Yogyakarta, 16/1/2025 – TIAS 2024 students shopped at Kranggan Market in a series of Indonesian language learning. The students practiced bargaining with fruit vendors in Indonesian. In doing this activity, students were accompanied by teachers and part-time students. By bargaining, students are expected to train their focus in listening and speaking Indonesian.

This out-of-class learning activity also gave TIAS students a new experience. Previously, the TIAS students had never been to a traditional market. One of the TIAS students expressed her amazement at traditional markets because she found the prices in traditional markets cheaper than in supermarkets. The student also said that she would find it easier to adopt a healthy lifestyle because of the affordable price of fruit. This activity provides long-term benefits for TIAS students considering that these students will study at UGM for several years to pursue bachelor/master/doctoral degrees. In addition, this activity was not only welcomed enthusiastically by TIAS students, but also fruit vendors. The vendors were entertained and amazed by the TIAS students’ ability to bargain. In addition, the students did not only buy fruit, but also traditional snacks. The students did not hesitate to taste traditional culinary in Kranggan Market, such as jenang, fried foods, and so on.

This out-of-class learning shows that language learning is not only limited in the classroom, but also outside the classroom considering that students will interact directly with the community during their stay in Indonesia. This activity is expected to build the confidence of TIAS students in dialoguing with friends, lecturers, and the community in Indonesian.

[Public Relation INCULS, Decika Syahda Maharani translated by Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 30/1/2025 – Jatingarang Fest is a joint program with the theme Steps of Citizens, Preserve Beloved Culture which was held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 in Padukuhan Jatingarang Lor, Nanggulan, Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta. Carrying the spirit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially on points (3) health and welfare, (4) quality education, and (2) food security. This event is an effort to increase residents’ awareness of healthy living, education, and social resilience. This program was initiated by the UGM SCS-CEL team Period 3 Jatingarang Lor Sub Unit with field supervisor, Dr. drh. Yuli Purwandari Kristianingrum, MP, and in collaboration with the local rismas.

Coordinated by Bulan Churniati from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (21/477380/SA/20963), the event consisted of Dhiaksa Adhi, Zahra Nabila, Andreas Niko from FKKMK, Austien Elsa from Pharmacy, Tenriola Ramizah from FISIPOL, and Adelia Rizqa from Psychology. The event included gymnastic activities, healthy walking or eco-trekking, children’s Gambang Suling dance performances and Banyumas Massatria dance, tourism education, anti-hoax, and food security which are a combination of several different work programs, especially interdisciplinary.

Source: KKN-PPM UGM Sub Unit Team Jatingarang Lor, Nanggulan, Kulon Progo, DIY

In the anti-hoax education, participants were invited to understand how to sort out the right information in a digital era full of fake news. The food security material emphasized the importance of applying simple tips for small, independent farms. Meanwhile, tourism education provides insights related to regional potential that can be developed. The event was also enlivened with dance entertainment and energizing door prizes. A total of 26 prizes were prepared thanks to well-planned management and sponsor support, with the grand prizes being standing fans, irons and premium pots. The excitement and joy was evident when the grand prize winners were announced, which was greeted with cheers from the community. Enthusiastic community participation added to the festivities, with more than a hundred people attending.

Overall, Jatingarang Fest went smoothly and was full of warmth. “It was unexpected that the enthusiasm of the residents exceeded our expectations, which initially planned for only one padukuhan, but it turned out that many from other padukuhans wanted to participate,” said Bulan as the person in charge of Jatingarang Fest. The success of this event shows the spirit of gotong royong and strong collaboration between KKN students, rismas, and residents of Jatingarang Lor, leading to the development of a more prosperous and sustainable community.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 21/1/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an important event marking the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Chung Ang University. The ceremony took place at Margono Building, gathering representatives from both institutions to strengthen collaboration in education and cultural exchange.

The event began with the screening of a profile video featuring Chung Ang University, followed by videos of Gadjah Mada University and the Faculty of Humanities. The videos highlighted the strengths and unique offerings of each institution, emphasising their commitment to providing equal access to education and promoting community engagement. Following the video presentations, short presentations were delivered by representatives from both universities. Chung Ang University, known for its focus on artificial intelligence development, expressed its enthusiasm to collaborate with FIB UGM, which specialises in cultural studies and community service. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between technology and culture, encouraging a holistic educational experience for students.

The MoA signing was officiated by Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si, Dean of the Faculty. He was accompanied by Dr Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr Mimi Savitri, M.A., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni. Their presence emphasised the importance of this collaboration in enhancing academic mobility and cultural exchange between the two institutions. Representatives from Chung Ang University consisted of three key figures, along with Suray Agung Nugroho, SS, MA, Ph.D., lecturer in Korean language and culture and Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources.

This cooperation is expected to encourage student mobility between FIB UGM and Chung Ang University, allowing students to experience diverse educational environments and cultural perspectives. By facilitating exchanges, both institutions aim to promote equal access to education and enhance the overall learning experience for their students.

This partnership is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of access to education and community engagement. By working together, FIB UGM and Chung Ang University are taking a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape. This MoA signifies a commitment not only to academic excellence but also to the development of cultural understanding and community service. Both universities are excited to explore new opportunities for joint research, student exchanges, and community projects.

Ultimately, the signing of the MoA between FIB UGM and Chung Ang University marks an important moment in strengthening international co-operation in education. The partnership is poised to create lasting impact for students, faculty, and the wider community, reinforcing the importance of equal access to education and cultural exchange in today’s increasingly connected world.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Malaysia, January 1, 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Arabic Literature Study Program is sending its students to participate in a student exchange at Universitas Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program in 2024. IISMA is one of the flagship programs of Kampus Merdeka organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The activity takes place from October 7, 2024 to February 23, 2025.

Through this program, Elvira Sundari, a 2021 Arabic Literature student, had the opportunity to broaden her academic and cultural horizons by taking four courses from three different faculties. In the Faculty of Education, she studied “Social Media in Language Learning” and “Teaching of Literature: Reading The Word and The World”. From the Faculty of Islamic Studies, she took the course “Comparative Arabic Literature”, and in the Faculty of Social Sciences she attended the class “Intercultural Communication”. These activities support the development of cross-cultural and scientific understanding relevant to her field of study.

In addition to studying, Elvira also participated in various additional activities. She participated in a poetry declamation competition during the UKM 2024 Book Festival. She won third place in the competition and was the only participant from Indonesia. On another occasion, she recited Indonesian poetry during Arunika 2024, an Indonesian cultural festival in Malaysia.

“This opportunity gave me the experience of learning in a different environment, allowing me to learn more about literature and culture in Malaysia,” Elvira said. Her participation in this program reflects her spirit to continue learning and establishing relationships between nations.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Arts UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Malaysia, 7/12/2024 – Two students of the Arabic literature study program successfully presented their essays related to women’s empowerment in the Asean Muslimah Exposure 2024 (AME 2024) event in Malaysia. The program organized by the Qurthubiyah Institute organization was held from December 6 to 8, 2024. As an organization, Qurthubiyah Institute aims to be a forum for empowering Muslim women with character, knowledge, and skilled personality by internalizing Islamic values in life. Thus, the Asean Muslimah Exposure program is designed to increase Indonesian Muslimah’s understanding of social issues through hands-on learning experiences in Asean countries.

In the AME 2024 program, there are three main activities held on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The three activities are Essay Presentation, Panel Discussion, and Campus Tour which took place at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) and University Malaya (UM). Essay Presentation and Panel Discussion activities held at IIUM were not only attended by AME 2024 participants, but also attended by IIUM students who are members of the Islamic Studies Forum Indonesia (ISFI) organization.

In this activity, there were several delegates who presented their papers, and two of them were students of the Arabic Literature Study Program, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The first student was Vanisa Putri Andarista with her essay entitled The Trend of Delaying Marriage “Waithood” In Indonesian Women and How Islam Views It. The essay was awarded The Best Analytical Perspective. While the second student, Ragil Samas Khofifatunnur conveyed ideas in his essay entitled The relevance of “Risalah Perempuan Berkemajuan” to Increasing The Inclusiveness of Women’s Empowerment In Village, and won The Best Delegates Paper award.

From the series of AME 2024 activities, students not only gain experience in making and presenting their essays, but also gain abundant knowledge through the discussions that have been held. In addition, students are also more familiar with the dynamics of lectures in Malaysia, the socio-cultural conditions of the local community, and how Islamic values are implemented there. With the many experiences and insights that have been gained, students are expected to play an active role in disseminating these insights so that the benefits are received by more people, as is the goal of the Qurthubiyah Institute.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Sandya Kirani]