Yogyakarta, 21 November 2025 – The Archaeology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has once again achieved global recognition. In the QS World University Rankings (WUR) by Subject 2025, the program secured a position within the 151–200 global range — a significant rise compared to the previous year. This improvement is primarily reflected in the indicators of academic reputation, H-index citation, and employer reputation. Among the 261 universities listed under the Archaeology category, UGM is the only institution from Indonesia included in this year’s ranking.

The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that UGM’s Archaeology Study Program is the only archaeology program in Indonesia included in the QS WUR by Subject 2025. He explained that the academic reputation indicator represents a global assessment that measures academic quality and excellence in archaeological research through international surveys. “This year, the Archaeology Program achieved a score of 68.8 for academic reputation, and this is a remarkable accomplishment,” he said.

To strengthen academic reputation, the Department of Archaeology has implemented various collaborative strategies. These initiatives include encouraging lecturers and students to participate in international research funding competitions, engaging in joint research with global partners, and publishing research findings in reputable international journals and conferences. The faculty also provides in-kind support and co-funding to ensure balanced contributions in cross-country research collaborations.

In terms of employer reputation, the Archaeology Study Program earned a score of 57.7, reflecting strong trust from institutions and organizations that employ UGM archaeology graduates. This indicator also evaluates the extent to which graduates can contribute as researchers, professionals, or postgraduate students in global institutions. To strengthen alumni reputation, the department conducts benchmarking with archaeology programs both domestically and internationally to ensure that the curriculum and academic activities remain relevant to evolving disciplinary trends.

Guest lecturer exchange activities, conducted both online and offline, continue to expand opportunities for knowledge exchange regarding recent research developments. Students are also supported through opportunities to serve as international research assistants, participate in global seminars, and receive training in language and public speaking. These efforts aim to enhance students’ confidence when engaging in international academic forums.

Meanwhile, the Archaeology Program’s H-index score reached 50.4 this year, which, according to Setiadi, still requires further improvement. To enhance this indicator, lecturers and students are encouraged to publish their research in reputable national and international journals and to be active in global research networks and professional associations to increase the visibility and citations of their work.

These development efforts align with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in improving the quality of higher education, strengthening research, and expanding sustainable global partnerships. Through these strategic initiatives, the Archaeology Study Program of FIB UGM is committed to enhancing academic contributions and broadening the impact of archaeological research for society and the international community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 21 November 2025 — The Anthropology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has once again achieved international recognition. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the program secured a position within the 101–170 global range, making it the highest-ranked anthropology program in Indonesia and surpassing various other institutions in the same field.

This accomplishment marks the third consecutive year that UGM’s Anthropology Study Program has been listed among the world’s top 100, demonstrating consistent academic quality and the scholarly contributions of its academic community.

In the previous year, the program ranked within the 51–110 range globally. A comprehensive evaluation is currently underway to identify ranking indicators that have not yet performed optimally. The academic environment in the Anthropology Study Program is characterized by strong solidarity, enabling all members to contribute to improving academic performance.

One of the indicators receiving particular attention is publication citation, which has not been fully recorded. Several faculty publications were not captured in the citation tracking system. Despite this, the collaboration indicator shows positive development, with 15 international partnerships and 10 domestic collaborations successfully established. In addition, the program is committed to strengthening alumni tracking, increasing scholarly publications in the form of books and articles, and supporting faculty career development toward professorship.

As part of its contribution to global sustainability, this achievement aligns with efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing the quality of education, strengthening research and scientific publication, and fostering international collaboration that contributes to a sustainable academic ecosystem. The Anthropology Study Program of UGM remains committed to advancing the quality of education and research to generate positive impacts for society, scientific development, and the global academic community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 17 November 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada once again welcomed a visit from SMA Plus Pembangunan Tangerang Selatan and MAN 2 Ponorogo, with a total of 128 participating students and accompanying teachers. This activity aimed to introduce the academic environment, cultural atmosphere, and student activities at FIB UGM, as well as to provide insights for students regarding the campus life at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The visit was guided by the UGM Campus Tour team in collaboration with the Public Relations Office of FIB UGM. The program began with the screening of profile videos of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, followed by a presentation from the FIB Public Relations team on various admission pathways to UGM, the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) system, and an introduction to Autonomous Arts Bodies (BSO) and the student organizations within FIB.

After the presentation session, participants were taken on a tour to get a closer look at the facilities and learning environment at FIB UGM, followed by a campus tour of the Central Building (GSP), one of the main landmarks of Universitas Gadjah Mada. The visit proceeded interactively and enthusiastically, both from the participants and the guides.

This school visit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this activity, FIB UGM actively contributes to expanding access to information on higher education and strengthening collaboration between universities and secondary schools to support the development of excellent and competitive human resources.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 19 November 2025 — The Muslim Cultural Studies Community (KMIB) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized a Blood Donation event on the 2nd floor of the Poerbatjaraka Building. This initiative is part of KMIB’s ongoing efforts to foster social awareness and enhance the health of the campus community through humanitarian action.

Before donating blood, participants were advised to ensure they were in good physical condition, including getting at least four hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining overall health. These reminders were provided to ensure the donation process could proceed safely and smoothly.

Upon arrival, participants were required to fill out their personal data. They then underwent a health validation process, including blood pressure checks, blood type identification, and other medical examinations. Only participants who met the established health standards were allowed to proceed with the donation.

Through this activity, KMIB contributes to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to improving health and well-being. The spirit of blood donation aligns with efforts to cultivate a health-conscious campus environment, strengthen humanitarian initiatives, and encourage collaboration in helping others. This event reflects the campus community’s concrete commitment to supporting a better quality of life for the wider society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November 21, 2025 — Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Anis Matta, Lc., emphasized that the roadmap for Indonesia’s integration with the Islamic world must be built upon the strength of cultural values that define the nation’s civilization. He delivered this material during a National Lecture titled “Indonesia’s Integration Roadmap with the Islamic World: Exploring Cultural Values in Indonesian Foreign Policy” held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event was organized through the collaboration of LEM FIB UGM, MADARA UGM, IWDN, and KMIB UGM.

The program opened with a series of remarks highlighting the importance of students and academic spaces in shaping Indonesia’s diplomatic orientation toward the Islamic world. Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Chair of LEM FIB UGM, underlined the contributions students can make through intellectual engagement, research, and critical discussion. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. JM. Muslimin, M.A., advisor to IWDN, expressed his appreciation for the forum and hoped that such cross-cultural dialogues would continue as part of efforts to prepare Indonesia’s future diplomatic direction.

The final remarks were delivered by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., who reiterated the faculty’s commitment to fostering strategic academic forums that connect humanities scholarship with global geopolitical dynamics, ensuring that students are not only observers of reality but also active contributors in shaping it.

The main session began with Nafesya Amrina Rosada, S.S., serving as moderator and guiding the discussion effectively and inclusively. In his keynote presentation, Vice Minister Muhammad Anis Matta stressed that Indonesia’s integration with the Islamic world must be grounded in the strength of the nation’s cultural values. He argued that Indonesia’s diplomacy cannot rely solely on political and economic cooperation; it must also draw from the country’s contributions in values, identity, and civilization—elements that form Indonesia’s unique global presence.

Following the presentation, the discussion grew increasingly interactive and substantive. The topic of the Israel–Palestine conflict became the central catalyst that intensified the forum’s dynamics. Participants critically examined how Israeli colonialism has transformed over time—from ethnically driven settlement colonization to an ideologically based colonial project anchored in religious legitimacy, security narratives, and nationalism. Systematic acts of genocide and human rights violations have, they argued, pushed Israel into deeper isolation in the eyes of the international community while gradually eroding what was once strong Western support.

The Vice Minister reaffirmed that Indonesia’s stance on Palestine remains firmly rooted in the principle of a two-state solution, with the moral imperative of protecting human life as the top priority before discussing any political options. He also noted that Indonesia’s support has expanded beyond humanitarian diplomacy and now includes readiness for defense-related support if necessary, while still maintaining Indonesia’s independence from global ideological blocs and geopolitical polarization.

The discussion then shifted to the planned development of an Indonesian “Hajj Village” in Makkah. The forum explored how the rising number of Indonesian pilgrims—exceeding two hundred thousand people each year—necessitates integrated facilities capable of providing structured accommodation and community activity centers. The proposed area is designed not only for convenience but also to strengthen the presence and networks of Indonesian communities in the Holy Land. Danantara is projected to serve as the developer and manager to ensure that the area is operated professionally, modernly, and sustainably.

The session grew even richer as the forum turned to cultural diplomacy as a pillar of foreign policy. The Vice Minister underscored that Indonesia possesses a distinctive civilizational identity—one that harmoniously synthesizes religion, democracy, and culture. This identity, he argued, represents a strategic asset with significant potential to contribute to the Islamic world. However, he also highlighted an internal challenge: Indonesians are often not accustomed to promoting their nation’s strengths on the global stage. Thus, there is a pressing need to translate Indonesia’s religious, social, and national concepts into Arabic to communicate them more effectively to Middle Eastern audiences. By doing so, intellectual diplomacy and cultural diplomacy can operate in harmony with political diplomacy.

A warm and appreciative atmosphere concluded the National Lecture, which broadened perspectives on Indonesia’s diplomatic dynamics within the Islamic world while reaffirming the academic community’s role in advancing global development agendas. By emphasizing cultural diplomacy, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to Palestinian peace, and connecting Indonesia’s religious and national ideas to the international sphere, the event aligns closely with several SDGs—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Author: Achmad Chozinatul Assror
Editor: Candra Solihin