Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – The Middle Eastern Culture & Religion Issues (MECRI) Journal has reached an important milestone by receiving SINTA 4 accreditation on Friday, March 21, 2025. Established in 2022, the journal is managed by the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program within the Department of Intercultural Studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). MECRI focuses on the study of language, literature, culture, and religion in the Middle East, providing a valuable platform for researchers to explore the complex interactions between culture and religion and their impact on global society. This accreditation reinforces MECRI’s position as a leading reference journal in cross-cultural studies, particularly regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education. 

As an academic platform, MECRI offers researchers, academics, professionals, practitioners, and students a space to share ideas through high-quality empirical and theoretical research articles. Topics covered include social, political, cultural, literary, linguistic, and religious studies related to Middle Eastern Studies. The journal publishes articles regularly in July and December and follows a strict peer-review process conducted by a team of editors and reviewers from leading universities in Indonesia and abroad. MECRI also establishes strategic partnerships with Ittihad Mudarrisin Lugah Arabiyyah (IMLA) Indonesia—a national organization that oversees Arabic language teachers—and the International Center for Arab Studies and Training (ICAST) in Egypt. These collaborations not only ensure the maintenance of academic quality but also enhance the journal’s relevance to the development of global science. 

The SINTA 4 accreditation represents a significant opportunity for MECRI to further promote cross-cultural dialogue through research on Middle Eastern language, literature, religion, and culture. The published articles enrich academic understanding and offer practical solutions to various global challenges. With a broad range of topics, MECRI has featured numerous insightful articles on contemporary issues in the Middle East, such as feminism, social inequality, cultural diplomacy, and peace efforts. These studies contribute to the achievement of several other SDGs, including SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 10 on reducing social inequality, and SDG 16 on peace and justice. 

As part of its commitment to the SDGs, MECRI continues to strive to be a research platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding for a more inclusive world. With this achievement, MECRI is poised to advance as a leading force in innovative and globally impactful Middle Eastern studies.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – Amidst the vibrant celebrations of Indonesia’s Independence Day, an inspiring achievement emerges from the literary world. Nur Fitrianti Aspany, an alumna of the Master’s Program in Literature, has been selected as one of the seven chosen writers in the prestigious Emerging Writers program at the Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF) 2025, themed “Land and Hand.”

MIWF 2025, set to take place from May 29 to June 1, carries the theme “Land and Hand” as a form of resistance against various acts of land appropriation, oppression, and environmental destruction that persist in different regions. This year, the festival’s visual artwork is created by Taufiqurrahman ‘Kifu,’ a multidisciplinary artist from Palu, Central Sulawesi.

As in previous years, MIWF provides an opportunity for writers to participate by submitting works in various forms, including poetry, short stories, novels, and literary criticism. This year, 256 applicants from diverse backgrounds submitted outstanding works in various genres. Out of these hundreds of submissions, only seven writers were selected, including Nur Fitrianti Aspany.

Nur Fitrianti captivated the jury with two of her works: a digital poem titled “Aporia dan Epiphany dalam Sebuah Puisi Digital“ and a printed poem titled “Tragedi yang Dibalut Serendipity.“ These works were born from her creative process under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Faruk, S.U., a distinguished cultural studies expert and professor at Gadjah Mada University.

Reflecting on her achievement, Nur Fitrianti admitted that she initially had doubts about participating, given the fierce competition. However, she remained consistent in her writing, which eventually led her to this valuable opportunity. “At first, I wasn’t sure. Compared to my peers, I wondered if I could compete in both fiction and non-fiction. But when this opportunity arose, I happened to have some works ready, and fortunately, I never stopped writing,” she said.

Nur Fitrianti Aspany’s accomplishment is a testament to how passion and perseverance in the creative process can yield remarkable results. Her success at MIWF 2025 is not only a proud moment for the Master’s Program in Literature but also an inspiration for the younger generation to continue creating and contributing to the literary world.

[Public Relations Master of Literature, Anisa Dien Rahmawati]

Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 –   Get ready for an exciting learning journey in the Odd Semester 2025/2026! Join the INCULS Regular Program at UGM, where you can enhance your Indonesian language skills while experiencing Indonesia’s rich culture.

Registration Period: March 21 – May 26, 2025

Location: Online at admission.ugm.ac.id/registration

Program: INCULS Regular Program (Odd Semester 2025/2026)

Register now and be part of an international learning experience!

Open to the public!

Regular Program

An offline learning program held in 15-17 weeks (1 semester). Every year, INCULS holds two semesters of the regular program. The 1st semester begins in early August and the 2nd semester begins in February for each academic year. 

In this program, students in the beginner level are assigned to take 12 credits (12 hours/week). Students in the intermediate level must register for a minimum of 8 credits and maximum of12 credits. Students in the advanced level must register for a minimum of 6 credits and maximum of 12 credits. 

Aside from the language courses (reading, writing, conversation, listening, grammar, and vocabulary), INCULS also provides elective courses such as Translation of English Indonesian, Translation of Japanese-Indonesian, Indonesian for Research, Translation of Korean-Indonesian, Indonesian History, Indonesian Culture, Indonesian Politics, Indonesian Language and Literature, and Indonesian Tourism. 

All subjects are taught by professors of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. At the end of the course, students will receive a certificate of completion and transcript signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University.

For More Information: https://bit.ly/INCULSBrochure

How To Apply: https://bit.ly/INCULSHowtoApply

Apply Here: admission.ugm.ac.id/registration

[Public Relations of INCULS, Decika Syahda Maharani]

Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – Muhammad Wirai Suryajati, an alumnus of the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) class of 2013, is one UGM Tourism alumni who has successfully built a career in the tourism industry. With his dedication and competence, Wira’i has obtained various achievements that contribute to the tourism industry in the country.

Wira’i now serves as CEO of PT Alodia Tour Indonesia, a company engaged in travel services with various superior packages, including private trips, company trips, honeymoons, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions), visas, and flight tickets. In addition, Wira’i has obtained certification from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) as a Professional Certified Tour Leader and MICE Organizer. This career and certification confirm his competence in managing tours and organizing MICE.

Wira’i shared his experiences and insights in the agenda of the Inspiring Alumni Graduation Briefing Period II 2024/2025, taking place at the FIB Auditorium, 7th Floor, Soegondo Building, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The event was attended by prospective graduates and final-year students who are preparing to enter the world of work.

The Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM is committed to producing agents of change, ready to contribute to the tourism industry. With a curriculum combining theory-based and project-based approaches, as well as the support of extensive networks with industry, UGM Tourism Study Program continues to equip its students with relevant and innovative insights.

This effort aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Having alumni network in various tourism sectors and business, UGM Tourism Study Program continues to contribute to the development of a sustainable tourism industry.

Wira’i’s career journey reflects how the education and experience gained during his college year at UGM evidence a provision in pursuing a career in the tourism industry. His story serves as a reference for students and prospective students of the UGM Tourism Study Program to develop their potential and build a competitive future in the industry.

[Public Relations of Tourism  Department FIB UGM, Muhammad Alif]

Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a cooperation meeting with Saxion University on Friday, February 28, 2025. This visit is part of the ongoing cooperation established between the two institutions in recent years and is an important momentum in strengthening academic collaboration globally. The visit was attended by representatives from Saxion University, Jan Willem Meijerhof, as Head of Internationalization, Hospitality Business School, and Jasja Bos, Manager International Partnerships.

The discussion at FIB campus focused on curriculum comparison between the two institutions. The meeting further aims to initiate curriculum alignment as well as explore opportunities for more collaborative program development in the future. With this exchange of insights, it is expected to create a curriculum that is increasingly relevant to the needs of the global tourism industry and produce graduates who are ready to compete at the international level.

Mimi Savitri, M.A. Ph. D., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of FIB UGM, expressed her hope that cooperation with Saxion University will continue to help implement the vision of the Tourism Study Program in providing quality education with international collaborations. Cooperation between universities, both locally and globally, is a key factor in improving the quality of education, especially in the tourism sector which is dynamic and cross-cultural.

One form of cooperation that is possible to be implemented in the near future is a student exchange program. This program is expected to provide cross-cultural learning experiences for students of both institutions and broaden their horizons in the field of tourism and hospitality. With the exchange program, students are expected to gain broader and new perspectives, understand best practices in various countries, and develop professional networks early on.

The collaboration between the Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM and Saxion University is in line with the commitment to support sustainable development goals, especially SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Hopefully, this collaboration will not only strengthen academic collaboration at the global level but also improve the standard of tourism education in Indonesia, create excellent graduates, and contribute to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.

[Public Relations of Tourism  Department FIB UGM, Muhammad Alif]