On Thursday–Friday, 10–11 September 2026, the Master’s Program in Linguistics and the Department of Indonesian Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held the International Conference on Linguistic Studies. The conference, which carried the theme “Forms, Meanings, and Functions of Language in the Era of Digital Transformation,” took place at the Poerbatjaraka Building, FIB UGM.

One of the participants in the conference was Haryo Untoro, an alumnus of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM and a fast track student in the Master’s Program in Linguistics at FIB UGM. At the conference, Haryo had the opportunity to serve as a presenter, presenting his research entitled “Negotiating Cultural Identity in the Translation of Indonesian Poetry into Old Javanese in the Poetry Anthology Jenggala: Kumpulan Puisi Dwibahasa.”

The study examines the processes of cultural identity formation and negotiation in the translation of Indonesian poetry into Old Javanese. The poetry anthology Jenggala: Kumpulan Puisi Dwibahasa serves as the object of study, with Indonesian as the source language and Old Javanese as the target language. Old Javanese has a different position from Indonesian, as it is no longer used as a language of everyday communication and has no native speakers. This condition is one of the issues examined in the study, particularly in relation to how cultural identity is negotiated through translation choices into Old Javanese.

On Thursday, 10 September 2026, Haryo presented his research at the international conference. For Haryo, the conference was his first experience participating in an international conference and presenting his research at an academic forum. In an interview conducted on 18 September 2026, he admitted that he initially felt nervous but nevertheless tried to prepare and deliver his presentation as well as possible.

Participating in an international conference provides an academic experience that can encourage students to continue developing their research skills and confidence in presenting their ideas in academic forums. At the same time, such academic activities demonstrate that the study of regional languages and cultures can continue to develop through research using perspectives that are relevant to the advancement of knowledge.

Through such experiences, students are expected not only to continue developing their academic capacities but also to cultivate a commitment to preserving and developing regional cultures. These efforts can be pursued through various academic activities and research as part of nguri-uri, meaning “preserving,” and ngurip-urip, meaning “keeping alive and fostering,” cultural traditions so that they can contiue.

Writer : Nurul Fajri Rahmani

Editor : Nurul Fajri Rahmani

YOGYAKARTA – The growing demand for Hajj and Umrah services in Indonesia continues to create career opportunities for students of Arabic Literature, particularly for those who combine Arabic language proficiency with professional skills. This was one of the topics discussed in the Entrepreneurship and Self-Development course attended by students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada on September 21, 2026. Under the theme “Hajj and Umrah Management,” the course featured Kuwat Prasetya, S.S., Founder of Nur Ramadhan Hajj and Umrah Agency, as the guest speaker.

The session began with a discussion on the strategic role of Arabic language skills in the professional world. Kuwat explained that graduates of Arabic Literature have career opportunities not only in education and diplomacy but also in Hajj and Umrah management and Saudi handling services. A strong understanding of Hajj and Umrah management systems is an important foundation for those seeking to build a career in the field.

Kuwat explained that Hajj services are divided into three categories: regular Hajj, special Hajj, and Hajj Mujamalah, each of which has different procedures, costs, and departure requirements. Meanwhile, Umrah services generally consist of regular and premium packages. Understanding visa regulations is also crucial for professionals working in the travel and Hajj and Umrah service industry. Kuwat highlighted that Saudi Arabian visas vary in type and purpose. A visa valid during the Hajj season does not automatically permit its holder to perform Hajj.

Kuwat also introduced various career opportunities in the industry, including hotel specialist, ticketing officer, Umrah visa specialist, tour planner, handling specialist, marketing, customer service, finance, social media specialist, tour guide, mutawif, tour leader, and IT support. According to him, each position requires specific competencies, which can be strengthened through relevant professional certifications. 

“Arabic opens the door. Competence gets you hired. Integrity earns your trust. Professionalism keeps you going.” In closing, Kuwat encouraged students of Arabic Literature to begin developing their career strategies and preparing the relevant competencies for their chosen career paths. These efforts should be accompanied by integrity, responsibility, adaptability, and professionalism in providing services to pilgrims. Such efforts are also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Author : Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani

The Information and Media Division (Medinfo) of HIMAJE held a Design Workshop titled Figma 101 on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Poerbatjaraka Room 201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. WIB, the workshop provided students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program with an opportunity to explore digital design through Figma.

Through the workshop, students had the opportunity to become familiar with a digital design tool that can be used to create various types of visual content. The use of Figma also provided a space for students to explore their creativity and develop their design skills.

The Figma 101 Design Workshop is expected to broaden students’ knowledge and equip them with digital skills that can support various academic and organizational activities, particularly in communicating information through visual media.

Author: Japanese Language and Literature Program

Yogyakarta, 9 September 2026 — The Master’s Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Keluarga Mahasiswa Linguistik Gadjah Mada (Kalingga UGM), held an Expert Lecture entitled “Indonesian for Foreign Speakers” on Wednesday, 9 September 2026. Conducted online via Zoom, the event featured two speakers who explored various aspects of teaching and learning Indonesian as a foreign language.

The first speaker, Nguyen Thahn Tuan from Vietnam National University, Vietnam, delivered a presentation entitled “Teaching Indonesian in Vietnam: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Prospects.” His presentation explored the dynamics of Indonesian language teaching in Vietnam, highlighting the challenges encountered, opportunities for development, and future prospects for Indonesian language learning.

The second speaker, Dr. Wira Kurniawati, S.S., M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada, presented “Learning Language, Learning to Use Language: The Acquisition of Pragmatic Competence among BIPA Learners.” Her presentation highlighted the importance of pragmatic competence in language acquisition, particularly among BIPA learners. The discussion emphasized that language learning involves not only mastering linguistic structures but also developing the ability to use language appropriately in different communicative contexts.

The event was moderated by Nur Fahmi, S.S., a student of the UGM Master’s Program in Linguistics.

The Expert Lecture provided participants with an opportunity to broaden their perspectives on the teaching and learning of Indonesian as a foreign language. The presentations offered complementary perspectives on BIPA development, ranging from Indonesian language teaching overseas to the acquisition of pragmatic competence among learners.

Through this event, the UGM Master’s Program in Linguistics continues to promote linguistics scholarship that responds to the growing role of Indonesian in a global context. The event also served as a platform for sharing academic knowledge and experiences to support the wider international development of the Indonesian language.

The UGM Master’s Program in Linguistics extends its appreciation to the speakers, moderator, organizing committee, and all participants for their valuable contributions to the success of the event.

Author: Master of Linguistics

The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (BKJ UGM) held Benkyou Camp 2026 on September 19–20, 2026, under the theme “Tsukari Carnival.” The event provided an opportunity for new students to become more familiar with the academic environment and the BKJ UGM community. Through a series of engaging activities, students were introduced to Japanese culture, had the opportunity to meet the program’s lecturers (sensei), and gained an overview of university life within the study program.

Inspired by the spirit of Tsukari Carnival, the new students participated in various activities and completed missions designed around the event’s theme. These activities provided opportunities for students to get to know one another, build camaraderie, and adapt to their new environment. The introduction to Japanese culture and the opportunity to meet the sensei also formed an important part of their first experiences as BKJ UGM students.

The second day marked the highlight of Benkyou Camp 2026, featuring a variety of lively performances. Student performances, including the Ichinen Show and Ninen Show, added to the excitement while providing a platform for students to showcase their creativity and strengthen their bonds. Through Benkyou Camp 2026, new students are expected to become more familiar with BKJ UGM, build connections across cohorts, and begin their university journey with a strong sense of camaraderie.

Author: SAHLA NAURA NOOR SABRINA