Yogyakarta, 23/2/2025 – University Club Boulevard hosted a seminar and workshop aimed at improving the role of PELBAKORI instructors in preparing prospective Indonesian migrant workers to work in South Korea. Welcomed by the dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the event was a follow-up to an audience held in January 2025 between the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) and PELBAKORI, which focused on the government-to-government (G to G) labour dispatch programme.

Seminar dimulai dengan upacara pembukaan yang mencakup lagu kebangsaan Indonesia, diikuti dengan pembacaan doa. Suasana penuh semangat saat para undangan disuguhkan penampilan tari kipas Korea (Buchaechum) yang dibawakan oleh para mahasiswi dari Program Studi Bahasa dan Kebudayaan Korea. Pertunjukan yang memukau ini tidak hanya menunjukkan keindahan budaya Korea, tetapi juga menciptakan suasana positif untuk kegiatan hari itu. 

One of the crucial issues identified in this programme is the language barrier faced by Indonesian migrant workers, which is a concern for Korean employers. Many workers have difficulty understanding work instructions, resulting in miscommunication and potential conflict. To address this, PELBAKORI is committed to improving the quality and skills of prospective migrant workers, especially in language acquisition, by collaborating with academic institutions.

Instructors from vocational training centres (LPK) that are members of PELBAKORI play an important role in this initiative. They are tasked with equipping migrant workers with the language skills necessary to succeed in South Korea. Therefore, it is imperative that these instructors continue to improve their teaching skills in Korean.

The Korean Language and Culture Study Programme at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has been a key partner of PELBAKORI since 2018. This collaboration aims to create synergy between academia, vocational training institutions, and KP2MI to improve the quality of prospective migrant workers. The ultimate goal is to prepare these workers to become ambassadors of the nation who contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, in accordance with KP2MI’s tagline #BerangkatMigranPulangJuragan.

The seminar was attended by distinguished guests, including Dwi Setiawan Susanto, Director General of Promotion and Utilisation of Overseas Employment Opportunities at KP2MI, and Abri Danar Prabawa, Director of Vocational Institutional Development for Indonesian Migrant Workers at KP2MI. Also present will be the heads of UPT BP3MI from Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java, as well as Shin Jiwon from the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).

The event will also feature expert speakers, including Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., MA, Ph.D. from the department of Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Didin Samsudin, S.E., M.M., CHCM., CIT. from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Dr Hwang Who Young, M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Their insights will be invaluable in discussing challenges and solutions related to language training for migrant workers.

As part of the workshop, participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to improve their teaching methodologies and language teaching techniques. This practical approach aims to empower instructors to better prepare their students for the realities of working in South Korea, ensuring they can communicate and integrate well in the workplace.

This seminar and workshop is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of access to education and decent work for all. By investing in the education and training of migrant workers, Indonesia not only improves their competitiveness but also fosters a more skilled workforce that can contribute positively to the economy.

In conclusion, collaboration between PELBAKORI, KP2MI, and academic institutions is crucial to the success of Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea. By overcoming the language barrier and improving the quality of training, this initiative will help create a generation of skilled workers who can be ambassadors for Indonesia abroad.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 19/2/2025 – On 19 February 2025, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 79th anniversary by holding a meaningful blood donation event at Soegondo Building, located on the first floor. This initiative not only commemorates the faculty’s long history, but also aims to contribute to the health and well-being of society, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being.

The blood donation event attracted many participants, including students, lecturers, and education staff from the Faculty. All donors are required to fulfil certain health qualifications to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the blood donation process. This requirement is very important, as it emphasises the importance of biomedical standards in health-related activities.

The event was organised in collaboration with Palang Merah Indonesia, which provided medical professionals and equipment to facilitate the donation process. The presence of trained personnel ensured that the event adhered to biomedical safety protocols, making it a safe environment for all participants.

Participants expressed their enthusiasm for the event, with many saying that they felt fulfilled to be able to contribute to a worthy cause. The event also served as an educational platform, where participants could learn about the importance of blood donation and its impact on public health. Information booths were set up to provide resources on biomedical practices, the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and how blood donation can help those in need.

As time went on, the atmosphere at the Soegondo Building was filled with a spirit of togetherness and purpose. The event not only built community spirit among the participants but also reinforced the values of empathy and social responsibility upheld by FIB UGM.

At the end of the day, the blood donation event managed to collect a large amount of blood, which will be distributed to hospitals and medical facilities in need. In conclusion, the blood donation event held on 19 February 2025, was an important milestone in the Faculty’s 79th anniversary celebrations. The event highlighted the faculty’s commitment to health and well-being, in line with the SDGs and demonstrated the power of community engagement in addressing critical health issues.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 18/2/2025 – In a remarkable initiative to promote education and awareness about archaeology, the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) will hold the 7th Archaeology Festival on 18 to 20 February 2025. The annual event aims to engage the public and students in Indonesia’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The festival will take place at the Margono Djojohadikusumo Building, with exhibitions spread across the first and second floors. On the first floor, visitors will be presented with an exhibition showcasing prehistoric times in Indonesia, including various artefacts and relics from ancient times. The exhibition aims to educate visitors about the importance of Indonesia’s prehistoric past and its impact on the present.

Moving on to the second floor, the focus will shift to maritime archaeology, a field that has grown in importance in recent years. Here, visitors will learn about underwater archaeology, which involves the study of submerged sites and artefacts that have crossed oceans. Researchers in this field must have A1 to A3 certification, highlighting the specialised skills required to conduct underwater excavations safely and effectively.

In addition to the exhibitions, the festival will also feature various interactive activities designed to engage participants of all ages. One of the highlights will be pottery painting, where visitors can express their creativity and learn about traditional pottery-making techniques. This hands-on experience not only encourages artistic expression but also deepens understanding of the ancient craft. Another exciting activity is tying jewellery, a traditional craft that has been practised for centuries. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own jewellery while learning about the cultural significance of beads in various Indonesian communities. This activity emphasises the importance of preserving traditional crafts and passing them on to future generations. The festival will also include food and beverage tenants. This aspect of the event aims to create a festive atmosphere, encouraging visitors to relax and enjoy the festivities while learning about Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

Archaeological Festival #7 is not just an exhibition; it is a celebration of education, culture and community engagement. By bringing together students, researchers, and the general public, the event aims to foster a greater appreciation of archaeology and its role in understanding our past.

As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the festival aligns with the goal of ensuring inclusive and quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. By educating the public about archaeology, the festival contributes to a more informed society that values its cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Festival Archeologi #7 at FIB UGM promises to be an enriching experience for all visitors. With a wide array of activities and exhibitions on offer, the festival serves as a platform for education and cultural exchange, inspiring future generations to explore the fascinating world of archaeology.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 14/2/25 – In order to assist exchange students regarding their study plans at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Public Relations and Cooperation Unit together with the Academic Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Coordination Meeting for Exchange Student Study Plans in the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building on Friday, February 14, 2025 which was attended by Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka Participants of the FIB Dean Consortium throughout Indonesia and Abroad.

This activity began with remarks from the Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum. who conveyed warm greetings to the students present and also ensured that each student no longer had obstacles to their study plans at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada in this semester. In addition, Mrs. Ningrum also conveyed the various activities that can be participated in by exchange students, such as traditional dance, gamelan, batik, and many more which are coordinated in the Semi-Autonomous Student Organizations of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

After discussing student activities, the session continued with a presentation on course selection procedures by the Academic Team of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The session was conducted with the involvement of one of the student exchange participants from Japan, Takeru Homma, who was willing to volunteer in the practice of course selection.

In addition to listening to the explanation from the Academic Team of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, all students who attended also seemed enthusiastic to build networks among each other with small talk about their origin and views on UGM and Yogyakarta. Hopefully, the Coordination Meeting of the Exchange Student Study Plan will be a positive step in strengthening the relationship between students and faculty, as well as opening opportunities for them to get to know more about the culture and student activities at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim]

Yogykarta, 13/2/2025 – The International Student Orientation for the INCULS programme took place at the Auditorium on the 7th floor of Soegondo FIB UGM. The event aims to welcome new international students and provide important information about studying and living in Indonesia. The orientation is a significant step towards promoting cultural diversity and enhancing the educational experience for all students.

The event began with an inspiring speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si. who emphasised the importance of cultural diversity in education. He highlighted how the presence of international students enriches the academic environment and encourages a deeper understanding of different cultures. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and quality education.

After the Dean’s welcome, Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed., gave an overview of the INCULS programme. She discussed the curriculum and introduced the tutors, the various activities planned for the semester, the culture in daily life, as well as the support services available to international students. Her presentation was well received, as it provided valuable insights into how to live academic life in Indonesia. Some INCULS tutors also participated in the orientation. They emphasised the importance of engaging with the local culture and participating in community activities within SMEs and student clubs. This not only helps students adapt but also enriches their educational journey by allowing them to learn from various perspectives.

The event concluded with a group documentation session, where all participants, including dozens of new INCULS students, gathered for a memorable group photo. This moment symbolised the beginning of their journey in Indonesia and the friendships they would make along the way.

Overall, the International Student Orientation for INCULS was a positive tone-setting first step for the upcoming semester. The event reinforces UGM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that values cultural diversity and promotes global citizenship.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]