SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDGs 5: Gender Equality

Ramayda Akmal, an Indonesian Literature lecturer at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, is a figure who has achieved numerous accomplishments through captivating literary works that contribute positively to societal understanding. Born with exceptional literary talent, Ramayda Akmal has created books that not only garnered awards but also provided profound insights into the complex reality of Indonesian life.

Recently, Ramayda’s work titled ‘Jatisaba’ has been reprinted. This novel was first published in 2009. The book serves as evidence of his enduring commitment to literature and acts as a platform for his critical ideas and thoughts on various social issues in Indonesia. In ‘Jatisaba,’ Ramayda Akmal addresses several key points that are the main focus of his discussion. One of them is the issue of human trafficking and the fate of Indonesian migrant workers (TKI). This work vividly depicts the challenges and suffering faced by TKI, giving a voice to those often marginalized in social narratives. Additionally, the book also delves into the political life of villages in Indonesia in the early 2000s, creating an authentic representation of the political dynamics at the local level. Ramayda Akmal carefully portrays the fate of TKI and migrant labor, opening the eyes of readers to the sometimes grim realities of life. The importance of women’s roles in society is also a focal point in ‘Jatisaba.’ Ramayda Akmal sharply highlights the position of women, depicting the challenges and inequalities they still often face across various societal layers.

Ramayda Akmal’s motivation for writing this book goes beyond academic purposes; it is rooted in real-life events that occurred in his own surroundings. His sensitivity to the social reality around him gives his works a strong humanitarian dimension.

In his closing words, Ramayda Akmal states, “Literature is a tool to elevate the complexity of real life, beyond mere black and white.” This expression reflects his belief that literature has the power to open eyes and raise awareness of the often overlooked complexities of life.

With the achievements and significant contributions to the world of Indonesian literature, Ramayda Akmal stands as a figure worthy of appreciation and inspiration for future generations of literary enthusiasts.

n commemoration of the 74th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), UGM held various events and activities. One of the events was a wayang kulit performance titled “Banjaran Dwijawara”. The performance was a cross-style collaboration, combining the Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Banyumasan, and East Javanese styles in one wayang performance. The event was held on Saturday (16/12/2023) at Grha Sabha Pramana.

The story “Banjaran Dwijawara” is a compilation of the biographies of Rama Bargawa, Resi Dorna, and Arjuna. These three characters are faced with various complex problems. Rama Bargawa faces the oligarchs who act arbitrarily, Resi Dorna faces the issue of inclusivity, while Arjuna is in an era of gender equality.

In the implementation, students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program participated in enlivening and making the wayang performance a success. Their participation was manifested in their roles as the crew, the performers as musicians and singers who are members of the Keluarga Kesenian Mahasiswa Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Muhammad Siswoyo, a 2022 student, who became the dalang (puppeteer) of the East Javanese wayang kulit performance.

The story “Banjaran Dwijawara” is not only a form of entertainment, but also a means of learning through moral messages about how to behave and make decisions when facing a problem. In addition, this wayang kulit performance also serves as a medium to introduce and preserve wayang kulit art and its various styles, which are a form of cultural wealth in Indonesia. The introduction and preservation of Indonesian culture through this wayang performance is in line with point four of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely Quality Education.

SDGS 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth  | SDGS 17: Partnership for the Goals

Yogyakarta, January 30, 2024 – Abdurrahman Al Kholili, a student of Arabic Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has successfully completed an internship at the Regional Board of the Indonesian Export Companies Association (DPD Gabungan Perusahaan Ekspor Indonesia – GPEI) DIY. During the 3-month internship, Kholili actively participated in various projects, including Indonesia’s largest trade exhibition, Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2023, which took place from October 18 to 22, 2023.

GPEI DIY was one of the participants in the exhibition held in Hall 3 (F&B Product), Booth 24B, showcasing a variety of flagship products from local entrepreneurs, such as spices, gudeg (a traditional Javanese dish), coconut shell charcoal briquettes, palm sugar, and herbal drinks. Leveraging his proficient Arabic language skills, Kholili was assigned to attract buyers from Arab countries.

Kholili’s proficiency in the Arabic language proved effective in enhancing communication, engagement, and customer satisfaction. This increased the chances of closing deals with buyers. Thus, foreign language proficiency, especially in Arabic, has proven to create opportunities and make a tangible contribution to the nation’s economic progress.

This event is the peak of all event series for the 78th Anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. Join and celebrate the 78th anniversary with the theme “HARMONY OF INNOVATION IN CULTURAL DIVERSITY” on Saturday 2nd of March 2024 at 7 am until Finished. Located in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’ courtyard.

Some interesting activities at the event are in the following list:

Launching Innovation Program

Family Gathering

Cultural Festival

Culinary Innovation and Student Work

The event is guaranteed to be interesting, lots of entertainment and door prizes await

Don’t forget to save the date and come with your family! Don’t miss it!

Clean Environment, Clear Mind! If the room is clean, work will be comfortable and encouraging. At the celebration of the 78th Anniversary of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, appreciation will be given to the cleanest room or environment in the faculty at the “Cleanliness Competition”.

Come on… members of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences between Study Programs and Work Units to participate in the Cleanliness Competition at their own work environments.

Make sure our environment is clean! Competition has begun from 1st to 14th February 2024, following directly with the Assessment stage by the team who will immediately come and make observations.

Contact Person: Lili 0821-3656-2191