Yogyakarta, 24/3/2025 – On Friday, March 21st, 2025, Keluarga Mahasiswa Antropologi (Kemant) UGM went westward to the Faculty of Engineering, to visit the Library of the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (DTMI). DTMI has been sending invitations to student bodies all across the university to visit their library, to share what they’ve been developing these past few months: a library that provides a comfortable public space for students. The library sits on the southern part of the department building, right next to the parking lot. The space inside it is moderately big, about twice the size of the Anthropology Reading Room on the fifth floor of Soegondo. In front of the entrance, sits a locker for students to put their bags in.  Next to that is the receptionist table, and next to that are rows of tall bookshelves filled all the way to the top. Books of many different kinds can be found; from the typical engineering books about Autocad and metallurgy, to fictional novels and even some biographies. Beside these bookshelves, many students are sitting in an arrangement of tables – some are doing their homework, some are playing board games, and some are merely socializing with each other. The library has a built-in decibel-meter, used to measure the sound level in the room; it beeps loudly when the sound goes over a certain threshold, a reminder to the students to keep it down. Aside from the main room with shelves and tables, the library also holds two isolated rooms – walled up with glass – to serve as meeting/reading rooms, where students who need more silence can go and sit.

Dhika, a third-year mechanical engineering student serving part-time as the library keeper, explained that this vibrant atmosphere is a relatively new experience. Back then, the DTMI Library was a cramped space that seldom held visitors. With dreams of an easy and accessible public space for students, Dhika and a few friends of his then advocated for the improvement of the library. The space was renovated, lifting up the ceiling and widening the interior. The book collection was expanded to hold more kinds of books, not just limited to engineering guides. Some professors also donated to the library’s collection; not just books, but also board games to enrich the place. Another thing that changed was the opening hours. Whereas back then the library was only open during working hours on Monday to Friday, nowadays the place can be accessed by students from morning until night, seven days a week. With these changes, the library became a gathering place where students can spend their time on campus, facilitated by the existence of myriad books and games in the library. The once-barren place is now filled with student activity, and the whole place became more lively.

After the tour, the Kemant representatives were free to explore the library by themselves. Some read the new book additions that haven’t been sorted into shelves, but most tried to play the board games that are available. While accompanying the excited students, Dhika reiterated the point of this visit: spreading awareness to students from all over UGM about the importance of a common space such as the DTMI Library, and to help realize the dream of a public space for students from all faculties and departments.

[Public Relations of Cultural Anthropology, Amadeus Abhirama Paramanindita]

Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – For the past four months, GMIF 2024 students have been immersed in their studies at INCULS, refining their Indonesian language skills in reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. However, their learning experience extended far beyond the classroom. Through educational excursions to the Chocolate Monggo Museum & Factory, UGM Museum, and Grhatama Pustaka Library, they gained a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture.

As their time at INCULS drew to a close, students were assigned a final reading task to reflect on their experiences. The overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the quality of instruction. Irakiza Gideon shared his appreciation:

“Their patience and encouragement fostered an environment that nurtured my growth. Now, I can confidently communicate in Indonesian, which is a testament to the effectiveness of their teaching.”

INCULS is not merely a language center; it is a place where students receive guidance from experienced educators while being immersed in Indonesian culture. Many students highlighted the warmth and unwavering support of their lecturers, tutors, and staff.

“Every lecturer is incredibly kind, approachable, and always willing to help,” one student noted.

For some, INCULS became more than an academic institution—it became a home away from home.

“INCULS was not just a place where I learned Indonesian; it was where I found a second family.”
“The lecturers and staff do not simply teach; they cultivate an environment that feels as welcoming as family.”

When describing INCULS in English, many students simply called it “home”:

“INCULS provided not only education but also a profound sense of belonging.”

As their journey at INCULS comes to an end, GMIF students unanimously agree that their experience here is one they will cherish for a lifetime. Their heartfelt testimonials further reinforce INCULS’ reputation as a premier institution for Indonesian language and cultural studies, offering a welcoming and enriching environment for international students.

[Public Relations of INCULS, Decika Syahda Maharani]

Yogyakarta, 16/2/2025 – Middle Eastern Cultural Studies (KBTT) students at Universitas Gadjah Mada have launched a new initiative: a weekly exercise session held every Sunday morning. The inaugural event took place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, and was attended by several KBTT students. The goal of this initiative is to enhance both physical and mental health while fostering social connections among students. With a spirit of togetherness, this activity serves not only as a sports event but also as a way to create a healthier and more productive environment, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on health and well-being.

This regular sports activity is designed to provide long-term benefits for students. In addition to maintaining physical fitness, sports have been shown to improve concentration, reduce stress, and build self-confidence—important factors that support optimal academic achievement. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with global efforts to promote an active lifestyle as a preventive measure against various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

By involving the student community, the program contributes to the formation of healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Beyond health benefits, this initiative also reflects KBTT’s commitment to sustainable development. Sports not only enhance individual health but also help build more inclusive and harmonious communities. By including this activity as a regular agenda, KBTT students aim to inspire other communities to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while also contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 

This program demonstrates that small actions, such as weekly sports participation, can have a significant impact on global health and sustainable development.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 4/2/2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Coordination Meeting for the even semester of 2024/2025. This meeting was attended by all lecturers, including: Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Syamsul Hadi, S.U., M.A., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Lasiyo, M.A., M.M., Prof. Dr. Siti Mutiah Setiawati, M.A., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, M.A., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, M.Hum., Dr. Arifuddin, Lc. M.A., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. The meeting commenced with remarks from the Head of the Intercultural Department, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. He emphasized the significance of collaboration among lecturers to create a better future for the study program and the students in the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program. “We must fulfill this teaching mandate to the best of our abilities for our collective progress,” stated Prof. Sangidu. This message aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting quality education as a foundation for sustainable development.

The meeting continued with a session led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, focused on the lecture system. The purpose of this session was to ensure that all participants shared a common understanding of the lecture system and the learning strategies that will be implemented in the upcoming semester. Attendees engaged in intensive discussions to design innovative teaching methods that cater to student needs and respond to global developments. It was agreed that strong collaboration among lecturers is essential for producing competent and competitive graduates successfully.

The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program aims to enhance its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this coordination meeting, particularly focusing on quality education (SDG 4) and partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17). The collaboration among lecturers is expected to develop a curriculum that is not only academically focused but also promotes sustainable values. This initiative demonstrates the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program’s commitment to nurturing a generation capable of effecting positive change within the global community.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 28/2/2025 – INCULS marked the successful conclusion of the GMIF 2024 Program with a closing ceremony held in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The program welcomed 14 students from diverse national backgrounds, with the majority—nine students—hailing from Pakistan, while the remaining participants came from Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Yemen, and Ethiopia.

During the event, Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Coordinator of INCULS, presented a comprehensive report summarizing the students’ activities throughout the program. Over the course of approximately four months, GMIF students undertook beginner-level Indonesian language courses, covering Reading, Vocabulary, Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Grammar, amounting to a total of 12 credits. Beyond classroom instruction, they engaged in cultural and educational excursions, including reading activities at Grhatama Pustaka Library, reading and listening exercises at the UGM Museum, and writing practice at the Chocolate Monggo Museum & Factory.

The ceremony also featured remarks from lecturer representative Ilfat Isroi Nirwani, S.S., M.A., and INCULS tutor Iqbal Tafqy Aunika. Representing the GMIF students, Muhammad Aarif delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on their journey. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates and a video screening that captured memorable moments from the GMIF 2024 students’ time at INCULS.

With the program officially concluded, the students depart not only with improved Indonesian language skills but also with lasting memories and a deeper connection to Indonesian culture.

[INCULS Admin, FIB UGM, Decika Syahda Maharani]