Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – Muhammad Wirai Suryajati, an alumnus of the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) class of 2013, is one UGM Tourism alumni who has successfully built a career in the tourism industry. With his dedication and competence, Wira’i has obtained various achievements that contribute to the tourism industry in the country.

Wira’i now serves as CEO of PT Alodia Tour Indonesia, a company engaged in travel services with various superior packages, including private trips, company trips, honeymoons, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions), visas, and flight tickets. In addition, Wira’i has obtained certification from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) as a Professional Certified Tour Leader and MICE Organizer. This career and certification confirm his competence in managing tours and organizing MICE.

Wira’i shared his experiences and insights in the agenda of the Inspiring Alumni Graduation Briefing Period II 2024/2025, taking place at the FIB Auditorium, 7th Floor, Soegondo Building, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The event was attended by prospective graduates and final-year students who are preparing to enter the world of work.

The Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM is committed to producing agents of change, ready to contribute to the tourism industry. With a curriculum combining theory-based and project-based approaches, as well as the support of extensive networks with industry, UGM Tourism Study Program continues to equip its students with relevant and innovative insights.

This effort aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Having alumni network in various tourism sectors and business, UGM Tourism Study Program continues to contribute to the development of a sustainable tourism industry.

Wira’i’s career journey reflects how the education and experience gained during his college year at UGM evidence a provision in pursuing a career in the tourism industry. His story serves as a reference for students and prospective students of the UGM Tourism Study Program to develop their potential and build a competitive future in the industry.

[Public Relations of Tourism  Department FIB UGM, Muhammad Alif]

Yogyakarta, 26/2/2025 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM held Mangayubagya Wisudawan Wisudawati Undergraduate Programme Period II Academic Year 2024/2025 for 113 graduates and graduates from various study programmes. This event was held at the auditorium on the 7th floor of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The event was also attended by representatives from each department and study programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The event began with the singing of Indonesia Raya, Mars Gadjah Mada, and Mars Sastra by Paramadaya. After that the event continued with remarks by the Deputy Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D. At this graduation, Devi Ayu Lisdiana from the English Literature study programme got the opportunity to be a representative of graduates to give remarks. After the speech session ended, there was a session of handing over diplomas and academic transcripts to graduates and graduates given by representatives of each study programme. This session went smoothly with a group photo of each study programme at the end of the handover process. The event was closed by reading a prayer together by Mr Hamdan, S.S., M.A.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Nisrina Nadhira]

Yogyakarta, 25/2/2025 – The Faculty of Humanities held an important workshop aimed at increasing collaboration between local governments and universities. The event was attended by the Regent of Siak Regency, Riau, as well as various stakeholders from the public and academic sectors. The workshop focused on the development of culture, tourism, and creative economy by utilising local potential to drive economic growth and development.

The workshop began with opening remarks from the Regent of Siak, who emphasised the importance of education in improving economic resources. He highlighted that universities have a crucial role in providing the knowledge and skills needed to empower local communities. By collaborating with local governments, educational institutions can help create a more sustainable and inclusive economic environment.

The participants engaged in discussions on the current state of cultural and tourism development in Siak. They explored how local resources can be optimised to increase the attractiveness of the area as a tourist destination. The Bupati emphasised that Siak is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, which if managed well, can contribute significantly to economic development.

One of the key topics discussed during the workshop was the integration of local culture into the education curriculum. Experts suggested that by incorporating local history and traditions into university programmes, students will be better equipped to promote and preserve their cultural identity. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a sense of pride among the younger generation.

In addition, the workshop also highlighted the potential of the creative economy in driving economic growth. The participants discussed various creative industries, such as handicrafts, performing arts, and culinary, that could be further developed. The Regent encouraged local entrepreneurs to collaborate with universities to innovate and create new products that reflect Siak’s unique cultural identity.

In addition to the cultural and creative industries, the workshop also focused on sustainable tourism practices. Experts shared insights on how to develop tourism that respects local communities and the environment. The Regent emphasised that sustainable tourism is essential for long-term economic development and should be a priority for local governments and educational institutions.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on all stakeholders to work together in implementing the strategies discussed. Such collaboration is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of economic resources, education, and economic growth.

As participants left the workshop, there was a real sense of optimism about the future of Siak. The collaboration between the local government and universities is expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that will boost the cultural, tourism and creative sectors in the area. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving sustainable economic development in Siak.

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

Yogyakarta, 23/2/2025 – University Club Boulevard hosted a seminar and workshop aimed at improving the role of PELBAKORI instructors in preparing prospective Indonesian migrant workers to work in South Korea. Welcomed by the dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the event was a follow-up to an audience held in January 2025 between the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) and PELBAKORI, which focused on the government-to-government (G to G) labour dispatch programme.

Seminar dimulai dengan upacara pembukaan yang mencakup lagu kebangsaan Indonesia, diikuti dengan pembacaan doa. Suasana penuh semangat saat para undangan disuguhkan penampilan tari kipas Korea (Buchaechum) yang dibawakan oleh para mahasiswi dari Program Studi Bahasa dan Kebudayaan Korea. Pertunjukan yang memukau ini tidak hanya menunjukkan keindahan budaya Korea, tetapi juga menciptakan suasana positif untuk kegiatan hari itu. 

One of the crucial issues identified in this programme is the language barrier faced by Indonesian migrant workers, which is a concern for Korean employers. Many workers have difficulty understanding work instructions, resulting in miscommunication and potential conflict. To address this, PELBAKORI is committed to improving the quality and skills of prospective migrant workers, especially in language acquisition, by collaborating with academic institutions.

Instructors from vocational training centres (LPK) that are members of PELBAKORI play an important role in this initiative. They are tasked with equipping migrant workers with the language skills necessary to succeed in South Korea. Therefore, it is imperative that these instructors continue to improve their teaching skills in Korean.

The Korean Language and Culture Study Programme at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has been a key partner of PELBAKORI since 2018. This collaboration aims to create synergy between academia, vocational training institutions, and KP2MI to improve the quality of prospective migrant workers. The ultimate goal is to prepare these workers to become ambassadors of the nation who contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, in accordance with KP2MI’s tagline #BerangkatMigranPulangJuragan.

The seminar was attended by distinguished guests, including Dwi Setiawan Susanto, Director General of Promotion and Utilisation of Overseas Employment Opportunities at KP2MI, and Abri Danar Prabawa, Director of Vocational Institutional Development for Indonesian Migrant Workers at KP2MI. Also present will be the heads of UPT BP3MI from Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java, as well as Shin Jiwon from the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).

The event will also feature expert speakers, including Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., MA, Ph.D. from the department of Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Didin Samsudin, S.E., M.M., CHCM., CIT. from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Dr Hwang Who Young, M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Their insights will be invaluable in discussing challenges and solutions related to language training for migrant workers.

As part of the workshop, participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to improve their teaching methodologies and language teaching techniques. This practical approach aims to empower instructors to better prepare their students for the realities of working in South Korea, ensuring they can communicate and integrate well in the workplace.

This seminar and workshop is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of access to education and decent work for all. By investing in the education and training of migrant workers, Indonesia not only improves their competitiveness but also fosters a more skilled workforce that can contribute positively to the economy.

In conclusion, collaboration between PELBAKORI, KP2MI, and academic institutions is crucial to the success of Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea. By overcoming the language barrier and improving the quality of training, this initiative will help create a generation of skilled workers who can be ambassadors for Indonesia abroad.

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

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]