Yogyakarta, 14/5/2025 – Dr. Fuad Hasyim, S.S., M.A., the sole doctoral graduate in American Studies from the April 2025 Commencement (Academic Year 2024/2025, Period III), brings a fresh perspective to the discourse of intercultural and global spirituality through his insightful and timely dissertation. Titled “The Construction of Carl W. Ernst’s Sufi Thought and Its Relevance to American Cultural Values: A Study in the Sociology of Knowledge,” his research explores the thought of Carl W. Ernst, a prominent American scholar who has devoted over three decades to the study of Sufism, as a bridge between the Islamic world and Western society.

In his work, Dr. Fuad traces how Ernst offers a unique approach to Sufism, one that diverges from traditional Orientalist frameworks. Ernst not only engages with classical Sufi texts and key figures in various Muslim-majority countries, but also articulates a fresh intellectual paradigm—one that fosters dialogue between Islamic spirituality and American cultural values. Within a society that highly regards individuality, diversity, and modernity, Ernst positions Sufism as a deep spiritual resource that resonates meaningfully with those very values.

This dissertation employs the sociology of knowledge and cultural value frameworks to examine Ernst’s thought within its broader socio-historical context. The findings reveal not only the complexity of the themes Ernst engages with—including the relationship between Sufism and modernism, its tensions with fundamentalism, and its artistic and organizational expressions—but also highlight the centrality of spirituality within public discourse. Dr. Fuad emphasizes that Ernst’s conception of Sufism offers a timely ethical and cultural proposition for a world in search of direction—a world that calls for more inclusive, reflective, and open-minded perspectives. In this spirit, the dissertation contributes meaningfully to the shaping of a more peaceful, just, and spiritually aware global society.

Through this academic achievement, Dr. Fuad not only strengthens the standing of American Studies as a flexible and responsive discipline in addressing contemporary global challenges, but also brings forth a refreshing narrative of how Islam—particularly through the lens of Sufism—can serve as a partner in building a more humanistic civilization. This dissertation not only enriches academic scholarship, but also supports the global pursuit of a more peaceful, equitable, and dignified world—echoing the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

[Postgraduate Program in American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 12/5/2025 –The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) proudly celebrates a remarkable international achievement. Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., who currently serves as UGM’s Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, has been honored with the prestigious Inclusive Global Engagement Award from Universitas 21 (U21). This award recognizes her outstanding commitment to advancing inclusive and global education, particularly in the areas of literature, gender studies, and cultural discourse.

Universitas 21 is a global network comprising leading research-intensive universities across six continents. The Inclusive Global Engagement Award is part of the U21 Awards program, given to individuals or teams who have made significant contributions to promoting global inclusion in higher education. Recipients are selected based on their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as well as their exceptional international impact beyond their formal roles.

As a scholar, Prof. Wening is widely known for her dedication to gender equality and inclusive practices in academia. She has played a crucial role in building cultural and academic bridges between Indonesia and other countries, particularly France. Her expertise in literature, identity studies, and postcolonial theory has made her contributions impactful not only nationally but also on the global stage. She frequently serves as a voice for women academics from developing countries in international forums.

This award not only marks a personal milestone for Prof. Wening but also reflects UGM’s strong commitment to promoting diversity and equity at the global level. As one of Indonesia’s leading universities, UGM takes great pride in seeing its faculty recognized internationally for their work and values.

Congratulations to Prof. Wening Udasmoro for this outstanding achievement. May her recognition continue to inspire the academic community at FIB UGM to foster inclusive and just education for all.

[Humas FIB UGM, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogyakarta, 9/5/2025 – On Friday morning, 9 May 2025, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a tumpeng cutting ceremony to celebrate their victory in the Nitilaku 2024 Cultural Parade Competition. The event took place at the Margono Djojohadikusumo Building and was attended by lecturers, administrative staff, and students who participated in Nitilaku 2024.

The celebration began with opening remarks by the Dean of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., expressing gratitude for the hard work and dedication of all those involved in Nitilaku 2024. The speech emphasised the importance of capacity building in fostering a strong cultural identity and a spirit of togetherness among students and staff. This message aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable education.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic cutting of tumpeng, a traditional Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish. The dean cut the tumpeng then presented it to Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs., the head of the Nitilaku team, as a token of appreciation. The act of cutting the tumpeng symbolised gratitude and celebration, marking a significant achievement for the faculty.

The Nitilaku 2024 Cultural Parade Competition is a major event that showcases the richness of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. FIB UGM’s participation demonstrated the faculty’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural diversity. Winning first place in the parade served as a reminder of the vital role cultural education plays in achieving the SDGs, especially in building peaceful and inclusive societies. During the parade, FIB UGM’s contingent—led by a Jathilan dance performance by Sastra Oebah, a semi-autonomous student organisation—successfully earned first place in the Nitilaku 2024 Cultural Parade Competition.

Beyond celebration, the event also served as a platform for capacity building among students and staff. Workshops and discussions were held to reflect on the experiences gained during Nitilaku 2024, with a focus on skill development and cultural awareness. This initiative aimed to empower participants and strengthen their capacity for future cultural engagements.

The celebration concluded with a communal meal where participants enjoyed traditional Indonesian dishes, reinforcing a sense of unity and togetherness. The atmosphere was filled with joy and pride as attendees shared stories and experiences from Nitilaku 2024. This event not only celebrated a victory but also deepened the bonds within the FIB community.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 8/5/2025 – Rr. Rachma Amalia Putri, a student of English Studies Program UGM, was enrolled in Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) 2024. IISMA is a mobility program under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. After a rigorous selection process, Putri was accepted for IISMA at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), Lithuania. 

Putri was very enthusiastic for this studying opportunity. “Studying abroad is a stepping stone towards greater opportunities in academics and non-academic fields. I want to get firsthand experiences from the professors, as they are not only experts in their fields but also active practitioners,” she mentioned.

Putri noted that the experience studying abroad was beyond her expectations. At VMU, she took four courses: Introduction to Sociolinguistics, Media and Popular Culture, Creative and Feature Writing, as well as Lithuanian as a Foreign Language A1. Putri enjoyed her learning process, especially due to the dedication of lecturers at VMU. She was also grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with other international students. 

Outside the classroom, Putri encountered many valuable experiences. She joined Kaunas Muslim Sister, a community for muslim women in Kaunas to share their experiences as a minority. During her stay at VMU, Putri was also given the opportunity to share Indonesian culture in Lithuanian schools. She was also appointed as the moderator in the Alumni Day event to celebrate the re-establishment of VMU. Putri and her IISMA fellows also held a charity event to promote Batik, Weaving Cultures: Batik Day and Charity Gala. 

From the exchange at VMU, Putri learned many things: how to survive in a new environment, be independent in any situations, and be an ambassador of Indonesian culture. After graduating, Putri planned to pursue a master’s degree abroad in order to fulfil her dream of being a lecturer, a way to dedicate her knowledge for Indonesia.

[Public Relation of English Literature, Sekar Ajiningsih]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 – UGM Korean Language and Culture Study Program held a public lecture entitled “ Oratory Techniques in Korean” in the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building. The event presented the Chairman of K-Speech Indonesia, Woo Young Taek, as a speaker who delivered the material entirely in Korean. This activity aims to improve students’ oratory skills and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the fields of education and global partnerships.

This public lecture lasted for approximately one and a half hours. During the presentation, Woo Young Taek shared various oration techniques commonly used in Korean, such as the use of intonation and tone, voice modification, facial expressions, and body language.

In the middle of the lecture, students were also encouraged to practice these techniques through short self-introductions to improve their public speaking skills.

The event was closed with the presentation of certificates to the speakers and a group photo session. Through collaborations like this, it is hoped that the Korean Language and Culture Study Program can send its students to participate and compete in oration competitions at the national and international levels.

[Public Relation of Korean Language and Culture, Sherina Azmi A.]