Yogyakarta, October 1, 2025 — The Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held the ASN (Academic Sharing Network) Seminar 2025 online on Tuesday (October 1) from 09.00 to 15.00 WIB. Carrying the theme “Ecocriticism: Literature and Culture as Arenas of Negotiation,” the event was a collaborative effort between UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature and Universitas Airlangga’s Master’s Program in Literary and Cultural Studies. The seminar attracted enthusiastic participation from students of both universities.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, who expressed his high appreciation for the successful organization of the seminar. “ASN serves as a space for students to cultivate academic enthusiasm and expand interdisciplinary networks. Through collaborations like this, we learn together and build a sustainable tradition of critical thinking,” said Prof. Setiadi.

In addition to the Dean, the event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, UGM, and Edi Dwi Riyanto, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in Literary and Cultural Studies, UNAIR. Both expressed their strong support for this collaborative initiative as a means to strengthen academic networks between faculties and to provide a platform for students to further develop their research.

The seminar consisted of three sessions. The first session featured lecturers from both UGM and UNAIR as keynote speakers. From UGM, Dr. Pujiharto, S.S., M.Hum. delivered a presentation titled “A Postmodern Eco-Reading of Danarto’s Short Story ‘Kecubung Pengasihan’.” In his talk, Dr. Pujiharto explored the relationship between literature and the environment in Danarto’s work, which is rich in critiques of human anthropocentrism. “Danarto’s short story portrays the blurring of boundaries between the human and the vegetal worlds. When humans realize they are also part of nature, ecological awareness emerges as a form of spirituality,” he explained during his presentation.

Two other speakers from UNAIR’s Master’s Program in Literary and Cultural Studies, Dr. Nadya Afdholy, S.Hum., M.Pd., M.Hum. and Arum Budiastuti, S.S., M.C.S., Ph.D (Cand.), enriched the discussion with diverse perspectives. Dr. Nadya presented on ecofeminism, highlighting the interconnectedness between the exploitation of women and nature, while Arum Budiastuti discussed the concept of green halal in the context of cultural studies, examining the relationship between religious values, ethics, and the environment.

The first session was notably interactive, with several students posing insightful questions that fostered a lively and engaging academic discussion on ecological issues in literature and culture.

In the second and third sessions, the seminar continued with student research presentations. This year, ASN received over a dozen academic papers from students of both UGM and UNAIR. After a review process led by Dr. Pujiharto, four papers were selected as best papers and presented in the main session.

The four selected papers showcased diverse and thought-provoking topics. Three of them, written by students from UGM, examined ecological issues in literary works, while one paper from UNAIR analyzed ecology from a cultural perspective. Each presentation generated active discussion between presenters and participants, turning the seminar into not only a platform for sharing knowledge but also a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas.

The collaboration between UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature and UNAIR’s Master’s Program in Literary and Cultural Studies through ASN 2025 has opened meaningful opportunities for students to develop their academic work and broaden their scholarly networks. Through this event, students were not only able to present their research but also gained the potential to publish their papers, contributing to the advancement of academic discourse in literature and culture.

[Master of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences welcomed a study visit from SMA Daarut Tauhid and SMA Thursina IIBS. The event took place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM with the aim of providing students an insight into higher education and the various programs offered at FIB UGM. This visit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education.

The visit began in the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, where students and teachers from both schools gathered. The event was opened by the Public Relations team of FIB UGM and continued with a welcoming speech from representatives of each participating school. Subsequently, a profile video of UGM and FIB UGM was presented. This introduction aimed to familiarize attendees with Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which is committed to academic excellence.

To further engage the students, an interactive quiz was conducted by the FIB UGM Public Relations team. This enjoyable activity encouraged students to answer questions related to the faculty and university, making the learning experience more fun. Participants who answered correctly were given merchandise as souvenirs of their visit.

Following the quiz, the FIB UGM Public Relations team explained various aspects of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This session included information on the faculty’s history, academic programs, publications, and other relevant details. This segment was crucial in helping students understand the range of opportunities available at FIB UGM.

After the informational session, a question-and-answer session was held, allowing students to clarify any doubts they had regarding the faculty and its programs. This interactive dialogue encouraged deeper understanding and motivated students to think critically about their future study plans.

The event closed with a group photo, capturing the smiles and enthusiasm of all participants. This photo will serve as a cherished memory of their visit to FIB UGM, strengthening the bonds formed during the day.

To conclude the visit, a guided tour of the faculty was conducted, starting from the Poerbatjaraka Building, passing several buildings within FIB, and ending at the Mandala Majapahit Museum. The tour continued to the Javanese Heritage Museum.

[Public Relation FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]

Monday, October 4, 2025, Students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) successfully held the Pentas Ambal Warsa (PAW) to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the UKM Swagayugama. The event took place at the Pendopo Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreatifitas (GIK) UGM, showcasing the rich heritage of Indonesian culture.

Abimanyu Mahendra Maladeta Darmadi, known as Abi, a 2023 student from the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, serves as the chairman of UKM Swagayugama. Under his leadership, the event was a great success, attracting an enthusiastic audience eager to witness traditional performances.

The evening began with a captivating performance of the Uyon-Uyon dance, bringing a joyful atmosphere and highlighting the importance of cultural heritage. Following the dance, the audience was treated to a Wayang Wong performance featuring the Suprabawati story. This traditional Javanese theatrical art, which combines dance and drama, mesmerized the audience with its compelling storyline and magnificent costumes, demonstrating the depth of Javanese culture.

In addition to the Wayang Wong, there was also a Wayang Kulit performance depicting the story of Sri Suwela. This shadow puppet show is a vital part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, with skilled puppeteers bringing the characters to life and impressing the audience with their artistry and storytelling ability.

Before the Wayang Kulit performance began, there was an appreciation session honoring the composers, trainers, and directors who contributed to the success of Pentas Ambal Warsa. Their dedication and hard work were recognized, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the event.

The event also included a documentation session where the committee members gathered for photographs, capturing memories of this significant occasion. This moment not only celebrated UKM Swagayugama’s achievements but also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage among the younger generation.

The Wayang Kulit performance concluded the event magnificently, leaving the audience mesmerized by a tradition passed down through generations. The successful execution of Pentas Ambal Warsa served as a reminder of the vital role that cultural heritage plays in shaping identity and community.

This event was not only a celebration of UKM Swagayugama’s anniversary but also a testament to the commitment of FIB students to safeguard and promote Indonesia’s cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of cultural events in fostering appreciation and understanding of traditional arts among youth.

[Public Relation FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]

Yogyakarta, October 7, 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has once again achieved an outstanding milestone in the global education arena. According to the 2025 EduRank global ranking, UGM secured the first position in Indonesia and ranked 564th in the world, placing it among the top 50% of universities across 186 research fields.

This achievement serves as tangible evidence of UGM’s consistency in realizing quality education (SDG 4) through strengthened research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. EduRank recorded a total of 58,718 academic publications and 317,379 citations affiliated with UGM, reflecting the university’s significant contribution to global knowledge development.

The ranking was determined based on three main factors: research performance, non-academic reputation, and the impact of its alumni. The contributions of 101 distinguished alumni further enhance UGM’s influence in building sustainable partnerships and collaborations across various sectors, aligning with the spirit of partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

Moreover, this accomplishment also reflects UGM’s commitment to promoting innovation and resilient infrastructure (SDG 9) through impactful research that directly benefits society. By prioritizing solution-oriented and relevant studies, UGM continues to play an active role in fostering innovations that support sustainable development in Indonesia and beyond.

Through this achievement, UGM reaffirms its dedication to strengthening the role of higher education in shaping an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future for all.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM – Alma Syahwalani]

Monday, October 6, 2025 – SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II held an educational visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB). The event aimed to introduce the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and promote the importance of education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The visit started at 9:00 AM and ended at 12:00 PM, featuring a series of informative sessions and engaging activities.

The event took place in the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium and was officially opened by the Public Relations Officer of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, who welcomed students and teachers from SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II. The welcome speech emphasized the importance of education in fostering cultural awareness and understanding among the younger generation. The Public Relations Officer also highlighted the role of FIB UGM in promoting cultural studies and its commitment to supporting educational initiatives.

After the opening, a representative from SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the esteemed faculty. The representative emphasized the importance of such visits in broadening students’ horizons and inspiring them to pursue higher education. The speech uplifted the audience’s spirit and strengthened the value of educational collaboration between the institutions.

Public Relations of FIB UGM presented information about various programs and research initiatives offered by the faculty. The presentation covered topics such as cultural heritage, literature, and the significance of interdisciplinary studies in understanding cultural dynamics. Students were encouraged to ask questions, leading to an interactive session that fostered curiosity and engagement.

A question and answer session followed the presentation, allowing students to delve deeper into the discussed topics. Students asked about the faculty’s programs, career opportunities in cultural studies, and the impact of education on cultural preservation. Faculty representatives responded in ways that further increased students’ interest in pursuing education in the field of cultural sciences.

After the informative session in the auditorium, students were invited to tour the faculty. The tour included visits to the Mandala Majapahit Archaeological Museum and the Javanese Heritage collection. Students showed great enthusiasm for the rich cultural artifacts and historical exhibits, which provided a tangible connection to the subjects they had learned about during the presentation. The tour concluded with a group photo session in the GSP (Grha Sabha Pramana) area, where students gathered to capture the memorable moment.

This visit not only enriched students’ knowledge but also inspired them to consider further studies in cultural sciences. The event affirmed the commitment of both institutions to advancing education and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage among the younger generation.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]