerment and regional unity.

The components of SEMEJA IV include:

• Keynote address by visiting scholar – Secretary-General, Ministry of National Unity.
• Paper presentation sessions among researchers, postgraduate students, Librarians/Curators/Archivists, government/private sector employees.
• Forums featuring experts in related fields.
• Poster presentations and exhibitions focusing on practical strategies in utilizing heritage for community empowerment.
• Visits to heritage sites that play a role in community empowerment.
• Featuring source person for studies of Malay-Javanese heritage

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]