At the recent K-Speech Eloquence Competition held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi, S.S., M.A., a lecturer in the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), received a Dedication Award from Mr. Woo Young Taek, President of the K-Speech Eloquence Association Indonesia.

This award was presented in recognition of her consistent dedication over the past three years in mentoring UGM students for the competition in Jakarta, and even accompanying last year’s winner to the international contest in Vientiane, Laos.

The plaque also acknowledged Ms. Alfi’s initiative in transforming the final speaking exam into a K-Speech-style oratory performance, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Korean language education. Additionally, she has facilitated opportunities for Mr. Woo Young Taek to visit UGM and deliver a special lecture on effective speech techniques.

Surprised and honored to receive the award, Ms. Alfi expressed her gratitude. She mentioned that the recognition serves as new motivation to further integrate Korean oratory training into practical speaking classes. Currently, beyond converting the final exam into oratory-style presentations, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM has also established a speaking club to prepare future competition participants. Over the past year, the club has been mentored by students, but moving forward, it will be supervised by faculty members to ensure UGM’s representatives are well-prepared both technically and mentally for the K-Speech stage.

Written by: Alfiana Amrin
Edited by: Sherina Azmi

Yogyakarta, July 7, 2025 — Ajengkanthi Prabaningjati, a 2022 student of the Japanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in the Community Service-Learning and Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) Period II of 2025 in Wardo Village, West Biak, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province.

Ajeng is part of a KKN team called Biak Elok, whose main program theme is “Optimizing Sustainable Marine Resources to Realize a Blue Economy.” The program focuses on empowering local communities through the sustainable utilization of marine wealth. “Most people in Wardo Village work as fishermen, with fish as the main commodity,” explained Ajeng.

Within the team, Ajeng serves as the Coordinator of the Education Division. Together with her team, she focuses on teaching activities, especially for elementary school children, with an emphasis on character education. “The education division and I focus on teaching the elementary school children in Wardo, but we also open community classes for anyone who wants to learn in the Church environment, and we also assist as mentors for Sunday school. I hope we can make a lasting impact on the children here,” she expressed.

During the KKN program, Ajeng and her fellow team members stayed at the GKI Betel Wardo Church. They were warmly welcomed and cared for by a couple they affectionately call Mama Regina and Papa Ben. “Mama and Papa have been a great help to us, especially in terms of food. Not only that, but the Church community has also been very friendly and welcoming. The children often play with us too. Honestly, I feel very grateful to be accepted here,” added Ajeng.

Despite the remote location, the Biak Elok team managed to gain attention on social media. Thanks to their media team’s creativity, various moments from their community service from the natural beauty of Wardo Village to heartwarming interactions with the children—were captured in videos uploaded to Instagram and TikTok. Some of the posts even went viral and received positive responses from netizens.

One of the most touching experiences for Ajeng during the KKN program was witnessing the enthusiasm for learning among the children in Wardo Village. “Their eagerness to learn and their deep curiosity I think that’s already a strong foundation for them to achieve their dreams,” she said.

At the end of the interview, Ajeng shared a message for fellow students, especially those from FIB who will undertake KKN. “In my opinion, KKN is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not everyone gets to have. So when your time comes, try to enjoy every part of it. From the small things that may seem trivial to the big moments that will teach you a lot. I hope FIB friends can discover new, meaningful, and memorable stories through their journey.”

[Public Relation, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 2/7/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) was held at the University Club of Universitas Gadjah Mada, presenting an inspiring discourse on the power of women’s narratives in Javanese literature. Dra. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, M.A., together with two of her students, Yudha Adistira and Saktia Hidayah, presented a study entitled “Leadership of Female Characters in the Novel Kidung Trěsna Sang Pikatan: Rancière’s Democratic Perspective.”

In her presentation, the researcher highlighted how female characters in the novel by Alexandra Indriyanti Dewi serve as agents of social change. Utilizing the radical democracy theory of Jacques Rancière, they interpreted that leadership in the story does not stem from structural power but from political actions that challenge the established patriarchal symbolic order.

Wulan, Pramodawardhani, and Sri Kahulunan emerged as representations of female figures manifesting Rancière’s three main concepts: dissensus, egalitarianism, and the reversal of hierarchy. Wulan, depicted as tělik sandhi, experiences inner conflict and subtly challenges the system through apparent compliance, a form of dissensus that quietly disrupts the power structure. Meanwhile, Pramodawardhani reflects the spirit of egalitarianism through her sharp political strategies and involvement in the development of Borobudur Temple. On the other hand, Sri Kahulunan firmly opposes the claim that leadership must be male-dominated, showcasing women’s courage in repositioning power.

Interestingly, all three characters were also analyzed through the lens of Donna Haraway’s cyborg feminism, positioning them as hybrid subjects that reject old dichotomies such as male-female or public-private. With this approach, female figures emerge not merely as complements to historical narratives but as leaders who reshape the power map.

This presentation contributes significantly to the discourse on gender and politics within the realm of literature, affirming that Javanese literature can also serve as a democratic space that validates women’s voices as active subjects of social change. More than just a historical romance, Kidung Trěsna Sang Pikatan stands as a text of resistance against patriarchy and a symbol of Javanese women’s bravery in carving their nation’s history.

The seminar also emphasized the importance of cultural diversity in literature, showcasing how different narratives can coexist and enrich the understanding of gender roles. By empowering girls through education for sustainability, the event highlighted the need for equal opportunities in literary representation, ensuring that women’s stories are told and celebrated.

In conclusion, through the presentation session by Dra. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, M.A., SEMEJA IV not only celebrated the contributions of experts and academics in Malay-Javanese studies, but also reinforced the importance of education and cultural diversity in building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The narrative presented is a call to action for everyone to recognize and support the vital role of women in literature and society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 30 June 2025 – A total of 13 students from three higher education institutions are participating in an international collaborative program in the field of archaeology, organized by the Australian National University (ANU) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in cooperation with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This program is part of efforts to strengthen cross-national academic collaboration while providing a platform for knowledge exchange and research experience in the fields of culture and archaeology.

The program involves 4 students from ANU, 5 students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, and 4 students from Udayana University. The activities are held in two main locations: the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.

This program is funded by the Australian National University and results from a collaboration between the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia & the Pacific at ANU and the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The activities are coordinated by two archaeology experts: Dr. Shimona Kealy from ANU and Dr. Mahirta, M.A. from UGM, both of whom have extensive experience in archaeological research in Southeast Asia.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of activities, including academic discussions, fieldwork, and cross-cultural studies. In Yogyakarta, participants will attend workshops and introductory sessions on archaeological methods and theories. Meanwhile, in Lombok, they will conduct direct field exploration and research at designated archaeological sites, honing their skills in observation, data recording, and artifact analysis.

The program is not only aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Indonesia’s cultural heritage but also at strengthening academic networks between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Australia. With participants coming from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, this program serves as an ideal space for cross-cultural understanding, constructive academic dialogue, and collaborative learning experiences.

Furthermore, this program aligns with several goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities, through cultural heritage preservation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this program, the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage are pursued collectively across nations for a sustainable future.

With the enthusiasm of the participants and the support from the involved institutions, this program is expected to be a concrete step toward building sustainable international cooperation in the fields of archaeology and cultural studies.

[Public Relations, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2025 — The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) was officially held at UC Hotel, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), bringing together scholars from various institutions both domestically and internationally. One of the panel speakers contributing to the academic discussions was Dr. Fahmi Prihantoro, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM.

In a session titled “How Did Islamic Religious Organizations Empower Society Through Cultural Heritage,” Dr. Fahmi presented a case study on Pasar Pasan in Kotagede, Yogyakarta. He elaborated on how cultural heritage preservation can become a dynamic tool for community empowerment, particularly through the involvement of Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah.

According to Dr. Fahmi, Kotagede is a living heritage site—a cultural heritage area that continues to be actively used in the daily lives of its community. Beyond preserving historical traces, this area serves as a space where cultural, religious, and economic values develop harmoniously.

A key point in his presentation highlighted a paradigm shift in heritage preservation—from being government-led to being increasingly driven by civil society and non-governmental organizations. Muhammadiyah, as one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, was cited as having taken an active role in community development rooted in cultural heritage in Kotagede.

Through the Pasar Pasan case study, Dr. Fahmi emphasized how this traditional market activity functions as a platform for residents to reinforce cultural identity while simultaneously enhancing the local economy. Pasar Pasan is seen as a community-led initiative that integrates cultural values with inclusive economic practices.

The discussion also addressed the importance of community engagement and collective memory in sustaining cultural heritage. The people of Kotagede are considered to possess a strong historical awareness, which supports the continued existence of heritage spaces—especially those located between the symbolic twin gates of Kotagede.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment. Seminar participants raised insightful questions, which Dr. Fahmi responded to enthusiastically, underlining the significance of collaboration among communities, academics, and religious organizations in preserving cultural heritage.

This event plays a crucial role in supporting the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through community-based cultural heritage preservation, it contributes to the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements, in line with SDG 11. Furthermore, educational values are promoted through the cross-cultural dissemination of knowledge and the strengthening of cultural identity awareness, reflecting the aims of SDG 4 on quality education. Equally important, the seminar embodies the spirit of SDG 17 by fostering strategic partnerships between academia, civil society, and local communities in social development based on local wisdom.

Through this discussion, participants gained new insights into community-based cultural preservation and the vital role of religious organizations in fostering inclusive and sustainable social development.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]