Yogyakarta, 11/7/2025 – Yogyakarta has once again become a magnet for cultural learning, this time for students from National Chengchi University (NCCU) who are currently undergoing an internship program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Rather than simply sitting in an office, they are invited to explore the vibrant life of the local community and to understand the richness of culture from its source.

The journey began at Pasar Ngasem, one of the oldest traditional markets in Yogyakarta. Here, the students witnessed firsthand the interactions between vendors and buyers, the variety of local food ingredients, and the lively and dynamic atmosphere of the market. For many of them, this was their first experience seeing a traditional market that is vastly different from those in their home countries.

The adventure continued to Tamansari, the former royal garden of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, which is rich in historical and architectural value. Amidst the corridors and bathing pools filled with stories, the students not only listened to tales of the past but also reflected on how culture and history continue to thrive in the public spaces of this city.

Interestingly, on their way back from Tamansari, the group passed by a location where shadow puppet crafts are produced. Their curiosity led them to stop. At this site, they not only observed artisans at work but also received direct explanations about the world of wayang—ranging from the types of characters, the philosophy behind the stories, to the tools and materials used in the production process. Some even had the opportunity to hold the carving tools and buffalo leather used in the crafting process.

“This is a rich experience. I didn’t expect that Wayang Kulit has such deep meanings and that its production process is so intricate,” said one participant from Taiwan.

This activity serves as evidence that learning about culture cannot be confined to theory alone. By immersing themselves in places that are integral to the lives of the community, foreign students not only gain new knowledge but also emotional experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Through small steps like these, cultural exchange becomes more vibrant—bringing closer what is distant and uniting what is different in experiences that enrich both sides. The partnership between civil society and educational institutions plays a crucial role in facilitating such meaningful interactions.

As the students continue their journey, they are not just learning about Indonesian culture; they are also contributing to the preservation and appreciation of cultural diversity. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable cultural practices.

In conclusion, the experience of NCCU students in Yogyakarta highlights the importance of direct engagement with local culture. It emphasizes that understanding and appreciating cultural diversity requires more than just academic study; it necessitates active participation and genuine interaction with the community.

West Java, 29/7/2025 – Students from the Arabic Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), have installed multilingual tourism signboards at Batu Nunggul Beach as part of their 2025 KKN-PPM (Community Service Program). The initiative aims to serve both as directional guidance and educational outreach by incorporating three languages: Indonesian, Arabic, and English.

This effort seeks to raise public awareness about the untapped tourism potential of the local mangrove ecosystem, particularly in areas that remain under-visited due to a lack of accessible information.

Signboards bearing the words “Mangrove” and “Pantai Batu Nunggul Beach” were placed along the coastal paths leading to the mangrove area, guiding visitors to the site. Beyond functioning as navigational aids, the signs also act as educational tools, promoting environmental preservation and spotlighting lesser-known tourist destinations.

The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land, reinforcing commitments to inclusive education and terrestrial ecosystem protection.

Author: Muhammad Satria Revaldi

Cirebon, 27/7/2025 – As part of their community engagement initiative, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service and Empowerment Learning Program (KKN-PPM) carried out a waste management program in Getrakmoyan Village, Pangenan District, Cirebon Regency, West Java. The program, titled “Eco Paving Education for a Sustainable Environment,” aims to address plastic pollution through practical, community-based solutions.

This interdisciplinary initiative brought together Anisah A’bidah, a student from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (Social Sciences track), and Sandhi Vardhana Rally, a student from the Civil Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering (Science and Technology track). Conducted on July 19 and 26, 2025, the program empowered local communities through a hands-on workshop on producing environmentally friendly paving blocks made from recycled plastic waste. The main beneficiaries were the village government and the local Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), identified as key partners for ensuring the program’s sustainability.

The project began with a survey to map the potential and volume of plastic waste in the area, providing a foundation for developing technical training materials and implementation strategies. The team then collaborated with local leaders and BUMDes representatives to finalize the execution plan. All necessary tools and materials — including used drums, firewood, and plastic waste — were sourced independently by the team, while the paving molds were purchased by the students to support the production process.

The program received a warm welcome from Getrakmoyan Village Head, Mr. Junandi, who praised the initiative as both innovative and unprecedented in the village. “We greatly appreciate this activity, which offers practical benefits and could become a long-term solution to our plastic waste problem. We hope the results can not only be used for public facilities but also be developed further by the village or BUMDes as a viable economic product,” he stated.

With strong community involvement and institutional support from the village government, the project is expected to serve as a sustainable waste management model at the local level. Furthermore, this initiative contributes directly to the realization of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Through collaboration, education, and innovation, UGM students are helping communities turn waste into opportunity — creating not only paving blocks, but also pathways toward a more sustainable future.

Author: Anisah A’bidah

Yogyakarta, 23/7/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held its postgraduate graduation ceremony for the fourth period of the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. The event took place at the 7th-floor Auditorium of the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, and was attended by faculty leaders, lecturers, and the families of graduates, creating a solemn and heartfelt atmosphere.

In this period, the Master’s Program in Literature successfully graduated three graduates, one of whom was Maharanny Setiawan Poetri, who earned the distinction of being the fastest graduate.

Maharanny was enrolled in the ‘by research’ program starting from the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. The ‘by research’ program is a special program within the Master’s Program ofLiterature that offers a curriculum more focused on research and requires fewer coursework credits compared to the regular program. One key difference between the ‘by research’ and the regular program is that applicants for the ‘by research’ program must submit a thesis proposal as part of the admission requirements. This program is designed for students who already have a strong research focus and are prepared to engage intensively in the thesis-writing process from the beginning of their studies.

With strong dedication and perseverance, Maharanny completed her postgraduate studies in just three semesters. Her achievement demonstrates that completing a graduate program in a short period is not impossible, provided there is commitment, discipline, and a clear research direction. Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to pursue their academic journey effectively and purposefully.

Maharanny’s success also reflects the flexibility and innovation of the Master’s Program of Literature in responding to the diverse academic needs of its students. The existence of the ‘by research’ program provides an opportunity for students to undertake their graduate studies in a more structured and efficient manner, without compromising the academic standards expected of a master’s program graduate. Congratulations to all graduates of the Master’s Program of Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, for the fourth graduation period of the 2024/2025 academic year. May the knowledge and experience gained during your studies serve as a valuable foundation for your future endeavors.

By: Marsya Kamila/Public Relations, Master’s Program of Literature

West Lombok, 23/7/2025 — In an effort to introduce Arabic language and culture to children from an early age, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized a program titled “Arabic Days: Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture” in Karang Bucu Lauq Hamlet, Bagik Polak Village, West Lombok Regency. Held every Tuesday and Wednesday over a three-week period from July 8 to July 23, 2025, the sessions took place at the Syamsul Huda prayer hall.

This initiative was led by a member of the KKN-PPM Antologi Labuapi Team, a student from the Arabic Study Program at UGM, as a form of community engagement through education rooted in Islamic and cultural values. The primary goal was to introduce children to the basics of the Arabic language and cultural elements in a fun and engaging way. The participants were children attending the local TPQ (Qur’anic Learning Center), ranging from 3 to 8 years old.

Throughout the program, KKN students guided the children directly in learning hijaiyah letters, reading Iqra and the Qur’an, and introducing them to basic Arabic vocabulary, greetings, and aspects of Arab culture, such as traditional foods and clothing. Each session was designed to be child-friendly and enjoyable, using interactive learning methods like illustrated PowerPoint presentations, Islamic-themed animated videos, educational songs, and simple games with Islamic nuances. These methods ensured that the children not only understood the material but also enjoyed and stayed engaged throughout the learning process.

The children showed high enthusiasm and curiosity from the very first day, actively participating in every activity with joy and interest. The local community warmly welcomed and supported the program, seeing it as a positive contribution to the children’s learning, especially in religious education and broader exposure to Islamic culture. Parents and community members appreciated the students’ active involvement in delivering fun and communicative learning.

Through Arabic Days, the KKN-PPM students hope to instill a love for the language of the Qur’an and broaden the children’s understanding of the rich and diverse Arab culture. This program stands as a testament to how creatively designed education can bridge religious and cultural values in a harmonious and impactful way within local communities.

Author: Chusna Shifati