The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program held a workshop titled “Exploring the Types and Meanings of Culture from Sesajen” on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Margono 4th floor lobby. This event was attended by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., as the lecturer in charge of the course, as well as students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and various other study programs. The guest speaker was Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P., a cultural practitioner and ceremonial master of ceremonies.

In his presentation, Faizal Noor Singgih explained various aspects of offerings, ranging from types and functions to cultural meanings. He emphasized that offerings in Javanese tradition are essentially a form of prayer or hope to God Almighty through a series of symbols contained within them. In addition to being a spiritual tool, offerings also serve as a medium of social communication, a form of respect from the Javanese people towards their environment, and an expression of the local community’s culture.

The participants were enthusiastic, saying that this activity provided them with new insights into offerings as part of Javanese culture. The workshop was closed with a prayer and a meal together.

Through this workshop, it is hoped that students will gain a deeper understanding of Javanese culture. The presence of speakers from the cultural sector is considered to enrich perspectives, both in terms of theory and practice. Thus, cooperation from various parties is essential to continue studying, preserving, and reviving Javanese culture.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Saturday, November 22, 2025 – students from the Middle Eastern Studies Program at Gadjah Mada University held a Community Service activity at Sekolah Teladan Yogyakarta. This activity was part of the students’ efforts to make a positive contribution to society, particularly in increasing understanding of Middle Eastern culture, one of which was through education. The event was held at Teladan School in Yogyakarta with the theme “Middle East Talk: Building Global Insight through Education, History, and Middle Eastern Culture”. UGM Middle Eastern Culture Studies students collaborated with teachers and students at the school through various educational sessions featuring interactive discussions and games.

The event began with a speech from the Chair of PKM KBTT, Ahmad Fikri, followed by a speech from the Director of Teladan School. In his speech, the director emphasized the importance of community service activities as a way to apply what has been learned and to increase students’ social awareness of their surroundings. After the speeches, the next series of activities was a presentation on education in Egypt by KBTT students, Himma Hameesha and Fikri Labib. The two presented on many topics, ranging from Egyptian culture and social life in Egypt to tips on obtaining scholarships to study in Egypt. The next speakers discussed Yemen, with material presented by KBTT students Lanang Hutama and Lc.

At the end of the event, souvenirs were presented by KBTT students to the School Director as a representative of the Yogyakarta Teladan School community who had contributed to this activity. The event closed with a group photo session and the hope that similar activities could be carried out regularly as a form of real service from the world of education to the wider community. This community service activity is expected 

to strengthen the relationship between the world of education and the community, as well as broaden the horizons of students at Sekolah Teladan Yogyakarta to better appreciate global cultural diversity, especially that of the Middle East. Additionally, this activity also serves as proof that students of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program at UGM not only study for themselves but are also ready to make a positive impact on the surrounding community.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Friday, November 21, 2025 – The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program at Gadjah Mada University held an Inspiring Alumni event as part of its efforts to provide insight and inspiration to students and alumni who are preparing to enter the professional world. M. Asykari Muslim (Owner and CEO of Hayfa Academy), an alumnus and speaker at this event, presented a theme titled “Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs: The Synergy of Science, Technology, and Creativity in the Digital Age.” The event, at 709 of the Soegondo building, aimed to connect the current generation of students with alumni who have had successful careers in various fields, while also strengthening the academic and professional networks between the two parties.

The inspiring Alumni event began with a speech from Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Secretary of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Department. In her speech, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. emphasized the importance of building bridges between the academic world and the professional world through the firsthand experiences of successful alumni. “Through this event, we hope that students can gain a realistic picture of career opportunities in the professional world and understand how the skills they acquire in college can be applied in real life,” she said.

The alumni motivated the participants to continue developing themselves, to remain adaptable to the changing times, and to take advantage of every opportunity available. “As KBTT alumni, we must take advantage of all available opportunities, from our ability to speak Arabic or other languages. Look for opportunities to work, don’t be afraid to try, take advantage of available technology. If we want to build something, whatever it is, whether it’s a business or something else, we must use knowledge as a starting point, because without knowledge, no idea will last long,” said M. Asykari Muslim, M.A.

The question and answer session provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with alumni, deepen their understanding of the world of work, and build connections that will be useful for their future career development. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to alumni who shared their experiences and knowledge during the event. The event ended with a group photo and the hope that such activities will continue to be held in the future to strengthen the relationship between the study program and alumni and encourage students to be better prepared for the future.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, 24 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again recorded an outstanding achievement. Alna Hanifah, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, won 2nd Place in the monologue competition held at Universitas Indonesia during the National & ASEAN Student Arts Festival.

This accomplishment demonstrates that FIB UGM students excel not only academically but also in the performing arts. Through an artistically and narratively strong monologue performance, Alna captivated the judges and brought pride to UGM at both national and regional levels. This prestigious event also serves as a platform for students to develop creativity, expand networks, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

The participation and success of FIB UGM students in this competition align with the faculty’s commitment to advancing quality education, as reflected in the principles of the SDGs. By supporting artistic activities, the faculty aims to foster a learning environment that encourages character development, creativity, and cultural competence. Moreover, UGM’s involvement in a festival that brings together universities from Indonesia and ASEAN countries reflects the spirit of global partnership, as the competition provides a space for collaboration and cultural exchange that strengthens international relationships.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 22 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again achieved an impressive accomplishment at a national-level entrepreneurship event. In the competition organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the FIB Mandira Heritage Team secured 1st Place in the Growing Business Category at the 2025 KMI Expo, the culminating event of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Program (KMI).

This event brought together young entrepreneurs from universities across Indonesia in a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovation and sustainability. Mandira Heritage Group stood out with its ideas that combine cultural themes, creativity, and digital technology. Products such as Mandira Brick, Mandira Puzzle with Augmented Reality technology, Bimba Brush, and JAKI, an interactive 3D puzzle, captivated both visitors and judges. Strong product design, compelling visual creativity, and rich cultural narratives made UGM’s booth one of the most striking among the participants.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of Fahmi Prihantoro, M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, who supported the team from concept development to final execution. The accomplishment further strengthens FIB UGM’s position as a faculty that not only focuses on humanities studies but also encourages students to innovate within the cultural-based creative industry.

Mandira Heritage’s success aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to advancing quality education and strengthening culture-based creative economies. Through the use of digital technology in cultural preservation and education, this initiative supports the creation of inclusive and innovative learning experiences. Additionally, participation in a collaborative event that brings together universities nationwide reflects efforts to reinforce national partnerships as part of sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]