Yogyakarta, 21/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has once again produced a new doctor in the field of linguistics. Novi Eka Susilowati officially earned her doctoral degree with her dissertation titled “The Use of Verbal Violence Metaphors Against Indonesian Politicians on Twitter.” The doctoral promotion session took place in the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM, with promoter Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A., and co-promoter Dr. Hayatul Cholsy, M.Hum.

In her research, Novi discovered that political discourse on social media is rife with metaphors of verbal violence used by netizens to dehumanize and belittle politicians. The forms of these metaphors vary, ranging from words and phrases to sentences, drawing from source domains such as animals, trash, metaphysical beings, and physical objects. Interestingly, new metaphors unique to Indonesia’s digital culture have emerged, such as Mak Lampir and Kakek Sugiono.

During her speech, she identified six factors contributing to the use of verbal violence metaphors against politicians: (1) disappointment with politicians, (2) the political party ideology that supports the politicians, (3) access to social media, (4) the anonymity feature on Twitter, (5) the social distance between Twitter users and politicians, and (6) cultural context.

These findings indicate that social media is not merely a space for expression but also an arena for the reproduction of symbolic violence that can damage the positive image of politicians and diminish respect for their human rights. From a global perspective, this study is relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes the importance of peaceful communication, transparency, and respect for human dignity in public life.

Sunday, August 17, 2025 – 4 Students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Ataya Sasya Heradie (Korean Language and Culture 2024), Tabita Nada Kirana (Cultural Anthropology 2024), Andieni Ika Bela Safitri (Indonesian Language and Literature 2024), and Thiery Vincent Masarrang (French Literature 2024), delivered a captivating performance at the Yogyakarta Presidential Palace alongside fellow members of UGM’s Marching Band. This special moment coincided with the commemoration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day. UGM Marching Band performed as the Display team in the Parade Senja at the Presidential Palace in Yogyakarta. The event was attended by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X and key policymakers in Yogyakarta.

Ataya Sasya and her peers expressed their deep honor at being able to perform at the Yogyakarta Presidential Palace. After several years of absence, UGM Marching Band finally returned to the Palace in 2025, marking a moment welcomed with pride and joy.

This performance was not only part of the 80th Independence Day celebration, but also a reflection of students’ contribution to preserving art, culture, and national spirit. It is in line with Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing opportunities for students to develop their talents through the arts, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting cultural preservation in public spaces.

With a spirit of togetherness and creativity, UGM Marching Band reaffirmed its role as a cultural ambassador of the university, inspiring the community while strengthening unity during this historic Independence Day celebration.

[Public Relations, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 21/8/2025 – The Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS), in collaboration with the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), held the 2025 NGO Fair at the Greenland Courtyard of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event ran from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and was open to students and the general public.

This event aimed to introduce various organizations and communities in Yogyakarta and provide opportunities for students interested in volunteering or participating in internship programs. More than 20 organizations were in attendance, including Animal Friends Jogja, Rifka Annisa Women’s Crisis Center, WALHI Yogyakarta, Trash Hero Yogyakarta, the SATUNAMA Foundation, and several other communities and empowerment institutions. Through this activity, students were expected to not only learn about social, environmental, and humanitarian issues but also take an active role in making a real impact on their communities.

ACICIS has been strengthening Indonesia-Australia relations in education and culture with various partners for over 30 years. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), is one of ACICIS’ partners, facilitated by the Faculty’s Supporting Work Unit, INCULS, which focuses on teaching Indonesian Language and Literature (BIPA).

Through activities such as the NGO FAIR, ACICIS and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), hope that this collaboration will continue and have a positive impact on the wider community.

Yogyakarta, 16/8/2025 — On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held the Closing of the Translation Workshop and Author Talk of A Very Faint Light Though by Choi Eunyoung. The event took place at the Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, attended by workshop participants, UGM students, and the general public.

The program began with the closing session of the translation workshop, which had been previously conducted. In this session, all participants received certificates of participation and books as a token of appreciation for their involvement. This event was held in collaboration with the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea) and received support from PT. Taekwang Indonesia.

Following the workshop closing, the event continued with a talkshow featuring Choi Eunyoung. During this session, Choi Eunyoung was introduced to the audience along with her published works. The talkshow proceeded with a lively Q&A and quiz session. Participants’ enthusiasm was evident through the many questions raised, and as a form of appreciation, those who actively asked or answered questions were awarded free books.

As the final part of the event, the series concluded with the presentation of souvenirs from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, group documentation, and a book signing session by Choi Eunyoung. Through this event, participants not only gained academic experience from the translation workshop but also the opportunity to engage more closely with the author and contemporary Korean literature. The event marked an important moment in strengthening appreciation for Korean literature while also fostering greater interest among students and the wider community in translation practice and translated works.

Author: Sherina Azmi A

Yogyakarta, 15/8/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada, recently held an internal meeting as an initial step in the process of applying for Excellent Accreditation. The meeting, which took place on Friday, August 15, 2025, was attended by Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., lecturers of the Master’s Program in Literature, the accreditation team, as well as administrative staff of the program.

During the meeting, Prof. Wening emphasized the importance of synergy between lecturers and students in supporting the accreditation target. She encouraged lecturers in the Master’s Program in Literature to continue advancing their academic positions. “The promotion of lecturers, either to associate professor or senior associate professor, is one of the key indicators in accreditation assessment. It also reflects our commitment to maintaining academic quality,” stated Prof. Wening.

In addition to lecturers, student contributions were also highlighted. Prof. Wening underscored the need for increasing scientific publications by students of the Master’s Program in Literature. According to her, publications are not only essential for accreditation but also for the development of students’ academic careers. She expressed hope that students would be more active in writing articles and publishing them in academic journals, with support from the program through scientific writing workshops.

Prof. Aprinus Salam also provided strategic input regarding steps that could be taken by the accreditation team and the academic community in achieving Excellent Accreditation. The meeting took place in a dynamic atmosphere, with active discussions among lecturers, the accreditation team, and staff, all showing great enthusiasm, exchanging ideas, and offering constructive suggestions to strengthen the program’s preparation.

The meeting is expected to be a solid starting point for the Master’s Program in Literature in preparing for Excellent Accreditation. With the support of lecturers, students, and staff, the program is optimistic about achieving Excellent Accreditation as a form of recognition for the quality of education, research, and scholarly contributions it has produced. As a follow-up, the program plans to organize a series of academic activities to enhance research and teaching quality. One of these is a scientific writing workshop for Master’s students, which is expected to produce high-quality publications in reputable journals and contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge as well as the academic reputation of the program.

Author: Marsya Kamila/Public/Public Relations, Master’s Program in Literature