In 2018, calls to transform UGM’s Diploma-3 programs into Diploma-4 surfaced. Balairung, as one of UGM’s student press, took part in discussing the idea. This change is a part of UGM’s efforts to raise UGM’s rankings beside other World Class Universities, and to fulfill the working world’s needs for Diploma-4 graduates.

Responding to the phenomenon, Prodi S1 Pariwisata UGM, represented by 4 lecturers, held a sharing session on Tuesday, June 24 2019 with lecturer from Griffith University’s Tourism major, Dr. Maria Dharmesti.

As a program that also exists in SV UGM, the S1 Pariwisata program seeks to map and further define the curriculum of the D4 and S1 program to avoid overlap between the curriculums. The discussion went on for 2 hours at Soegondo room no. 611 engagingly. Digging deep into the two programs, it was found that the two programs have already mutually accomodated each other, with both footed on academic and scientific methods, connected with the realities existing in society, mutually benefitting and developing.

The discussion ended with a conclusion that the D4 program should focus on technical roles, and the S1 program will focus on analytical and managerial roles, and that both could take on strategic challenges anywhere alumnae works. The discussion also hopes that the working world could differentiate the competencies and focus which educational institutions had formulated, avoiding mismatch.

Tuesday June 25th 2019, Prodi Arkeologi UGM pre-launched “Kuasa Makna, Perspektif Baru dalam Arkeologi Indonesia” at Multimedia Room, Margono Building. The book, poised to be a new wave in Indonesian Archeology, was composed by Dr. Daud Aris Tanudirjo, Drs. Tjahjono Prasodjo, M.A, Drs. J.S. Edy Yuwono, Dwi Pradnyawan, M.A and Adieyatna Fajri, M.A.

The pre-launch is also part of the 73rd Anniversary of FIB UGM, held throughout 2019, to create a platform for each department to hold their own scientific programs. Also attending this event, Dr. Suzie Handayani, as moderator and head of the FIB UGM Anniversary program, Dr. Kris Budiman and Prof. Dr. P. M. Laksono as discussers of the book’s contents.

The first session consists of presentation by each contributor with discussions from the discussers. Dr. Daud presents the current condition of Indonesian Archeology, which he sees as having too much fun within itself, resulting in disability to develop itself further. Dr. Daud corroborates the condition, calling the field as too enticed by romanticism and formality of methods. Dr. Daud mentions that Archeology shouldn’t be the only source of truth, or the ultimate source of truth, instead should be creating spaces and discourses for others to discuss and interpret.

Further in the discussion, Prof. Dr. P. M. Laksono discusses the meaning of the word “Kuasa” and “Makna”, the title of the book, which was not discussed in the book itself. Dr. Kris Budiman discusses on the routes Archeology could take, either to go deeper into Archeology or ‘minggat’ into interdisciplinary fields.

Whatever it is, the book should be appreciated and accepted, while the book will go on further edits and improvements after publishing, allowing readers to enjoy the book and the spiritual routes they could take, and bring Archeology further.

The Japanese Literature Programme of the FCS, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again proves its achievements. Akbar Rizqi Dhea Habibi, or Rizqi, achieved the 2nd place on the Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Shuuji Contest on April 6 2019.

Previously, Rizqi has already won several competitions in the same field. Yet, he noted that on this occasion, the competition was exceptionally competitive. “The previous Shuuji Contests I attended this time has more diverse participants from Javanese universities, and all of them wrote very beautifully. I was quite nervous and trembled a bit when I wrote.” said Rizqi.

Even though he only got the 2nd place, Rizqi successfully placed better than other contestants, who came from East Java to West Java. The 1st place went to a contestant from STBA YAPARI ABA, and the 3rd place went to a contestant from UPI.

This competition is a part of the annual Japanzuki Show, an annual event held by Himpunan Mahasiswa Bahasa Jepang (HIMABAJA) UPI, under the supervision of Departemen Pendidikan Bahasa Jepang UPI. This event is held in order for those interested in Japanese language and culture to be creative and exchange knowledge on Japanese culture and language.

Rizqi hopes to see more of his juniors interested in competitive Shuuji in the future.