The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held the graduation ceremony for undergraduate and applied undergraduate programs for Period III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. In this period, the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture graduated 11 students. In his remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Hum., stated that the majority of students with the highest grade point averages (GPA) came from the Arabic Literature Program. Nevertheless, there was one female student from the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who succeeded in achieving the highest GPA at this graduation ceremony. The student was Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah with a GPA of 3.91. This achievement became a source of pride as well as an inspiration for students, especially within the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture.

On May 26, 2026, an online interview was conducted with Novia regarding her academic journey. In achieving the high GPA, Novia revealed that she always tried to actively learn from various sources. “Learning is not merely from textbooks, but from various sources. In addition, exchanging ideas with friends from different academic years, lecturers, and even people outside the study program is also necessary to broaden our insights,” she explained. According to her, such a learning method makes the learning process feel not merely like an obligation, but rather a space to grow and develop.

Not only active in academics, Novia was also involved in various organizational activities and part-time work. She admitted to being active in several student organizations and working at Arnawa journal publishing as an editorial staff member. “I am also active in various organizations and work part-time at Arnawa journal publishing as an editorial staff member,” she said.

Behind her academic achievement, Novia also faced various challenges during her years of study. She stated that the first and fourth semesters were the most difficult periods in her studies.  “The first semester was a time for me to adapt, especially because my background was not closely related to exposure to Javanese cultural knowledge. This was what motivated me to put in extra effort. Then, the fourth semester or second year became a busy year with a denser class schedule, because there were compulsory university courses and I also became part of the Daily Executive Board of the Student Association of the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture (HMJ Kamastawa),” she explained. However, from the various challenges, Novia felt that her time management skills became increasingly well honed.

In her undergraduate studies, Novia took a concentration in philology, a field of study that examines the language, culture, and history of a nation through ancient manuscripts. Interestingly, she chose a privately owned or non-institutional manuscript collection as the object of her research, rather than collections from libraries or certain institutions. “I chose the Layang Ambiya manuscript from a non-institutional collection as my research object. This is interesting because of the massive ‘Ambiya’ corpus in Javanese literature, while research on the manuscript is still limited. The stories contained in the Ambiya manuscript are very interesting to study further because they are rich in insights into Islam according to the Javanese people of that time,” she revealed.

When asked about her feelings after successfully achieving the highest GPA, Novia admitted that she felt proud and grateful for the results she obtained. For her, the achievement could not be separated from her family’s support. “My greatest motivation is to make my family proud because they have trusted me to pursue education away from home. Even though I have achieved the best result, there is still a feeling that I should not be easily satisfied because there will be many things that need to be learned,” she said. According to her, GPA is only one provision for moving on to the next stage of life.

At the end of the interview, Novia also conveyed a message for students of the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture to continue enjoying the process during their studies. She also emphasized the importance of not hesitating to ask for help when experiencing difficulties. “Consult your academic advisor and/or thesis supervisor if you feel you need a discussion partner. Besides that, do not hesitate to ask your friends for help. They will be very helpful,” was her message.

In particular, Novia also gave a message to students pursuing the field of philology, especially those researching non-institutional manuscript collections. “In my opinion, when conducting research on manuscripts from non-institutional collections, we need to ask the owners a lot about their knowledge of the manuscript, not merely ask for permission to conduct research. This is to understand the role of the manuscript in the life of the community. Such efforts are important to preserve the values contained in the manuscript text,” she added.

Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah’s journey during her studies in the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture shows that every process has its own challenges and stories. Amid academic activities, organizations, and part-time work, she continued trying to carry out everything diligently and enthusiastically. The highest GPA she achieved was not merely a number, but the result of a long process, the support of those closest to her, and the willingness to keep learning. It is hoped that Novia’s story can become an encouragement for other students to continue trusting the process they are going through and not be afraid to keep developing.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

The American Studies Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is currently preparing for the 2nd American Studies International Conference (ASIC), which will be held on September 10-11, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

This international conference marks the second implementation of ASIC after the first conference was successfully conducted in 2018. After several years of hiatus, ASIC returns as an academic forum that brings together researchers, lecturers, students, and practitioners from various fields of study.

ASIC 2026 carries the theme “Global America: Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges.” The theme highlights the dynamics of America in a global context, particularly related to cultural exchange, migration, territorial borders, digital media, and various other transnational issues.

The organizing committee stated that the conference is expected to become a platform for academic discussion that encourages interdisciplinary and international collaboration. In addition, ASIC 2026 is also part of the effort to strengthen the position of American Studies in Indonesia in responding to contemporary global issues.

Various subthemes will be discussed during the conference, including:

• American Literature
• American Transnational Culture
• Politics in the US
• Film and Media Studies
• Religion in the US
• Environmental and Ecological Issues in the US
• Diaspora in the US
• American Border
• Digital Lives and Virtual Realities
• Migration to and from the US

Currently, the committee continues to finalize various preparations, ranging from academic coordination and conference publication to the opening of the call for papers for both national and international participants. ASIC 2026 is also supported by several institutions and communities, including American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), American Studies Society of Indonesia (ASSINDO), Jogja Film Academy, PTA Sinematik Indonesia, and CARITRA Indonesia.

Previously, the first ASIC conference in 2018 brought together academics and researchers to discuss globalization and cultural identity issues within the perspective of American Studies. Through its second implementation, ASIC 2026 is expected to once again become a space for academic exchange that remains relevant to current global developments. 

Further information regarding ASIC 2026 can be accessed through the official ASIC website at asic.fib.ugm.ac.id

[American Studies]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an evaluation meeting for its student exchange programs. These programs are the result of collaboration between FIB UGM and its national and international partner universities. The meeting, which took place in the Multimedia Room, was conducted in view of the upcoming conclusion of teaching and learning activities for the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The evaluation was attended by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni. The forum also invited national and international exchange students, including master’s and doctoral students specifically for the international cohort.

The participants of the exchange program for this academic year came from various domestic and international partner universities. International students were registered from Kokushikan University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, National Chengchi University, University of Naples L’Orientale, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Palacky University Olomouc, Kobe University, and Daito Bunka University. From the international postgraduate level, students attended from the Doctorate in Humanities, Doctorate in Anthropology, Master in Anthropology, Master in Linguistics, Master in Archaeology, and Master in Literature programs. Meanwhile, national students came from Universitas Brawijaya, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Udayana, and Universitas Andalas.

In his remarks, Professor Setiadi expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm throughout their studies. He emphasized the academic excellence and supportive social environment within the faculty that facilitate the students’ learning process.

“FIB is the right choice for all of you, especially international students. In addition to having various departments where courses can be taken even if they do not strictly align with your major, FIB also offers a wide range of student activities that you can participate in to get to know each other’s backgrounds and cultures,” Professor Setiadi said.

During the main session of the meeting, several students shared their evaluations, impressions, and feedback. Student representatives from various partner universities shared their valuable experiences, input for program improvement, and the positive impressions they gained while participating in the exchange and studying at FIB UGM.

This evaluation meeting is a crucial step in maintaining and enhancing the quality of student exchange programs in the future. By strengthening academic partnerships across nations and regions, FIB UGM continues to strive toward creating an adaptive learning space and supporting equal access to quality education that respects global cultural diversity.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

The Tourism Study Program Class of 2023 conducted a field observation program titled Parkouris Goes to Bali from May 10–14, 2026, at several leading tourist destinations in Bali. This activity became part of practice-based learning aimed at broadening students’ understanding of destination management, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism development.

The observation program, chaired by Jonathan Kefas, began with a visit to the Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden. During this visit, students learned about the management of conservation areas and environmentally based educational tourism. The observation aligned with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 on Life on Land through efforts to preserve terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as SDG 4 on Quality Education through direct field-based learning.

The students also conducted observations at Penglipuran Tourism Village to study the development of culture-based tourism villages rooted in local wisdom. In addition to observing destination management, participants gained insights into the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness, preserving cultural heritage, and encouraging community involvement in the tourism sector. This activity supported SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth through the development of community-based sustainable tourism economies.

The observation activities continued with a visit to the Bajra Sandhi Monument accompanied by the site management team. During the visit, students learned about the management of historical and cultural tourism as a medium for public education and as an effort to preserve regional historical values.

Furthermore, participants conducted observations at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park to understand the management of an international-scale cultural tourism destination. Students gained experience related to tourism attraction management, visitor services, and destination promotion strategies that contribute to the growth of the creative economy and tourism sector.

The observation program concluded with a visit to Jimbaran Beach. At this location, students observed the potential of coastal tourism as well as the economic activities of local communities that have developed through the marine tourism sector.

Through the Parkouris Goes to Bali program, students of the Tourism Study Program Class of 2023 are expected to gain a deeper understanding of adaptive, sustainable, and culture-based tourism management practices as preparation for contributing to the development of the tourism sector in the future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]