Yogyakarta, August 15, 2024 – In an effort to improve cooperation and academic development, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Andalas (UNAND) conducted a benchmarking visit to the Archaeology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Thursday, August 15, 2024. This visit aims to obtain valuable input in the context of establishing a new Archaeology Study Program at FIB UNAND.

The visit from FIB UNAND was led by Prof. Dr. Herwandi, M.Hum., Dean of FIB UNAND, along with Dr. Zulqaiyyim, M.Hum., Head of History Department, and Alfa Noranda, S.S., M.A., Lecturer of History Study Program. They were welcomed by Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of FIB UGM, as well as Dr. Mahirta, M.A., Head of the Department of Archaeology, Dr. Anggraeni, M.A., Head of the Archaeology Study Program, and Drs. Musadad, M.Hum., Secretary of the Archaeology Study Program in Room C103 of FIB UGM.

In this meeting, Dr. Zulqaiyyim said that FIB UGM, as the “elder brother” of FIB UNAND, is expected to provide guidance and constructive input related to the improvement of the proposal for the establishment of the Archaeology Study Program at FIB UNAND. This discussion aims to optimize the quality and relevance of the new study program to be established.

This benchmarking event is part of the commitment of both institutions to improve the quality of education and research in the field of archaeology, as well as strengthen collaboration between FIB UGM and FIB UNAND. With this exchange of experience and knowledge, it is hoped that the new study program at FIB UNAND can soon be realized with high standards.

Friday, August 9, 2024 – In the framework of the 69th Anniversary of the Faculty of Economics & Business (FEB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), a women’s volleyball match was held which brought together the FEB UGM team with the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM team. The match was held at 07.30 WIB at the FEB UGM Volleyball Court, which is located next to Pertamina Tower.

Although the match was won by the FEB UGM team, FIB UGM’s participation in this event received high appreciation. The FIB UGM team showed great spirit and enthusiasm, and enjoyed every moment of the game. The joy and spirit of sportsmanship shown by the UGM Faculty of Arts team added to the festive atmosphere in this 69th Anniversary celebration.

FIB UGM was very happy to be able to enliven the event organized by their neighboring faculty and hopes that similar activities can continue to strengthen relations between faculties and create more opportunities for collaboration in the future.

The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) of UGM and the Indonesian Students Association of the Middle East Region (PPIDK Timtengka) conducted a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024, from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM WIB at the Omega Education Group office, Senopati, South Jakarta. The signing of this memorandum was attended by representatives from both organizations. From IMABTA UGM, the signing was represented by Farhan Azis Wildani as Vice Chair of IMABTA UGM and Aisya Dianmar Adzani as Secretary. Meanwhile, from PPIDK Timtengka, the signing was represented by Siti Amaliah as Coordinator of the Indonesian Students Association of the Middle East and Africa. Representatives from several Indonesian Student Associations under the umbrella of PPIDK Timtengka were also present and actively involved in the event. Among the Indonesian Student Associations present at the event were PPI Oman, represented by Fu’ad Alfikr, and two prominent figures who are Ambassadors of Timtengka, Tubagus Muhammad (PPI Syria) and Hanifah Khairiyah (PPMI Egypt). Additionally, Imran Zarkasyi, Rifqy Ramdhani, and Imada Hanimul Haq from PPMI Egypt also attended and actively participated in the discussion forum for planning the realization of future collaborative activities between the two parties following the sacred ceremony.

The signing of the MoU between IMABTA UGM and PPIDK Timtengka is expected to be a strategic step in building cooperative relations between the two parties with the main goal of enhancing the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. Additionally, the collaboration aims to strengthen academic relations and fortify the bonds of friendship among students. The forms of cooperation agreed upon include the exchange of information related to education, research, and community service intersecting between the two parties and plans for joint activities. In this regard, IMABTA UGM and PPIDK Timtengka are committed to continuing the collaboration agenda of the “Middle Eastern Culture Week,” which will be held annually. Moreover, both parties are committed to opening opportunities for student research collaboration and scientific publication in the Journal of Middle Eastern Culture & Religion Issues (MECRI).

Siti Amaliah, the Coordinator of PPIDK Timtengka, stated that the Middle East is a vast region that remains open for the study of its dynamics and culture. In the future, this international cooperation and collaborative commitment are expected to be a positive starting point for both parties.

“Students of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT UGM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) from the odd semester of 2023 successfully organized a Community Service Program (PKM) at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, located in Pabelan Village, Mungkid Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, Central Java, on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The event, held in the Library Hall from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, featured a seminar titled ‘Middle East Talk: History and Culture’ and was attended by 54 final-year students of KMI.

The event began with an opening by the MC, followed by welcoming speeches from the head of the UGM PKM committee and Al-Ustadz Muhammad Muzakkir, M.Ag, Deputy Director of Dirasah Ulya at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School. He explained the origins of Pabelan Islamic Boarding School and its long-standing ties with UGM. “Pabelan Islamic Boarding School was founded by KH Hamam Dja’far al-Maghfurlah on August 28, 1965, and has had a personal connection with UGM for a long time. This is evidenced by several prominent professors from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Sangidu M.Hum and Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., who were former students at this boarding school.”

Following the speeches, the seminar proceeded with two sessions. The first session, titled ‘The Distinctiveness of the Middle East,’ was presented by Fahmi Mubarok Lc, and the second session was a sharing session on the academic world in the Middle East, presented by Naili Izzah Ramadhani, Lc. Muhammad Syahdan Hidayat, S.S., provided an overview of UGM’s academic programs and shared tips and tricks for applying to UGM.

At the end of the event, the Director of Kulliyatul Muallimin Al-Islamiyah at Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, Al-Ustadz Nur Musthofa S.H.I, gave a closing speech. He expressed gratitude to the UGM PKM students and motivated the students to master languages, especially Arabic and English. The event concluded with the presentation of a souvenir from UGM to Pabelan Islamic Boarding School, followed by a group photo session.”

Wednesday, July 31, 2024, marked a historic day for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) with the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024. The event was held in the front yard of the Margono Building, commonly known as Greenland, and was celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Setiadi, Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. In his speech, Prof. Setiadi introduced the vice deans, heads of study programs, and unit coordinators at FIB UGM. “I hope the students get to know the people who will assist them during their studies at FIB UGM,” said Prof. Setiadi. This introduction aimed to create a closer and more familiar relationship between students and the faculty, fostering a conducive and supportive learning environment.

The event’s excitement continued with various performances from semi-autonomous bodies (BSO) of FIB UGM. Among them were Sastra Oebah with a captivating theater performance, Rampoe with energetic traditional Acehnese dances, and Buchaechum showcasing the elegant and mesmerizing Korean fan dance.

Another highlight was a cultural discussion session featuring Prof. Bambang Hudayana as the speaker. This discussion covered current issues in the cultural world and how students can actively participate in the preservation and development of local culture. This session served as an inspirational moment that motivated students to delve deeper into and appreciate the cultural wealth they possess.

Additionally, there was a sharing session with successful alumni from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. There was also a session led by Mrs. Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs., about the administrative procedures for borrowing rooms and facilities at FIB UGM.

The Opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2024 was not only an introduction and entertainment event but also a means to strengthen the relationship between students and the faculty and enrich cultural insights. With high spirits, it is hoped that FIB UGM students will continue to contribute to preserving and developing Indonesian culture.