Yogyakarta, 23 Juli 2025 – A proud achievement has once again been made by a student of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Ihsania Salma, a 2023 cohort student known for her active and inspiring spirit, has successfully earned the 2024 Beasiswa Unggulan from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding youth committed to making real contributions to society.

In an exclusive interview with the IKMASA Media Team, Ihsania—affectionately called Sania—shared her journey as a passionate student, literacy activist, and campus leader. She has taken on numerous roles with dedication, including as Mentor Coordinator for La-Tansa, Co-Facilitator for PPSMB PIONIR, and Chairperson of the 2024 Festival Anak Gadjah Mada Menginspirasi. She is also actively involved in teaching communities and women’s advocacy through Srikandi UGM.

“Becoming an awardee isn’t just about academic scores, but about who we are and what we stand for,” said Sania.

She emphasized that consistency, strong intent, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone were the keys to securing the scholarship. Through writing, podcasting, and meaningful daily contributions, Sania shows that every step—no matter how small—can carry great impact.

Through this achievement, Sania hopes to continue creating a meaningful impact and serve as an inspiration to her fellow Arabic Literature students. She encourages peers to start from small things, stay consistent, and dare to dream big.

“We don’t have to be perfect to be useful. Just start with small, sincere steps,” Sania concluded enthusiastically.

For students inspired by Sania’s story, a golden opportunity is now available. The registration for Beasiswa Unggulan 2025 is officially open until July 27, 2025. This program offers financial support to high-achieving students who are committed to using their knowledge and talents in service of society. Don’t miss it out! Prepare your documents and apply through the official portal at beasiswaunggulan.kemdikbud.go.id 

[ Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, 10/7/2025 – The Department of History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recently held a public lecture aimed at igniting intellectual enthusiasm and fostering critical interdisciplinary discussions. The event, titled “Decolonizing Photography Archives: Research Issues in the Colonial Era and Its Visual Documentation,” took place in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building and featured Dr. Martin Slama, a senior researcher from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, as the keynote speaker.

In his presentation, Dr. Slama unveiled the findings from the 1928-1929 expeditions conducted by Austrian and German scientists to the Dutch East Indies. This limnological expedition not only produced around 3,000 photographs highlighting the ecology of rivers and lakes but also meticulously documented the lives of local communities, capturing everything from traditional ceremonies and religious activities to daily routines. Notably, many of the images were taken using stereo photography technology, which provided a three-dimensional effect.

However, despite their significant scientific value, these photographic archives have remained exclusively stored in Vienna, Austria. The limited access to these images has been a central critique raised during the discussion: how can these photographs be recontextualized for the communities from which they were taken? How can they be transformed from mere colonial heritage into a window for social, cultural, and historical reflection?

Dr. Slama emphasized that mere digitization is not enough. He argued that a decolonization approach is necessary in presenting these digital archives, allowing local communities in Indonesia to access, understand, and reinterpret the images in today’s context. “These colonial photographs must be given new life, not just as visual objects, but as part of a narrative that involves the communities that were once their subjects,” he stated.

The discussion was dynamic and filled with enthusiasm. Faculty members, students, and academics from various fields actively engaged in questioning and dialogue, demonstrating the importance of the intersection between history, visuality, and archival ethics in post-colonial studies.

Through this public lecture, the Department of History at UGM not only opened an academic space for learning about the past but also challenged participants to think critically about the present and how colonial legacies can be reconstructed for a more just and inclusive future. The event highlighted the role of education in addressing historical injustices and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the decolonization of photographic archives is not merely an academic exercise but a vital step towards reconciliation and empowerment for the communities depicted in these images. By engaging with these archives, participants were encouraged to reflect on their own identities and histories, fostering a sense of ownership over their cultural narratives.

In conclusion, the public lecture served as a reminder of the power of education in shaping societal perspectives and the importance of reexamining historical narratives. The collaboration between scholars and local communities is essential in ensuring that the legacies of the past are not forgotten but are instead transformed into tools for education and social justice.

Who says Arabic Literature students only deal with texts and Middle Eastern culture? Faris Zaky, an active student from the Arabic Literature program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proves otherwise. He has successfully demonstrated that a background in the humanities is not a barrier to making a real contribution in the professional world.

Starting with a desire to fill his semester break with productive activities, Faris discovered an internship opportunity. Upon reading that one of the positions available was in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he immediately felt intrigued, even though he initially hesitated, thinking his major was not directly related. With the courage to try, he decided to seize the opportunity. This decision turned out to be fruitful. He was accepted and began an internship experience that introduced him to various community dynamics.

Faris’s interest in social issues is not new. Since the beginning of his studies, he has been active in various community activities such as Ikmasa Mengabdi, Gemilang Desa, Ramadhan di Kampus, and being part of the organizing team for PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024. From these experiences, his sensitivity to social issues and planning skills have grown, which are now essential assets in his role in CSR.

Despite coming from an Arabic Literature background, Faris found that many skills he acquired during his studies are highly useful in the workplace. The writing and communication skills he honed during his studies became his main assets in conveying information to the community in a clear and understandable manner. Additionally, his experience in managing organizational programs equipped him with the ability to accept criticism, respond to problems with solutions, and prepare public communication materials with appealing visuals—such as graphic design and video editing—all of which support CSR work in the field.

During his internship, Faris was involved in various community development programs covering agriculture, livestock, health, tourism, and the economy. One of the programs he is most proud of is the development of the Bina Mandiri Farmer Group in Pulosari Village through the innovation of biodigester technology that produces bio slurry. This product was then developed into Bio Slurry Plus, an original innovation from PLTP Gunung Salak that has not been implemented elsewhere. This program has proven to increase productivity in the agricultural and livestock sectors and is one of the reasons why the CSR program of PLTP Gunung Salak received the Gold award—the highest level in the national CSR program assessment.

In carrying out his role, Faris also faced challenges, especially in changing the habits of the community that were not entirely appropriate, particularly in agriculture and livestock. He and his team chose to educate gradually, consistently, and with a persuasive approach so that the messages of change could be accepted without offending deeply rooted habits. Throughout this process, Faris upheld local values and culture. He believes that the principle of “where the earth is stepped, there the sky is upheld” is key to building community trust, especially when working in an environment rich in cultural values, such as the area around the Halimun Gunung Salak National Park, even though the program’s target area is outside the conservation zone.

This internship experience has transformed Faris’s perspective on the relationship between literature, social issues, and the professional world. He realized that the knowledge he studied, which he initially thought was only relevant in academic or cultural studies, actually has a close connection to practical needs in the field. Literature is not just about texts; it is also about understanding social contexts, building empathy, and effectively conveying ideas—elements that are crucial in community development. For him, the worlds of literature and work do not oppose each other; rather, they support and strengthen one another.

After completing his internship program, Faris is determined to continue engaging in social activities and deepen his knowledge in community development. He also wants to explore the skills he has honed, such as event planning, design, video editing, and writing, which he believes are highly needed in the social work sector. Faris Zaky’s story is a testament that the courage to step forward, consistent interest, and adaptability can lead students from any discipline to make a real impact on society—even within state-owned enterprises.

Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – Internship students from National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, participated in the Kamis Pon Berbudaya (Cultural Thursday) event, a regular celebration held by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity is part of FIB UGM’s initiative to introduce international students to the values of Javanese culture particularly those rooted in the Special Region of Yogyakarta through participatory and educational approaches.

The NCCU students wore traditional batik attire and were accompanied by part-time staff members from FIB UGM’s Public Relations team, Alma and Candra. Through this event, they gained a deeper understanding of the meaning and philosophy of Kamis Pon in Javanese tradition, especially in the Yogyakarta context.

Alma and Candra explained that Kamis Pon refers to the convergence of Thursday (Kamis) and Pon, one of the five-day Javanese market cycles (pasaran). They also shared that previously, traditional dress days were observed on Kamis Pahing, commemorating the relocation of the Yogyakarta Palace from Ambarketawang to its current site. In 2024, however, the Yogyakarta Regional Government designated Kamis Pon as the official commemoration day of Yogyakarta’s founding, following Governor’s Circular No. 400.5.9.1/40 dated January 8, 2024.

This day carries strong symbolic meaning within Javanese society, particularly in the Kraton (palace) of Yogyakarta, where Kamis Pon is considered sacred. It is often used for spiritual activities, reflection, and cultural preservation as a form of respect for ancestors.

“This is something completely new for us—wearing batik on a specific day,” shared one of the NCCU students.

The active involvement of international students in this cultural activity aligns with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting cross-cultural education and the safeguarding of intangible heritage.

By consistently organizing Kamis Pon Berbudaya, FIB UGM continues to foster an inclusive space for intercultural dialogue, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and build a broader understanding of cultural diversity.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

In a world where logic often reigns supreme, Pandhita, an Arabic literature student, believes that storytelling can evoke emotions that logic cannot reach. “When I played the role of a mother betrayed by her son, I saw the audience crying,” she states with conviction, her eyes gazing into the distance. For Pandhita, storytelling is not merely a performance or entertainment; it is a profound way to convey messages, stir emotions, and touch the human side that is often overlooked by rational thought. Her love for storytelling began in elementary school.

It was during a county-level storytelling competition that Pandhita first realized the power of a tale. Winning the competition was not the most memorable part; rather, it was the moment she understood how a story could make an audience laugh, ponder, or even shed tears. From that point on, storytelling transformed from a hobby into a life path that she believed could benefit others. She is convinced that imparting life values does not always require advice or counsel; light-hearted stories with deep meanings can be more readily accepted and absorbed. “Khairunnās anfa‘uhum linnās, the best of people are those who are beneficial to others,” she emphasizes, quoting an Arabic proverb that serves as her guiding principle in her work.

As she delved deeper into the world of storytelling, more doors began to open for her. Her storytelling skills led her to be trusted as a mentor in various fields, from the Arabic and English languages to general subjects. One of her most unique experiences was participating in a Korean storytelling competition, despite never having formally studied the language. Armed only with songs and dramas she had watched, she attempted to mimic the pronunciation and expressions, all in the name of broadening her horizons and learning a new language. This experience reinforced her belief that stories can serve as a medium for cross-linguistic learning.

Her ability to craft narratives and convey messages also made her a sought-after contributor to educational video projects. People entrusted her with the important task of delivering messages in a coherent, lively, and meaningful manner. However, one unforgettable moment was when she became a storyteller at a social event for children in marginalized areas. The audience may have been small, but when she performed the story of “The Crying Stone,” the room fell silent and emotional. “When I acted as a mother scorned by her child, I saw those children crying along with me. They were not just listening; they were feeling,” she recalls. It was then that Pandhita realized she was not just telling stories; she was bringing meaning to life.

This skill also led her into the professional world as a moderator and event host. For her, being an MC is not just about reading an agenda; it’s about creating an atmosphere, maintaining the audience’s enthusiasm, and keeping her own energy stable from start to finish. She combines narrative techniques with vocal modulation, light metaphors, and smooth transitions to make each segment of an event feel alive. In fact, storytelling once saved her during a high-pressure interview. When her mind went blank due to a question, she chose to respond with a narrative approach. “I simply told a simple analogy, packaging complex language into something straightforward and easy to understand, and the interviewer smiled,” she reminisces.

For Pandhita, storytelling is a bridge between the mind and the heart. She rejects the notion that storytelling is only for children. Instead, she believes that through stories, we can learn empathy, sensitivity, and social awareness. The world is filled with small yet meaningful things; we often just don’t take the time to see them. Therefore, she uses storytelling as a way to help others re-examine their lives from a warmer perspective. In various educational and motivational forums she attends, Pandhita always carries one important message: literacy and language are the keys to the future. “Unfortunately, many still overlook this,” she says softly.

When asked about her dreams, Pandhita confidently replies that she wants to create storytelling workshops open to everyone. A safe space where people can share their stories without fear of judgment. For her, storytelling is not about performing perfectly or impressively, but about honesty, courage, and self-acceptance. “Everyone has a story. And every story has power,” she asserts. She believes that being an inspiring person is not always about grand achievements; sometimes, it is enough to be a good listener or a sincere storyteller.