The Master’s Program in Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an Inauguration Night for New Students of the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year at Pondok As-Salam Kalimasada, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on Saturday–Sunday, 14–15 February 2026. Carrying the theme “Our Literature, One Family,” the event marked the initial momentum in shaping the academic identity of master’s students.

The main session commenced on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (WIB) and featured the Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. In his remarks, he emphasized that at the master’s level, students are expected to demonstrate a higher degree of academic maturity.

“Master’s students are not only required to master course materials. They must also understand the history and philosophy of UGM as the foundation for developing academic attitudes and ethics,” he stated.

Aprinus also highlighted the importance of building a collaborative academic culture. He stressed that an open tradition of discussion, accompanied by mutual support across cohorts, is a prerequisite for fostering a healthy, productive, and sustainable scholarly community.

The event also featured a sharing session with senior students—Khotibul Umam, Marsya Kamila, and Kharisma Qurrota A’yun—who shared their experiences regarding time management, academic dynamics, and strategies for preparing research proposals as initial preparation for graduate studies.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor of Philosophy at UGM, Prof. Drs. M. Mukhtasar Syamsuddin, M.Hum., Ph.D., who elaborated on UGM’s Five Pillars as the philosophical foundation of the university. He explained that UGM is grounded in five principal identities: a National University, a University of Struggle, a Pancasila University, a People-Oriented University, and a Center of Culture. These pillars serve as the institutional direction as well as ethical guidelines for the entire academic community.

“UGM is not merely an educational institution, but a space for shaping the nation’s character. Therefore, its core values must be embodied in students’ daily conduct,” he remarked.

During the discussion session, Mukhtasar Syamsuddin also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary openness, particularly for literature students. According to him, the complexity of social and cultural issues demands cross-disciplinary dialogue; therefore, students should not construct rigid boundaries between literature, philosophy, and other fields of study. This perspective is highly relevant to the reflective and humanistic character of literary studies.

The main session concluded at 9:30 p.m. and was followed by performances by the 2025/2026 Even Semester cohort, including poetry readings and musical performances that strengthened solidarity among members. After the evening program, participants rested and continued the agenda the following day.

On the second day, Sunday (15/2), activities began with congregational dawn prayer, followed by a morning walk and group games designed to reinforce togetherness. The event concluded with a session for sharing hopes and a group photo before participants returned to their respective homes.

Through this inauguration night, the Master’s Program in Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, reaffirmed its commitment to postgraduate education that is oriented not only toward academic achievement but also toward the cultivation of integrity, interdisciplinary awareness, and moral responsibility in upholding the university’s core values. The event marked the beginning of the intellectual journey of 33 new students in developing critical, reflective literary studies that contribute meaningfully to society.

[Master of Arts in Literature, Rini Febriani Hauri]

A lecturer of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Achmad Rio Dessiar, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., received an official invitation to participate in a series of academic activities in South Korea from 26–30 January 2026. The invitation included participation in the Global Matching Lab program at Kyungpook National University (KNU), as well as meetings to explore academic collaboration with Yeungnam University in Daegu.

The visit began with participation in the Global Matching Lab at Kyungpook National University (KNU), which involved discussions with Prof. Ahn Mi-ae (Kyungpook National University) and Prof. Lee Mi-hyang (Yeungnam University). In addition to these discussions, the agenda included formulating joint research plans, organizing academic seminars, and exchanging perspectives on Korean language education in the Southeast Asian region. Through this program, sustainable research collaboration between researchers of both institutions is expected to be established, along with academic contributions relevant to each country’s local context.

On the same day, a public lecture was also delivered at Kyungpook National University under the theme The Development of Korean Studies Teaching in Indonesia. The lecture served as a platform for academic exchange while introducing the dynamics of Korean language and Korean Studies education in Indonesia to the international academic community.

As a follow-up to the academic collaboration initiative, a visit was also conducted to Yeungnam University. This visit continued the earlier meeting held on 27 December 2025, when several Yeungnam University faculty members visited the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, to explore potential cooperation.

During the visit to Yeungnam University, discussions were held with the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Noh Sang-rae, and Prof. Lee Eun-jung from the Department of Anthropology, focusing on opportunities for deeper academic and research collaboration. Several forms of cooperation were agreed upon, including a student exchange program that enables students to apply for scholarships and study at Yeungnam University, as well as academic support for those intending to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in the humanities. Yeungnam University also expressed its willingness to issue Letters of Acceptance (LoA) to support scholarship applications.

Participation in this international forum reflects the active role of UGM faculty in expanding global academic networks, strengthening educational and research collaboration, and promoting cross-border knowledge exchange. These efforts also contribute to advancing quality education, sustainable international cooperation, and increased academic mobility for both students and faculty at the global level.

Penulis: Eunike Serafia & Aura Adiba

Dili, Timor Leste, 12 February 2026 – The visit of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) to Timor Leste, led by Prof. Dr. Muti’ah Amini, marked a strategic effort to expand institutional networks and strengthen academic, cultural, and educational diplomacy collaborations with partner institutions. Following a meeting with Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), the UGM delegation continued its agenda with a visit to the Indonesian Cultural Center (PBI) located at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Dili.

The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Jose Paulo, staff member of the Indonesian Cultural Center. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere, highlighting the potential for collaboration between UGM and PBI as part of broader efforts to strengthen academic and cultural relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste. Several strategic areas of cooperation were identified during the discussion:

1. Internship Program for UGM Students
The Indonesian Cultural Center expressed its openness to hosting UGM students for internship programs focusing on the teaching of Indonesian culture, arts, and traditions to local communities. This initiative is expected to provide students with practical experience while reinforcing Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy mission in Timor Leste.

2. Development of a “UGM Corner” at the Indonesian Cultural Center
PBI welcomed the proposal to establish a dedicated “UGM Corner” featuring infographics, educational promotional materials, and a concise institutional profile of UGM. The presence of this corner is anticipated to enhance UGM’s visibility in Timor Leste and increase prospective students’ interest in its academic programs.

3. Donation of Indonesian Book Collections
The UGM delegation also discussed plans to donate Indonesian publications to enrich the library collection of the Indonesian Cultural Center. This initiative aims to support literacy development, improve access to information, and foster greater understanding among the Timorese community of developments in Indonesian knowledge and culture.

4. Facilitation of Research and Community Engagement Collaboration
PBI conveyed its readiness to facilitate collaboration between UGM and relevant institutions in Timor Leste in the areas of research, community engagement, and cultural diplomacy initiatives. Such collaboration is viewed as strategic in strengthening Indonesia–Timor Leste academic relations while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge and cultural practices.

This visit underscores UGM’s commitment to playing an active role in educational and cultural diplomacy within Southeast Asia. The meeting with the Indonesian Cultural Center also opens long-term opportunities for multidisciplinary and socially impactful collaborative initiatives.

The visit conducted by Universitas Gadjah Mada received support and sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) as the main sponsor of the organization Cultivating the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Under-Represented Scholars of Asia (CHSS). CHSS itself is a transnational inclusivity initiative established by the Association for Asian Studies (AAS).

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 15 February 2026 – The Arabic Literature Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKMASA UGM) officially inaugurated its 2026/2027 executive board at Room 709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The inauguration formed part of the IKMASA General Assembly series, which took place from December 2025 to February 2026.

The event was attended by all active students and alumni of the Arabic Literature Program at UGM. The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr. Nur Kholid, M.Pd., advisor to the Arabic Literature Student Association at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, who formally installed the IKMASA executive board for the 2026/2027 term.

The IKMASA General Assembly is an annual agenda held at the end of each executive term. The forum reviews the accountability report, evaluates organizational performance over the past year, and formulates the vision and mission for the upcoming period. It also serves as a platform for organizational restructuring and the election of new leadership.

The inauguration marked the final stage of the entire general assembly series. Through this ceremony, the newly appointed board obtained formal organizational legitimacy to carry out its mandate and implement work programs over the next year. The event was conducted offline at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as a demonstration of organizational transparency and accountability to the Arabic Literature academic community.

With the new executive board officially in place, IKMASA is expected to continue ongoing programs while introducing initiatives that respond to students’ needs. Structured regeneration through the general assembly remains a key foundation for sustaining the organization and strengthening students’ role in fostering a collaborative and responsible academic environment.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, February 13, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a screening of When The Water Horse Seeks A New Home at the 7th Floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building on Friday (13/2) at 2:00 p.m. WIB. The event was attended by Cultural Anthropology students of the Faculty and presented a cinematic work that traces the journey of Rohingya refugees through the story of a small object washed ashore on the coast of Aceh.

Written and directed by Andrianus Oetjoe Merdhi, the film is based on the discovery of a small plastic animal figurine left behind on an abandoned boat once used by Rohingya refugees. The vessel was found stranded on a remote beach in Aceh, nearly two thousand kilometers from the figurine’s place of origin. The small object serves as a silent marker of human movement, loss, and resilience amid displacement.

According to its synopsis, the film follows the object’s journey across oceans and borders in search of its owner. This search unfolds the human story behind the experiences of refuge and forced displacement endured by the Rohingya community.

The project was co-produced by Gerhard Hoffstaedter of the University of Brisbane. The production received support from the University of Bielefeld and Volkswagen Stiftung. The screening, attended by Cultural Anthropology students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, provided a space for discussion on migration, identity, and collective memory. Through a reflective visual approach, the film invites audiences to understand the human dimension of cross-border displacement.

By focusing on a simple object, the film underscores that every trace left behind holds a story. Revisiting such traces becomes an important step in fostering empathy, broadening perspectives, and sustaining humanitarian values amid ongoing global dynamics.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]