Yogyakarta – Environmental issues took center stage at the Contemporary American Issue seminar organized by the American Studies Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada, on Thursday, May 9, 2025, held at the Soegondo 70X. The event featured two influential speakers: Prof. Anna M. Gade and Achmad Munjid, Ph.D.

The session opened warmly by Prof. Anna M. Gade, a Professor of Environmental Studies and Associate Dean for Research and Education at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies. She is also known for her significant work Muslim Environmentalisms: Religious and Social Foundations, published by Columbia University in 2019, which explores how diverse Muslim communities address ecological issues through social and spiritual foundations. Prof. Gade presented a talk titled “American Nature: Ecology, Environment, Sustainability.” In her presentation, she delved into the historical evolution of the concept of nature in America. She invited participants to reflect on how the concept and ideology of “nature” in American culture have been shaped by two frameworks, aesthetic and sublimation approaches that portray nature as both beautiful and imbued with deep spiritual meaning.

Prof. Gade emphasized that the concept of “nature” needs to be reexamined, as the prevailing approaches to nature should not remain confined to mere romanticization. Understanding nature should go beyond aesthetic contemplation and instead foster real action and ethical responsibility in caring for the Earth.

Peserta seminar bersama para pembicara dan tamu undangan

As a reflection, the discussion reminded us of the importance of revisiting how the concept of nature has been formed and evolved over time. It also challenges us to reconsider our position in relation to nature: is it nature that needs us, or are we ultimately dependent on nature?

[Postgraduate Program in American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 15/05/2025 – INCULS (Indonesia Culture and Language Services) is not only an institution dedicated to teaching Indonesian to foreign speakers but also serves as a strategic platform in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The experience of Rifan Shinji, a 2020 graduate of Japanese Language and Culture, as a tutor at INCULS demonstrates how inclusive and adaptive educational approaches can foster quality education. By prioritizing the needs of international students from diverse backgrounds such as Monash University students who prefer casual conversations or Ritsumeikan University students interested in traditional music, Rifan applies contextual learning methods. For example, UNSW students are taken to museums to understand Indonesian politics, while Kokushikan University students engage directly with local communities to learn about customs. This approach not only strengthens linguistic comprehension but also builds cross-cultural skills, aligning with national principles of education for sustainable development and multiculturalism.

Additionally, INCULS contributes to reducing inequality by implementing principles of equality in learning. Rifan emphasizes that all students are treated fairly without favoritism, even though challenges such as mood differences or language barriers often arise. To address these, tutors use personal approaches, such as sharing meals with students or utilizing translation technology to ensure effective material delivery. However, the fact that all current INCULS tutors are male also highlights potential room for improvement in gender equality, which could be a focus for future development.  

On another note, INCULS plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Indonesian culture. Through language teaching, tutors also introduce the richness of Indonesian culture, from traditional music to local customs. Rifan gives examples of how Ritsumeikan students are interested in learning gamelan, while HUFS students are more enthusiastic about discussing Indonesian pop music. This dissemination of cultural knowledge not only enriches the perspectives of international students but also strengthens Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy on the global stage. The impact is multiplicative, as these students will carry their understanding of Indonesia back to their home countries, creating a broader cultural network.  

To support this strategic role, Rifan suggests the need for infrastructure development at INCULS, such as constructing a dedicated Indonesian language teaching building. Adequate facilities would allow the institution to enhance teaching capacity and reach more foreign learners. By maintaining teaching quality and expanding collaborative networks, INCULS can continue to be a pioneer in Indonesian language education while contributing to sustainable development. Through a holistic approach combining education, culture, and inclusivity, INCULS proves that language teaching is not merely knowledge transfer but also an investment in global peace and progress.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 15/5/2025 – Rina Dwi Astuti, a 2021 student from the Bachelor of Japanese Language and Culture who had the opportunity to study at Ferris University, shared her meaningful experiences during her time in Yokohama, Japan.

As part of the Spring Semester exchange program, Ferris University organized a study tour called the Japan Study Tour. This three-day, two-night trip to Hiroshima aimed to strengthen the bonds between exchange students and local Ferris University students, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of peace.

During the trip, Rina and other participating students visited several iconic locations, including the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima and Hiroshima Castle. They also visited significant sites such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Honkawa Elementary School—which served as an evacuation site for survivors of the atomic bombing—and the former site of an Indonesian student dormitory in Hiroshima. Additionally, the students had the rare opportunity to listen to a firsthand account from Mr. Yamada, who was just two years old at the time of the bombing.

As a history enthusiast, Rina mentioned that visiting Itsukushima Shrine, known for its famous torii gate standing in the sea, and Hiroshima Castle left the deepest impression on her. Her visit to the castle allowed her to imagine how people once lived and thrived in the area, which is now preserved as a historical site. Although the tour did not directly relate to her academic courses or specific field of study, Rina appreciated the chance to learn new vocabulary that she might not encounter in class.

Rina also expressed her gratitude to Ferris University for the thorough support provided to international students during the preparation for the Japan Study Tour. The university shared a clear and well-structured itinerary, helping prevent confusion and patiently assisting students who faced difficulties in getting ready for the trip.

The Japan Study Tour had a profound impact on Rina’s perspective of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Through learning about the event in depth—without justifying the actions of any party—she came to a greater understanding of the value of global peace. Rina also expressed her desire to spread the message of peace by sharing the knowledge she gained with those who are willing to listen.

[Valentina Pramahita Iswari through Public Relation of Japanese Literature, Yulia Agustiani]

Yogyakarta, 13 May 2025 — The Indonesian Language and Literature Programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), welcomed a visit on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, from 15 students and two faculty members from Warren Wilson College, North Carolina, United States. This student meeting was held as part of the Indonesian Friends Program (TESIA – Teman Indonesia). The programme was initiated in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as an adaptation to cross-cultural learning through online platforms. This gathering marked a special moment within the collaborative efforts of the Indonesian Friends Program.

The meeting was attended by the Head and Secretary of the Indonesian Language and Literature Programme, Dr. Pujiharto, M.Hum., and Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, M.Hum., who personally welcomed the Warren Wilson College delegation. Representing the guests were Prof. Kevin Kehrberg and Prof. Siti Kusujiarti, M.A., Ph.D., who served as faculty supervisors and key figures in fostering this inter-institutional partnership. The event brought together 15 students from Warren Wilson College and 30 students from the Indonesian Language and Literature Programme at FIB UGM for active and meaningful interaction.

The event opened with a classical Yogyakarta-style dance performance entitled “Sesanti Mangayu-Hayu”, performed by FIB UGM students. In her welcome speech, Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, Coordinator of the Indonesian Friends Program, remarked that the gathering was a particularly meaningful moment, as it allowed both parties to finally meet face-to-face after months of online interaction. “Our students have been teaching the basics of the Indonesian language and culture to students at Warren Wilson College, and through that process, a very meaningful cross-cultural communication has emerged,” she noted.

In addition to the welcome ceremony and introductions, students from both universities participated in discussion sessions and shared experiences related to cross-cultural learning. During their stay in Indonesia, the Warren Wilson students are scheduled to visit several historical and cultural sites in Yogyakarta, including the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton), Taman Sari, Malioboro, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple.

Throughout their time in Yogyakarta, the Warren Wilson students are staying in the Bulaksumur area, near the Universitas Gadjah Mada campus. UGM students have been assigned to accompany and support them during their visit to Indonesia. Through this programme, UGM reaffirms its commitment to international collaboration based on cultural exchange and the strengthening of educational diplomacy.

[Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, M.Hum.]

Yogyakarta, 30/04/2025 – As part of a comprehensive intercultural learning experience, students of the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) program in advanced class 2 from the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in educational visits to two special locations in Yogyakarta: Diorama Arsip Jogja and Space Roastery 1890. This activity was designed not only to enrich students’ understanding of local history and culture, but also to instill important values related to heritage preservation, social responsibility, and community-based creative entrepreneurship.

The journey began at Diorama Arsip Jogja, a visual documentation space located in the complex of the Yogyakarta Regional Library and Archives Agency. More than just a document repository, the Diorama is a visual-based interactive space that displays the key phases of Yogyakarta’s history chronologically from the heyday of Islamic Mataram, the Dutch colonial era, the struggle for independence, to the development of the city in the present. With an array of informative panels, artifact replicas, and well-curated narratives, students are invited to immersively trace the city’s history. For those who come from different countries with different cultural backgrounds, this space opens new insights into the importance of archives and collective memory in the formation of a nation’s identity. Diorama Arsip Jogja does not only present history as something static, but as a living heritage that continues to shape society today.

After exploring the history room, the group continued their journey to Space Roastery 1890, a coffee shop that occupies a heritage building, a former doctor’s house from the colonial era. Here, the old architectural heritage blends harmoniously with contemporary lifestyles. The interior of the building still retains high ceilings, wide windows, and old wooden elements that create a warm and characterful atmosphere. Students enjoy relaxing while sipping quality local coffee, chatting, and enjoying the historical atmosphere that this place has to offer. But this visit was not just a moment of respite; they were also introduced to the coffee roasting process first-hand and the story behind the transformation of this old building into a vibrant and sustainable creative enterprise space. This story shows that preserving architectural heritage does not have to mean freezing the past, but can be the foundation for innovation and local economic growth that is contextual to the times.

Both the archive and the coffee shop represent a connection across time, between a past that needs to be preserved and a future that must be faced with responsibility and creativity. The visit not only enriched the students’ understanding of Indonesian history and culture, but also raised their awareness of the importance of active participation in the preservation of local values, while encouraging the creation of inclusive spaces that accommodate cross-cultural interactions. Through this experience, the students not only learned the Indonesian language, but also absorbed the values that live in the local narrative, becoming a subtle yet impactful form of cultural diplomacy, rooted in a concern for the history and lives of the people of Yogyakarta.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]