Yogyakarta, June 16, 2026 – The Arabic Literature Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKMASA UGM) successfully organized SAMBUT: “IKMASA Menyambut” in collaboration with the West Asian Family Association of Universitas Indonesia (IKABA UI). Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, the event served as a platform for fostering friendship and strengthening relationships among Arabic Literature students from both universities. The program commenced with welcoming remarks from the faculty advisors of IKMASA UGM and IKABA UI, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and maintaining strong inter-institutional relationships. They highlighted the value of building academic networks and encouraging future cooperation between student organizations.

The event continued with a cabinet-sharing session led by the presidents of IKMASA UGM and IKABA UI. During the session, both organizations exchanged insights on their work programs, organizational culture, and leadership strategies. This discussion provided participants with an opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences and organizational practices. Following the sharing session, participants took part in a campus tour around Universitas Gadjah Mada. The activity introduced IKABA UI members to the UGM campus environment while also fostering closer connections among participants. As part of the tour, a group photo session was held at the iconic Balairung UGM as a symbol of friendship and a memorable keepsake of the gathering between IKMASA UGM and IKABA UI. The program then proceeded with a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving divisions and departments from both organizations. These discussions provided a space for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss organizational management systems within their respective student associations. Overall, the event was conducted smoothly in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. Through SAMBUT 2026, both organizations strengthened their ties and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and long-term partnerships among Arabic Literature students across universities.

Author : Ismail

A student of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), class of 2023, Pandhita Hapsari, achieved an outstanding accomplishment by securing a place in the Top 10 of the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Malay Speech Competition (PABM), held in Malaysia. The international Malay speech contest brought together participants from various countries, including Burundi, Italy, Russia, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and several others. The contestants came from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Pandhita’s achievement attracted attention because she comes from a Javanese background rather than a Malay cultural environment. Meanwhile, many other participants were native Malay speakers or originated from regions with strong Malay cultural roots. Despite this, Pandhita successfully competed against international participants and advanced to the Top 10. In the competition, Pandhita delivered a speech on the challenges faced by the Malay language in the modern era. She highlighted the impacts of globalization, the rapid development of digital technology, and the changing communication patterns among younger generations on the sustainability of the Malay language today.

The competition series lasted for one week, from 2 to 9 May 2026. The preliminary round was conducted online approximately one week before the participants’ departure announcement. After arriving in Malaysia on 2 May, participants competed in the quarterfinal round on 4 May, the semifinal round on 6 May, and the final round on 8 May 2026. Although she did not win the championship title, Pandhita expressed gratitude for the valuable experience and opportunities she gained throughout the competition.

“For me, this was not merely a competition, but also an opportunity to learn about culture, language, and to meet people from various countries,” she said. During her stay in Malaysia, Pandhita also experienced the warm hospitality extended by the organizing committee and the local community toward international participants.“We were welcomed very warmly during our time there. This experience has made me appreciate our shared language and culture even more,” she added. Pandhita returned to Indonesia on Saturday, 9 May 2026, after the entire series of activities had concluded. Her achievement of reaching the Top 10 in an international competition is expected to inspire Indonesian students to continue striving for excellence and confidently compete on the global stage.

Author : Pandhita Hapsari

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) is hosting the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 from May 21 to 23, 2026. The festival features a traditional leather puppet painting (sungging) competition and a cardboard puppet coloring contest, representing a concrete step by the educational institution to preserve Indonesian heritage.

This event is part of the EQUITY program funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP RI) and serves as a celebration of the 80th anniversary of FIB UGM. This year, the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival adopts the grand theme “Kita. Butuh. Wayang.” (We. Need. Wayang.). The theme conveys a vital message about fostering a balanced synergy between the university’s academic discourse and the livelihoods of wayang craftsmen in Butuh Hamlet, Sidowarno Village, Klaten Regency.

The competitions began simultaneously on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 09:30 AM WIB. The leather puppet painting competition targets high school students, university students, and the general public from various regions, with a maximum age limit of 25. The organizing committee provided a Surakarta-style Gathutkaca puppet character as the primary medium. Participants are given five and a half hours to complete their work individually. They are free to choose their painting style based on personal preference, such as the Surakarta or Yogyakarta style.

Alongside this event, the committee is holding an in-person cardboard puppet (Wayang Karton) coloring competition at Pusaka Jawa UGM. This competition is specifically designed for elementary and junior high school students. Participants are given three hours to complete their work. All entries from both competitions will be returned and remain the full property of the participants after the winners are announced.

The evaluation for both competitions takes place in a single judging phase. The primary criteria used by the panel of judges include coloring technique, color composition, neatness and cleanliness, as well as the level of creativity shown by the participants.

These efforts to preserve wayang artistry serve as an important bridge to keep local cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity of the younger generation. The close collaboration between the higher education institution and village artisans demonstrates that protecting tradition goes hand in hand with community empowerment and strengthening the local economy for the future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) has officially opened the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 at the UGM Center for Javanese Studies (Pusaka Jawa). The event, running from Thursday, May 21, to Saturday, May 23, 2026, is part of the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education Agency (LPDP RI) EQUITY program and serves as a celebration of the 80th anniversary of FIB UGM.

This year’s festival highlights the main theme “Kita. Butuh. Wayang.” (We Need Wayang). This theme carries a vital message regarding the effort to build a balanced synergy between the academic sphere of UGM and the creative pulse of wayang artisans in Butuh Hamlet, Sidowarno Village, Klaten Regency.

FIB UGM emphasizes that this year’s theme reflects a commitment to keeping traditions alive. It serves as a declaration that the existence of wayang cannot merely be preserved in museum showcases or through stage performances. Wayang must be actively sustained by empowering its makers in Butuh Hamlet, appreciating its creative process, and ensuring its noble values are carried forward by ‘Us’ into the present and future.

The Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival series opened on Thursday, May 21, 2026, with an Opening Ceremony and a Solo Wayang Performance. On the same day, the committee also hosted a Cardboard Wayang Coloring and Wayang Painting (Sungging) Competition. For three full days, the general public can visit the Wayang Exhibition and Market, which showcases a variety of highly valuable artworks crafted by local artisans.

The second day, Friday, May 22, 2026, focuses on strengthening the academic foundation through an Expert Lecture. The highlight of the festival will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026. On this final day, the public will have the opportunity to participate in a Tatah Sungging (Wayang Carving and Painting) Workshop, watch the vibrant Nusantara Wayang Parade, and attend the closing ceremony along with the announcement of the competition winners.

The Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 represents a concrete step by the university to preserve the nation’s cultural heritage. Empowering village artisans and placing them at the center of art preservation will foster self-reliance and economic growth within local communities. This empowerment-based preservation approach ensures that ancestral heritage remains competitive, inclusive, and capable of supporting the welfare of its artisans across generations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), in collaboration with the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), organized a blood donation drive. Centered at the Soegondo Building, this humanitarian activity was part of the events celebrating the 80th anniversary of FIB UGM.

The blood donation drive took place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) in Room S107 on the first floor of the Soegondo Building. This social initiative successfully attracted participation from various members of the academic community. Participants who came to donate their blood included students, lecturers, professional staff, and alumni.

Before the blood donation began, the campus was already lively early in the morning with a group sports event titled “FIB Sehat” (Healthy FIB). Starting at 7:00 a.m. WIB, participants gathered to take part in a variety of weekend sports activities, such as volleyball, line dancing, a fun walk, and a fun bike ride. Meanwhile, tennis facilities were specially prepared at the Lembah Sports Hall. Through an official announcement, the organizing committee invited the entire FIB UGM community to get ready and join early in the morning to make the event a success.

The combination of physical activities and social initiatives added profound meaning to the FIB UGM anniversary celebration. This event served as a tangible step in maintaining physical fitness while fostering a sense of solidarity. The spirit of care generated through the blood donation and shared sports activities is expected to support a healthier, more balanced, and prosperous quality of life for the campus community and the wider public.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]