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

Yogyakarta, 15/8/2025 – Two lecturers from the Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Faruk Tripoli, S.U., and Dr. phil. Ramayda Akmal, S.S., M.A., launched their latest book Naratologi Klasik through a discussion event held at SaRang Art, Books & Coffee on Friday, August 15, 2025. The event was part of the Forum Bakal Buku program, which provides a platform for authors and publishers to present their upcoming works.

In a discussion moderated by Heru, the authors emphasized the importance of narratology as one of the pillars of literary studies. Prof. Faruk likened narratology to a camera capable of “shooting” and “zooming,” helping readers to grasp a story in its entirety. “No matter how much we analyze the content through various approaches, narratology allows us to better understand the story,” he remarked.

Moderator Heru added that narratology makes readers more attentive to narrative techniques rather than merely the content of a story. He illustrated this by showing how the 1998 events could be understood differently through direct testimony compared to a novel addressing the same events. “One of the greatest mistakes literature students make is to immediately focus on the content, while narratology actually explains how the story is conveyed,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ramayda Akmal stressed that the way a story is told often carries ideological weight. “The foundation of narratology lies in two things: first, studying the content of the story in literary works, and second, examining how the story is presented. It is in this mode of presentation that political elements often emerge,” she noted.

The discussion was interactive, with an enthusiastic audience engaging directly with the authors. The presence of Naratologi Klasik is expected to make a significant contribution to enriching literary theory in Indonesia, while also reinforcing the position of narratology as a critical tool for reading literary texts within their social, cultural, and political contexts.

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

Yogyakarta, 19/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a special inaugural lecture for the new undergraduate students of the 2025 academic year. The event featured the keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., who presented on the theme “Healthy Relationships, Strong Minds, Enthusiastic Learning.”

In her presentation, Prof. Wening introduced her book titled “Healthy Relationships,” which is based on the principles of positive thinking, collaboration, and inclusivity. She emphasized that collaboration is the key to mutual progress, while inclusivity means involving all parties without exception, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, remote areas, and friends with disabilities. She asserted that healthy relationships should not only be applied among students but also between lecturers and in external collaborations such as community service and internships.

Furthermore, Prof. Wening highlighted that diverse backgrounds could lead to conflicts or violence, making awareness of justice, equality, and democracy crucial for creating a safe and comfortable academic environment. She elaborated on various forms of violence that need to be watched out for, ranging from verbal, psychological, sexual, symbolic, to intellectual violence.

During this occasion, Prof. Wening reminded the new FIB students that their selection from a large pool of applicants is a significant achievement, but it must be accompanied by humility and respect for others. She emphasized that UGM should no longer be known for the term “killer lecturers,” but rather as a University that upholds healthy relationships.

The event was interactive, featuring a question-and-answer session between the new students and Prof. Wening. The discussion was lively, with questions coming from various majors within FIB. The critical inquiries from students enriched the collective understanding of the importance of building healthy relationships in both academic and social life.

The inaugural lecture concluded with a collective call to build awareness in creating security, comfort, and a positive learning spirit. It is hoped that all new FIB UGM students can embark on their academic journey with strong minds, healthy relationships, and a sustainable enthusiasm for learning.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event underscores the importance of access to education and the establishment of basic living standards. By fostering an inclusive academic environment, UGM aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to quality education and the necessary support to thrive.

Prof. Wening’s emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity resonates with the SDG goal of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the need for development assistance in underprivileged areas. By addressing these issues, UGM is not only contributing to the academic growth of its students but also to the broader societal development.

As the new academic year begins, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM is committed to nurturing a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration among its students and faculty. This commitment is essential for creating a conducive learning environment that promotes personal and academic growth.

Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly celebrates another remarkable achievement through one of its alumni, Andri Fernanda. A graduate of the Master’s Program in Literary Studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, Andri has successfully earned the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship—one of the world’s most renowned academic exchange programs sponsored by the United States government. The program aims to promote intercultural understanding through education and research.

Andri will pursue his doctoral studies at the University of Washington, USA, which is recognized as one of the Public Ivies—a group of elite public universities in the United States that provide world-class education and research standards. This opportunity not only highlights Andri’s academic excellence but also underscores the importance of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

In addition to receiving the Fulbright Scholarship, Andri has also secured additional funding from the University of Washington in the form of a Full Tuition Waiver. This financial support will allow him to fully concentrate on his studies without the burden of tuition fees, further emphasizing the role of educational institutions in providing accessible education.

Andri’s consistency is evident in his academic track record. During his Master’s studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, he was also awarded an international thesis grant from the faculty, which enabled him to conduct his thesis research at Monash University, Australia. This experience not only enriched his academic journey but also enhanced his research skills and intercultural competence.

Starting in Autumn 2025, Andri will commence his doctoral studies in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Washington. His journey is a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and building global connections. It is hoped that Andri’s success will inspire students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, to continue growing, contributing, and collaborating on the international stage.

The Fulbright Program is known for its rigorous selection process, and Andri’s achievement reflects his dedication and perseverance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of pursuing higher education and the opportunities it can create for both individuals and communities. Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable development, making Andri’s accomplishment a significant milestone not only for himself but also for UGM and Indonesia.

As Andri embarks on this new chapter of his academic career, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of many young scholars. His journey will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of knowledge in his field and foster cultural exchange between Indonesia and the United States. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, takes great pride in supporting students like Andri, who embody the spirit of academic excellence and global citizenship.

In conclusion, Andri Fernanda’s achievement in earning the Fulbright Scholarship is a shining example of how education can open doors to new opportunities and foster international collaboration. It is a reminder that with determination and support, students can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

[Public Relation, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]