Yogyakarta, January 21, 2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Study Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a meeting to prepare a new curriculum for 2025. The event took place in the Soegondo Building UGM and was attended by a team of curriculum-drafting lecturers, including Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. They were assisted by two student staff members, Nafila Azzahra and Hermawati Putri Dian Insani. The meeting began with opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., the Head of the Intercultural Department. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the attending lecturers and emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing a more relevant and adaptive curriculum. Prof. Sangidu also underscored the necessity of updating the curriculum to align with KBTT’s three main concentrations: Arabic Language and Literature, Arabic Culture, and Islamic Studies. Additionally, student input was taken into account when revising several key elements, such as Graduate Learning Outcomes (CPL), scientific vision, and course naming.

The intensive discussion was led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, who provided a platform for lecturers to share their ideas. One notable suggestion came from Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, who proposed that the scope of Middle Eastern studies should extend beyond Arab culture. He recommended the creation of a special course that explores both Arab and non-Arab cultures, including those of Israel, Iran, and Cyprus. This proposal aims to enhance students’ understanding of cultural diversity in the Middle East, while also contributing to the development of an inclusive and comprehensive curriculum. 

Through this meeting, the KBTT Study Program aspires to create a curriculum that meets academic needs and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on quality education. With this initiative, the KBTT Study Program is dedicated to producing graduates who excel in their fields while also possessing a broader global perspective. This new curriculum is envisioned as a strategic step toward establishing sustainable education that is responsive to global dynamics and the needs of contemporary society.

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

Melbourne, 15-17 December 2024 – Lecturers from the UGM Korean Language and Culture study programme once again took part in one of the international conferences related to Korean Studies. This time Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi participated as a presenter from Indonesia in ‘The 4th Biennial International Conference and Annual Teacher Workshop’ organised by the Australian Association of Teachers of Korean (AUATK) held in Melbourne from 15 to 17 December 2024. This annual event attracts Korean language researchers and educators from around the world, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices in Korean language education.

In 2024, AUATK’s theme is ‘The Use of AI in Korean Language Teaching,’ a topic relevant to technological developments in education. The integration of artificial intelligence into language teaching is a significant step towards improving access to education. By utilising AI technology, educators can create a more inclusive learning environment that meets a variety of learning needs.

During the three-day event, the conference featured various academic activities, including a workshop from the Korean National Language Institute, paper presentations, and an AI Prompt Engineering Workshop. The event provided a platform for academics and educators to discuss and share insights regarding innovations in Korean language teaching methods. The conference can serve as an important platform to foster collaboration among educators and researchers in the field of Korean language education. By bringing together experts from different backgrounds, the event encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of new approaches in teaching Korean as a foreign language.

The following are our lecturers’ impressions of the conference:

‘Wonderful. I gained new experiences and networks. I think it is time for the UGM Korean Language and Culture programme to not only focus on Korean Studies in Korea but also around the world. It is possible that UGM researchers can collaborate with Korean language researchers from renowned universities in the world besides those in Korea.’ – Alfiana

The participation of UGM Korean Language and Culture Study Programme lecturers in this prestigious conference confirms the commitment to advancing the field of Korean language education. By sharing knowledge and experiences, educators can contribute to global discussions on best practices and innovative teaching methods. The conference is also in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly on Quality Education, as well as Innovation and Infrastructure.

[Public Relations of Korean Language and Culture, Sherina Azmi Ahmad translated by Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 15/3/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) 2025 is jointly organized by the Institute of Nature and Malay Civilization (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with the Javanese Literature Study Program, Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Department of Museum Malaysia (JMM). SEMEJA IV includes various components designed to foster meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration. The main focus is on how cultural heritage can contribute to community empowerment and regional unity.

The components of SEMEJA IV include:

• Keynote address by visiting scholar – Secretary-General, Ministry of National Unity.
• Paper presentation sessions among researchers, postgraduate students, Librarians/Curators/Archivists, government/private sector employees.
• Forums featuring experts in related fields.
• Poster presentations and exhibitions focusing on practical strategies in utilizing heritage for community empowerment.
• Visits to heritage sites that play a role in community empowerment.
• Featuring source person for studies of Malay-Javanese heritage

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 17/02/2025 – Penerbit Erlangga, one of Indonesia’s largest companies in the printing and publishing industry, has once again launched the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) internship program for college students. This program is designed to enhance literacy competencies and provide hands-on experience in the publishing world, covering areas such as editing, graphic design, and book marketing. Elsyam Fudhail Azka, a student from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), had the opportunity to intern in the Madrasah Division, Islamic Studies Department at Penerbit Erlangga.

Occurring between September and December 2024, the MBKM program allows students to be mentored by experienced professionals, helping them develop critical thinking, communication, and project management skills. Through practical experience and guidance, students gain insights into producing high-quality, reader-friendly books, ensuring that content is well-written, easy to understand, and adheres to the Indonesian Spelling System General Manual (PUEBI).

Beyond skill development, this internship program also provides students with opportunities to build professional networks and understand the dynamics of Indonesia’s literacy industry. Many alumni who have participated in internships at Erlangga Publishing have successfully pursued careers in publishing and related sectors. Through this program, students not only gain valuable work experience but also develop a deeper awareness of the importance of literacy and education in advancing society.

Active participation in various projects and editorial processes offers students a unique and enriching experience, while also reflecting Erlangga Publishing’s commitment to supporting and contributing to the improvement of Indonesia’s education system and the development of young talents. With the presence of the MBKM program, it is hoped that students will gain real benefits, inspiring new innovations in the fields of literacy and publishing in Indonesia.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature, Elsyam Fudhail Adzka]

Yogyakarta, 10/3/2025 – The Department of Anthropology is once again offering a special opportunity for its students by hosting joint classes with Professor Emeritus Sabine Troeger from the University of Bonn. This time, Professor Sabine is introducing two new courses:

• “Healthy Environment in the Era of Anthropocene: Human-Nature Relation, When Humans Have Become the Dominant Force Shaping Earth’s Bio-Physical Composition and Processes”
• “The Good Tourist—Images and Interpretation on the Side of the Visited Agents, Communities, and Individuals in Jogja Environments.”

Just like previous courses, these will follow a block system, with alternating schedules between the two classes. Running from February to April, the classes are open to both undergraduate and graduate students of Anthropology. More than just theoretical discussions, the program also includes a four-day fieldwork experience, where students will apply the PRA (Participatory, Reflection, and Action) method in real-world settings.

In the first half of the course, students will dive into PRA methodology and explore Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, which serves as a key foundation in community empowerment practices. The sessions are designed to be interactive, with Professor Sabine constantly encouraging students to actively engage in discussions and share their perspectives.

As the course progresses into the second half, things get even more dynamic. Learning moves beyond the classroom, and students head out into the field. Over four full days, they will interact directly with local communities, observe social dynamics firsthand, and put the PRA method into practice in real-life situations. This hands-on experience not only deepens their understanding but also offers valuable reflection on how theory and practice can come together to create sustainable empowerment initiatives.

This class is more than just an academic space—it is a platform for broadening perspectives and critical reflection. By combining theory, practice, and a human-centered approach, this course provides an invaluable learning experience for every participant.

[Public Relations of Cultural Anthropology, Daiva Keefe Kalimasadha]