Friday, November 21, 2025 – The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program at Gadjah Mada University held an Inspiring Alumni event as part of its efforts to provide insight and inspiration to students and alumni who are preparing to enter the professional world. M. Asykari Muslim (Owner and CEO of Hayfa Academy), an alumnus and speaker at this event, presented a theme titled “Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs: The Synergy of Science, Technology, and Creativity in the Digital Age.” The event, at 709 of the Soegondo building, aimed to connect the current generation of students with alumni who have had successful careers in various fields, while also strengthening the academic and professional networks between the two parties.

The inspiring Alumni event began with a speech from Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Secretary of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Department. In her speech, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. emphasized the importance of building bridges between the academic world and the professional world through the firsthand experiences of successful alumni. “Through this event, we hope that students can gain a realistic picture of career opportunities in the professional world and understand how the skills they acquire in college can be applied in real life,” she said.

The alumni motivated the participants to continue developing themselves, to remain adaptable to the changing times, and to take advantage of every opportunity available. “As KBTT alumni, we must take advantage of all available opportunities, from our ability to speak Arabic or other languages. Look for opportunities to work, don’t be afraid to try, take advantage of available technology. If we want to build something, whatever it is, whether it’s a business or something else, we must use knowledge as a starting point, because without knowledge, no idea will last long,” said M. Asykari Muslim, M.A.

The question and answer session provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with alumni, deepen their understanding of the world of work, and build connections that will be useful for their future career development. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to alumni who shared their experiences and knowledge during the event. The event ended with a group photo and the hope that such activities will continue to be held in the future to strengthen the relationship between the study program and alumni and encourage students to be better prepared for the future.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, November 26, 2025 – The Executive Board of the Faculty of Humanities (LEM FIB UGM) conducted a student visit to the Tribun Network Jogja office on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The student visit is a program of the Public Relations and Organization Ministry (RPO) of LEM FIB UGM as part of a series of collaborative activities aimed at expanding students’ knowledge, skills, and direct contributions in the field of media and communication. The student visit was held in Room C of the Tribun Network Jogja office, located at Ringroad Barat Street No. 11, Nusupan, Trihanggo, Gamping, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. 

Tribun Network Jogja, also known as TribunJogja.Com, is one of the regional newspapers operating in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and is a subsidiary of the Kompas Gramedia Group. The company operates in the mass media sector as part of the Tribun Network.

The visit to Tribun Network Jogja took place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event began with an opening speech from a representative of LEM FIB UGM, followed by a presentation by the Digital Manager of Tribun Jogja, Mr Ikrob Didik Irawan. The material covered websites, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Analytics, social media management, creative content creation, and branding strategies. The next activity was a tour of the work environment, which included workspaces, relaxation areas, and a room containing imported newspaper printing machines.

This activity not only focused on theoretical understanding of the media industry but also served as a practical learning experience through the workplace tour, providing a real-world glimpse into the operations of the Tribun Network Jogja. LEM FIB UGM hopes this activity will continue to have a positive impact as a manifestation of students’ commitment to actively contribute to the development of the media and communication industry, while also serving as a sustainable collaborative agenda for the future.

The success of this student visit strengthens the position of LEM FIB UGM as a proactive unit in building external relations and developing student competencies in various fields, ranging from digital communication to creative industry exploration. LEM FIB UGM expresses its highest appreciation to the management of Tribun Network Jogja, especially Mr Ikrob Didik Irawan, for his cooperation, as well as to all participants who have actively participated. The presence and enthusiasm of all elements were key to the success of this Media Industry Introduction activity.

This student visit has tangibly supported the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through sessions on websites, SEO, Google Analytics, social media, creative content, and branding; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that education is accessible to all who need it, regardless of socioeconomic status; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goal) through effective collaboration between LEM FIB UGM students and Tribun Network Jogja.

Author: Gracia Nofidelia Joherman

Yogyakarta, 24 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again recorded an outstanding achievement. Alna Hanifah, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, won 2nd Place in the monologue competition held at Universitas Indonesia during the National & ASEAN Student Arts Festival.

This accomplishment demonstrates that FIB UGM students excel not only academically but also in the performing arts. Through an artistically and narratively strong monologue performance, Alna captivated the judges and brought pride to UGM at both national and regional levels. This prestigious event also serves as a platform for students to develop creativity, expand networks, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

The participation and success of FIB UGM students in this competition align with the faculty’s commitment to advancing quality education, as reflected in the principles of the SDGs. By supporting artistic activities, the faculty aims to foster a learning environment that encourages character development, creativity, and cultural competence. Moreover, UGM’s involvement in a festival that brings together universities from Indonesia and ASEAN countries reflects the spirit of global partnership, as the competition provides a space for collaboration and cultural exchange that strengthens international relationships.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 22 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again achieved an impressive accomplishment at a national-level entrepreneurship event. In the competition organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the FIB Mandira Heritage Team secured 1st Place in the Growing Business Category at the 2025 KMI Expo, the culminating event of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Program (KMI).

This event brought together young entrepreneurs from universities across Indonesia in a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovation and sustainability. Mandira Heritage Group stood out with its ideas that combine cultural themes, creativity, and digital technology. Products such as Mandira Brick, Mandira Puzzle with Augmented Reality technology, Bimba Brush, and JAKI, an interactive 3D puzzle, captivated both visitors and judges. Strong product design, compelling visual creativity, and rich cultural narratives made UGM’s booth one of the most striking among the participants.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of Fahmi Prihantoro, M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, who supported the team from concept development to final execution. The accomplishment further strengthens FIB UGM’s position as a faculty that not only focuses on humanities studies but also encourages students to innovate within the cultural-based creative industry.

Mandira Heritage’s success aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to advancing quality education and strengthening culture-based creative economies. Through the use of digital technology in cultural preservation and education, this initiative supports the creation of inclusive and innovative learning experiences. Additionally, participation in a collaborative event that brings together universities nationwide reflects efforts to reinforce national partnerships as part of sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 – Efforts to strengthen the Korean Studies ecosystem in Indonesia have entered a new phase with the hosting of the INAKOS Seminar titled The Role of INAKOS in Reinforcing Korean Studies in Indonesia on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM. Organized by The International Association for Korean Studies in Indonesia (INAKOS) in collaboration with the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM and the Korea Foundation, the event marked an important milestone in revitalizing INAKOS as a center for academic collaboration and research development in Korean Studies in Indonesia.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Setiadi, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to strengthening the East Asian studies ecosystem.
“We are preparing proper infrastructure to support East Asian studies. The building next to this one is fully dedicated to academic study centers, one of which is Inakos. We aim for all research centers at FIB to be integrated within a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary environment,” he stated.

Support was also expressed by the Director of the Korea Foundation, Lee Sanghoon, who highlighted the strategic role of INAKOS as an academic bridge between Indonesia and Korea.
“The Korea Foundation fully supports Inakos in revitalizing academic spaces and dialogue for scholars with deep interests in Korea. We believe Inakos will play an important role as a bridge in strengthening Korean Studies in Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Ambassador of Korea to Indonesia, Park Soo-deok, emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-national collaboration through research and academic dialogue.
“Indonesia and Korea have a long history of cooperation in culture and education. Through research, academic exchange, and scholarly dialogue such as today, both countries continue to build stronger bridges of mutual understanding,” he noted.

On the same occasion, the 2025 President of INAKOS, Suray Agung Nugroho, presented the strategic direction of the newly reactivated organization. He emphasized that INAKOS serves as a home, space, and academic umbrella to unite scholars and observers of Korean Studies in Indonesia, as well as to enhance collaborative and sustainable research.

Following the opening remarks, the audience was treated to a performance of the Korean Fan Dance, presented through a collaboration by students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM. The program continued with academic presentations by speakers from UGM, UI, UPI, and Universitas Nasional.

The first presentation was delivered by Rostinue from the University of Indonesia, who explained the role of Korean Studies scholars as academic and cultural bridges that strengthen bilateral interactions between Indonesia and Korea. The next speaker, Ashanti Widyana from the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), presented research trends in UPI’s Korean Language Education Program from 2020 to 2025, focusing on strengthening applied linguistics research, cultural studies, and integrating research outcomes into educational practice.

The session continued with Desitha Dwi Asriani from FISIPOL UGM, who discussed body modification and gender performativity among young Asian men and women from a comparative Indonesia–Korea perspective. The next presentation, by Rurani Adinda from Universitas Nasional, explored differences in the meanings of idioms related to the head in Korean and Indonesian. The final speaker, Achmad Rio, Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM, delivered a talk on analyzing translation patterns of the adnominal ending deon-eass-does using a Korean–Indonesian parallel corpus.

This seminar is expected to serve as an initial step in expanding academic networks in Korean Studies in Indonesia, while strengthening academic contributions to cultural, social, and educational cooperation between Indonesia and Korea. Continued collaboration will open broader spaces for dialogue and encourage innovative scholarly work that benefits society and advances knowledge.

In the long term, this initiative is expected to enhance access to knowledge and opportunities for academic exchange, contributing to human development and a more inclusive and sustainable future for both countries.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]