Yogyakarta, 15/4/2025 – The National Seminar titled “Modern Linguistics and Its Relevance to Islamic Studies and Humanities” was successfully held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Rabithah Hall of Pondok Modern Tazakka in Batang. The event featured Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., a Professor at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), as the main speaker. He discussed the interpretation of QS. Al-Fath: 29 through a linguistic and humanities lens. The seminar was inaugurated by KH Anang Rikza Masyhadi, the keynote speaker, who emphasized the importance of integrating modern science with religious values to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education and cultural preservation.

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Sangidu utilized a semiotic theoretical framework to examine QS. Al-Fath: 29, employing two reading methods: heuristic and hermeneutic. The heuristic method, drawing from Al-Maroghi’s interpretation, is used to understand the literal meaning of each word. In contrast, the hermeneutic method, or retroactive approach, references interpretations from Ibn Kathir, Sayyid Quthb’s *Fi Zhilalil Quran*, and other sources to uncover the deeper meaning of the verse. This approach illustrates how modern linguistics can serve as a relevant analytical tool for understanding religious texts in a contextual and multidimensional manner.

The seminar provided a scientific forum focused on integrating modern linguistics into Islamic studies and the humanities, with the aim of enhancing the quality of education. By adopting an innovative approach to understanding religious texts, the seminar sought to enrich the curriculum for Islamic religious education and improve teaching quality. Participants—including academics, teachers, and students—welcomed the ideas presented during the event. In addition to facilitating scientific discussions, the seminar also strengthened the partnership between the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program at FIB UGM and Pondok Modern Tazakka. Through collaboration, the seminar is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of education grounded in religious values, while also supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia.

[Public Relation of Middle East Studies, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – Pandhita Hapsari, a student of Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again achieved a remarkable accomplishment at the national level. In the National Da’i Competition, that was held as part of the Kampus Ramadhan Nurul Huda 1446 H program, by the Nurul Huda Mosque at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Pandhita succeeded in winning second place.

This competition was participated in by talented young preachers from various universities across Indonesia. It consisted of two rounds: a preliminary round conducted online through the submission of preaching videos, and a final round where the six best participants performed live at the Nurul Huda Mosque.

In the tightly contested final, Pandhita delivered a sermon on the theme “Islam as a Religion of Love: Reinterpreting the Teachings of Islam as a Mercy to All Creation to Create Harmony in Synergy with Modern Advancements.” Her sermon received high praise from the judges for not only showcasing eloquence in preaching but also presenting a fresh perspective on how Islam, as a religion of compassion, can adapt to modern developments without losing its fundamental values.

Pandhita’s success in securing second place in this competition is a testament to her dedication and hard work in the field of Islamic preaching. As an Arabic Study Program student, she is able to contextualize Islamic teachings with a deep understanding of the language, allowing her to deliver messages that are clear, inspiring, and relevant to the audience nowadays.

This achievement is hoped to serve as an inspiration for other students to continue contributing to Islamic preaching and the preservation of Islamic values in the modern era. Furthermore, Pandhita’s success also affirms that the younger generation plays a crucial role in spreading the teachings of Islam that are peaceful, inclusive, and aligned with the challenges of the times.

May this achievement be the beginning of a greater journey for Pandhita to continue contributing meaningfully to the world of Islamic preaching and to bring pride to her university both nationally and internationally.

[Public Relations of Arabic Literature, Pandhita Hapsari]

Yogyakarta, 10/4/2025 – In order to welcome the new system of campus visit implementation, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held UGM Campus Tour Activity Guiding Training which lasted for two days, namely on Thursday, March 20, 2025 online through Zoom and Friday, March 21, 2025 offline in Multimedia Room 1, UGM Main Office (Balairung). This training was held as part of UGM’s efforts to realize a campus tour system that is more coordinated, informative, and representative of university values.

This activity is an important part of the implementation of UGM’s new policy in organizing campus tours, which were previously decentralized in each faculty and business unit. Now, the implementation is consolidated through a centralized system that involves student representatives from all faculties as guides. Therefore, the students involved are required to have good story telling skills, understand the values of UGM, and have basic visitor management skills, so this training is a crucial step in the process.

Understanding Values and Basic Guiding Techniques

The first day of the training was opened online by the committee, followed by remarks from Mohamad Rachmadian Narotama, ST, M.Sc., Ph.D., lecturer in Tourism Study Program at Faculty of Arts UGM as well as the Head of UGM Campus Tour Task Force Team. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the guide’s role in the new UGM Campus Tour scheme which is not only as an introduction, but also as an ambassador of information and representation of university values.

The first session presented Runavia Mulyasari, S.Ant., M.A. and Popi Irawan, S.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., both lecturers of Tourism Study Program and members of the UGM Campus Tour Task Force, who provided an in-depth understanding of the interpretation of UGM values in the context of guiding and the basics of guiding.

Meanwhile, Runavia Mulyasari, S.Ant., M.A. explained the importance of attitude, communication skills, and code of ethics that must be owned by campus tour guides. The participants were introduced to the principles of hospitality and professionalism as the key to maintaining UGM’s image in the eyes of visitors.

The next session was filled with a sharing session entitled “The Art of Telling Stories about Daily Activities” presented by Evander Dwi Pramana, S.Par, an alumnus of UGM Tourism Study Program who is now active as a guiding practitioner. In this session, participants were not only invited to hear field experiences, but also to share stories about campus life which could later be developed into story telling material for campus tour visitors.

Deepening SOPs and Guiding Practices

Meanwhile, offline training activities began with remarks from Popi Irawan, who emphasized the importance of this training in ensuring the quality of the campus visitor experience in the future. The first session was filled by Runavia Mulyasari, who explained the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) developed by the Task Force Team for campus tour guiding activities. Not only one-way, this session also encouraged participants to actively discuss to complete the SOP, such as dealing with emergency conditions and the limits of guide intervention.

The second session was a hands-on guiding practice facilitated by Evander. Through a paired method, participants practiced being a guide and a visitor alternately. Open discussions were also held to discuss effective guiding strategies in various situations. This practice also honed the participants’ skills in delivering information in an interesting, relevant and communicative manner.

Synergy for Sustainable Tourism

The active involvement of lecturers, students, and alumni of the UGM Faculty of Arts Tourism Study Program in this activity shows a commitment to sustainable education that is in line with the goals of SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Collaboration across generations and faculties is an important foundation in creating a campus tour ecosystem at UGM that is inclusive, informative, and meaningful.

With this training, it is expected that all students involved as guides can be the best representation of UGM. Not only as a higher education institution, but also as an open, friendly, and inspiring life learning space.

[Public Relations of Tourism, Muhammad Alif]

Yogyakarta, March 25, 2025 – Theories of Globalization is a mandatory course in the Department of Intercultural Studies that examines the impact of globalization from various perspectives. Globalization is understood as a phenomenon with multiple influences—both positive and negative—on culture, ecology, and the way of life of local communities. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students are encouraged to understand how globalization affects social structures and cultural identities across different parts of the world. By the end of the course, students are expected to have a more balanced perception of globalization and be able to analyze its impact on local cultures. The course is conducted through a combination of lectures, discussions, and presentations, with structured assignments and essay writing as part of the evaluation process.

In its sixth session, the course was taught by Dr. Sri Pangastoeti, M. Hum., who explored various academic perspectives on globalization, including studies from Japanese literature. One of the key topics discussed was the karayuki-san phenomenon, the role of geisha, Japan’s isolation policy, and the historical dynamics between Japan and the United States that continue to shape their cultural and political relations today.

One of the often-overlooked impacts of globalization is how the global economic system has influenced migration dynamics and the role of women in history. Labor mobility, whether voluntary or forced, has often been shaped by broader social and economic conditions. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan experienced this phenomenon, particularly in the case of women known as karayuki-san.

The karayuki-san phenomenon refers to Japanese women from impoverished areas, particularly Nagasaki, who migrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to various countries in Southeast Asia, East Asia, Siberia, and Australia. They worked in various sectors, including entertainment and prostitution. Economic hardship and social pressures forced many young women to be sent abroad as a means of survival. The presence of karayuki-san reflects the complexity of migration in the early stages of globalization, where economic and social factors drove labor mobility across national borders.

The discussion also touched on the differences between geisha and oiran. Geisha are professional artists trained in traditional Japanese arts such as music, dance, and refined conversation. Contrary to common misconceptions outside Japan, geisha are not sex workers but rather cultural performers who preserve Japanese artistic traditions. However, geisha have often been misinterpreted, partly due to inaccurate portrayals in American popular media. Western films and literature have frequently depicted geisha as sex workers or confused them with oiran—high-class courtesans who were not only skilled in the performing arts but also provided sexual services. These stereotypes have been shaped through media framing, which simplifies and distorts the distinctions between different female roles in Japan’s past.

Another significant topic discussed in the lecture was Japan’s isolationist policy, or sakoku, which was enforced during the Edo period under the Tokugawa shogunate (1603–1868). Japan closed itself off from the outside world for more than two centuries, restricting foreign interaction to maintain political and social stability and prevent external influences. This policy only ended when the United States pressured Japan to open its ports for international trade. This event marked a turning point in Japanese history, triggering modernization and integrating the country into the currents of globalization.

Japan’s relationship with the United States continued to evolve but was not always harmonious. In the early 20th century, the United States implemented discriminatory immigration policies against Asians, including the Japanese. One of the most significant was the Immigration Act of 1924, which explicitly banned Japanese immigrants from entering the U.S. This policy was driven by anti-Asian sentiment, concerns over labor competition, and political pressure from white labor groups. Discrimination against Japanese immigrants reflected the global tensions that shaped international relations at the time.

Although Japan-U.S. relations were once marked by conflict—especially during World War II—the dynamic between the two countries continued to develop. After the war, Japan underwent reconstruction with American support, eventually becoming one of the U.S.’s closest allies in the Asia-Pacific region. Beyond economic and political cooperation, cultural exchanges between the two nations have flourished. Traditional Japanese arts have gained widespread recognition in the United States, while American popular culture, such as films and music, has had a significant influence on Japanese society.

This course is taught by a team of lecturers from various academic backgrounds, providing a multidisciplinary approach to understanding globalization. Dr. Sri Pangastoeti offered in-depth insights into how globalization has shaped Japanese culture. The discussions in this lecture emphasized that globalization is not merely about economic and technological exchange but also deeply intertwined with history, identity, and complex cultural dynamics. The interaction between Japan and the United States serves as a concrete example of how globalization shapes international relationships and continuously transforms cultural landscapes.

[Public Relations American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, March 23, 2025 – In an effort to revive the intellectual legacy of one of Indonesia’s greatest literary figures, Toko Buku Natan in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the Centennial Commemoration of A.A. Navis at Rumah Budaya Ndalem Natan, Kotagede, Yogyakarta. This event attracted literature enthusiasts, academics, and cultural figures eager to explore A.A. Navis’ critical thoughts and contributions to national literary development. Featuring a series of activities, including academic discussions, book launches, an art exhibition, and musical performances, the commemoration became a reflective moment that delved deeper into the social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of Navis’ works.

As one of the most influential figures in Indonesian literature, A.A. Navis gained widespread recognition for his classic short story, Robohnya Surau Kami (The Collapse of Our Mosque), which offered a profound critique of societal structures. Set during the harmonious spirit of Ramadan, this event brought together various stakeholders to discuss Navis’ legacy and critical thoughts, featuring renowned speakers such as Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi (writer and curator), Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam (academic and literary scholar), and Nasir Tamara, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. (cultural expert). The discussion was further enriched by a cello performance by Lintang Pramudia Swara, providing an aesthetic and immersive experience for the participants.

One of the event’s key highlights was the launch of the book “Kesalahan dan Kejahatan dalam Berbahasa” (Errors and Crimes in Language) by Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam. This book critically examines language awareness within social and legal contexts. Drawing from his extensive academic and professional experience as an expert witness in various linguistic cases, Prof. Aprinus presents this book as a primary reference for linguistic studies and the role of language in Indonesia’s legal practices.

During the discussion, Prof. Aprinus Salam explored the contrast between social critiques in the works of A.A. Navis and Pramoedya Ananta Toer, highlighting how Navis focused more on critiquing societal structures, while Pramoedya directed his criticisms toward the government and power structures. Meanwhile, Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi shared her research and archival experience for the 100 Years of A.A. Navis exhibition, held in Jakarta and at UNESCO in Paris. She traced Navis’ educational background at INS Kayutanam, an institution that played a crucial role in shaping his critical thinking, not only in literature but also in music and visual arts.

At the same time, Nasir Tamara, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. connected A.A. Navis’ intellectual lineage to the Académie française in Europe, particularly France, which was heavily influenced by the ideas of René Descartes. Citing Descartes’ philosophy “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), Nasir Tamara emphasized that intellectual awareness and critical thinking are the foundations of a true thinker and writer. This perspective aligns with A.A. Navis’ approach to literary discourse, where he not only documented reality but also challenged, questioned, and inspired social change.

As part of the celebration, Lintang Pramudia Swara delivered a cello performance, enriching participants’ reflective experience. Meanwhile, an art exhibition by renowned artist Anagard featured 11 portraits of prominent Minangkabau figures, including A.A. Navis, Tan Malaka, Sutan Sjahrir, Buya Hamka, and Asrul Sani. This exhibition provided a visual narrative of the intellectual contributions and roles of Minangkabau figures in Indonesia’s national history.

The event also served as a space for literary appreciation, featuring poetry readings by Afnan Malay and a recital of Gurindam 12 by Raja Ali Haji, performed by Nasir Tamara, further enriching the significance and atmosphere of this literary celebration.

During the reflective session, Prof. Aprinus Salam presented two thought-provoking statements for participants to ponder. The first, “Your tongue is sharper than a sword,” underscored the extraordinary power of words in shaping, influencing, and even overturning societal structures. The second, “Words are only sharper for those who are sensitive,” highlighted language as not merely a communication tool but a profound expression with transformative power for those attuned to social and humanitarian realities.

This event was part of a broader initiative to honor great figures in Indonesian literature, following the centennial commemoration of Pramoedya Ananta Toer held earlier. Through the centennial of A.A. Navis, the discussion reinforced awareness of literacy, intellectual heritage, and its relevance to younger generations. Prof. Aprinus Salam emphasized that language possesses transformative power, envisioning a future where short story writers and poets stage protests by reciting poetry in front of legislative buildings, proving that words wield more power than physical weapons.

The event concluded with a communal iftar (breaking of the fast), not only fostering solidarity but also offering a profound reflection on the role of literature in shaping social and cultural consciousness. Toko Buku Natan, in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Literature at UGM, remains committed to facilitating academic discussions, literary forums, and various literacy initiatives to support intellectual and cultural development in Indonesia.

[Public Relations Magister of Literature, Anisa Dien Rahmawati]