Yogyakarta, 27 May 2025 – Behind the classroom doors of the Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (INCULS) Program lies a space for dialogue that goes far beyond language learning. It is a meeting point of nations, a space where values are exchanged, and most importantly, where tolerance and understanding grow. One of the individuals who plays a vital role in this process is Nabila Intan Sari, fondly known as Natan. A student of English Literature from the 2021 cohort, she has been actively involved as a tutor at INCULS since 2023. Her experience has profoundly shaped the way she views the world, Indonesia, and herself.

Through INCULS, Natan has participated in various Indonesian language teaching programs for foreign speakers, such as Darmasiswa, Developing Countries Partnership (KNB), Gadjah Mada International Fellowship (GMIF), and collaborations with Monash University and the University of New South Wales. For her, each program comes with its own unique stories and challenges. Yet, a common thread runs through them all: the critical role of language as a unifying tool and a window into cultural meaning.

Among all her experiences, Natan finds the KNB program the most memorable. Unlike other programs, KNB offers a longer teaching duration, allowing for deeper friendships to form between tutors and international students. Natan wasn’t just a teacher—she became a listener, a discussion partner, and even a close friend. These relationships did not end with the program, as communication continues to this day. This, to her, is a true form of education rooted in humanity.

“To me, being a tutor is not just about delivering theory. It’s about showing up as a human being who can make others feel seen and valued,” she shared.

Natan’s teaching methods reflect a humanistic and dialogical approach. She does not dive straight into grammar or sentence structure. Instead, the first two sessions are spent discussing everyday topics such as daily life, campus experiences, cultural differences, and unique habits from each student’s home country. These conversations help build emotional connections and create a safe, relaxed learning atmosphere. Slang, light humor, and current topics often emerge during tutorials, making the learning experience feel like casual, meaningful conversations.

Another thing Natan finds fascinating is the passion for learning shown by students in long-term programs like KNB and Darmasiswa. They arrive with high motivation, great curiosity, and a respectful attitude. Of course, teaching has its challenges. Natan often encounters difficulties with accents and pronunciation, particularly with students from India and Pakistan. Language barriers are inevitable, but she refuses to give up. Instead, she sees them as opportunities to build more creative and interactive learning approaches.

One of the strategies she implements is taking learning outside the classroom. She brings students to places like the Sonobudoyo Museum to explore Javanese cultural history or hikes with them in the Kali Talang area to witness Indonesia’s natural beauty firsthand. During these activities, conversations naturally flow, touching on various topics including social issues like patriarchy and power dynamics in culture. It is through such moments that social and humanitarian values are woven into language education.

“In doing so, I feel that Bahasa Indonesia becomes more than just a communication tool—it becomes a window into the way our people live and think,” she said.

For Natan, being a tutor has changed many aspects of her life. She has become more aware of diversity and has learned not to judge others from a single perspective. She has grown to respect others more and to appreciate her own culture deeply. Her sense of nationalism has also grown stronger after witnessing how enthusiastically foreigners study Indonesian language and culture. That pride arises not from obligation, but from seeing Indonesia through the eyes of others.

“Sometimes, we only truly understand our own country when we explain it to others. And in doing so, we rediscover the meaning of Indonesia,” she reflected.

To Natan, INCULS is not just a language learning space. It is a small stage for cultural diplomacy, where Indonesia is introduced in the most human way—through person-to-person interaction. She believes that every tutor becomes a lens through which others see Indonesia. Therefore, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethics, attitude, and the quality of education. She also hopes to see improved learning facilities, including the need for a new building to better support the teaching-learning process.

In addition, she hopes international programs such as those with Monash University can be expanded and extended in duration. After all, one hour is not enough to truly explore the deeper layers of Indonesian culture. Consistent time and interaction are needed for meaningful intercultural relationships to take root.

To fellow tutors, Natan shares a simple yet powerful message: stay motivated. She encourages tutors to go beyond just teaching the language—to help students truly experience life in Indonesia. Only through firsthand experience can students grasp the essence of Indonesia, not just through words, but through the kindness, warmth, and diversity they encounter.

Through her journey, Natan has shown that teaching language can be a powerful pathway to fostering tolerance, respect, and love for the homeland. In the hands of tutors like her, language becomes a bridge—not just between nations, but between hearts—connecting the present with a more inclusive and understanding future.

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 21 May 2025 — The American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), in collaboration with the American Studies Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a public lecture titled “Representations of American Families in the Media” on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Jakarta time).

The event featured Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A., a lecturer at the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. In her lecture, Dr. Suzie explored how American families are portrayed across various media forms—from television and film to advertisements. She explained that these representations not only reflect the cultural values prevalent in American society but can also reinforce or challenge them. Using various examples, Dr. Suzie illustrated how media plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of what constitutes a “family” and what an ideal family life looks like in the American context.

With her academic background in cultural anthropology and media studies, Dr. Suzie encouraged participants to critically examine the stereotypes, dominant narratives, and social dynamics that emerge from the representation of families in American media. The topic is highly relevant not only to students of American Studies and Cultural Studies, but also to anyone interested in media studies, communication, and family dynamics in a global context. Through an interdisciplinary approach, participants were invited to see media not merely as entertainment, but as a site of meaning-making that influences how we understand the world around us.

In her presentation, Dr. Suzie highlighted the significant transformation in the representation of American families as media transitioned from traditional television to digital platforms. One example she discussed was The Cosby Show, a popular 1980s sitcom that portrayed the life of an upper-middle-class African-American family. This show was seen as an effort to construct an ideal image of Black families in the public eye—an important step in reshaping perceptions of African-American communities through mainstream media.

However, according to Dr. Suzie, media representations of families are not static. With the rise of digital media and streaming platforms, narratives about American families have become more diverse, inclusive, and complex. Digital media has created space for previously underrepresented voices and perspectives to emerge—ranging from families of various racial, class, and sexual orientation backgrounds to non-traditional family dynamics that are now more widely represented in popular culture.

The lecture was conducted in an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Students were not just passive listeners; they actively engaged in discussions, shared insights, and compared their own cultural experiences with media and family concepts. These discussions provided a collective space for reflection on how the media content we consume daily subtly shapes our views and expectations about family life.

Additionally, in her presentation, Dr. Suzie touched on the history of American television shows aired in Indonesia since the 1990s, before local soap operas began to dominate the screen. Series such as Married with Children, Young Sheldon, and The Simpsons were highlighted as examples of how media constructs various family archetypes—from the absurd and humorous to the intellectual and unconventional. These shows not only entertained but also carried American values and worldviews that, consciously or not, influenced Indonesian audiences.

This lecture is part of the Media and Popular Culture Studies course, which aims to encourage students to think critically about social representations in the media. Through its interdisciplinary framework, the course invites students not only to be media consumers, but also conscious and reflective readers of the cultural messages embedded in various forms of popular media.

[Post Graduate in American Studies, Gilang Hadian]

Yogyakarta, 15/05/2025 – INCULS (Indonesia Culture and Language Services) is not only an institution dedicated to teaching Indonesian to foreign speakers but also serves as a strategic platform in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The experience of Rifan Shinji, a 2020 graduate of Japanese Language and Culture, as a tutor at INCULS demonstrates how inclusive and adaptive educational approaches can foster quality education. By prioritizing the needs of international students from diverse backgrounds such as Monash University students who prefer casual conversations or Ritsumeikan University students interested in traditional music, Rifan applies contextual learning methods. For example, UNSW students are taken to museums to understand Indonesian politics, while Kokushikan University students engage directly with local communities to learn about customs. This approach not only strengthens linguistic comprehension but also builds cross-cultural skills, aligning with national principles of education for sustainable development and multiculturalism.

Additionally, INCULS contributes to reducing inequality by implementing principles of equality in learning. Rifan emphasizes that all students are treated fairly without favoritism, even though challenges such as mood differences or language barriers often arise. To address these, tutors use personal approaches, such as sharing meals with students or utilizing translation technology to ensure effective material delivery. However, the fact that all current INCULS tutors are male also highlights potential room for improvement in gender equality, which could be a focus for future development.  

On another note, INCULS plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Indonesian culture. Through language teaching, tutors also introduce the richness of Indonesian culture, from traditional music to local customs. Rifan gives examples of how Ritsumeikan students are interested in learning gamelan, while HUFS students are more enthusiastic about discussing Indonesian pop music. This dissemination of cultural knowledge not only enriches the perspectives of international students but also strengthens Indonesia’s soft power diplomacy on the global stage. The impact is multiplicative, as these students will carry their understanding of Indonesia back to their home countries, creating a broader cultural network.  

To support this strategic role, Rifan suggests the need for infrastructure development at INCULS, such as constructing a dedicated Indonesian language teaching building. Adequate facilities would allow the institution to enhance teaching capacity and reach more foreign learners. By maintaining teaching quality and expanding collaborative networks, INCULS can continue to be a pioneer in Indonesian language education while contributing to sustainable development. Through a holistic approach combining education, culture, and inclusivity, INCULS proves that language teaching is not merely knowledge transfer but also an investment in global peace and progress.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 30 April 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a book discussion on Trilogi Kartini on Wednesday (30/4), from 08.30 to 11.20 WIB in Room 709, Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. The event featured Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wardiman Djojonegoro, former Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia (1993–1998) and author of Trilogi Kartini, as the main speaker. The discussion was initiated by Prof. Dr. Bambang Purwanto, M.A., and moderated by Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A.

The programme opened with welcoming remarks from the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., followed by a video greeting from the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Ph.D. In a reflective and solemn atmosphere, two students from FIB UGM—Bulan Churniati (English Literature) and Febi Setiyawati (Cultural Anthropology)—read excerpts from R.A. Kartini’s letters to E.H. Zeehandelaar and R.M. Abendanon-Mandri, reaffirming Kartini’s enduring spirit of emancipation and her forward-thinking ideas.

Bulan Churniati (English Literature) read Excerpt 6 from Kartini’s letter to R.M. Abendanon-Mandri.

In his presentation, Prof. Wardiman emphasised that Trilogi Kartini was compiled to open broader understanding of Kartini’s thoughts—not merely as a symbol of Indonesian womanhood, but as a critical and progressive thinker whose vision surpassed her time. Prof. Bambang added that it is essential to position Kartini as an active historical subject who helped shape Indonesia’s cultural and educational discourse.

The discussion proceeded interactively, with active participation from members of the academic community—students, senior lecturers, and the general public. Three participants posed critical questions, ranging from Kartini’s religious views to the ways in which her commemoration could be reimagined. The event concluded with a Q&A session and the presentation of a token of appreciation by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D.

Through this event, FIB UGM reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual vitality, diversity of thought, and respect for national cultural figures through inclusive and transformative discourse.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Amid the buzz of graduation celebrations, students of the American Studies Master’s Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada carry stories of struggle that go far beyond academic achievements. Through their theses, they have examined the voices of women, minority groups, and religious discourses in America—not merely as research subjects, but as mirrors reflecting pressing social issues with deep relevance to global life and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

One of the most prominent themes is the matter of religiosity in contemporary American society. In her research, Eliyawati, S.S., M.A., explores the representation of American women’s religiosity in the TV series Young Sheldon. By combining Stuart Hall’s theory of representation and the Post-Nationalist approach in American Studies, she dissects how the religious beliefs of American women—from Baby Boomers to Generation X—are portrayed through intergenerational female characters. Her findings reveal a range of religious expression: from spiritual devotion that positions women as the “church within the family” to a shift toward secularism influenced by modernity, media, and education. This study not only captures the transformation of religious values in American society but also opens a space for reflection on the role of women within religious institutions and public life.

Eliyawati, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Leny Roslinda Sinaga, S.S., M.A. also explores gender representation in her study of the hit romantic thriller series You. The series becomes a reflective medium to examine how masculine dominance—disguised as romance—often manipulates women’s perceptions in popular culture. Leny investigates how love can become a veil for abuse and how American pop culture constructs and perpetuates such narratives. Using deconstruction theory, her research emphasizes the urgency of gender equality and the need for women to be conscious of power relations, both in personal relationships and in the public sphere, especially within the media industry that remains heavily influenced by masculine narratives.

Leny Roslinda Sinaga, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

A similarly powerful lens is offered by Zahra Kamila, S.Pd., M.A., whose thesis focuses on the film On the Basis of Sex, which portrays the real-life struggles of Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she challenged a male-dominated legal system. The film serves as a gateway to examine masculine social structures while mapping strategies such as legal advocacy, access to higher education, and cross-gender collaboration. Zahra’s research underscores that the fight for gender equality is not only about breaking barriers but also about reinforcing values of justice and inclusive institutions—two critical elements in shaping a just and civil society.

Zahra Kamila, S.Pd., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

In the digital realm, Annida Ul Marhamah, S.S., M.A. investigates the identity struggles of Bretman Rock, a Filipino-American LGBTQ+ influencer who uses new media as a platform for self-expression and resistance against stereotypes. Amid the prevailing heteronormative narratives in American pop culture, Bretman emerges as an alternative voice who boldly challenges the limits of racial, gender, and sexual identity representation. Through Jacques Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, Annida dissects how microaggressions—often expressed through public comments and social expectations—are not merely personal but deeply structural. Her study reveals that digital media narratives can be reclaimed as emancipatory spaces where authenticity becomes a form of resistance. In addressing SDGs related to reducing inequality and gender equality, the research highlights the power of authentic digital storytelling and advocates for broader cross-cultural understanding and self-representation as foundations for a more equitable society.

Annida Ul Marhamah, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

These four studies affirm that academia is not merely a place to learn theory, but a space to voice injustice, deconstruct dominant narratives, and celebrate diversity. From films and television series to digital platforms, these students demonstrate that American Studies is no longer just about “America”, it is a critical tool to understand the world, others, and even ourselves in the midst of global transformation.

[Public Relation of American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]