Yogyakarta, February, 11, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada officially inaugurated Collabhub by ParagonCorp, located at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM. The establishment of this collaborative space marks a strategic step in strengthening the ecosystem of innovation, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning within the university.

UGM Rector, Ova Emilia, stated that the inauguration was both a joyful and special occasion. She expressed her appreciation to ParagonCorp for bringing new hope in the form of a space dedicated to networking, learning, and enhancing student productivity.

“Wherever we are, we always learn from and teach one another,” she remarked. She hopes that Collabhub will become a productive and inclusive collaborative space capable of generating positive impacts for students, the broader community, and the world at large.

Collabhub is designed as a multifunctional collaboration zone, featuring a mini library, quiet areas for focused work, and spaces for discussion and inspiration. The facility is expected to serve as a co-learning hub that fosters idea exchange, creativity, and character development among students.

Chief Executive of the ParagonCorp Institute, Salman Subakat, expressed his heartfelt emotion, having followed the development journey of GIK since its early stages. He emphasized the importance of nurturing students’ sensitivity and empathy throughout their learning process.

“As Javanese people say, we should not merely feel capable, but be capable of feeling,” he noted, underscoring the significance of human values in collaboration and innovation.

Meanwhile, the President Director of GIK UGM, Alfatika, explained that the co-learning hub initiative had been planned since last year. According to her, every meaningful initiative requires time before it can come to fruition. She reaffirmed that GIK is a home for students to grow and create authentically, with a strong commitment to providing the best space for the academic community.

On this occasion, ParagonCorp also symbolically presented an endowment fund of IDR 25 billion to support the sustainable development of student innovation and creativity. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting as an official mark of the opening of Collabhub by ParagonCorp.

This collaboration also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the provision of inclusive and adaptive collaborative learning spaces; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the strengthening of innovation infrastructure based on university–industry partnerships; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflected in the strategic synergy between UGM and ParagonCorp in building a sustainable and impactful learning ecosystem.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Dili, Timor-Leste, February 12, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a cooperation meeting with Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) on Thursday (12/2) at 11:00 a.m. local time. The meeting marked an initial step in exploring strategic collaboration in the fields of culture, language, literature, history, and tourism.

The UGM delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Celine, a 1992 Biology alumna of UGM, and Prof. Armindo Maia, the first Rector of the former Universitas Timor Timur, now UNTL. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, highlighted by an exchange of experiences from their time studying in Yogyakarta, reflecting the long-standing historical ties between the two institutions.

In the opening session, UNTL presented the history of its institutional relationship with UGM, including the establishment of the Indonesian Cultural Studies Center, which holds significant potential to be further developed as a platform for collaboration in the tridharma of higher education—education, research, and community service. The meeting was attended by UNTL’s leadership, including the Rector, Vice Rector for Cooperation, university founders, Head of the Cultural Studies Program, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, and representatives from other faculties.

UNTL Rector, Prof. Dr. Eng. Joviano António da Costa, M.Eng., expressed the institution’s commitment to strengthening university-to-university (U2U) partnerships, particularly in the areas of culture, language, tourism, and related disciplines that offer mutual benefits.

As Head of the UGM Delegation, Prof. Dr. Muti’ah Amini presented the profiles of academic programs within UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences, along with several ongoing academic initiatives. She also highlighted UNTL’s strategic plan to develop its History Study Program through collaboration with UNESCO and UGM’s History Study Program. This collaboration is considered strategically important for strengthening academic capacity, curriculum development, and research quality enhancement.

Beyond the field of history, UNTL emphasized the need to strengthen human resources in the tourism sector, including human resource management, attraction management, and destination development. The Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at UNTL noted that opportunities for joint research and collaborative publications are widely open and have the potential to provide substantial contributions to both institutions. The Dean of the Faculty of Education also expressed hope that the faculty would be integrated into the cooperation framework currently being formulated. Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Culture, Ms. Celine, underscored the urgency of cross-regional research collaboration in arts and culture to enrich academic perspectives and strengthen international networks.

Both parties agreed that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would serve as an essential initial step to ensure that the implementation of collaborative programs proceeds legally, systematically, and sustainably across the agreed fields. This collaboration aligns with the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through academic capacity building and knowledge exchange, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through competency-based tourism sector development, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened international cooperation networks.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue in order to further strengthen the historical, academic, and programmatic ties between UGM and UNTL, while expanding both institutions’ contributions to the advancement of knowledge and culture in Southeast Asia.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Korean Language and Culture Program Study, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with Chung-Ang University (CAU), South Korea, organized a cultural exchange program titled CAUGM 2026. The program was held from January 20–29, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

CAUGM 2026 served as a platform for cross-cultural and language learning, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge, practices, and cultural understanding between Indonesian and South Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series began with an Opening Ceremony held on January 21, 2026. On this occasion, delegations from Chung-Ang University and Universitas Gadjah Mada presented cultural performances from their respective countries as an introduction to the cultural exchange activities that would take place throughout the program.

During the Opening Ceremony, Indonesian culture presented by students of the Korean Language and Culture Program Study of UGM included Angklung musical performance, Indonesia Menari, Sajojo Dance, Limpapeh Dance, and the martial art Silat. Meanwhile, the Chung-Ang University delegation showcased various aspects of Korean culture, including Taekwondo, K-pop Dance, K-pop Singing, Pansori, 응원단 (cheerleading), and 풍물 (traditional Korean music).

In addition to cultural exchange, the CAUGM 2026 program also featured language exchange activities. Students from the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM taught Indonesian to Chung-Ang University students, and vice versa. Language learning was conducted based on class levels: 초급반 (Beginner Class), 중급반 (Intermediate Class), and 고급반 (Advanced Class). The lessons were delivered interactively through daily communication practice, peer mentoring, games, and other classroom activities. Through these interactive methods, participants were able to learn the language along with its cultural context in an engaging and enjoyable way.

CAUGM 2026 also provided an opportunity for the general public to experience the cultural exchange through the Korean Festival held on January 24, 2026. In this event, visitors could participate in various cultural activities, including tasting authentic Korean dishes prepared live by Chung-Ang University students. Through this festival, the public was invited to explore Korean culture through culinary experiences and direct interaction with Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series concluded with a Closing Ceremony held on January 29, 2026. During this session, the results of the cultural and language exchange were presented, where Indonesian students performed Korean cultural elements they had learned, while Chung-Ang University students presented Indonesian culture.

The performances took place in a warm and lively atmosphere, with students from both UGM and CAU enjoying each presentation, supporting one another, and showing great enthusiasm. This interaction reflected closeness, togetherness, and the success of the cultural and language exchange process experienced throughout CAUGM 2026.

Through the implementation of CAUGM 2026, the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM hopes that this program will enhance participants’ language competence, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and foster closer international cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University in the fields of education and cultural diplomacy.

Author: Eunike Serafia & Aura Adiba

The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recorded a notable academic achievement at the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony for Period II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (January 21, 2026). One of its graduates, Iftinan Rose Putri Safana, earned the distinction of fastest graduate, completing her studies in 1 year, 8 months, and 8 days.

The postgraduate graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences this period conferred degrees upon 46 graduates, consisting of 38 master’s graduates and 8 doctoral graduates. Of the total master’s graduates, 21 received the cum laude distinction, with an average Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.77.

Iftinan’s achievement as the fastest graduate reflects academic consistency, careful study planning, and the effectiveness of the learning process and academic supervision within the Master’s Program in Literature. Completing a master’s degree in less than two years demonstrates that postgraduate education can be pursued optimally without compromising academic quality.

In her remarks at the Mangayubagya (farewell and appreciation) ceremony for graduates of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Vice Dean of FIB UGM, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., emphasized the vital role of education in shaping individuals who are critical and socially responsible. She cited Paulo Freire’s thought that the task of education is to form people who will later become agents of change.

“Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world. Education at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, including in the Master’s Program in Literature, is directed toward shaping graduates who possess intellectual sensitivity and a commitment to humanitarian values,” she said.

Academic excellence at the master’s level was also demonstrated by the highest GPA achievement, attained by Hanina Naura Fadila, a graduate of the Anthropology Study Program, with a GPA of 3.93. In her address as the representative of master’s students, Hanina invited graduates to view their academic work as a form of intellectual responsibility.

The achievements of the Master’s Program in Literature graduates at this graduation ceremony align with UGM’s commitment to supporting quality education, through the provision of excellent, reflective postgraduate education oriented toward holistic human development.

Author: Khotibul Umam

Yogyakarta, January 24, 2026 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), hosted the 2026 The 1st CAUGM Korean Festival, a cultural event that offered the general public a hands-on experience of Korean culture. The festival was held on Friday (January 24) at the Margono Corridor, FIB UGM, and was open to anyone with an interest in Korea.

Korean Festival 2026 was a collaborative initiative between students of Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University (CAU), South Korea. The event aimed to strengthen cross-national cultural relations while serving as a platform for cultural exchange between Indonesia and Korea through an educational and entertaining approach.

A wide range of programs was featured during the festival, including Taste Korean Cuisines, which allowed visitors to sample Korean traditional foods in limited portions, as well as cultural experience booths that offered direct exposure to Korean culture. Visitors had the opportunity to try on Hanbok, traditional Korean attire, and to learn about traditional Korean musical instruments through interactive booths provided at the venue.

In addition, the event was enlivened by special performances from UGM and CAU students, as well as a Random Play Dance session that was open to visitors and became a major attraction, particularly for fans of Korean pop culture. The entire series of events began at 10:00 a.m. (WIB) and was open to the public without any mandatory registration.

The implementation of Korean Festival 2026 aligns with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education through the provision of cross-cultural learning spaces beyond the classroom, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through international collaboration between educational institutions in Indonesia and South Korea. The festival also reflects the spirit of SDG 11, which focuses on building inclusive communities by providing safe and open public spaces for cultural interaction.

Through Korean Festival 2026, FIB UGM reaffirmed its commitment as an academic space that supports cultural diplomacy, global exchange, and the strengthening of cross-cultural understanding among students and the wider community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]