Yogyakarta, November 12, 2025 — The Javanese Literature Study Program, Semarang State University (UNNES), conducted a comparative study with the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event, held in the Multimedia Room on the 2nd floor of Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among students from both universities.

Forty UNNES Javanese Literature students from the class of 2023 attended the event and were welcomed by nine UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students from the class of 2022, including Alfonsus Dipa Wicaksana, Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah, Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman, Haryo Untoro, Muhammad Siswoyo, Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah, Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay, Saktia Hidayah, and Yasmin Nabiha Sahda.

The event was opened by Yasmin Nabiha Sahda, who introduced the agenda. Next, Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah presented the profile of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, including the curriculum, student activities, and various academic and non-academic programs that have been organized. A similar presentation was then delivered by a representative of UNNES students who introduced the structure and activities of the Javanese Literature Study Program.

The next session was filled with a “Study Interest Discussion” activity, featuring three UGM student representatives: Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman (Philology), Muhammad Siswoyo (Linguistics), and Saktia Hidayah (Literature). They gave an introduction to their respective fields of study, followed by an interactive discussion. UNNES students enthusiastically asked various questions about learning methods, tips for completing assignments, and the direction of studies in these fields. A warm and friendly atmosphere was created through dialogue, jokes, and the sharing of experiences among participants.

Towards the end of the event, remarks were delivered by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at UGM, Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., and a representative from the Javanese Literature Study Program at UNNES, Dr. Prembayun Miji Lestari, M.Hum. Both emphasized the importance of collaboration between students and educational institutions in strengthening the development of knowledge and preservation of Javanese culture.

The event concluded with a joint documentation session as a symbol of unity and commitment to continue cooperation.

Through this comparative study, it is hoped that the relationship between the two study programs will become closer and more productive. In addition to broadening the academic horizons of students, this activity is also a concrete step in the joint effort to preserve and develop Javanese cultural heritage in higher education.

Author: Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, 12 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada once again welcomed an educational visit from SMA Negeri 15 Surabaya, with a total of 146 students and accompanying teachers participating in the event. The visit aimed to introduce the academic environment, cultural atmosphere, and student activities at FIB UGM while providing students with insights into campus life at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The visit was guided by the UGM Campus Tour team in collaboration with FIB UGM Public Relations. The event began with a screening of the Universitas Gadjah Mada and Faculty of Cultural Sciences profile videos, followed by a presentation from FIB Public Relations on various admission pathways to UGM, the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) system, and an introduction to the Autonomous Art Bodies (BSO) as well as several student organizations within FIB.

After the presentation session, participants were invited to explore and get a closer look at the facilities and learning environment at FIB UGM, followed by a tour around the Balairung (Main Building/GSP), one of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s main landmarks. The event took place in an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere, both from the participants and the guides.

This school visit activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this initiative, FIB UGM actively contributes to expanding access to higher education information and strengthening collaboration between universities and secondary schools, supporting the development of skilled and competitive human resources.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November, 13, 2025 — The Badan Seni Otonom (BSO) Sastra Oebah from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again achieved an outstanding accomplishment by winning a gold medal in the Modern Dance Competition at the Gadjah Mada Sports and Arts Week (Porsenigama) 2025.

The Modern Dance contingent of FIB UGM, led by Oryza Sativa Rosyadi, delivered an exceptional performance after going through a series of selection stages. Previously, the FIB UGM team successfully advanced from the preliminary round and secured a spot in the Top 5 of the Modern Dance competition. In the final round, held on 9 November 2025, the team achieved first place, surpassing contingents from various other faculties across UGM.

This achievement not only serves as recognition of the creativity and dedication of FIB students in the field of dance but also reflects the spirit of collaboration and perseverance in developing artistic potential within the campus environment.

The accomplishment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through events like Porsenigama, students are provided with opportunities to develop their talents and creativity while strengthening an inclusive, empowered, and sustainable artistic community within the university.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

On 19 August 2025, the Master’s Programme in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies held a Welcome Event for New Students of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme for the First Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Held in the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at 09:00 WIB, the event was attended by lecturers such as Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, M.A., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, M.Hum., Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., Dr. Muhammad Zakki, and all active students of the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme.

The Head of the Intercultural Department of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., opened the event by welcoming students to begin this semester’s teaching and learning activities with enthusiasm and excitement. In addition, he also introduced several lecturers who were present and shared their academic experiences, particularly in the field of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies.

Dr. Mahmudah, Secretary of the Intercultural Department, gave a presentation on the curriculum at the end of the event. She stated that ‘Middle Eastern culture-based research can make a significant contribution in addressing global challenges such as peace, social justice, and sustainability.’ In addition, she emphasised that graduates of this programme have great opportunities for careers in academia, research, diplomacy, or other professions that support the achievement of the SDGs.

After a group photo, the new students were introduced, and the welcoming event came to an end. It is hoped that through this welcoming event, students will continue to foster enthusiasm for developing their knowledge through extensive research and scientific publications. New students are expected to become pioneers of change in the field of Middle Eastern cultural studies and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals at the local and global levels with a spirit of cooperation and innovation.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

As part of the 15th National Scientific Meeting on Arabic Language (PINBA) held on 6–8 August 2025, the Middle Eastern Culture and Religious Issues (MECRI) Journal, managed by the Master’s Programme in Middle Eastern Studies (KBTT) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Arabic Studies Journal Managers (PPJKBA). The signing took place at the Ibn Rusyd Hall, Darunnajah University, South Jakarta, and was represented by Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., as the main manager of MECRI.

MECRI has currently achieved Sinta 4 accreditation and successfully entered the EBSCO international index. This achievement reflects the ongoing dedication to making MECRI a reputable academic forum in the fields of cultural studies, multi-ethnicity, and religious heritage in the Middle East. However, the challenges ahead are to improve the accreditation rating to Sinta 2 or even Sinta 1, as well as to achieve the Scopus indexation target. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to strengthen the quality of journal management, ensure consistency in publications that meet international standards, and expand collaboration networks with strategic partners, both nationally and globally.

The existence of an internationally reputable journal is of strategic urgency for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. In addition to being an important instrument in strengthening the university’s academic reputation and ranking, a reputable journal also serves as a gateway for cross-border research collaboration, a means of publishing the research results of the educational community, and proof of FIB’s commitment to contributing to the development of the humanities at the global level. For UGM, achieving international indexing for the journal signifies a significant step in strengthening its research portfolio, enhancing its visibility in the global academic network, and adding to its achievements that support UGM’s position as a world-class research university.

PPJKBA has a long track record in assisting journals to achieve national and international accreditation. Its organisational experience includes training in editorial management, improving the quality of manuscript editing, and facilitating networks of international reviewers and authors. This collaboration is expected to become a strong foundation for MECRI to strengthen its management quality, expand its visibility, and enhance its academic reputation at the global level.

The signing of this MoU is also a strategic step in line with the mission of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM in strengthening its position as a centre for humanities studies that is superior and internationally renowned. Institutional support from FIB UGM will be an important driver for the optimal synergy between MECRI and PPJKBA, resulting in high-quality scientific publications and contributing to the development of knowledge in the field of Middle Eastern studies.

With this collaboration, MECRI is optimistic that it can expand the scope of its studies, strengthen the quality of published manuscripts, and establish connectivity with academics across countries. This collaboration is not only beneficial for improving the quality of the journal, but also serves as a vehicle for capacity building for managers and writers in the Master’s Program in KBTT and FIB UGM as a whole.

Author: Amanda Jesisca