Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – On Wednesday, 23 April, six students from the American Studies program of FIB, Gadjah Mada University, finished their studies by producing a thesis focusing on social issues and culture that was part of American popular culture. Those six students who graduated consist of Eliyawati and Zahra Kamila from Angkatan 2022 genap, A. Fahmi Dahlan, Leny Roslinda Sinaga, Annida Ul Marhamah from Angkatan 2022 Ganjil,  and Aprilia Nilham from  Angkatan 2021 Genap. In their thesis, not only the graduate show deep examination of America internally, but also study on America influence that was felt by another country, which is Indonesia.

One thesis written by A. Fahmi Dahlan, “American Hegemony in Indonesian Mass Culture: A Case Study on Hip-hop Community in Wijilan Yogyakarta,” examined how Indonesian hip-hop music was influenced by American hip-hop music through its complex elements. This thesis found that the hegemony in Wijilan hip-hop music could be seen through its cultural empowerment and use of hip-hop as a tool to criticize social issues. In other words, they adapt and merge the global influence with local identity.

As a comparison to previous theses that connected America with Indonesia, the thesis written by Eliyawati titled “The Representation of American Women’s Religiosity in Young Sheldon” found that the concept of Christianity embraced by American women can be observed through their attitudes and the implementation of religious values, including in the roles of women within the family—roles that show a stark contrast when compared to women who do not adhere to any particular faith. In her thesis, she also argues that this representation is evident across the three generations portrayed in Young Sheldon.
Through research that employs a variety of perspectives and issues, their writings are expected to enrich and become references for future studies, especially those related to America, popular culture, and social issues both within America and globally, in order to help build a more open society.

[Public Relation of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, 29/4/2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. as a Full Professor in the field of Literary Sociology. The inauguration ceremony took place at the UGM Senate Hall and was attended by family members, academic colleagues, and guests from various institutions.

In his inaugural speech titled “Literature, SARA, and the Politics of Misunderstanding”, Prof. Aprinus delivered a critical reflection on the role of literary works in Indonesia’s social and political dynamics. According to him, literature is one of the procedures through which truth is sought—whether by revealing it openly or by not revealing it at all. Literature, he argued, is not merely a work of art, but a human endeavour to explore and assert what is true and what remains questionable.

He further emphasised that the state should function to ensure a life that is more prosperous, just, secure, and peaceful for all its citizens. Therefore, society—including state institutions and civil society activists—must work together to foster intelligence and wisdom in nationhood and statehood.

Prof. Aprinus also criticised the limitations imposed on literary expression, especially regarding issues deemed sensitive such as ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations (SARA). “It is time we allow literature to explore freely, without being shackled by fear or excessive censorship. No theme should be considered ‘forbidden’ to write about. It is precisely in those spaces that literature performs its function: to trace truths that have yet to be uncovered,” he stated.

This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the career of Prof. Aprinus Salam, who is widely known as a scholar, writer, and artist committed to raising issues of culture, literature, and diversity in Indonesian society. The event concluded with congratulatory remarks and hopes that Prof. Aprinus will continue to contribute to the strengthening of critical intellectual traditions and freedom of expression in both academic and public spheres.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 17 April 2025 – Pusat Bahasa of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) partnered with the Indonesian International Education Foundation (IIEF) to successfully organize the TOEFL Digital On-Site test today. The test took place at FIB UGM, with ten participants arriving at the venue starting at 7:30 AM. The official test began at 8:00 AM.

The participants expressed enthusiasm for enhancing their English language skills, recognizing it as a crucial factor for thriving in the increasingly interconnected global landscape. The test employed digital methods, which not only ensured efficiency but also promoted eco-friendliness by significantly reducing paper use. This reflects UGM’s commitment to leveraging technology in providing high-quality education.

To guarantee a smooth execution of the test, the Language Center of FIB UGM and IIEF ensured that the facilities met international standards for TOEFL testing. The venue offered modern amenities and accessibility, while the organizers provided pre-test briefings to help participants perform confidently and without technical difficulties.

The event served as both an opportunity for individuals to evaluate their English proficiency and a strategic step toward realizing Indonesia’s vision of producing globally competitive human resources. Through its collaboration with IIEF, UGM demonstrated the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and related organizations in expanding access to quality education across the country.

This initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable quality education. By focusing on individual skill development, the program represents a tangible commitment by educational institutions to foster positive change on both local and global scales.

[Public Relation of Fellas FIB UGM, Sabik Hikami]

Yogyakarta, 28/4/2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) held a cultural webinar titled “Mencintai yang Dekat, Mengenal yang Jauh: Imbasadi Menjawab Tantangan AI dan Global lewat Kebudayaan Daerah” (Loving What is Near, Understanding What is Far: Imbasadi Responds to the Challenges of AI and Globalization through Regional Culture) on Sunday (April 13, 2025). The event was part of the series commemorating Imbasadi’s 32nd anniversary.

The webinar featured R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. Noviyanti Alfitri, a student from the same program and a member of Imbasadi’s Research and Community Service Division (P2M), served as the moderator.

In his presentation, R. Bima Slamet Raharja highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the preservation and expanding public access to the literary and cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. However, he emphasized that the use of such technologies must be carried out wisely, ensuring that cultural wealth remains respected, safeguarded as a national treasure, and continues to provide lasting benefits.

This cultural webinar demonstrated Imbasadi’s and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program’s strong commitment to preserving and advancing regional languages, literatures, and cultures amidst the pressures of globalization. The initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 22/04/2025 – As part of an effort to deepen understanding of the dynamics of Indonesian politics, Indonesian Culture and Language Study (INCULS) students visited the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) DPRD Building and the DIY Governor’s Office. The visit not only provided insight into the legislative and executive processes at the local level, but also implicitly touched on the principles of sustainable development, particularly in terms of inclusive, transparent and accountable governance.

During the visit to the DPRD DIY, INCULS students discussed with the lecturers the role of the legislature in public policy making. They highlighted the importance of community participation in the political process, which is in line with peace processes that emphasize effective, inclusive and transparent governance. At the Governor’s Office, INCULS students had the opportunity to tour and hear about the challenges and strategies of development in Yogyakarta. Topics such as cultural preservation, poverty alleviation, and improving access to education were discussed. The DIY government emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics, communities, and policy makers to achieve sustainable development. Youth and students play a key role in driving innovation and monitoring public policies.

The visit not only enriched students’ understanding of Indonesian politics, but also made them realize that good public policy is the foundation of achieving the SDGs. By understanding the democratic process and governance, INCULS students are expected to become agents of change who promote sustainable development, both locally and globally. Politics is not just about power, but a tool to realize sustainable social and environmental justice. This activity is proof that political education and awareness of sustainable development must go hand in hand to create a better future. 

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]