Yogyakarta, 11/8/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an online orientation for new students of the Odd Semester 2025/2026 on Monday, 11 August 2025 at 1:00 PM. The event was attended by the Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., representatives from the student association Matragama, administrative staff, and all 39 new students. Among the participants were two international students, one from Papua New Guinea and another from Thailand.

The program began with a warm welcome from the Head of the Master’s Program in Literature. “Through this event, you are now officially part of the Master’s Program in Literature family at UGM,” said Prof. Aprinus in his remarks. The session then continued with a presentation by Prof. Aprinus, introducing the program’s profile, curriculum, and various non-academic activities available for students. He also encouraged students to actively participate in both academic and extracurricular activities throughout their studies at UGM.

Following the presentation from the Head of the Program, the next session featured the introduction of Matragama, the student association of the Master’s Program in Literature. Matragama regularly organizes various engaging activities, such as literary discussions, poetry musicalization album launches, and other creative events involving interdisciplinary collaboration.

The orientation also included an explanation from the program’s administrative staff regarding the academic calendar and class schedules for the Odd Semester 2025/2026. The event proceeded in an orderly manner and concluded with a Q&A session, during which the new students actively asked questions, particularly about the procedures for filling out the Study Plan Card (Kartu Rencana Studi or KRS) and the implementation of classes in the first semester. This discussion provided the new students with a clearer understanding of the academic processes they will undertake in the coming semester.

Through this activity, it is hoped that all new students will become better acquainted with the academic environment of the Master’s Program in Literature, foster good relationships with lecturers, staff, and fellow students, and take advantage of various opportunities to develop themselves. May all new students of the Odd Semester 2025/2026 successfully pursue their studies, achieve excellence, and make positive contributions to the advancement of literary studies.

[Marsya Kamila/Public Relations, Master’s Program in Literature]

Yogyakarta, 7/8/2025 – The Arabic Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), warmly welcomed its new cohort of students during the vibrant PIONIR Kampung Budaya event held at Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. This event is part of the university’s PIONIR 2025 (Orientation for New Student Learning Success) series, designed to introduce incoming students to the academic and cultural environment of the program.

With great enthusiasm and a strong sense of camaraderie, the Arabic Study Program community greeted the Class of 2025. The agenda included an introduction to the Arabic Study Program, a warm welcome from the program’s lecturers, an overview of the student association Ikmasa, and a video message featuring heartfelt greetings and insights from program alumni.

Through this orientation, new students are expected to gain a foundational understanding of the academic atmosphere, the cultural values embraced by the program, and the spirit of togetherness that defines the Arabic Study Program community at UGM.

Welcome, Arabic Study Program Class of 2025! May this academic journey mark the beginning of your meaningful contribution to society and the world.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

Yogyakarta, 11/7/2025 – Yogyakarta has once again become a magnet for cultural learning, this time for students from National Chengchi University (NCCU) who are currently undergoing an internship program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Rather than simply sitting in an office, they are invited to explore the vibrant life of the local community and to understand the richness of culture from its source.

The journey began at Pasar Ngasem, one of the oldest traditional markets in Yogyakarta. Here, the students witnessed firsthand the interactions between vendors and buyers, the variety of local food ingredients, and the lively and dynamic atmosphere of the market. For many of them, this was their first experience seeing a traditional market that is vastly different from those in their home countries.

The adventure continued to Tamansari, the former royal garden of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, which is rich in historical and architectural value. Amidst the corridors and bathing pools filled with stories, the students not only listened to tales of the past but also reflected on how culture and history continue to thrive in the public spaces of this city.

Interestingly, on their way back from Tamansari, the group passed by a location where shadow puppet crafts are produced. Their curiosity led them to stop. At this site, they not only observed artisans at work but also received direct explanations about the world of wayang—ranging from the types of characters, the philosophy behind the stories, to the tools and materials used in the production process. Some even had the opportunity to hold the carving tools and buffalo leather used in the crafting process.

“This is a rich experience. I didn’t expect that Wayang Kulit has such deep meanings and that its production process is so intricate,” said one participant from Taiwan.

This activity serves as evidence that learning about culture cannot be confined to theory alone. By immersing themselves in places that are integral to the lives of the community, foreign students not only gain new knowledge but also emotional experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Through small steps like these, cultural exchange becomes more vibrant—bringing closer what is distant and uniting what is different in experiences that enrich both sides. The partnership between civil society and educational institutions plays a crucial role in facilitating such meaningful interactions.

As the students continue their journey, they are not just learning about Indonesian culture; they are also contributing to the preservation and appreciation of cultural diversity. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable cultural practices.

In conclusion, the experience of NCCU students in Yogyakarta highlights the importance of direct engagement with local culture. It emphasizes that understanding and appreciating cultural diversity requires more than just academic study; it necessitates active participation and genuine interaction with the community.

West Java, 29/7/2025 – Students from the Arabic Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), have installed multilingual tourism signboards at Batu Nunggul Beach as part of their 2025 KKN-PPM (Community Service Program). The initiative aims to serve both as directional guidance and educational outreach by incorporating three languages: Indonesian, Arabic, and English.

This effort seeks to raise public awareness about the untapped tourism potential of the local mangrove ecosystem, particularly in areas that remain under-visited due to a lack of accessible information.

Signboards bearing the words “Mangrove” and “Pantai Batu Nunggul Beach” were placed along the coastal paths leading to the mangrove area, guiding visitors to the site. Beyond functioning as navigational aids, the signs also act as educational tools, promoting environmental preservation and spotlighting lesser-known tourist destinations.

The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 15: Life on Land, reinforcing commitments to inclusive education and terrestrial ecosystem protection.

Author: Muhammad Satria Revaldi

Yogyakarta, 23/7/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again held its postgraduate graduation ceremony for the fourth period of the 2024/2025 academic year on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. The event took place at the 7th-floor Auditorium of the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, and was attended by faculty leaders, lecturers, and the families of graduates, creating a solemn and heartfelt atmosphere.

In this period, the Master’s Program in Literature successfully graduated three graduates, one of whom was Maharanny Setiawan Poetri, who earned the distinction of being the fastest graduate.

Maharanny was enrolled in the ‘by research’ program starting from the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year. The ‘by research’ program is a special program within the Master’s Program ofLiterature that offers a curriculum more focused on research and requires fewer coursework credits compared to the regular program. One key difference between the ‘by research’ and the regular program is that applicants for the ‘by research’ program must submit a thesis proposal as part of the admission requirements. This program is designed for students who already have a strong research focus and are prepared to engage intensively in the thesis-writing process from the beginning of their studies.

With strong dedication and perseverance, Maharanny completed her postgraduate studies in just three semesters. Her achievement demonstrates that completing a graduate program in a short period is not impossible, provided there is commitment, discipline, and a clear research direction. Her accomplishment serves as an inspiration for anyone seeking to pursue their academic journey effectively and purposefully.

Maharanny’s success also reflects the flexibility and innovation of the Master’s Program of Literature in responding to the diverse academic needs of its students. The existence of the ‘by research’ program provides an opportunity for students to undertake their graduate studies in a more structured and efficient manner, without compromising the academic standards expected of a master’s program graduate. Congratulations to all graduates of the Master’s Program of Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, for the fourth graduation period of the 2024/2025 academic year. May the knowledge and experience gained during your studies serve as a valuable foundation for your future endeavors.

By: Marsya Kamila/Public Relations, Master’s Program of Literature