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]

Yogyakarta, April 17, 2025 – The Student Association of Arabic Literature (Ikatan Mahasiswa Sastra Arab or IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a visitation to the Literacy Center DTMI at the Faculty of Engineering. This visitation was carried out in response to an invitation from the Literacy Center DTMI, which is actively promoting a culture of literacy among UGM students.

The visit was attended by all executive members of IKMASA 2025/2026 from each department, led by IKMASA Chairperson, Candra Solihin. During the visit, the delegation was warmly welcomed and guided by Adhika, a 2022 student of DTMI, who introduced the various facilities available at the Literacy Center.

Adhika shared insights into the book collections housed at the center and offered inspiring stories about how DTMI students utilize the space—not just as a reading room, but also as a comfortable and productive learning environment. The collection ranges from academic textbooks used by engineering students to popular fiction titles like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and Tetralogi Buru by Pramoedya Ananta Toer.

In addition to reading materials, the Literacy Center DTMI also provides a wide variety of board games designed to be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. These games cater to different skill levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and serve as tools for honing critical thinking and strategic planning in a relaxed setting.

Through this visit, IKMASA hopes to foster collaboration and synergy with the Literacy Center DTMI, aiming to enhance cross-faculty literacy culture throughout the UGM campus. The IKMASA board also expressed their interest in adopting creative ideas from the center—such as the design of a comfortable and inviting literacy space, a diverse range of reading materials, and alternative learning media.

This visit marks a meaningful first step in opening dialogue and collaboration among student organizations across disciplines. Activities like this demonstrate that the spirit of literacy can flourish not only within the Arabic Literature program but also throughout the wider academic community—nurturing a more collaborative, inclusive, and literate culture at UGM.

[Public Relation of IKMASA FIB UGM]

Yogyakarta, 22/4/2025 – Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM plays a vital role in facilitating the Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) for prospective students from Timor-Leste. This test was conducted as part of the admission process for new students at UGM and was held in Dili, Timor-Leste, on March 19, 2025. This initiative reflects UGM’s commitment to strengthening academic relations and international collaboration, especially with neighboring countries.

The AcEPT test is specifically designed to measure participants’ academic English proficiency. This competence is an essential requirement for international students aiming to pursue their education at UGM. The test serves not only to select qualified candidates but also to prepare them for the academic challenges they may encounter in a university setting, where English proficiency is critical for study and research.

Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM plays a central role in organizing this test, handling everything from preparation to execution. As an institution dedicated to supporting education and cultural development, the Language Center ensures that the AcEPT test adheres to high-quality standards. This reflects UGM’s dedication to providing access to quality education for the international community, including prospective students from Timor-Leste.

The successful implementation of the AcEPT test highlights UGM’s efforts to contribute to human resource development in Timor-Leste. As a leading university in Indonesia, UGM strives to reinforce its role as an inclusive and globally oriented educational hub. By facilitating this test, UGM not only provides opportunities for prospective students to achieve higher education but also builds a stronger bridge of collaboration between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through education.

This initiative also serves as tangible proof of Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM commitment to fostering the potential of young generations by providing high-quality educational services. The AcEPT test gives prospective students the opportunity to showcase their abilities and serves as a crucial first step in their academic journey at UGM.

[Public Relation of Fellas FIB UGM, Sabik Hikami]