Shah Alam, 16 December 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada, through its Arabic Literature Study Program, has established an academic collaboration with the Academy of Language Studies at Universiti Teknologi MARA. The meeting, held at the Academy of Language Studies Meeting Room at UiTM Shah Alam, focused on strengthening cooperation in education, research, and the exchange of academic communities between the two institutions.

The meeting took place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time and was attended by academic leaders and lecturers from both sides. The UGM delegation was led by the Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., while UiTM was represented, among others, by the Deputy Dean of the Academy of Language Studies, Prof. Ts. Dr. Janudin Sardi, and the Head of the Arabic Studies Department, Dr. Abdul Azim Mohamad Isa.

The event opened with remarks from the UiTM deanery, followed by the presentation of the purpose of the visit by the UGM delegation. A discussion then took place to explore forms of cooperation that could be implemented in the near future, before concluding with the signing of a cooperation agreement.

One of the main outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to begin an online faculty exchange program in March 2026. This program will involve Dr. Mohamad Nor Amin Samsun Baharun from UiTM and Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati in the Balaghah, or stylistics, course.

In addition, both parties are still in negotiation regarding further faculty exchanges in the fields of Arabic literature and culture in Indonesia and Malaysia. Student exchanges were also agreed to be conducted on a reciprocal basis in accordance with mutually agreed mechanisms.

In the area of research, UiTM expressed its interest in establishing collaborative studies on several topics, including Arabic pragmatics, Arabic literature, Javanese philology, and English language studies. This cooperation is also directed toward joint publications, such as poetry and pantun anthologies, as a form of academic and cultural collaboration. The meeting also discussed plans for the organization of international seminars.

This cooperation is expected not only to strengthen cross-border academic networks but also to encourage sustainable exchanges of knowledge and cultural understanding. Through collaboration in education and research, both institutions aim to contribute to the development of the humanities in ways that respond to global challenges and future societal needs.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, December 16, 2025 – The second session of the Neuroscience-Based Language Teaching Talk Show, themed Teaching with Emotion: How Affective Neuroscience Enhances Language, was held at R. Soegondo Building, Room 709, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event discussed the role of emotions in language learning and how a neuroscience-based approach can improve teaching effectiveness.

Moderated by Reski Ramadhani, the talk show featured four speakers: Natasya Ayu, Asmaul Husna, Luailik Mushffa, and Tisa Aini. The discussion focused on teachers’ practical experiences in managing both student and teacher emotions while ensuring that academic objectives are achieved effectively.

One of the speakers, Asmaul Husna, shared her experience conducting a teaching experiment in a basic speaking class at Kampung Inggris. She compared two approaches implemented in different periods, namely a content-focused approach and an emotionally driven approach. “When we build emotional closeness with students, they feel truly valued,” Asmaul said. She added that students who received emotional support showed greater appreciation and more positive feedback at the end of the course.

Luailik Mushffa highlighted the challenges of applying a neuroscience-based approach in the classroom, particularly in relation to teachers’ emotional readiness. She explained that teachers need to regulate their emotions before teaching in order to create a positive learning atmosphere. “In this neuroscience approach, we focus on students’ emotions. However, teachers’ emotions also need to be managed before entering the classroom,” she explained. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between emotional management and the achievement of learning objectives.

Practical advice was delivered by Tisa Aini, who encouraged teachers to engage in self-reflection before teaching. “Please take five to ten minutes before entering the classroom for a self-check,” she said. According to her, teachers’ emotions are easily transmitted to students, making emotional stability a key foundation for creating a sense of safety in the learning process.

Meanwhile, Natasya Ayu stressed the importance of developing a positive mindset among students toward language learning. She reminded teachers not to frame language learning as something difficult and encouraged the use of contextual and realistic learning materials. In her view, making mistakes while speaking is a natural part of the journey toward language fluency.

Overall, the talk show illustrated that language teaching cannot be separated from emotional aspects, both for students and teachers. A more humane and emotionally aware approach is seen as essential in creating a supportive, sustainable learning environment that remains relevant to learners’ future needs.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Central Java, 4 December 2025 — Students of the Arabic Study Program, class of 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada carried out a field study in the cities of Kudus and Demak as part of the course Arabic Literature and Culture in Indonesia. The program was designed to provide empirical learning experiences on the dynamics of Indonesian culture and the historical connections between Arab–Islamic heritage and the development of local civilization.

Kudus and Demak were selected as the field study destinations due to their significant roles in the spread of Islam in Java. Through this field activity, students were expected to observe and analyze cultural heritage on-site and relate their findings to the theories studied in class.

The first destination visited was the Menara Kudus Mosque, also known as the Al-Aqsha Mosque, located in Kauman Village, Kudus, Central Java. Students examined firsthand how the mosque’s architecture, particularly its red-brick tower resembling a Majapahit-style temple, stands as strong evidence of acculturation between Islam and Hindu–Javanese culture. At the Menara Kudus Mosque, students observed Sunan Kudus’ cultural approach to da’wah, from preserving local traditions to utilizing Javanese arts and architectural forms that enabled Islam to be accepted peacefully by the local community. Traditions such as the prohibition of slaughtering cows, as well as Javanese songs and performing arts developed by Sunan Kudus, became part of the learning experience.

The field study continued at the Mubarok Jenang Museum, the first jenang museum in Indonesia, which highlights the history of Kudus’ jenang industry since 1930. Here, UGM Arabic Study Program students learned local wisdoms, particularly the values of Gusjigang (being morally good, mastering religious knowledge, and being skilled in trade) which shaped Kudus’ economic culture and intertwined with the Islamic teachings of Sunan Kudus. The museum offered a distinct experience, enabling students to observe how tradition, family-run industry, and regional identity are presented as public education and developed into creative economic potential.

The students then deepened their understanding of early Islamic da’wah in Java through a visit to the Great Mosque of Demak, a historical Wali Songo site and a central landmark of the Demak Sultanate. They examined the mosque’s traditional Javanese architectural form featuring a three-tiered pyramidal roof and the iconic saka guru pillars, including the legendary saka tatal. This visit provided richer insight into a model of da’wah rooted in local culture, dialogue, and gentle persuasion, reflected in the mosque’s architecture, traditions, and the social life of the surrounding community.

Through this series of field visits, students gained firsthand experience that history is not merely textual, but a living narrative present in buildings, traditions, and societal practices. The field study underscored the importance of understanding acculturation as a key element in the development of Islam in the archipelago which is visible in mosque architecture, local economies, and enduring cultural values.

This field study is expected to broaden the perspectives of Arabic Literature students and strengthen their analytical abilities in interpreting Indonesian cultural phenomena in a more comprehensive and applied manner.

Author: Jihan Pertiwi

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

Yogyakarta, November 14, 2025 — The Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a Government Tour as part of the 2025 External Relations Department’s flagship program. The visit, held from 13:30 to 15:00 WIB, involved 40 students from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Language Center of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (BBY), reflecting the institution’s appreciation for student-led educational initiatives.

The event opened with remarks from Candra Solihin, the 2025 President of IKMASA, who emphasized the importance of institutional visits in broadening academic insight and fostering early professional networking. The agenda continued under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Rusydatu Nibras Salamah, ensuring the program ran smoothly and in order. The atmosphere grew more engaging when participants were invited to enjoy refreshments prepared by BBY.

During the main session, Mulyanto, M.Hum., Senior Expert Linguist at the institution, delivered an informative presentation outlining the history of the Language Center, its institutional roles, and various strategic programs carried out to support language development and literacy initiatives across the Yogyakarta region. He also highlighted internship opportunities available for students interested in pursuing linguistic research and institutional language work.

Throughout the visit, students demonstrated strong enthusiasm, actively engaging in discussions about language programs, research opportunities, and potential pathways for student involvement in BBY’s activities. This Government Tour is expected to serve as a meaningful platform for UGM Arabic Study Program students to expand their professional network, gain firsthand exposure to applied language work, and explore future collaborative possibilities with the Language Center.

Author: Aisyah Mutmainnah