On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program received an accreditation visit from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT). This visit is part of the program’s efforts to improve academic quality standards, governance, and educational services in accordance with nationally established criteria. Through this accreditation process, the KBTT UGM Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program affirms its commitment to continuous improvement and quality enhancement as a leading and competitive center for Middle Eastern studies.

In a series of visitation activities, this activity began with remarks from Prof. Indra Wijaya Kusuma, M.B.A., Ph.D. as Chief of Satuan Penjaminan Mutu dan Reputasi Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPMRU). The activity was continued by the BAN-PT assessor team in reviewing various documents, ranging from curriculum, graduate profiles, research activities and publications, to track records of community service. In addition, the assessors also conducted interview sessions with faculty leaders, study program managers, lecturers, education staff, students, and alumni representatives. The constructive dialogue between the assessors and the academic community of the KBTT UGM Masters Program provided a space for shared reflection to see the achievements, challenges, and opportunities for future study program development.

The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies (MBTS) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) views this accreditation visit as a crucial opportunity to strengthen its superior quality, both in academic and non-academic aspects. Full support from all stakeholders is expected to help the study program achieve the highest accreditation ranking and strengthen its reputation as a reference for Middle Eastern cultural studies in Indonesia. With a spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement, the KBTT study program is committed to continuously providing quality education that is responsive to the social, cultural, and scientific dynamics of the Middle East region.

Author:  Jesisca Amanda Florantika

PIONIR Kampung Budaya 2026 is back as a much-anticipated event for new students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Gadjah Mada University. Around 800 students took part in the series of events, which took place from the 5th to the 6th. The activities were held in the central courtyard of FIB, specifically in front of the Margono Building, from 06.30 to 16.00 WIB.

PIONIR Kampung Budaya was organised to give new students a closer insight into their faculties. The programme on the first day began with a screening of a PIONIR 2025 retrospective video, followed by the opening address by the Master of Ceremonies (MC).

The next session featured a series of welcoming speeches, beginning with the General Coordinator of PIONIR Kampung Budaya, Rayhan Arva Pradipa. He offered words of encouragement to the new students to help them adapt and thrive within the FIB community. The speeches continued with the Chair of the FIB Student Executive Board (LEM), who took centre stage thanks to his impassioned address. In his speech, the LEM Chair emphasised how important it is for FIB students to maximise their potential on campus, whether through the available Semi-Autonomous Bodies (BSO) or other development opportunities.

Following the opening address, a series of symbolic rituals began to mark the official opening of PIONIR Kampung Budaya. A seven-language narration, Oebah dancers, and a procession of the deans were the main highlights of this ceremony. Moving on to the next session, participants took part in introductory activities, including a cultural lecture, a meet-and-greet with alumni, and an introduction to the Administrative Office (TU) to familiarise themselves with the various standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place at the Faculty of Humanities, UGM.

The series of events on the main field officially concluded when the call to Zuhr prayer rang out, after which interactive activities with facilitators continued in their respective hamlets. Overall, all the activities on this first day proceeded in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

The Archaeology Student Association (HIMA) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, through the Underwater Archaeology (ABA) Division, conducted an Open Water Training as part of the development of students’ diving skills. The training was held for six days, from July 23 to 28, 2026, in Karimunjawa, Jepara, Central Java, with Sentra Selam Jogja serving as the supporting instructor. During the training, participants practiced diving in open water to apply the skills they had learned in previous training sessions.

The Open Water Training was a further stage in the diving learning process, providing students with direct experience in adapting to marine conditions. The activity also supported the development of students’ skills in observation and documentation in underwater environments related to archaeological studies, while also providing an opportunity to obtain diving certification. Through the Open Water Training, HIMA UGM aims to improve the skills and field experience of members of the Underwater Archaeology Division while preparing students to take part in underwater archaeological research and maritime studies.

Author: Jovinka Aldinova Kiranamurti
Photo Credits: Ramadhani Alifi Cahya Saputra dan Sentra Selam Jogja

The Student Association of Japanese Language and Culture (HIMAJE) of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized Kagami, or Kazoku to Eiga wo Miyou (“Let’s Watch Movies with Family”), as one of the regular programs of HIMAJE’s Kazoku Division during the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The program serves as a platform for students from different cohorts and classes to strengthen their relationships through movie screenings in a warm and family-like atmosphere. Throughout the semester, Kagami was held four times, on April 2, April 30, May 29, and June 19, 2026.

Each Kagami session featured a different film genre selected through discussions and voting among Kazoku members. The films screened during the semester included Godzilla Minus One (apocalypse), Once Upon a Crime (comedy), and Little Love Song together with Have a Song on Your Lips (music). Each session began with a brief introduction to the film, followed by a movie screening and concluded with a discussion, participants’ reflections, and the selection of genre suggestions for the following month’s program.

Through Kagami, HIMAJE seeks to cultivate a sense of togetherness inspired by family values, providing students with an opportunity to spend quality time together outside academic activities. The program is expected not only to strengthen relationships among Kazoku members but also to create a space for students to get to know one another, exchange perspectives, and foster a stronger sense of belonging to the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at UGM.

Author: Japanese Languge and Culture Program

Michelle Anastasia Budiman, a Class of 2022 student from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in a student exchange program in Japan. As part of her cultural immersion experience, she learned how to make okonomiyaki, one of Japan’s most iconic savory pancakes. This activity became part of her learning experience beyond the classroom, offering a firsthand introduction to everyday Japanese life through its culinary traditions.

During the cooking process, Michelle not only learned the techniques of preparing okonomiyaki but also experienced selecting and purchasing ingredients at a local Japanese supermarket before cooking the dish independently. This hands-on experience provided her with a deeper understanding of local ingredients, Japanese shopping habits, and the culinary practices that form an integral part of everyday life in Japan.

This experience demonstrates that a student exchange program offers opportunities to learn far beyond the academic setting. By actively engaging in the daily lives of local communities, students can develop a deeper understanding of the Japanese language and culture while strengthening their intercultural awareness and adaptability in an international environment.

Author: Japanese Literature Study Program