Yogyakarta, Friday, 1st of November 2024. The English Literature Department Student Association (IMAJI) held English Days 2024. This event is an annual event that has a series of activities to enliven the 78th Dies Natalies of the English Literature study programme. One of the series of English Days 2024 activities is a theatre performance held on 1 November 2024 at Soegondo Auditorium, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, from 18.00 WIB to 21.30 WIB.

Before going to the the main performance, the event began with a speech from Florinesya Zahwa Raihania, as the Chairperson of the English Days 2024 Committee. On this occasion, Flori expressed her gratitude to the audience and those involved in supporting the success of English Days 2024. The speech was then continued by English Literature Lecturer, Hasyim Kurniawan, S.S., M.App.Ling.. Mr Hasyim conveyed the importance of student organisation events as a great source and learning experience. He said experiences in organisational activities train skills and leadership and problem solving and will help every aspect of students’ future.

After the speeches ended, the theatre performance titled, ‘The Front Stage Facade’ began, telling the story of the dark side of the entertainment industry. The show began with a dance music performance which would then accompany certain moments during the show. The reveal of the main players in this theatre is the character Jackie (Rizqi) as, ‘Starboy’ who plays the role of an American entertainment industry figure who is famous abroad, followed by Avery (Dewi) playing the role of the main manager of the theatre talent from the French owner of a company engaged in the entertainment industry, Jacques (Aimar). In addition, there are major characters who appear after the first part of the show which further increases the tension and excitement of the theatre with the appearance of Rita (Tyaz) and Pamela (Vari). Meanwhile, supporting characters such as Boy 1 (Nida), Boy 2 (Ipeh), Girl 1 (Felice), Girl 2 (Zahwa), Girl 3 (Nia), and Girl 4 (Chu), liven up the atmosphere of the theatre performance with various unique moments.

The English Days 2024: A Step Into the Centre Stage theatre performance was one of the amazing theatre performances in early November. It was a closing event that was well attended by the general public and students. Congratulations on the event success!

Festival Bulan Bahasa is one of the five main series of Bulan Bahasa UGM 2024. The contents of the Festival Bulan Bahasa itself include a “behind-the-scenes of Bulan Bahasa  We Tell Stories” exhibition, an interactive “Discover Me” exhibition, an exhibition of the 2023 winners’ works, then Suar Memoar to write down all hopes for visitors who come. In addition to the exhibition, there is also a reading corner and visitors can make scrapbooks or zine creations for free here. The highlight of the Festival this time is the performances, such as modern dance, poetry musicalization, and also bands from various circles.

In addition, Bulan Bahasa also still opens competitions for students, college students, and the public, including short story creation, poetry creation, poetry reading, and essays. After this, there will be a workshop with one of the writers whose book has been made into a movie, and the culmination of the Bulan Bahasa event is the performance of Teater Kami Bercerita which presents Seno Adi Gumira’s work with the title “Dilarang Beranyi di Kamar Mandi” on November 29, 2024, at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. For more information, check out the Bulan Bahasa Instagram (@bulanbahasaugm)

Yogyakarta, October 30, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a visit from 270 students from MAN Bondowoso and SMAN 8 Garut in the Auditorium of Soegondo Building 7th Floor. This event was an opportunity for the students to get to know more about academic life at UGM and opportunities to study at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB).

The event was opened with remarks from the Faculty’s Public Relations and Cooperation team, which consists of five unit staff, including part-timer students. In the question and answer session, students and teachers were enthusiastic with many questions, ranging from the benefits and opportunities of studying at FIB, tips on building confidence to enter top universities, to the percentage of new student admissions in each pathway.

The students also asked about broader issues, such as policies related to UKT (Single Tuition Fee), campus response to mental health, and efforts to handle sexual violence cases. Public Relations gave a comprehensive explanation, emphasizing UGM’s commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment.

The event ended with the handover of souvenirs from each school, a group photo session, and a spirited yell match between MAN Bondowoso and SMAN 8 Garut, concluding an inspiring and fun-filled visit.

Yogyakarta, 28 October 2024 – The Department of Anthropology of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a seminar entitled “Refugee Protection in Indonesia and Beyond” on Monday, 28 October 2024. Located in the Multimedia Room, Margono Building 2nd floor, the seminar attracted participants from various backgrounds, including students, academics, and legal practitioners.

The event, which took place from 13.30 to 16.00 WIB, presented a number of expert speakers who discussed various aspects of refugee protection, both in Indonesia and in a global context. Here are some of the topics presented by the speakers:

1. Prof. Martin Jones from the University of York, UK, presented material on “Moving Beyond Protection Space”. He highlighted the need for innovative approaches in moving beyond the boundaries of protection space for refugees amid global policy challenges.
2. Fitria, S.H., M.R., Ph.D. from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, presented the topic “Legal Pluralism and Refugee Protection in Aceh”. In her presentation, Fitria explained the legal complexities faced by refugees in Aceh and the importance of legal pluralism in ensuring more inclusive protection.
3. Dr. Elan Lazuardi from Universitas Gadjah Mada explored the health challenges for refugees in Jakarta and surrounding areas in the topic “Unregulated Health Protection for Refugees”. He argued that health protection is still an issue that needs to be better regulated in national policy.
4. Dr. Realisa Masardi also from Gadjah Mada University, provided additional perspectives on refugees in Indonesia.

The seminar was welcomed enthusiastically by the participants, who had the opportunity to explore refugee protection issues through direct discussions with experts. Participants appreciated the importance of this seminar in providing a new understanding of the dynamics and challenges faced by refugees in Indonesia and the world. With the success of this event, the Department of Anthropology UGM is expected to continue to be a forum for critical discussions on crucial humanitarian issues at the national and international levels.

The Arabic Language & Literature Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has successfully held the ‘Festival of Arabic Culture (FKA) 2024’ which took place from 18 to 20 October 2024. This annual festival is a celebration of Arabic culture with a series of interesting events, such as national level competitions, FKA Talks, Arabic Market Day, and the “Arabian Night” theater performance. 

# FKA 2024 National Competition

The national competition held on October 18, 2024 involved participants from various categories, ranging from high school students to university students and the general public. This competition aims to spur the enthusiasm of the younger generation in mastering the Arabic language and culture. The categories contested include:

1. SMA/MA/equivalent category:  

   – Taqdimul Qishoh (Storytelling)  

   – Arabic Language Olympiad  

   – Calligraphy  

2. Student Category:  

   – Arabic Debate  

   – Presentation Essay  

3. General Category:  

   – Musabaqah Qira’atul Kutub (MQK) 3.  

   – Videography (conducted online)

# Arabic Market Day: A Celebration of Taste and Music

From October 19 to 20, 2024, “Arabic Market Day” enlivens the atmosphere with a bazaar featuring a variety of Middle Eastern delicacies. The event came alive with musical performances from local bands that entertained visitors throughout the day. The food and beverage stalls were packed with participants and the general public who wanted to get a taste of the Arabic market.

# FKA Talks: Inspiration from Outstanding Students

One of the most anticipated events was “FKA Talks”, held on October 19, 2024 at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Arts UGM. With the theme *”Ideas and Perspectives of Students with Character towards Development and Change in the Era of Disruption ”*, five talented students provided insights related to social, psychology, and education. Their innovative ideas and critical perspectives were enthusiastically welcomed by the participants, creating an in-depth discussion on the challenges and opportunities in this modern era.

# Theater “Arabian Night”: The Starry Story of the Sahara

The festival concluded with a spectacular theater performance of “Arabian Night” that took place on the evening of October 20, 2024. Set under a starry sky, the performance blends Arabian culture and the local richness of the archipelago. The theme “Gemintang Padang Sahara di Ambara Nusantara” successfully brought the audience into a magical and enchanting atmosphere, with a message of friendship and togetherness packaged in a captivating storyline.

The event was the culmination of the 2024 Arab Cultural Festival celebrations, which not only celebrated cultural diversity but also connected various elements of creativity and achievement at the national level. With great enthusiasm from participants and visitors alike, the 2024 Arab Cultural Festival once again demonstrated the important role culture plays in strengthening relationships across communities and promoting pride in diversity.