Monday, October 6, 2025 – SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II held an educational visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB). The event aimed to introduce the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and promote the importance of education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The visit started at 9:00 AM and ended at 12:00 PM, featuring a series of informative sessions and engaging activities.

The event took place in the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium and was officially opened by the Public Relations Officer of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, who welcomed students and teachers from SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II. The welcome speech emphasized the importance of education in fostering cultural awareness and understanding among the younger generation. The Public Relations Officer also highlighted the role of FIB UGM in promoting cultural studies and its commitment to supporting educational initiatives.

After the opening, a representative from SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the esteemed faculty. The representative emphasized the importance of such visits in broadening students’ horizons and inspiring them to pursue higher education. The speech uplifted the audience’s spirit and strengthened the value of educational collaboration between the institutions.

Public Relations of FIB UGM presented information about various programs and research initiatives offered by the faculty. The presentation covered topics such as cultural heritage, literature, and the significance of interdisciplinary studies in understanding cultural dynamics. Students were encouraged to ask questions, leading to an interactive session that fostered curiosity and engagement.

A question and answer session followed the presentation, allowing students to delve deeper into the discussed topics. Students asked about the faculty’s programs, career opportunities in cultural studies, and the impact of education on cultural preservation. Faculty representatives responded in ways that further increased students’ interest in pursuing education in the field of cultural sciences.

After the informative session in the auditorium, students were invited to tour the faculty. The tour included visits to the Mandala Majapahit Archaeological Museum and the Javanese Heritage collection. Students showed great enthusiasm for the rich cultural artifacts and historical exhibits, which provided a tangible connection to the subjects they had learned about during the presentation. The tour concluded with a group photo session in the GSP (Grha Sabha Pramana) area, where students gathered to capture the memorable moment.

This visit not only enriched students’ knowledge but also inspired them to consider further studies in cultural sciences. The event affirmed the commitment of both institutions to advancing education and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage among the younger generation.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship lecture series with the fifth meeting featuring Sofian Munawar, S.S., M.A., Founder of Ruang Baca Komunitas. In this session, students were invited to explore the concept of social entrepreneurship, a business approach that prioritizes solving social, environmental, and community issues through innovative and sustainable methods.

The lecture highlighted that social entrepreneurship is not merely profit-driven but instead focuses on social missions, innovation, sustainability, and generating real impact for communities. In the context of literature and language studies, this can be applied through creative literacy initiatives such as reading and writing workshops, digital literacy development, promoting a reading culture, and expanding public access to educational resources.

Students of the Arabic Study Program were also introduced to various examples of social entrepreneurship practices, both globally and locally. Inspiring cases such as Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Warby Parker in the United States, and Indonesia’s National Literacy Movement showcased how social enterprises can improve quality of life while fostering independence. Locally, best practices from Yogyakarta were presented, including CV Agradaya Indonesia, which promotes sustainable spice farming; Yayasan Penyandang Cacat Mandiri, which empowers people with disabilities through woodcraft; and Sayur Sleman Academy, which trains young agripreneurs. These examples served as both motivation and inspiration for students to see the potential in their own fields.

The lecture also addressed the challenges facing literacy movements, such as limited resources, lack of student motivation, and barriers to technology access. However, students were encouraged to view these challenges as opportunities for innovation through collaboration among schools, families, and communities. This perspective reinforced the idea that literacy is not confined to classrooms but is brought to life through community activities, local culture, and digital platforms.

Through this session, Arabic Study Program students not only gained a conceptual understanding of social entrepreneurship but were also challenged to develop real initiatives rooted in literature and language that could bring tangible benefits to society. This lecture also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening literacy movements, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering social enterprises that create meaningful jobs, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive community empowerment programs.

[Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, September 17, 2025 — The premiere of Unexpected Peace was held on Wednesday (Sept. 17, 2025), bringing together several prominent figures who emphasized the importance of viewing conflicts through a humanitarian lens rather than merely political or territorial ones.

In the forum, Michael and Johnathan opened the discussion by examining the Israel-Palestine conflict as a concrete example of the complexities of peace. They highlighted the harsh realities of life in Gaza, where people are often trapped in cycles of dehumanization. “Individuals may face limitations in confronting large-scale violence, yet each person still carries the responsibility to speak the truth,” said Michael.

Johnathan added that nonviolent approaches have proven more effective in resolving conflicts. He referred to stories presented in the film and emphasized that religion can serve as a spiritual guide in building peace.

Meanwhile, academic Achmad Munjid highlighted the importance of narrative in delivering moral messages. According to him, stories are easier for society to grasp as reflections of humanitarian values. He also stressed that conflicts arise from multiple factors, ranging from economic and political to cultural. “Genocide is the most extreme form of dehumanization, and it remains a global threat to this day,” he asserted.

The Q&A session deepened the discussion on religion, media, and the act of forgiveness. Johnathan cited the Amish community as an example, noting how they always choose to forgive first before considering other consequences. Michael emphasized that forgiveness can come from anywhere, while Munjid described it as “a radical act that seems almost impossible,” yet precisely what makes it meaningful.

Questions about the conditions required for peace were answered by Paulus, who emphasized the importance of respecting differences. According to him, authenticity and honesty are key to building trust. Yanni added that conflict resolution requires active engagement, the pursuit of shared goals, and agreements that are both clear and respected.

The event concluded with the understanding that peace is not something achieved instantly, but rather a long journey that demands courage, collective participation, and a commitment to dismantle stereotypes. Respecting differences and having the courage to forgive were highlighted as the main foundations of reconciliation.

The premiere of Unexpected Peace successfully demonstrated that viewing conflict through a humanitarian lens is a vital first step toward a more peaceful world. Narratives, real-life experiences, and open dialogue are believed to be powerful tools in fostering collective awareness of the importance of peace.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, September 2, 2025 – The Undergraduate Tourism Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an international guest lecture under the ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility program with the theme “Sustainability and Sustainable Practices in Tourism Enterprises.” The lecture featured Assoc. Prof. Halime Göktas Kulualp from Karabük University, Turkiye, shared valuable insights through the case study of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage City recognized since 1994.

In her presentation, Prof. Kulualp described Safranbolu as a small but historically rich town in Karabük Province, located in the Black Sea region of Turkiye. For centuries, it served as an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, a trade route connecting Asia and Europe. The town has witnessed the presence of great civilizations, including the Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines, and reached its golden age under the Ottoman Empire. During this period, caravanserais such as the famous Cinci Han were established to host merchants and travelers passing through the region.

What makes Safranbolu truly unique is its remarkable Ottoman architecture. The town is renowned for its traditional houses, many of which are more than 300 years old, characterized by whitewashed walls, wooden frames, large windows, and private courtyards. These houses are living examples of how Turkish people once lived. Beyond its architecture, Safranbolu is also surrounded by natural beauty, with stunning sites like Tokatl Canyon and Bulak Caves attracting both domestic and international visitors.

The name Safranbolu comes from “saffron,” a rare and precious spice that grows in the area, combined with the name of the nearby region, Bolu. This name reflects the city’s cultural identity and historical wealth. UNESCO’s recognition highlights Safranbolu’s authenticity, integrity, and its importance as a living heritage for humanity. According to Prof. Kulualp, Safranbolu’s success in preserving its cultural legacy while embracing tourism offers an inspiring example of how heritage conservation and sustainable development can go hand in hand.

Through this guest lecture, UGM Tourism students were encouraged to see tourism not only as an economic activity but also as a responsibility to safeguard cultural heritage. The story of Safranbolu reminds us that sustainability in tourism is essential to protect history while ensuring benefits for local communities and future generations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Monday, September 29, 2025 – The American Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Focused Writing Workshop on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM (WIB) via Zoom Meeting. The workshop was led by Dr. Ashika Prajnya Paramita, M.A. and attended by undergraduate, master’s, doctoral students, as well as staff members of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The workshop was designed to provide a supportive writing community where participants could focus on completing various academic projects, ranging from theses, articles, assignments, to research papers. Through this shared writing space, participants were encouraged to set clear writing goals, stay motivated, and engage in productive writing through structured sprints.

The workshop format consisted of two writing sessions, each lasting 40 minutes with a 10-minute break in between. In addition to the writing sessions, Dr. Ashika also facilitated discussions on the challenges faced by participants in their writing process and offered reviews of their works.

This activity is planned to be held regularly every month, serving as a sustainable platform to foster productive writing habits within the academic community of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]