The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program held a workshop titled “Exploring the Types and Meanings of Culture from Sesajen” on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Margono 4th floor lobby. This event was attended by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., as the lecturer in charge of the course, as well as students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and various other study programs. The guest speaker was Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P., a cultural practitioner and ceremonial master of ceremonies.

In his presentation, Faizal Noor Singgih explained various aspects of offerings, ranging from types and functions to cultural meanings. He emphasized that offerings in Javanese tradition are essentially a form of prayer or hope to God Almighty through a series of symbols contained within them. In addition to being a spiritual tool, offerings also serve as a medium of social communication, a form of respect from the Javanese people towards their environment, and an expression of the local community’s culture.

The participants were enthusiastic, saying that this activity provided them with new insights into offerings as part of Javanese culture. The workshop was closed with a prayer and a meal together.

Through this workshop, it is hoped that students will gain a deeper understanding of Javanese culture. The presence of speakers from the cultural sector is considered to enrich perspectives, both in terms of theory and practice. Thus, cooperation from various parties is essential to continue studying, preserving, and reviving Javanese culture.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Saturday, November 22, 2025 – students from the Middle Eastern Studies Program at Gadjah Mada University held a Community Service activity at Sekolah Teladan Yogyakarta. This activity was part of the students’ efforts to make a positive contribution to society, particularly in increasing understanding of Middle Eastern culture, one of which was through education. The event was held at Teladan School in Yogyakarta with the theme “Middle East Talk: Building Global Insight through Education, History, and Middle Eastern Culture”. UGM Middle Eastern Culture Studies students collaborated with teachers and students at the school through various educational sessions featuring interactive discussions and games.

The event began with a speech from the Chair of PKM KBTT, Ahmad Fikri, followed by a speech from the Director of Teladan School. In his speech, the director emphasized the importance of community service activities as a way to apply what has been learned and to increase students’ social awareness of their surroundings. After the speeches, the next series of activities was a presentation on education in Egypt by KBTT students, Himma Hameesha and Fikri Labib. The two presented on many topics, ranging from Egyptian culture and social life in Egypt to tips on obtaining scholarships to study in Egypt. The next speakers discussed Yemen, with material presented by KBTT students Lanang Hutama and Lc.

At the end of the event, souvenirs were presented by KBTT students to the School Director as a representative of the Yogyakarta Teladan School community who had contributed to this activity. The event closed with a group photo session and the hope that similar activities could be carried out regularly as a form of real service from the world of education to the wider community. This community service activity is expected 

to strengthen the relationship between the world of education and the community, as well as broaden the horizons of students at Sekolah Teladan Yogyakarta to better appreciate global cultural diversity, especially that of the Middle East. Additionally, this activity also serves as proof that students of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program at UGM not only study for themselves but are also ready to make a positive impact on the surrounding community.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, December 1, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed a benchmarking visit from the Deanery of the Faculty of Adab, Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung. The visit aimed to gain insights into study program governance, with a particular focus on the management of the English Literature Study Program. The activity took place at Meeting Room I, FIB UGM, and was attended directly by the Dean of the Faculty of Adab UIN Raden Intan Lampung, Dr. H. Ahmad Bukhari Muslim, Lc., MA., along with members of the faculty leadership.

The delegation was received by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., together with the vice deans and representatives of lecturers from the English Literature Study Program. The meeting discussed various aspects of academic and institutional management at FIB UGM and its study programs as a shared learning reference. The Faculty of Adab UIN Raden Intan Lampung currently oversees two study programs, namely Islamic Civilization History and Islamic Library and Information Science. Through this meeting, the Faculty of Adab UIN Raden Intan Lampung is expected to expand the number of its study programs to better respond to the needs of higher education and to broaden future institutional cooperation.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Friday, November 21, 2025 – The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program at Gadjah Mada University held an Inspiring Alumni event as part of its efforts to provide insight and inspiration to students and alumni who are preparing to enter the professional world. M. Asykari Muslim (Owner and CEO of Hayfa Academy), an alumnus and speaker at this event, presented a theme titled “Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs: The Synergy of Science, Technology, and Creativity in the Digital Age.” The event, at 709 of the Soegondo building, aimed to connect the current generation of students with alumni who have had successful careers in various fields, while also strengthening the academic and professional networks between the two parties.

The inspiring Alumni event began with a speech from Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Secretary of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Department. In her speech, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. emphasized the importance of building bridges between the academic world and the professional world through the firsthand experiences of successful alumni. “Through this event, we hope that students can gain a realistic picture of career opportunities in the professional world and understand how the skills they acquire in college can be applied in real life,” she said.

The alumni motivated the participants to continue developing themselves, to remain adaptable to the changing times, and to take advantage of every opportunity available. “As KBTT alumni, we must take advantage of all available opportunities, from our ability to speak Arabic or other languages. Look for opportunities to work, don’t be afraid to try, take advantage of available technology. If we want to build something, whatever it is, whether it’s a business or something else, we must use knowledge as a starting point, because without knowledge, no idea will last long,” said M. Asykari Muslim, M.A.

The question and answer session provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with alumni, deepen their understanding of the world of work, and build connections that will be useful for their future career development. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to alumni who shared their experiences and knowledge during the event. The event ended with a group photo and the hope that such activities will continue to be held in the future to strengthen the relationship between the study program and alumni and encourage students to be better prepared for the future.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, November 26, 2025 – The Executive Board of the Faculty of Humanities (LEM FIB UGM) conducted a student visit to the Tribun Network Jogja office on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. The student visit is a program of the Public Relations and Organization Ministry (RPO) of LEM FIB UGM as part of a series of collaborative activities aimed at expanding students’ knowledge, skills, and direct contributions in the field of media and communication. The student visit was held in Room C of the Tribun Network Jogja office, located at Ringroad Barat Street No. 11, Nusupan, Trihanggo, Gamping, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. 

Tribun Network Jogja, also known as TribunJogja.Com, is one of the regional newspapers operating in the Special Region of Yogyakarta and is a subsidiary of the Kompas Gramedia Group. The company operates in the mass media sector as part of the Tribun Network.

The visit to Tribun Network Jogja took place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The event began with an opening speech from a representative of LEM FIB UGM, followed by a presentation by the Digital Manager of Tribun Jogja, Mr Ikrob Didik Irawan. The material covered websites, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Analytics, social media management, creative content creation, and branding strategies. The next activity was a tour of the work environment, which included workspaces, relaxation areas, and a room containing imported newspaper printing machines.

This activity not only focused on theoretical understanding of the media industry but also served as a practical learning experience through the workplace tour, providing a real-world glimpse into the operations of the Tribun Network Jogja. LEM FIB UGM hopes this activity will continue to have a positive impact as a manifestation of students’ commitment to actively contribute to the development of the media and communication industry, while also serving as a sustainable collaborative agenda for the future.

The success of this student visit strengthens the position of LEM FIB UGM as a proactive unit in building external relations and developing student competencies in various fields, ranging from digital communication to creative industry exploration. LEM FIB UGM expresses its highest appreciation to the management of Tribun Network Jogja, especially Mr Ikrob Didik Irawan, for his cooperation, as well as to all participants who have actively participated. The presence and enthusiasm of all elements were key to the success of this Media Industry Introduction activity.

This student visit has tangibly supported the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through sessions on websites, SEO, Google Analytics, social media, creative content, and branding; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that education is accessible to all who need it, regardless of socioeconomic status; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goal) through effective collaboration between LEM FIB UGM students and Tribun Network Jogja.

Author: Gracia Nofidelia Joherman