Yogyakarta, May 17, 2025 – To recharge students’ spirits amid their demanding academic schedules, the Interests and Talents Division (Mikat) of the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted Badminton Time – “Edisi Keringet Bareng!” on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at GOR Lembah UGM from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

The event was open to all Arabic Study Program students, whether seasoned badminton players or those simply looking to have fun and break a sweat together. With an entry fee of only Rp5,000, participants were provided with shuttlecocks, access to the court, and a vibrant opportunity to play and connect with fellow IKMASA members. No registration was required; students simply needed to show up in sportswear with energy and enthusiasm. Rackets were also available on-site for borrowing.

This activity also aligned with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—in particular, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By creating a physically active and socially inclusive space, Badminton Time served as a platform for building community through wellness and collaboration.

The event successfully strengthened solidarity among IKMASA members while providing a healthy and enjoyable break from academic routines. Badminton Time stands as a testament that the spirit of sports, joy, and togetherness continues to thrive among Arabic Literature students at UGM.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, May 23, 2025 — Elvira Sundari, an Arabic Study Program student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), claimed first place in the female category of the 2025 Yogyakarta Language Ambassador Selection. The award was announced during the Grand Final and Awarding Night held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM WIB in the Bima Hall, Yogyakarta City Hall.

In a night filled with energy and excitement, Elvira delivered an outstanding performance alongside Razif Raihan Rasyid, a student from UGM’s Faculty of Animal Science, who was named the male first-place winner. Together, they will represent the Yogyakarta Special Region at the upcoming National Language Ambassador Competition. 

The Yogyakarta Language Ambassador Competition is an annual program organized by the Yogyakarta Language Center (Balai Bahasa Yogyakarta or BBY) to select young individuals with strong competence in language and literature. The selection process began well before the awarding night, starting with document screening, followed by interviews, intensive training, and final evaluations. Participants were assessed on personal potential, linguistic knowledge, and foreign language proficiency.

Drs. Anang Santosa, M.Hum., Head of BBY, emphasized that the Language Ambassador selection is more than a competition. It is a platform to shape agents of change who can preserve and promote the Indonesian language, safeguard regional languages, and master foreign languages. This initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by empowering youth in advancing literacy, language, and cultural awareness.

[Author, Elvira Sundari]

Yogyakarta, May 25, 2025 — A solemn and heartfelt atmosphere filled the event “Membaca Karya Emha dan Doa Ambal Warsa Cak Nun 72 Tahun” held in celebration of the 72nd birthday of cultural and spiritual figure Emha Ainun Nadjib, widely known as Cak Nun. Hosted at the West Office Hallway of Jogja Expo Center (JEC) from 6:00 to 9:00 AM, the event drew participants from various backgrounds—academics, cultural practitioners, and the general public.

More than a tribute, the gathering served as a spiritual and intellectual forum where participants shared readings of Cak Nun’s works, offered prayers, and expressed hopes for his continued health and contribution to Indonesian culture and Islamic thought. The initiative was led by Sigit Sugito, Head of Koperasi Seniman Yogyakarta (KOSETA).

In addition to artists and cultural figures, several academics were in attendance, including Professor Aprinus Salam, Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, who read aloud one of Cak Nun’s poems. His presence was made even more meaningful as he was joined by his wife, Pristi Salam, whose melodious performance of a lyrical piece deeply moved the audience.

Also present was senior artist Yati Pesek, a well-known comedian and legendary ketoprak performer. She shared her admiration for Cak Nun’s ability to preserve local culture while remaining a devout follower of Islamic teachings. “One day I met Kyai Maimun Zubair. In his sermon, he said that local culture should go hand-in-hand with Islam. I believe Cak Nun has embodied that in his life. He remains devoted to Prophet Muhammad while upholding Javanese cultural values. That’s what I admire most about him,” she remarked.

Cultural figure Yani Saptohoedojo also highlighted the reflective and critical nature of Cak Nun’s literary works. “Sometimes his work contains criticism, but it’s always conveyed gently,” he noted, underscoring the poet’s subtle and humane approach to addressing social issues.

The event left a lasting impression on all who attended. It served as both a celebration and a reflection on the life and legacy of Cak Nun. On his 72nd birthday, attendees extended heartfelt prayers for his continued health and productivity, hoping he will persist in creating meaningful contributions to culture, spirituality, and society.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 — The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari by Kuntowijoyo marked a special moment at the 2025 Jogja Art + Books Fest. Held at The Ratan, Bantul, the event was attended by academics, literary activists, and literature enthusiasts. The launch discussion featured Prof. Faruk H.T.  (Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature and Literary Critic) and writer Mahfud Ikhwan as keynote speakers, with Amanatia Junda serving as moderator.

Originally written by Kuntowijoyo in 1964, the novel is set against the backdrop of the 1949 Indonesian revolution. Rather than emphasizing heroism, the story portrays village life, interpersonal conflict, and a collective search for the meaning of independence in a more humanistic light. This work is especially important to revisit today, notably for its unique sense of locality and spirituality.

In his presentation, Prof. Faruk highlighted that the novel expresses a spirit of reconciliation and communal cooperation as a way out of socio-political conflict. “This novel offers a communal solution to the tensions of that time—between the colonizers and the colonized, between nationalists and traditional elders. Its foundation is oral tradition, and forgiveness is the key theme,” he explained. This underscores an effort toward ideological reconciliation after conflict.

Mahfud Ikhwan, affectionately known as Cak Mahfud and widely recognized for his deep interest in the history of Indonesian literature, noted that the novel had long been “forgotten” and seldom read by the younger generation. He also drew attention to the historical context of Kuntowijoyo’s creative process. “The novel was written between 1963 and 1964, but it is often associated with the events of 1965. This is interesting because we might ask whether Kunto was responding to the events of 1949 or actually preparing for 1965,” he remarked.

The re-publication of this novel was initiated by Dodo Hartoko through Pabrik Tulisan Publishing, with illustrations by Enka Komariah. “Our hope is that this work can reach younger readers without feeling outdated or vintage,” said Dodo in his opening remarks. The new edition features a minimalist and modern design while remaining faithful to the original manuscript. He also emphasized that the setting of the story—Ngawonggo, Ceper—further strengthens the novel’s local thematic character.

The discussion session was lively and interactive. During the Q&A, Arif Kurniawan asked, “If Kuntowijoyo were given the opportunity to write and respond to today’s chaotic political landscape, what would come out of his typewriter?” Prof. Faruk responded by reflecting on Kuntowijoyo’s creative trajectory. “If we look at his first novel, it was very spontaneous, with little control—like the author was directly conversing with the reader. Over time, his writing became more disciplined and autonomous, as though the author gradually stepped back. If Kuntowijoyo were still alive and responding to today’s issues, perhaps his writing would be more realistic, yet still carry his prophetic mission,” he stated. Mahfud added that Kuntowijoyo’s authorship evolved alongside his deepening Sufi ideology: “Kuntowijoyo’s works do not merely record history—they provide meaning through spirituality. If he were writing today, that would likely still define his style.”

The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari not only marks the return of one of Indonesia’s important literary works to the public eye but also underscores the significance of preserving classic literature. This event is part of the Jogja Art + Books Fest 2025’s broader mission to position Yogyakarta as a collaborative space for art, literature, and critical discourse. Kuntowijoyo’s work, in this context, is not merely read as a historical document, but as an interpretation of Indonesia’s present and future.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – The national seminar held on May 16, 2025, marked the conclusion of the academic visit series by the Student Association of the Literature and Cultural Studies Graduate Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted by the American Studies Student and Alumni Association (ASSAA). On this occasion, the seminar featured three speakers: Glory Emanuelle, a graduate student from UGM’s American Studies program, and Ahmad Faizin and Athaya Belia, graduate students from UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies program.

In this session, each speaker presented various perspectives linked to culture and the identity of certain groups. For example, Ahmad Faizin’s presentation focused on the morning coffee-drinking culture in the Magelang area, which has become part of the identity of the community practicing it. Meanwhile, Athaya Belia’s presentation focused on the pop culture of metal music, specifically the Baddiecore genre, and concluded that fan communities can also evolve due to a shared sense of belonging. In the final presentation, Glory Emanuelle discussed the relationship between media and the representation of Native American tribes on the TikTok platform. Although each presentation brought a different perspective and focus, they shared a common theme: culture, media, and individual identity are interconnected and shape communities.

This collaboration between UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies graduate students and UGM’s American Studies graduate students not only opens up opportunities to better understand how both local and global cultures influence and shape communities, but also builds a bridge for future collaboration between UNAIR and UGM.

[Public Relations of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]