Yogyakarta, 23 Juli 2025 – A proud achievement has once again been made by a student of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Ihsania Salma, a 2023 cohort student known for her active and inspiring spirit, has successfully earned the 2024 Beasiswa Unggulan from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding youth committed to making real contributions to society.

In an exclusive interview with the IKMASA Media Team, Ihsania—affectionately called Sania—shared her journey as a passionate student, literacy activist, and campus leader. She has taken on numerous roles with dedication, including as Mentor Coordinator for La-Tansa, Co-Facilitator for PPSMB PIONIR, and Chairperson of the 2024 Festival Anak Gadjah Mada Menginspirasi. She is also actively involved in teaching communities and women’s advocacy through Srikandi UGM.

“Becoming an awardee isn’t just about academic scores, but about who we are and what we stand for,” said Sania.

She emphasized that consistency, strong intent, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone were the keys to securing the scholarship. Through writing, podcasting, and meaningful daily contributions, Sania shows that every step—no matter how small—can carry great impact.

Through this achievement, Sania hopes to continue creating a meaningful impact and serve as an inspiration to her fellow Arabic Literature students. She encourages peers to start from small things, stay consistent, and dare to dream big.

“We don’t have to be perfect to be useful. Just start with small, sincere steps,” Sania concluded enthusiastically.

For students inspired by Sania’s story, a golden opportunity is now available. The registration for Beasiswa Unggulan 2025 is officially open until July 27, 2025. This program offers financial support to high-achieving students who are committed to using their knowledge and talents in service of society. Don’t miss it out! Prepare your documents and apply through the official portal at beasiswaunggulan.kemdikbud.go.id 

[ Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, June 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) officially signed a collaboration agreement with HOMSEA (History of Medicine in Southeast Asia) to co-host The 10th International Conference on the History of Medicine in Southeast Asia. The symbolic signing ceremony was held at Soegondo Hall, FIB UGM, with the Deans of FKKMK and FIB in attendance.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., Dean of FIB UGM, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to host such a significant international gathering and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in understanding the historical roots of health systems. Representing FIB UGM, Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A. served as the Person-in-Charge (PIC) of the event, actively coordinating the collaboration with HOMSEA and FKKMK UGM.

Held under the theme “The History of Medicine in Colonial, Post–Colonial, and Global Worlds,” the four-day conference takes place from June 23 to 27, 2025. The event began with a Pre-Conference Workshop on June 23, followed by the main conference sessions from June 24 to 26, and concludes with an optional Historical Hospital Tour on June 27.

This year’s conference addresses several vital subthemes

• Health, Medicine, and Decolonization,
• Community Health vs Medical Specialization,
• Connections and Differences within Southeast Asia,
• The Anthropocene from a Southeast Asian Perspective,
• Medicine, Ethics, Politics, and the Sustainable Development Goals,
• and Climate Change and Environmental Degradation.

Founded in 2005 by Prof. Laurence Monnais (University of Montreal) and Dr. Rethy Chhem (former Executive Director of the Cambodia Development Resource Institute), HOMSEA has served as a platform for scholars and practitioners to share insights and research on the history of health and medicine in the region.

To foster inclusivity, HOMSEA continues to provide travel bursaries and waived conference fees for participants from countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. These bursaries are made possible through support from institutions including the Canada Research Chair in Healthcare Pluralism, the Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies (KITLV), and the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre.

This collaborative effort is expected to strengthen the development of research on the history of medicine in Southeast Asia and contribute meaningfully to the pursuit of equitable and sustainable global health systems.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

“As a child, I always wondered: why is it that when I can think of something, others may not? And vice versa, others can come up with ideas that have never crossed my mind. Over time, I realized that every person possesses a unique way of thinking and their own kind of intelligence.”

This simple yet profound reflection has become the foundation for the inspiring journey of Noveza Prima Prasta, a second-semester student of Arabic Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Her path has led her into the heart of education—not merely as someone who teaches, but as someone who learns from life and the children she meets along the way.

Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes

At a young age, Noveza has actively immersed herself in various educational volunteer programs. Her firm belief that understanding a child’s reality and mindset is the first step toward change has shaped her journey. She has been involved in communities such as Rumah Mengajar UGM, Elbom, Arabic Camp, and TPA Al Akhdor. These experiences have taught her more than just how to instruct; they’ve revealed the beauty of character diversity, hope, and the limitless ways children perceive the world.

“Every time I engage with children from different environments, I learn one thing: no intelligence is greater than another. There are simply different brain functions and different life experiences,” she shared.

Education Beyond the Classroom

Noveza’s commitment to education goes far beyond academic content. She actively participates in inclusive educational initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat Serdadu Kumbang, where she emphasizes empathy and inclusivity in every learning session. She recognizes that education is not just about delivering materials—it’s about taking a stand, being present, and showing genuine care.

“Many children just need to be heard, appreciated, and assured that they are capable,” she said.

Her approach is not limited to being a teacher; she chooses to be a learning companion—one who listens to each whisper from a child’s heart, one who validates their silent hopes.

The Right to Learn, the Right to Be Understood

Throughout her journey, Noveza has often encountered a touching reality: many Indonesian children still lack access to learning spaces that honor their individual thinking styles and intelligence. She sees firsthand that every child has unique strengths. Some shine in logic, others in art; some blossom in discussion, while others thrive on emotional connection.

Unfortunately, a rigid, results-oriented education system often fails to embrace this diversity. Many students are left behind—not because they are incapable, but because their learning needs are unmet.

“Sometimes, I meet children who are labeled ‘slow’ at school. But when I engage them through play-based learning, they absorb information rapidly,” she explained. “The problem isn’t with the children—it lies in the approach that doesn’t yet accommodate all kinds of learners.”

A Life Devoted to Empowerment

For Noveza, volunteering is not a hobby—it’s a calling. She dreams of one day building a community learning center for marginalized children—a safe, joyful space where learning feels natural, stress-free, and full of warmth. In her view, consistent small actions, no matter how modest, can become beacons of hope in a world full of challenges.

One quote she holds dear encapsulates her mission: “العلم نور”—knowledge is light.

Her story reminds us that education should never be confined to walls, tests, or rigid systems. Instead, it must grow into a dynamic force that meets children where they are. For Noveza, every child—regardless of background—deserves an equitable, understanding space to grow. And in that space, the spark of learning becomes a light that never fades.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 12/06/2025- The phrase “Language is a window to the world” may sound simple, but for Khoirunisa Diah Pranata, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Class of 2022), it holds profound meaning. She has experienced firsthand how language is not just a tool for communication, but also a bridge that connects people from different cultural backgrounds, habits, and even ways of thinking. Through her role as a tutor in the Indonesian Culture and Language Service (INCULS) program, Sasa—her nickname—has embarked on a learning journey that is not just about teaching, but also about growing and learning together.

Sasa joined INCULS as a tutor in 2024. Her interest stemmed from her passion for interacting with people from various backgrounds. For her, university life is not only about reading books and completing academic assignments, but also about real-life experiences that broaden one’s perspective. “When I meet and speak with international students, I feel there’s a two-way learning process happening. I learn about them, and they learn about Indonesia,” she explained. Thus, being a tutor is more than just an informal teaching role—it’s a meaningful position that brings together people and cultures.

During her time as a tutor, Sasa supported several programs such as the Kokushikan University program (Japan), the 2025 Developing Countries Partnership (KNB) scholarship program, and a program from Monash University (Australia). Among all her experiences, Sasa found her most memorable moments with Shotaro, a student from the Kokushikan program. Shotaro was not only active and open-minded but also had a strong curiosity about Indonesian culture and social life. “We often had discussions, not just about vocabulary or grammar, but also about food, music, and daily habits,” Sasa recalled. To her, Shotaro exemplified how language learning can be a tool for building genuine connections.

Sasa’s tutoring approach is quite unique. She doesn’t stick to formal or conventional teaching methods. Instead, she prioritizes a personal approach. At the beginning of each session, she usually asks light questions like favorite colors, favorite foods, or preferred sports. The goal isn’t just to break the ice but to create a connection through personal interests. When a student’s hobbies or interests differ from hers, she finds common ground by connecting them with other students who share similar interests. “I believe language learning can be more effective when it starts from things that are close to everyday life,” she said.

One of the techniques Sasa often uses is flashcards, especially for introducing vocabulary related to objects, fruits, or colors. Visual aids such as picture cards have proven effective, especially for students who are not fluent in English. “I once taught a student who was not only new to the Indonesian language but also not very proficient in English. In that case, body language, facial expressions, and images became the main tools for communication,” she explained. In situations like these, Sasa realized that creativity is key to teaching. She also intentionally avoids using overly formal Indonesian to keep the learning environment relaxed and approachable.

Despite its joys, tutoring does come with challenges. One of the main challenges Sasa faced was language barriers. Many students came to INCULS with only very basic Indonesian language skills, and some had limited English proficiency as well. This required Sasa to find creative ways to keep communication flowing. “I have to be patient and read their expressions well. Sometimes they feel shy or lack confidence, which can also hinder their learning process,” she shared. To address this, Sasa employed a more personal approach. She wasn’t just a tutor in class but also a friend outside of it. She greeted students when passing by, engaged in casual conversations, and even accompanied a student to see a doctor when they were ill.

This experience was not only a learning process for the students but also had a significant impact on Sasa’s personal growth. She feels that she has become more open, communicative, and willing to try new things. “Being a tutor often made me reflect on my own understanding of Indonesia. Sometimes when students ask questions about things I consider ordinary, I feel challenged to explain them in a simple and understandable way,” she said. From this experience, Sasa realized that understanding one’s own culture is a vital part of being a language instructor.

Even with her best efforts, Sasa recognizes that tutoring is not something one can do alone without support. She emphasizes the importance of training for INCULS tutors, especially in teaching strategies and intercultural communication ethics. “We need more references and guidance, especially in responding to critical questions from international students. We don’t want misunderstandings, especially when explaining cultural habits or social systems in Indonesia,” she said. She also suggested that INCULS should provide more dedicated spaces to support the intensive teaching of the Indonesian language, creating a more conducive learning environment.

Despite all the challenges, Sasa expressed her gratitude to INCULS for providing her with a space to grow. “Thank you for being a true learning environment, a place to practice what it means to be Indonesian, and a place to grow. I hope INCULS continues to improve, expands its reach, and remains a healthy and inclusive platform for intercultural learning. I also wish the lecturers and staff continued health and success in carrying out their responsibilities,” she said sincerely.

Sasa’s experience as a tutor at INCULS is a small glimpse into a larger ongoing process: how language can become a unifying force, how learning can be a two-way journey, and how diversity is not just a challenge, but a source of richness. Experiences like hers are essential stepping stones toward building a global society that embraces mutual understanding, respect, and shared learning.

[INCULS UGM]

Yogyakarta, 31/05/2025 – At INCULS (Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service), learning Bahasa Indonesia goes beyond the classroom. One of the approaches used is contextual learning—bringing students closer to the culture behind the language. A perfect example of this was the recent field trip to Borobudur and Prambanan Temples on May 31, 2025, with the 2024/2025 KNB (Kemitraan Negara Berkembang) scholarship students. Both temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that hold rich historical and cultural significance, making them ideal learning destinations.

The journey began early in the morning at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, with participants traveling by bus. After a two-hour ride, the group arrived at Borobudur Temple in Magelang. There, students climbed the temple while listening to explanations from a local guide about the history, architectural structure, and philosophical meanings behind the stone reliefs carved into the temple walls. The interaction between the students and the guide was active and lively, with many students asking questions, recording the explanation, and taking photos to document the experience.

After exploring Borobudur, the group headed to Kampung Ulam Restaurant for lunch.The menu featured traditional dishes such as Javanese style fried chicken, empal bacem, sautéed vegetables, tempe, sambal, and crackers. Beyond being a break from the trip, the lunch provided an opportunity to experience local food culture in a friendly and relaxed setting.

The journey continued to Prambanan Temple in Sleman, Yogyakarta, where the group arrived around 4 p.m. Despite the cloudy weather, the visit went smoothly. At the site, students listened to further explanations from the guide about the history of Prambanan, the values reflected in its reliefs, and the legend of Roro Jonggrang, which is closely linked to the temple’s origin story.

This field trip was more than just a sightseeing tour. It was part of INCULS commitment to making language learning more meaningful. By visiting cultural and historical sites, students not only improve their language skills, but also develop a deeper understanding of Indonesian identity and traditions. Experiences like this help students connect more personally with the language and culture, and also a great way to build friendships and memories during their time in Indonesia.