The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada, one of the leading universities in Indonesia, places a high emphasis on preparing its graduates for the ever-evolving world of work. In line with this, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences has designed programmes that are not only academically enriching but also packaged attractively to improve the personal qualities of the graduates, making them stand out in their respective fields.

On Tuesday, 22 August 2023, there were two programmes held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, which aimed to provide a platform for prospective graduates to enhance their personal and professional skills. The first programme, organised by the Javanese Literature Study Programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, centred on the topic of ‘Personal Branding to Enter the World of Work.’ The resource person for this programme was none other than Giok Kinski, Puteri Indonesia Intelegensia 1 2023, who is also an esteemed alumnus of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The second programme, held on the same day, aimed to inspire prospective graduates to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges in the world of work. The chosen resource person for this programme was none other than Nina Ulfah Nulatutadjie Gaffar, S.S., the Director/CEO of PT Wisata Laut Nusapermai, a foreign investment company that owns Kura-Kura Resort in Karimunjawa. Nina is also a shareholder, as well as Sr. Associate for Land Acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (LARAP) at PT Idea Cipta Senandika, a legal entity of Indonesia Center for Sustainable Development-ICSD, and Director of PT Reka Samudra Inspirasi, owner of Teroka Nusa brand.

Nina’s presentation was inspiring, as she motivated the prospective graduates of the Faculty of Humanities to pursue their life choices and ambitions, regardless of their educational background. Drawing on her own experiences of building a successful business career in tourism, Nina encouraged the graduates to step out of their comfort zones and seize opportunities that come their way. She emphasised the importance of taking calculated risks and learning from mistakes, as they embark on their professional journeys.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences has proven its dedication to equipping students with the skills and qualities necessary for success in their careers. The programmes offered are both academically rigorous and designed to cultivate personal growth, setting graduates apart in their fields. The expertise of the resource persons, Giok Kinski and Nina Ulfah Nulatutadjie Gaffar, provided invaluable insights and inspiration for graduates to confidently tackle new challenges.

The Korea University ASEAN Centre (KUAC) delegation, led by Professor Jae Hyeok Shin, the Director of KUAC, recently paid a visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 16th August 2023. The delegation, which included Professor Jeong-in Suh, Former Korean Ambassador to ASEAN, Professor Jaehoo Park, Chief Administrative Officer, and a journalist from Yonhap News, Mr Kim Ho-Chun, had a seven-day visit to Indonesia and Thailand. During their visit, they gained valuable insights into ASEAN countries and had the opportunity to exchange ideas with students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Programme at FIB UGM.

The KUAC delegation’s visit was not just a mere academic and cultural exchange but also aimed to foster closer ties between Korea and ASEAN countries. To achieve this goal, the delegation attended a series of lectures on Cultural Differences between Indonesia and Korea. Moreover, two representatives from Chung Mong-Koo Foundation, Mr Cho Hyun Jin and Mr Shin Ji Nam, also accompanied the delegation, adding more value to the visit.

Overall, the KUAC delegation’s visit to UGM was a significant milestone in the academic and cultural exchange between the two regions. It is hoped that such visits will continue to take place, leading to more opportunities for collaboration and mutual understanding between Korea and ASEAN countries..

Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Scholarships is an opportunity for international students by The KDI School of Public Policy and Management for 2023-2024.

Requirements:

1. This scholarship opportunity is open to all undergraduate students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM.
2. Students should be at least in their 5th semester.
3. Interested individuals must submit a study plan for a six-month period at one of our six partner universities
4. Completed the MKWK course, as evidenced by their transcript.
5. Submit a CV in English that includes a recent passport-size photo and the latest grade transcript.
6. Applicants must provide evidence of their proficiency in English, which can be demonstrated through an IELTS, TOEFL, or AcEPT score.
7. (Optional) Understanding basic Korean by providing supporting documents such as a certificate or proof of attending Korean language classes.

University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN) is a programme established in 1992 at the 26th session of the UNESCO General Conference with the aim of building the capacity of higher education and research institutions through knowledge exchange and sharing.

Two Mahadayas excelled in the programme, with each becoming the top participant in their respective sub-programmes. Bulan Churniati, a 2021 English Literature student, emerged as the best participant in the Digital Entrepreneurship Training sub-programme, while Nasywa Naurah, a 2022 History student, claimed the top spot in the Leadership Training.

Congratulations on your impressive success, Mahadaya!
Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off and you deserve all the recognition that comes with it. Keep up the great work !

On Monday, 14 August 2023, the Department of History Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM successfully held an Interdisciplinary Critical Heritage Study Conference in Indonesia at Ullen Sentalu Museum, Kaliurang, Sleman. The conference aimed to develop a critical heritage curriculum and open cooperation between museums, communities, and cultural activists in heritage utilisation.

The conference was divided into four panels that were conducted separately. The first panel carried the theme “Heritage in Practice”. Acting as presenters in this panel were Grace Leksana, an academic and historian from the State University of Malang; Kate McGregor, a historian from the University of Melbourne; Restu Gunawan, Director of Development and Utilisation at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research; and Bambang Widodo, Chairman of the DIY Musea Deliberation Board (BARAHMUS DIY). In this panel, they discussed topics on the commodification of colonial heritage, the practice and theory of interdisciplinary approaches, and heritage preservation practices.

The second panel raised the theme “Decolonisation and Repatriation”. Tular Sudarmadi, UGM academic and archaeologist; I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Executive Director of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation; and Daud Aris Tanudirdjo, UGM archaeologist discussed topics on the difference between return, repatriation, and resitution; microhistory approach in heritage studies; and museum decolonisation.

The third panel was themed “Performing Heritage”. Sumarsam, a lecturer at Wesleyan University and Eri Sustiyadi, Head of the Collection, Conservation and Documentation Section, discussed the topic of intercultural encounters in the development of puppetry and the practices of presenting heritage through museums.

Finally, the fourth panel raised the theme “Heritage in Contestation”. Marieke Bloembergen, a historian from Leiden University; Sukma Putri, activist of the Malam Museum Community, and Sektiadi, UGM archaeologist, discussed the topics of epistemic violence against heritage, discussion practices through communities, and the transformation of museum identity in line with decolonisation efforts.