On Sunday (August 24, 2025), HMJ Kamastawa conducted social service and teaching activities at the Darun Najah Orphanage and Shelter for the Poor in Maguwoharjo Village, Depok, Sleman. This initiative, organized by the Social Community Division and the Academic Division, reflects the students’ social responsibility and dedication to the community as part of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The target audience for the activity was orphaned and underprivileged children, with a focus on educational support for female high school students.

Prior to the social service activity, the Social Community Division opened donations of money and goods, including reading books, stationery, and cleaning supplies. These donations were then distributed to meet the needs of the Darun Najah Orphanage.

The series of events began with a teaching activity guided by the Academic Division with the theme of Javanese script and how to write it. In this session, students presented interactive group games. Participants were asked to answer questions competitively, and each correct and quick answer would earn points. After the game ended, the group with the most points was entitled to a prize.

The event continued with a social service activity by the Social Community Division, which donated snacks and necessities for the orphanage, such as brooms, boxes, and so on. The funds for these necessities were obtained from an open donation that had been opened previously. 

The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of commemorative plaques and the handover of donations from the chairman of HMJ Kamastawa to representatives of the Darun Najah Orphanage management. Students and orphanage children also took part in a group photo session to commemorate the occasion and share stories.

Kamastawa’s community service activities are not merely about carrying out work programs, but also provide a shared learning space that offers valuable experiences for both students and children at the orphanage. In addition, these activities support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of health, education, equality, and sustainable communities and partnerships.

Author : Maysa Putri Fatihah & Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Universitas Gadjah Mada is holding a 50-day Community Empowerment Field Study Program (KKN-PPM) from June 20 to August 8, 2025. In its implementation, students are assigned to serve by carrying out programs aimed at community empowerment. This includes Yudha Adhistira, a student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, who is implementing the “Sira Saraja” (Sinau Rame Aksara Jawa) program in Blitar Regency, East Java. This program focuses on socializing the use of Javanese script and language to elementary to high school students in Bululalang Village and Bakung District, highlighting a number of common mistakes, such as the use of the words “makempal” and “tedhak sungging,” as well as errors in writing the names of villages and public places on digital platforms such as Google Maps.

In an online interview on August 31, 2025, Yudha explained that the aim of this program is to reduce misconceptions about the use of Javanese script and language, while fostering motivation and interest among the younger generation in  Javanese language objects. “To attract this interest, the material has been designed to be appealing, such as displaying examples of beautiful Javanese manuscripts, conducting case studies of Javanese-language pop works, and introducing the potential of Javanese cultural objects and tourism in the Blitar area,” he explained.

However, the implementation of this program is not without challenges. Yudha revealed that there is still a lack of educators who are experts in the Javanese language and a limited number of student worksheets (LKS) that focus on Javanese script. Nevertheless, the students’ enthusiasm was evident through their active questioning and interaction during the activities. “The situation was quite exciting and challenging, especially when presenting new things that could attract the children’s interest. Despite some difficulties, the children’s enthusiasm through their interactions and many questions about this teaching method is a joy in itself,” he added.

The Sira Saraja program also reflects the importance of preserving regional languages as part of national identity. The slogan “language is the soul of a nation” is relevant in efforts to preserve and develop regional languages. The conditions in Bululalang Village and Bakung District are concrete examples of the current state of regional languages, which are becoming increasingly “foreign” to their speakers.

In line with this, in his lecture, Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and professor of Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasized the importance of a flexible, enjoyable, and relevant approach to learning regional languages (Hendrokumoro 2025, May 8). This is an important strategy so that regional language learners, especially native speakers, can continue to preserve and revive regional languages as a form of national identity. Therefore, synergy between various parties is needed as a joint effort in the preservation and development of regional languages in Indonesia.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Bibliography

Hendrokumoro. [Universitas Gadjah Mada]. (2025, May 8). Pengukuhan Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., Guru Besar Fakultas Ilmu Budaya UGM. [Video]. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d6PJDguBFk.

Buru Island, July 16, 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to carry out its Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) program across 35 provinces in Indonesia. One of its inspiring initiatives came from Shang Narendra, affectionately known as Adam, a student of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. During his KKN service in Lamahang Village, Waplau District, Buru Regency, Maluku Province, Adam introduced two unique programs: the creation of a pocket Arabic dictionary and simple Arabic language lessons for students.

The pocket dictionary was carefully prepared in Yogyakarta and later distributed during the school orientation period (Matsama – Masa Ta’aruf Madrasah) at MTs Al-Khairaat in Lamahang. The classes targeted first-year students who had never been exposed to Arabic before, aiming to introduce them to basic vocabulary, everyday conversation, and inspire early motivation to learn a foreign language.

The pocket dictionary contains practical, thematic vocabulary across categories such as household, school, environment, body parts, and pronouns, making it easier for students to recall and use words in daily situations. Beyond serving as a learning resource, the dictionary was also given as a keepsake to MTs Al-Khairaat. Interestingly, its usefulness sparked interest from KKN students in other regions, who later helped distribute the dictionary more widely—turning it into one of UGM’s KKN innovations with a broader impact on Arabic language education.

In practice, Adam began lessons by introducing simple greetings and personal pronouns (isim dhamir) through interactive learning media such as colorful slides and posters. The students of MTs Al-Khairaat welcomed the sessions with great enthusiasm, showing remarkable eagerness to learn. Not only did they enjoy the introductory Arabic lessons, but they were also able to immediately practice the new words with their peers.

The program was considered highly successful in sparking student interest to explore Arabic further. The school even expressed hopes for more future visits from UGM’s KKN participants. As a touching farewell, the KKN team received parting gifts from the MTs students before their departure—a heartfelt gesture that reflected the strong bonds formed between the students, teachers, and the local community.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Shang Narendra]

Yogyakarta, 26/8/2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, proudly graduated 35 students at the Undergraduate and Diploma Graduation Ceremony for Period IV of the 2024/2025 Academic Year. This milestone marks a special achievement for the program, as it is the highest number of graduates produced in a single academic year.

At this ceremony, the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) among Arabic Study Program graduates was achieved by Amalia Faradilla, S.S., class of 2021, with a remarkable GPA of 3.92. Her accomplishment stands as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and consistency throughout her undergraduate studies in Arabic Study Program at UGM.

Meanwhile, the fastest completion of study was recorded by Nada Utami Rianti, S.S., class of 2021, who successfully completed her undergraduate education in only 3 years, 9 months, and 11 days—a noteworthy achievement that reflects both discipline and academic excellence.

This graduation serves as a historic milestone for the graduates, who have completed a transformative journey of learning, research, and community engagement. The presence of these graduates reaffirms the program’s commitment to producing outstanding scholars in the field of Arabic language, literature, and culture—graduates who are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

Congratulations to all graduates of the Arabic Study Program UGM! May this achievement be the first step toward a brighter and more impactful future.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

The English Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences recently hosted a seminar on academic ethics and the integrity of scientific work. Held as part of a series of welcoming activities for new students, the event’s goal was to equip them with the essential knowledge needed for responsible academic writing.

The seminar featured speakers Mia Riane Bird and Ella Eardahl, fellows from Oberlin Shansi, an organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding between Asia and the United States. Their participation offered valuable, real-world insights for the students.

Mia and Ella addressed crucial topics in the academic landscape, including the definition and various forms of plagiarism, practical strategies for avoiding it, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in writing. They provided students with actionable tips and tricks for processing information correctly, such as paraphrasing, summarizing, and using quotations.

A key takeaway was the emphasis on using AI as an ethical tool, not a replacement for original thought and critical thinking. The speakers underscored that while technology can assist in the writing process, it should not compromise a student’s originality.

By holding this seminar, the English Literature Study Program aims to ensure its new students begin their academic journey with a strong foundation in ethical practices, a commitment to originality, and the skills to responsibly utilize modern technology.

Author: Rifqi Wahyu Ilham