The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) recently completed the revitalization of its iconic signpost. This renewal provides the beloved campus landmark with a fresher and more aesthetic appearance, benefiting both the academic community and the general public passing by.

The facility’s restoration process involved a series of sequential stages. The improvement efforts began by dismantling the signpost structure from its site. Following this, a comprehensive repainting of all components was carried out to restore the vibrancy of the colors and the legibility of the text. The revitalization phase concluded by reinstalling the signpost in its original position.

Maintaining the physical facilities of the campus is a crucial step in preserving the functionality of public spaces. Regular infrastructure maintenance plays a vital role in extending the lifespan of a facility while minimizing the need for new materials. FIB UGM’s initiative in caring for this faculty icon reflects a clear commitment to maintaining existing facilities, aiming to create a comfortable, well-organized, and sustainable educational environment for future generations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Efforts to strengthen the academic capacity of students and researchers in producing high-quality scientific publications continue to be promoted on campus. The Master’s Program in Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada organized a “Scientific Article Writing Workshop: Strategies for Publishing in Reputable Journals” on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Room 709 Soegondo, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

The event, which took place from 12:30 to 15:00 WIB, featured a scholar in cultural and gender studies, Wening Udasmoro, as the main speaker. The workshop aimed to enhance the ability of young academics to write scientific articles capable of competing in reputable international journals.

In her presentation, Wening emphasized that academic publishing is not merely about techniques or quick strategies to get articles accepted by journals. According to her, writing in reputable journals is an important process for testing the intellectual quality of an academic before a broader scholarly community.

She stressed that academic publication should be viewed as a process of learning and intellectual development rather than simply fulfilling administrative academic requirements. Through publication, scholars’ ideas can be read and critically examined by researchers from various universities and countries, thereby enriching academic discourse.

During the session, participants were introduced to the importance of problematization in research. Wening explained that strong research generally begins with social or cultural phenomena that attract attention and generate scholarly questions.

She illustrated how contemporary phenomena—such as the display of luxurious lifestyles on social media—can become entry points for research relevant to current social dynamics. Researchers are encouraged not merely to find objects that have not yet been analyzed but to develop new perspectives that make their research academically significant.

In addition to formulating research problems, participants were also equipped with an understanding of the importance of a strong literature review. The workshop highlighted that scientific research must be built upon a dialogue with theories and previous studies.

Several theoretical frameworks can be used to analyze social phenomena, including the concept of conspicuous consumption, the symbolic value of goods (sign value), and modern consumer culture. These theoretical frameworks help researchers interpret social phenomena in a more critical and systematic way.

Through this training, it is hoped that postgraduate students will be able to produce scientific articles that not only meet academic standards but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge and provide solutions to various social issues.

The workshop was enthusiastically welcomed by the Master’s students in Literature who attended. The discussion was highly interactive, particularly when participants explored strategies for identifying research topics with novelty and academic relevance.

Through initiatives such as this, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM seeks to strengthen a critical, reflective, and productive academic culture in producing high-quality scientific publications at both national and international levels.

Author: Khotibul Umam

Graduating in 3.5 years is no longer impossible for students. This is proven by three students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at UGM, namely Yasmin Nabiha Sahda, Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay, and Hanundita Salma. The three students officially graduated on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after completing their education in only seven semesters.

During an interview on Friday, February 27, 2026, the three shared tips on how students can complete their thesis and graduate quickly. Yasmin Nabiha Sahda (Yasmin) advised students to finalize their research topic by the sixth semester. According to her, this strategy is very effective so that students can immediately focus on studying the literature and developing a research framework without wasting time during the thesis writing process.

In addition to early preparation, interest and time management also greatly influence the thesis writing process. Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay (Pesdhi) emphasized that choosing a research topic that suits one’s abilities and personal interests will make the research process run more smoothly. She also added that setting clear work targets and mastering relevant theories can help students stay focused during the research process.

Meanwhile, Hanundita Salma (Hanun) said that a thesis that seems difficult should be broken down into several small stages so that the work feels more focused. Hanundita also highlighted the importance of a supportive group of friends and active communication with lecturers as discussion partners to speed up the process of completing the final assignment.

In addition, these three graduates also shared messages for their fellow students who are still struggling. Yasmin encouraged them to truly use their time in college to enrich themselves with a deep understanding of Javanese literature. Meanwhile, Pesdhi and Hanun agreed that the key to completing a final project is not speed alone, but perseverance in tackling the thesis without losing the joy of the process.

Their experiences demonstrate that a thesis can be completed gradually with proper planning. Through these tips and experiences, it is hoped that they can serve as a reference and inspire students who are planning and completing their thesis projects. 

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro & Nanda Nursa Alya

Thumbnail Maker : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, 27 February 2026 – In welcoming the 80th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM held a cemetery pilgrimage at the UGM Family Cemetery located in Sawitsari on Thursday (27/2) at 07:30 AM. This activity is part of the faculty’s regular agenda carried out annually as a form of respect and remembrance for the predecessors who contributed significantly to the development of the faculty and the university.

The event began with a joint prayer led by Dr. Ahmad Athoillah, S.Pd., M.A., a lecturer from the Department of History at FIB UGM. In a solemn atmosphere, participants prayed for the departed figures and members of the academic community while remembering their contributions to the development of academic traditions within FIB UGM.

The program continued with remarks delivered by the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources of FIB UGM, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A. In his speech, he stated that the pilgrimage serves as a moment of reflection for the entire academic community to appreciate the struggles and dedication of the faculty’s predecessors, while also strengthening the commitment to continue the academic values and spirit of service they have passed down.
Following the remarks, the event proceeded with a symbolic procession around the cemetery and the scattering of flower petals on the graves of figures who had made significant contributions to the development of FIB UGM. This procession symbolized respect and gratitude for the dedication of the predecessors who played an important role in shaping the faculty’s growth.

This pilgrimage is not only part of the series of events commemorating the 80th Dies Natalis of FIB UGM, but also reflects the values of honoring history, maintaining academic traditions, and appreciating the legacy of past scholars. These values align with the efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of educational and reflective academic values, as well as Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage for sustainable societies.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) awarded two outstanding alumni during the peak of its 80th anniversary celebration in the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium. The awards were presented to Setya Amrih Prasaja, S.S., M.Pd., and Dra. Rini Suryati as a token of appreciation for their dedication to the advancement of science and education, as well as their tangible contributions to the broader community.

The first outstanding alumni award was given to Prasaja, a graduate of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Prasaja is widely recognized as the driving force behind the digitization of the Javanese script. His efforts to integrate this traditional script into the international standard (Unicode) have now produced results, allowing the Javanese script to be widely used across various digital devices, such as mobile phones and computers.

In addition to his role as the founder of the Segajabung community, Prasaja currently serves as the Head of the Language and Literature Section at the Department of Culture of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. His contributions are considered crucial in maintaining the relevance of local culture during an era of massive digital transformation.

The second award went to Suryati, who is also an alumna of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Suryati is a senior journalist for the Jakarta bureau of the Kedaulatan Rakyat daily newspaper, having built her career since 1992. Her reporting focuses on strategic issues in politics, social affairs, and education.

Throughout her career, Suryati has recorded various journalistic achievements, including an assignment at the 2023 Hajj Media Center and conducting an exclusive interview with President Joko Widodo. Beyond journalism, she is also an active author whose books received national recognition from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology and the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2025.

The initiative by the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences to appreciate its alumni demonstrates the educational institution’s commitment to continuously supporting the development of high-quality human resources. Efforts to preserve language through technology and strengthen literacy through journalistic work represent a long-term investment. This serves as a vital foundation for preserving cultural heritage and continually educating the nation for a more inclusive future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]