Yogyakarta, February 26, 2026 – Indonesian novelist and sociologist Okky Madasari, Ph.D., delivered a critical reflection titled “The Representation of Marginalized Voices: Who Speaks for Them?” at a public discussion forum in Yogyakarta. In her presentation, she encouraged participants to question who truly speaks on behalf of marginalized communities.

Okky elaborated on various forms of marginalization occurring across different spheres of life, including economic, political, cultural, identity-based, and even global political marginalization. According to her, marginalized groups often face not only limited access to resources but also the loss of space to represent themselves within public discourse.

“Representation that does not stem from empathy and solidarity will continue to exclude and sideline marginalized communities,” she emphasized. She warned that without critical awareness, voices claiming to represent marginalized groups may, in fact, reinforce unequal power relations and perpetuate social exclusion.

In the context of Ramadan, Okky also underscored the importance of social piety. “Ramadan is about social piety. A mosque is not only a place of worship, but also a space for dialogue and critical education,” she stated. She encouraged society to transform religious spaces into arenas for fostering empathy, solidarity, and advocacy for vulnerable groups.

The discussion is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by strengthening the participation and representation of vulnerable groups in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the promotion of critical dialogue, social justice, and inclusive public spaces supports the goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Efforts to build collective awareness and social solidarity also contribute to the creation of inclusive and sustainable communities, in line with SDG 11.

Through this reflection, Okky Madasari reaffirmed that advocating for marginalized voices is not merely about providing them with speaking space, but about ensuring empathy, solidarity, and structural transformation so that they can become full subjects in social and political life.

[Public Reation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, February 27, 2026 – Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama has brought a unique and vibrant Ramadan atmosphere to the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) area of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Initially held from February 18 to March 1, 2026, the event has attracted enthusiastic participation from students and the wider community.

Designed as a creative and collaborative ngabuburit (pre-iftar gathering) space, the festival features a diverse range of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) tenants offering various culinary delights and products. Among them are Nasi Goreng Berkah, Meowtcha, Bunaaca, and many other local businesses providing iftar meals and trendy snacks. The presence of these tenants not only enlivens the Ramadan atmosphere but also serves as a platform for promoting and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of visitors, the organizers have extended the event until March 8, 2026. This extension provides a wider opportunity for the academic community, including students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, to enjoy a warm and productive ngabuburit experience at GIK UGM.

The organization of Ramadan Fest is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting local MSMEs, the event contributes to SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the collaboration between GIK UGM and Swaragama reflects the spirit of partnership highlighted in SDG 17, strengthening the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university environment. By creating an inclusive and positive social space during Ramadan, the festival also supports SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Through Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama, UGM not only provides an enjoyable iftar gathering space but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and economic empowerment during the meaningful month of Ramadan.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 26 February 2026 – The Arabic Literature Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKMASA UGM) held a Work Program Reflection Forum as part of its 2026/2027 General Assembly series. The event, which took place from 15.00 to 17.15 WIB at Room 201, Poerbatjaraka Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, served as a platform to evaluate performance and to bring together the Ababil Cabinet management for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 terms.

The IKMASA General Assembly is an annual agenda held at the end of each cabinet’s term. The series of activities, conducted from December 2025 to February 2026, aims to review and evaluate performance over one term, formulate a new vision and mission to strengthen the organization’s future direction, and elect or reorganize the next leadership.

The Work Program Reflection Forum is one of the main agendas within the series. The 2025 IKMASA UGM General Assembly committee organized the event offline and required all board members to attend. The forum was designed as a transitional space that brings together former and newly appointed administrators to ensure continuity of information and organizational experience.

During the forum, the Ababil Cabinet presented the organizational structure, performance achievements, and implementation of work programs over the past term. The session was followed by a joint evaluation and reflective discussion involving all participants.

Through this forum, IKMASA seeks to ensure that program sustainability and organizational governance continue in a systematic manner. The cross-term meeting also served as a momentum to strengthen coordination and align the organization’s direction moving forward.

By providing a structured space for reflection, IKMASA reaffirmed its commitment to building a student organization that is adaptive, accountable, and oriented toward continuous improvement in order to create a positive impact on the academic community and society at large.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, February 24, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a Soft Skills Training titled “Briefing for Graduating Students and Undergraduates” from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. WIB at the 3rd Floor Auditorium of the Poerbatjaraka Building. The event featured an alumna of the Indonesian Literature Program at FIB UGM and Chair of IWAPI, as well as founder of Bundaco, Erwina Kusmarini, S.S., who shared her experience in identifying business opportunities and building independence after graduation.

In her remarks, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of FIB UGM, Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of providing students with preparation prior to graduation. “This activity certainly offers valuable preparation and insights for all of you after graduating from FIB UGM,” she said.

The Coordinator for Academic and Student Affairs, Yusuf Sulistiyo, A.Md., S.Psi., M.M., delivered academic announcements before the main session began. The moderator, Dr. phil. Ramayda Akmal, S.S., M.A., then introduced the speaker and presented her brief profile.

In her presentation, Erwina Kusmarini highlighted the theme “The Story of Bundaco and the Spirit of Seizing Opportunities.” She recounted how she started her business in 2004 from her home in Klaten with a single household sewing machine. She began her entrepreneurial journey without a family background in business and without formal education in engineering or economics. Limited capital, networks, and technical skills were among the challenges she faced in the early stages. She learned directly from local tailors, fabric vendors, and the surrounding community to develop her enterprise.

Bundaco, short for Bunda Collection, has grown into a garment manufacturing business producing school uniforms, community apparel, Muslim fashion, and custom orders for institutions and organizations. She emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and service as the foundation for business growth.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, production shifted to personal protective equipment and cloth masks to respond to community needs. This innovation sustained the business while expanding its market reach. In the following years, she was entrusted to lead IWAPI Klaten and initiated garment production and digital marketing training programs for hundreds of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises.

During the question-and-answer session, Erwina encouraged students to be courageous in taking the first step and to continue learning. She stressed that a background in cultural studies is not a barrier to entrepreneurship. Social awareness and the ability to recognize opportunities, she noted, are essential assets in building a business.

The training concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation from the faculty to the speaker, followed by a group photo session. Through this initiative, FIB UGM seeks to prepare graduates who are adaptive, competitive, and capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Such programs are expected to foster a generation that is not only ready to enter the workforce, but also able to create opportunities and empower their communities in a sustainable manner.

[Humas FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]