Yogyakarta, August 23, 2024 – Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Arts UGM, supported by Literature Translation Institute (LTI) Korea, held a Literary Translation Workshop from June 4 to August 23, 2024. This Literary Translation Workshop is the first activity organized for students and alumni of the UGM Korean Language and Culture Study Program. This activity aims to provide a forum for students and alumni to train and increase knowledge in the field of translation, especially the translation of literary works taught directly by experts. Not only that, as many as 20 people who were selected in the selection of participants, each received a free book entitled “1988년도 제12회 이상문학상작품집.” The book is a collection of the best literary works selected for the Yi Sang Literary Award in 1988. One of the literary works in the book is writer Lim Chul-woober’s “The Red Room” which won the grand prize.

In this workshop, “The Red Room” is a literary work that is translated and discussed by participants coordinated by lecturer of Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Faculty of Arts UGM, Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi, S.S., M.A. and guided by lecturers Febriana Elfida Trihtarani, S.S., M.A. and Theresia Avila Rencidiptya Gitanati Firstantin, S.S., M.A. The Literary Translation Workshop “The Red Room” was held for 19 meetings divided into 2 meetings a week. The participants were asked to read and translate the literary work from Korean to Indonesian which was divided into several parts and discussed together at each meeting. The workshop also explored the content of the literary work “The Red Room” which contains historical elements set in the struggle for democracy and reform in South Korea in 1988.

The workshop concluded with a meeting with the author. The meeting was held in a mixed session in Conference Room 1, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. At the peak of the event, the participants had the opportunity to discuss and conduct questions and answers directly with the author Lim Chul-woo regarding the contents of the work “The Red Room.”

In addition to the discussion with the author, the closing ceremony was also filled with a prize giving session to 3 active participants who participated in the workshop enthusiastically and had the best translation results. The first best participant was Fitri Puspita Ningrum who received an Asus Vivobook laptop. The second best participant was Vira Ardiana who was awarded with an Advan tablet and keyboard. The last award as the third best participant was given to Adinda Cindy Kartika Putri with a prize in the form of a Samsung Galaxy A9 tablet. The prizes for the best participants were handed over directly by Mr. Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D. as a representative of the Head of Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM.

Author: Peony
Editor: Fathiannisa

Thursday, August 29, 2024, became a special moment for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada with the holding of the Mangayubagya Graduation of Undergraduates period IV of the 2023/2024 academic year. A total of 244 graduates celebrated their graduation, holding a bachelor’s degree after completing their studies at FIB. The solemn graduation ceremony was made even more lively with a dance performance from Ratnaraya, a student dance unit of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program.

Four students, Audrey Gisela, Ganes Larasati, Novalia Hidayatus S., and Wening Hidayati, presented Geol Denok Dance as part of the graduation ceremony. Geol Denok dance is a typical Semarang dance that depicts the joy of Semarang girls who dance with lively, energetic movements and accompanied by dynamic music. Etymologically, the word “geol” refers to the dance movements of the knees and hips, while “denok” is a term for girls in Semarang.

In an interview with Wening Hidayati, one of the performers, she said that Geol Denok Dance was a new dance for Ratnaraya members. “We try to give our best in this performance, and are very happy to be able to welcome the graduates of FIB UGM with Geol Denok Dance,” said Wening (09/05/2024).

Ratnaraya’s performance is not only for entertainment, but also reflects the Faculty’s commitment to preserving Nusantara culture, especially Javanese culture. This cultural preservation requires support and collaboration from various parties, and FIB UGM plays an active role by providing the widest possible space for art and cultural exploration, so that the nation’s identity remains relevant and provides benefits to people’s lives.

Author : Haryo Untoro

On September 5, 2024, a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) took place in the Conference Room 1 of the Dean’s Building of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This event was held as part of an effort to develop an online adaptive Arabic language test instrument based on ACTFL theory using CBT (Computer-Based Testing) at Darussalam Gontor University.

The researchers from Universitas Darussalam Gontor who attended this event were Dr. Ihwan Mahmudi, Dr. Ahmad Saifulloh, Dr. Moh. Ismail, and Dr. Izzul Fatawi. They explained the linguistic test development plan that they designed to improve the quality of Arabic language teaching through an adaptive testing approach.

The event was also attended by lecturers from the Faculty of Humanities UGM who gave a warm welcome to the researchers. The discussion focused on sharing information and experiences regarding the different types of language tests that have been implemented at the Faculty of Humanities UGM. The UGM lecturers provided valuable guidance and insights on how to develop and implement effective language tests, as well as the challenges that may be faced in the process.

This collaboration between Universitas Darussalam Gontor and the UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences is expected to produce better test instruments, which not only measure Arabic language proficiency effectively but also adapt to the needs and latest technological developments in language education. 

This activity is an important step forward in efforts to improve the quality of Arabic language learning and is expected to be a model for other institutions in the development of technology-based language tests.

Yogyakarta, September 11, 2024 – Located in the Auditorium of Soegondo Building 7th Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a visit from MAN 2 Blitar students. The event which took place from 09.00 to 11.00 am was filled with high enthusiasm from the participants.

During this visit, MAN 2 Blitar students had the opportunity to explore various information related to FIB and UGM. The material presented by the faculty covered various aspects of the available study programs, facilities, and campus life at UGM. The detailed and interactive explanation made the students very involved and excited during the event.

The discussion session became one of the most anticipated moments. The students did not hesitate to ask various relevant questions, such as information about scholarships available at UGM, average SNBP scores, and UTBK scores needed to enter the Faculty. In addition, they also asked about achievements that can be obtained through memorizing the Quran and organizational experience of UGM Faculty of Arts students. All these questions were answered directly by UGM students who shared their experiences with enthusiasm.

The visit ended with a very memorable gift. MAN 2 Blitar students donated their calligraphy works and typical Blitar food as a form of appreciation and memento for the Faculty of Arts UGM. The souvenirs were warmly received and became a symbol of the friendship that existed between the two parties. This visit is expected to strengthen the relationship between MAN 2 Blitar and UGM and provide a clearer picture of academic life and opportunities at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

Yogyakarta, Monday night 19th of August 2024, the Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a shadow puppet show in the framework of the anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy. The performance featured a special play, Gajah Mada Suci, which was performed collaboratively by UGM students who are members of the UGM Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS). One of the important roles in this performance was carried out by M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2023, chosen to perform a play that was collaboratively worked on by the academics community of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The script for the performance of Gajah Mada Suci was written by Dr. Rudy Wiratama S.I.P., M.A., lecturer of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. Gajah Mada Suci tells the story of the scapegoating of Gajah Mada under the pretext of the failure of the Majapahit Kingdom expansion. The expansion also coincided with the kingdom’s internal political turmoil. To make matters worse, Gajah Mada was accused by the elites of trying to remove him from the kingdom. As a result, Gajah Mada felt desperate and afterward he visited the residence of his friend, Mpu Tantular. After a long dialog, Gajah Mada was finally enlightened, that the efforts he had made so far were not in vain. The spirit of Amukti Palapa to unite the archipelago will continue in the next era.

“The performance of the Gajah Mada Suci is a form of depiction of the Indonesian nation that has experienced an identity crisis by winning over an interest and power through any means. Gajah Mada, who was a knight, finally moksa due to the deviant behavior of the Majapahit elite. After that, the Majapahit Kingdom lost its authority and then receded until it reached its collapse,” explained Rafi in an interview (05/09/2024).

As a special play, Rafi and his fellow UKJGS students practiced hard for a maximum performance. “The performance of Gajah Mada Suci has its own challenges for us. We practiced preparing for the performance in only half a month. Plus, this is my first time to play the Gajah Mada puppet, so it must be carefully prepared.”

“With these challenges, Alhamdulillah, the show can run smoothly. It was a great experience for me,” he continued.  Rafi hopes that the Gajah Mada puppet show will be held continuously because it is the work and identity of UGM as well as containing values that need to be socialized.

The existence of the Gajah Mada puppet is a real effort to promote the history and culture of the archipelago while still applying its relevance to the times. Through culture, we are not only ‘displaying’ aesthetics, but also reaffirming the nation’s identity through noble values for a better Indonesia.