Yogyakarta, 28/4/2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) held a cultural webinar titled “Mencintai yang Dekat, Mengenal yang Jauh: Imbasadi Menjawab Tantangan AI dan Global lewat Kebudayaan Daerah” (Loving What is Near, Understanding What is Far: Imbasadi Responds to the Challenges of AI and Globalization through Regional Culture) on Sunday (April 13, 2025). The event was part of the series commemorating Imbasadi’s 32nd anniversary.

The webinar featured R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. Noviyanti Alfitri, a student from the same program and a member of Imbasadi’s Research and Community Service Division (P2M), served as the moderator.

In his presentation, R. Bima Slamet Raharja highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the preservation and expanding public access to the literary and cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. However, he emphasized that the use of such technologies must be carried out wisely, ensuring that cultural wealth remains respected, safeguarded as a national treasure, and continues to provide lasting benefits.

This cultural webinar demonstrated Imbasadi’s and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program’s strong commitment to preserving and advancing regional languages, literatures, and cultures amidst the pressures of globalization. The initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 22/04/2025 – As part of an effort to deepen understanding of the dynamics of Indonesian politics, Indonesian Culture and Language Study (INCULS) students visited the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) DPRD Building and the DIY Governor’s Office. The visit not only provided insight into the legislative and executive processes at the local level, but also implicitly touched on the principles of sustainable development, particularly in terms of inclusive, transparent and accountable governance.

During the visit to the DPRD DIY, INCULS students discussed with the lecturers the role of the legislature in public policy making. They highlighted the importance of community participation in the political process, which is in line with peace processes that emphasize effective, inclusive and transparent governance. At the Governor’s Office, INCULS students had the opportunity to tour and hear about the challenges and strategies of development in Yogyakarta. Topics such as cultural preservation, poverty alleviation, and improving access to education were discussed. The DIY government emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics, communities, and policy makers to achieve sustainable development. Youth and students play a key role in driving innovation and monitoring public policies.

The visit not only enriched students’ understanding of Indonesian politics, but also made them realize that good public policy is the foundation of achieving the SDGs. By understanding the democratic process and governance, INCULS students are expected to become agents of change who promote sustainable development, both locally and globally. Politics is not just about power, but a tool to realize sustainable social and environmental justice. This activity is proof that political education and awareness of sustainable development must go hand in hand to create a better future. 

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 21/4/2025 – Warung Sastra once again served as a warm and critical space for literary dialogue during teh “Malam Buku” (Book Night) event held on Sunday, April 21, 2025. The event featured Dari Dalam Kubur autor Soe Tjen Marching, alongside Ramayda Akmal, a lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada, as a guest speaker. This dialogue offered an in-depth discussion on how the novel constructs a historical narrative through the intergenerational experiences of its characters.

In the discussion, Ramayda stated that the novel does not merely present a personal story but also serves as a space to articulate the collective wounds of the nation. “The stories of Carla, her mother, and her grandmother are not just individual experiences. They carry the weight of history and give voice to those who have long been silenced, “she said. Ramayda further emphasized that the novel positions the female body as a historical site that reveals systemic violence rooted in the state, race, and dominant patriarchy.

Dari Dalam Kubur specifically highlights the issue of intergenerational trauma within families affected by the political violence of 1965 in Indonesia. The novel is also marked by a retrospective narrative approach. “Ms. Marching writes from the present, with an awareness of past events, for the sake of our understanding today,” Ramayda explained. She underlined that the function of historical fiction is not merely to revive the past but to critique ongoing inequalities. When past narratives continue to echo in the present, it signifies unresolved issues that require collective attention.

During the session, Soe Tjen Marching revealed that the writing process of this novel was hindered by emotional blocks caused by trauma. “When something is too painful, our bodies block it. We think we have forgotten, but the trauma becomes even more real,” she said. She stressed that dari Dalam Kubur is not just a work of fiction, but rather a reflective space that invites readers to engage in a dialogue with the inherited wounds passed down through generations.

This discussion highlighted the importance of historical literacy, gender awareness and freedom of expression–values that serve as the foundation for sustainable development. Dari Dalam Kubur offers a space for contemplation for anyone seeking to understand how historical trauma continues to resonate in the pulse of today’s life.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 24/4/2025 — The Tourism Study Programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), welcomed an academic visit from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Johor, Malaysia on Thursday (24/4). The visit marked a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and the strengthening of international networks in the fields of tourism and culture.

In a warm and engaging session, both institutions presented their academic activities and flagship programmes. Students and lecturers from both sides shared experiences on curriculum development, industry practices and research, as well as approaches to tourism education.

The event continued with an interactive bonding session. A relaxed atmosphere was created through ice-breaking activities involving all participants, followed by a traditional dance performance by students from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

This visit is expected to be the starting point for further collaboration between the Tourism Study Programme of FIB UGM and Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, particularly in future capacity-building initiatives.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, April 16, 2025 – The Arabic Literature Student Association (IKMASA) held a post-Ramadan gathering event titled Ikmasa Balalan 2025 at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Taking place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB, the event acted as a valuable opportunity for spiritual reflection and strengthening bonds between students and lecturers of the Arabic Literature Department after the holy month of Ramadan 1446 H.

The event opened with remarks from the Master of Ceremony, followed by the reading of Syawalan pledges delivered by representatives from each academic year, starting from the 2021 to 2024 cohorts. A solemn atmosphere filled the room as Muhammad Ardiansyah (2021), Shang Narendra (2022), Faris Zaky Ramadhan (2023), and Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula Harapan (2024) took turns to deliver the pledges. The Syawalan pledge continued with a heartfelt delivery by Mr. Abdul Jawat Nur, S.S., M.Hum., representing the lecturers of the department.

The Syawalan pledge was more than just a ceremonial act—it served as a sacred moment of mutual forgiveness for any past wrongdoings, whether between fellow students or between students and lecturers. The essence of sincerity, unity, and familial bonds was deeply felt throughout the session.

The main event was the tausiyah delivered by Dr. Nur Kholid, M.Pd.I., who shared post-Ramadan insights and emphasized the importance of maintaining spiritual growth during the month of Syawal. He discussed the deeper meaning of the commonly heard phrase “Minal Aidin wal Faidzin”, the significance of Syawal as a month of personal elevation, and the noble pursuit of becoming a pious individual.

The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Mr. Abdul Jawat Nur, S.S., M.Hum., followed by a group photo session and mushofahah—the traditional greeting and expression of forgiveness among participants. Warmth and camaraderie were evident in the interactions between students and lecturers.

Through Ikmasa Balalan 2025, IKMASA successfully fostered deeper spiritual understanding and reinforced the spirit of togetherness during this blessed Syawal moment.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]