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.]

Yogyakarta, 7/5/2025 – Faculty of Ushuludin, Adab, and Humanities of UIN Salatiga made a significant visit to the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event took place in the Auditorium Margono and was attended by students from various programs, including Quranic Studies, Arabic Literature, and Islamic Theology and Philosophy. The primary aim of this visit was to gain insights into the curriculum and learning methodologies of the Cultural Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies programs at FIB UGM.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony that set a warm and collaborative tone for the day. The opening remarks highlighted the importance of educational partnerships and the role of civil society in fostering academic exchanges. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education and partnerships for the goals.

Following the opening, a representative from UIN Salatiga, Prof. Dr. Mubasirun, M.Ag., delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between institutions and the sharing of knowledge, which is essential for enhancing educational quality. His remarks resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of civil society partnerships in achieving educational objectives.

The Faculty of Cultural Studies at UGM was represented by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., who also provided a welcoming address. He expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and the potential for future collaborations. His speech highlighted the importance of cultural studies in understanding diverse perspectives, which is crucial in today’s globalized world.

The first session of the event focused on Cultural Anthropology, presented by Dr. Elan Lazuardi, M.A. He provided an overview of the program, discussing its curriculum and the methodologies employed in teaching. The session was interactive, with students engaging in a Q&A session, allowing them to delve deeper into the subject matter and clarify their queries.

Following the discussion on Cultural Anthropology, the second session was dedicated to Middle Eastern Studies (KBTT). Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., led this session, providing insights into the unique aspects of the program. The students from UIN Salatiga were particularly interested in the comparative studies and cultural exchanges that the program offers, which are vital for understanding the complexities of the Middle Eastern region.

The event fostered an environment of sharing and learning, with students from both institutions exchanging ideas and experiences. This interaction not only enriched their academic knowledge but also strengthened the bonds between the two faculties, paving the way for future collaborations.

As the event drew to a close, the participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from one another. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued partnerships in education, which is essential for achieving the SDGs related to quality education and fostering inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

In conclusion, the visit of the Faculty of Ushuludin, Adab, and Humanities of UIN Salatiga to FIB UGM was a successful event that highlighted the importance of educational collaboration. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange and reinforced the commitment of both institutions to work together in promoting quality education and cultural understanding.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 8/5/2025 – The Balai Senat of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was filled with anticipation as the academic community gathered to witness the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., a prominent figure in the field of Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event, held from 09.00 to 10.00 AM, featured a thought-provoking inaugural address titled “The Current Existence of the Javanese Language: Its Role, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

In his address, Prof. Hendrokumoro highlighted the current condition of the Javanese language, which is increasingly limited to specific contexts such as within families or traditional communities. This trend risks marginalising the language, reflecting a broader concern over linguistic diversity in Indonesia. He noted that 15 regional languages in Indonesia—such as Tandia (Papua), Mawes (Papua), Palumata (Papua), Tugun (Papua), Saponi (Papua), Piru (Maluku), Kajeli/Kayeli (Maluku), Moksela (Maluku), Palumata (Maluku), Naka’ela (Maluku), Ternateno (North Maluku), Hukumina (Maluku), Hoti (Maluku), Serua (Maluku), and Nila (Maluku)—are critically endangered. Furthermore, over 150 other languages in Indonesia are currently facing extinction, underscoring the urgent need to preserve the country’s linguistic heritage—particularly in his area of expertise, the Javanese language.

Prof. Hendrokumoro argued that the Javanese language, with its rich variations, is deeply intertwined with four fundamental relationships: between humans and God, among humans, within oneself, and with nature and its contents. To address the challenges facing Javanese, he proposed a more flexible and open teaching approach. He suggested integrating contemporary cultural elements—such as Javanese pop music and films—into the curriculum. Songs like “Rungkad,” “Satru,” and “Kisinan,” along with films such as “Yowis Ben” and “Lara Ati,” can serve as engaging tools to attract younger generations to the language.

The event was attended by various figures, including faculty members, students, and representatives from the local community. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as attendees recognised the importance of preserving regional languages as part of Indonesia’s cultural identity. The inauguration not only celebrated Prof. Hendrokumoro’s academic achievement but also served as a platform to raise awareness about the vital role of education in safeguarding linguistic diversity.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which emphasises inclusive and equitable quality education, the professor’s message resonated strongly with the audience. He called for collaborative efforts among educators, policymakers, and communities to create an environment in which regional languages can thrive alongside the national language.

As the event concluded, attendees expressed their appreciation for Prof. Hendrokumoro’s dedication to preserving the Javanese language. The inauguration stood not only as a celebration of academic excellence but also as a reminder of education’s vital role in sustaining cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]