The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (BKJ UGM) held Benkyou Camp 2026 on September 19–20, 2026, under the theme “Tsukari Carnival.” The event provided an opportunity for new students to become more familiar with the academic environment and the BKJ UGM community. Through a series of engaging activities, students were introduced to Japanese culture, had the opportunity to meet the program’s lecturers (sensei), and gained an overview of university life within the study program.

Inspired by the spirit of Tsukari Carnival, the new students participated in various activities and completed missions designed around the event’s theme. These activities provided opportunities for students to get to know one another, build camaraderie, and adapt to their new environment. The introduction to Japanese culture and the opportunity to meet the sensei also formed an important part of their first experiences as BKJ UGM students.

The second day marked the highlight of Benkyou Camp 2026, featuring a variety of lively performances. Student performances, including the Ichinen Show and Ninen Show, added to the excitement while providing a platform for students to showcase their creativity and strengthen their bonds. Through Benkyou Camp 2026, new students are expected to become more familiar with BKJ UGM, build connections across cohorts, and begin their university journey with a strong sense of camaraderie.

Author: SAHLA NAURA NOOR SABRINA

Yogyakarta, September 11, 2026 — The Master’s Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held the 2026 Alumni Gathering of the Master’s Program in Linguistics FIB UGM on Friday, September 11, 2026. The gathering took place in a warm and convivial atmosphere, providing an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, strengthen relationships, and build a stronger alumni network.

The gathering served as a meaningful occasion for alumni to come together, share experiences, and exchange ideas on the development of the Master’s Program in Linguistics FIB UGM. Through informal conversations and discussions, alumni shared valuable feedback and suggestions that are expected to contribute to the continued development of the program.

One of the key highlights of the event was the establishment of the Alumni Association management board of the Master’s Program in Linguistics FIB UGM. The formation of this board marks an important step toward strengthening communication and coordination among alumni, creating opportunities for collaboration, and encouraging alumni to contribute more actively to their alma mater.

In addition to the gathering and discussions, the event featured various entertainment activities that added to the warmth and lively atmosphere of the occasion. The convivial setting reflected the spirit of togetherness and community that the program hopes to foster among its alumni.

Through this gathering, the Master’s Program in Linguistics FIB UGM hopes that the alumni network will continue to grow and serve as a platform for meaningful collaboration in academic, professional, and other areas that benefit alumni, the program, and the wider community.

The 2026 Alumni Gathering reaffirmed that the relationship between an alma mater and its alumni does not end upon graduation. Continued communication, friendship, and collaboration are essential to building a strong alumni community and supporting the ongoing development of the Master’s Program in Linguistics FIB UGM.

From our almamater, staying connected and growing together.

Author: Magister of Linguistics Program

On Monday, September 28, 2026, participants in the Malako Kociak residency held a series of
knowledge-sharing events on the seventh floor of the Soegondo Building at the Faculty of Cultural
Sciences, UGM. These events took place through various formats: a residency exhibition, board game sessions, zines, and cultural discussions. The researchers in this residency included Ulima Nabila Adinta, Afifah Golda A., Muhammad Ade Putra, Brilliant Dwi Izzulhaq, and Yuniardo M. Alvarres, who also served as the photographer for the research project. They conducted a one-week research residency with the Kanagarian Malako Kociak Indigenous Community, located in Tanjung Beringin Village, Kampar Kiri Hulu Subdistrict, Kampar Regency, Riau Province. As part of the series of events held on the seventh floor, the first activity organized was a board game session.

The five participants in the first session played together on a map depicting a natural landscape,
specifically the area around a river. A guide provided instructions on how to play the game. The five participants played intensely for about an hour, until the participants of the second session arrived at the game location. After an hour, the players switched, and the participants from the first session were guided to watch the exhibition explanation led by the guide. The exhibition took place in front of Room Soegondo 709, featuring multi-exposure photographs printed on fabric, photographs printed on small pieces of paper, several figurines, and a piece of fabric imprinted with fish-like textures.

The guides explained the context behind the photographs—such as the relationship between the
Malako Kociak community and fish and the water, their interactions with the datuks whose portraits were displayed on the fabric, and the activities of the children there. “This is the favorite datuk of the residency participants, but if you were to chat with him for two nights, the conversation might not even be over,” remarked Muhammad Ade Putra, pointing to a photo of one of the featured datuks. In addition to the photo and visual exhibition, the researchers also provided a zine that can be accessed both in person and online as another means of disseminating knowledge. In this way, the Malako Kociak residency participants demonstrated that knowledge dissemination can be carried out in a multidisciplinary manner.

Author: Leonard Dimas

Photo Contributor: Leonard Dimas

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held Pionir Kampung Budaya on Wednesday–Thursday, 5–6 August 2026, as part of the Pionir Gadjah Mada series. The event served as an introduction to the faculty environment for the 2026 cohort of new students, known as Mahadaya, while also introducing them to various academic and student activities available during their studies at FIB UGM.

One of the activities featured during the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 was a performance by Gamelan Sastra Nusantara (Gamasutra). Several students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who are members of Gamasutra participated in the event through a traditional Javanese gamelan performance. Gamasutra is a student organization that provides a space for students interested in Javanese gamelan music to learn, practice, and develop their skills in the traditional performing art.

Gamasutra’s gamelan performance accompanied the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 and welcomed the new Mahadaya students. The performance also accompanied the arrival of the Chair of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026, the 2026 President of the Student Executive Board (LEM), the Dean of FIB UGM and faculty leadership, as well as heads of departments across FIB UGM. Gamasutra’s presence formed part of the event’s activities introducing new students to faculty life through artistic and cultural experiences.

Gamasutra’s performance continued during the official inauguration of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026. The students’ involvement in the ceremony demonstrated that the new student orientation program extends beyond introducing the academic environment, while also providing opportunities for students to take part directly in artistic and cultural activities within the faculty.

For Gamasutra, participation in Pionir Kampung Budaya provided an opportunity for its members to put their gamelan skills into practice while introducing the art of gamelan to the new students. For the 2026 Mahadaya cohort, the performance became part of their initial experience of student life at FIB UGM, including an introduction to various opportunities for developing their interests and participating in artistic activities during their studies.

The event also forms part of FIB UGM’s efforts to provide students with opportunities to develop their interests, skills, and experience in the arts. As an academic environment dedicated to the study of language, literature, and culture, FIB UGM recognizes artistic and cultural activities as an important complement to students’ educational experiences beyond the classroom. This effort is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of students’ experiences and potential, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration in organizing activities within the faculty.

Through Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026, Gamasutra’s participation brought together the introduction of new students to university life with artistic practice carried out by FIB UGM students. For the 2026 Mahadaya cohort, the experience marked part of their first steps in becoming familiar with the faculty environment, including opportunities to learn, create, and participate in student life at FIB UGM. 

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

As Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 entered its second day, new students, or Mahadaya, had the opportunity to become more familiar with the study program that would become their academic home through the study program introduction session. The session was held on Thursday, 6 August 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. WIB, in collaboration with the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), and the Student Association of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program (HMJ Kamastawa).

The session was led directly by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. During the session, Mahadaya were introduced to various aspects of academic life within the study program, including the study program and faculty members, areas of specialization, facilities, and academic services. The three areas of specialization introduced were linguistics, philology, and literature. Students also received information about academic services, including study program administration and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program’s social media platforms.

The introduction also covered information about students and their academic journeys within the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Mahadaya were introduced to several outstanding students, students participating in the fast-track program, and alumni who have made contributions in various fields. An overview of the 2026 curriculum, as the study program’s new curriculum, was also presented to provide students with an initial understanding of the learning process they would undertake during their studies.

The session took place in a serious yet relaxed atmosphere and was delivered interactively through dialogue between lecturers and students. Interaction was also encouraged through a quiz for Mahadaya based on the material presented earlier. Mahadaya who answered the questions correctly received small gifts as keepsakes.

Presentation of a gift to a Mahadaya who successfully answered the quiz.

A video introducing Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., one of the lecturers currently pursuing her studies abroad.

One of the highlights of the session was the screening of introduction videos featuring several lecturers from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program who are currently pursuing their studies abroad, as well as videos featuring students and alumni. The videos provided an overview of academic experiences, student life, and the contributions of alumni as part of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program community.

The session concluded with a group photo, marking the first meeting between the 2026 Mahadaya and the academic community of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Through this activity, the new students not only gained information about the study program but also received an initial overview of the learning environment, areas of study, and various opportunities for personal and academic development available throughout their studies.

The study program introduction session also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the introduction of the academic environment and learning process to new students, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between the study program and student organization.

Welcome to the 2026 cohort of Mahadaya at the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Let us learn, preserve, and develop Javanese culture together as part of the nation’s cultural heritage and identity, while contributing to society.

Writer : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro