On Thursday, June 14, 2024, a Sharing Session entitled “Developing Potential, Strategizing: Success with KBTT Study Program at Faculty of Arts UGM” was held online through the Zoom platform. This event aims to socialize the KBTT Study Program (Middle East Language and Culture Studies) to Indonesian students in Arab countries, as well as to establish cooperation between IMABTA, the KBTT student organization, and PPIDK (Persatuan Pelajar Indonesia Dunia Kawasan) Middle East and Africa.

This activity is part of the effort to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of Quality Education and Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Through this session, it is hoped that undergraduate students from the Middle East and Africa will gain insight into alternative further study options and strengthen their analytical skills related to Arab world topics. This is important as they are already accustomed to using Arabic and living in these countries, which allows them to access data more easily.

The event began with an opening by the host, followed by remarks from the Head of Department. The core session consisted of the delivery of material delivered in PowerPoint presentation format for about 100 minutes, including 45 minutes of material and a question and answer session. After the delivery of the material, the activity continued with a photo session and closing.

This Sharing Session involved the PPIDK Middle East and Africa community and IMABTA members. In addition to the delivery of material, this event also includes various supporting activities such as discussions, soft promotion, book review, signing of cooperation, and scientific writing competitions. Through this collaboration, it is expected to strengthen global alliances and provide better learning opportunities for the students involved.

On August 7, 2024, a significant educational event took place in the hall of Kalurahan Kelapa, located in Kalurahan Kelapa, North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Thousand Islands Regency, DKI Jakarta. This initiative aimed to improve the understanding of tourism and tourist characteristics among the local community, particularly the members of the Tourism Awareness Group (POKDARWIS) from both Kalurahan, namely Kalurahan Kelapa and Kalurahan Harapan. The event was organized in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation, basic education, ecosystem protection and ocean conservation.

The event began with remarks from local government representatives, who highlighted the important role of tourism in the local economy. Speakers emphasized that sustainable tourism practices are essential to maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of the islands. This is in line with the SDG goal to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism.

After the opening remarks, a presentation on Tourism and Traveler Characteristics was delivered, which focused on various aspects of tourism, mainly marine tourism in accordance with the location of the venue, namely the sea and beaches of Harapan Island and Kelapa Island. Experts in the field shared insights on tourism and the characteristics of modern travelers, including their preference for green travel options and their growing awareness of environmental issues. This information is vital for local communities, as it helps them tailor their services to the expectations of eco-conscious travelers.

One of the key topics discussed was the importance of ecosystem protection. Participants learned about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impact of tourism on these environments. The event emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices that minimize damage to local wildlife and habitats. This education is crucial to ensure that the natural resources of the islands are preserved for future generations.

In addition to ecosystem protection, the event also addressed the importance of ocean conservation. Speakers highlighted the threats posed by pollution and overfishing, urging communities to adopt practices that protect their marine environment. Local fishermen and tour operators were encouraged to participate in ocean conservation efforts, reinforcing the idea that healthy oceans are essential for sustainable tourism.

Educational sessions also included discussions on basic education of the ocean and its resources, as well as its role in promoting sustainable tourism. Participants are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and share their knowledge with others in the Pokdarwis community. This approach not only empowers individuals but also builds a culture of sustainability, particularly in the two aforementioned kalurahan.

In subsequent sessions, participants engaged in interactive activities designed to reinforce the concepts learned during the presentation. These activities included discussions and Q&As, role-play scenarios, and demonstrations of sustainable tourism practices. The enthusiasm among participants was palpable, reflecting their commitment to becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

The event closed with a commitment from POKDARWIS members to apply the knowledge gained in their daily practices. They pledged to promote green tourism initiatives and educate visitors on the importance of protecting the local environment. This collective effort is a significant step towards achieving the SDGs related to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Overall, the educational event held at Kalurahan Kelapa Hall was an encouraging success. The event not only provided valuable information on tourism and its impact on the environment, but also built a sense of community responsibility towards ecosystem protection and ocean conservation. Local communities are now better equipped to welcome tourists while ensuring the preservation of their natural heritage.

On August 8, 2024, Kelapa Island Village Hall hosted an exciting event aimed at introducing basic Japanese language skills and Japanese cultural insights to POKDARWIS members from Kelapa Island Village and Harapan Island Village, located in North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Kepulauan Seribu Regency.

This initiative is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focusing on income, basic education, local cultural diversity, education for sustainability, and foreign cultures.

The event began with a warm welcome from local government officials, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and education in building understanding and cooperation among diverse communities. They highlighted that learning a new language not only improves communication but also opens up new economic opportunities, thus contributing to increased income levels for participants.

Participants were introduced to basic Japanese phrases and vocabulary commonly used in daily conversation. The language instructor, a teacher of Japanese language and culture, uses interactive methods to engage the audience, making the learning process fun and effective. This approach not only facilitates language acquisition but also encourages participants to appreciate the nuances of Japanese culture.

In addition to language lessons, the event featured presentations on various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional customs, characteristics of Japanese people, and others. Participants were fascinated by the rich cultural diversity that Japan has to offer, which was shown through videos and live demonstrations. This segment of the program aimed to foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and its significance in promoting global harmony.

Presenters emphasized the importance of education for sustainability, noting that understanding different cultures can lead to more sustainable practices in local communities. By learning about Japan’s approach to environmental conservation and sustainable living, participants were encouraged to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can integrate similar values into their daily lives.

During the presentations, participants engage in group activities that allow them to practice their newly acquired language skills. These activities not only reinforce their learning but also promote cooperation and collaboration among community members. The sense of community that developed during these exercises highlighted the success of the event in building community bonds.

The introduction of Japanese language and culture is seen as a stepping stone to improving the educational landscape in the area. By providing access to basic education in a foreign language, the initiative aims to empower individuals and equip them with skills that are increasingly valuable in an increasingly globalized world.

Furthermore, the event serves as a platform to discuss the potential economic benefits of learning Japanese. With Japan becoming an important player in the global economy, language proficiency can open up job opportunities in various sectors, including tourism, trade, and international relations. This aspect of the program was very appealing to participants, many of whom expressed interest in pursuing further language studies.

In conclusion, the introduction of Japanese language and culture at Kelapa Island Village Hall was a great success. The event not only provided valuable educational content but also presented cultural diversity and encouraged community engagement. As participants left the hall, they took with them not only new language skills, but also a greater appreciation of the richness of Japanese culture and its relevance to their own lives.

The event reflects the local authority’s commitment to promoting education for sustainability and cultural understanding, paving the way for future initiatives that will continue to enrich the community and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This activity is in the form of lectures and socialization of rules and guidelines for proctors in carrying out their duties as supervisors in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) activities. carry out their duties as supervisors in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) activities. The event was held at SMKN 2 Jetis Yogyakarta and attended by approximately 60 participants and 3 experienced resource persons. This activity is a form of cooperation with the JLPT Central Committee, the Japan Foundation Jakarta.

This socialization aims to provide a comprehensive understanding to SMKN 2 Jetis teachers who have been assigned by the Principal to become exam supervisors in the July 2024 Committee period. Thus, it is expected that they can carry out supervisory duties more effectively and efficiently, in accordance with the rules and guidelines set by the Japan Foundation.

In this socialization event, participants received a detailed explanation of the various Starting from the technical implementation of the exam, handling examinees, to how to overcome various situations that may arise during the exam. The speakers provided in-depth and applicable material, so that the participants not only understood the rules theoretically, but also could practice them well.

One of the main focuses of this socialization is the explanation of the importance of integrity and professionalism in carrying out their duties as supervisors. integrity and professionalism in carrying out their duties as supervisors. The resource person emphasized that exam invigilators have a very important role in maintaining the credibility and validity of exam results. Therefore, each invigilator must ensure that the exam is carried out honestly, fairly, and in accordance with applicable procedures.

In addition, participants were also given simulations of situations that might occur during the exam. For example, how to handle participants who arrive late, how to ensure there is no cheating, and steps to take in case of technical disruptions or emergencies. With this simulation, supervisors are expected to be more prepared and responsive in dealing with various possibilities.

This activity not only provides benefits for teachers who will serve as supervisors, but also for the entire school community. as supervisors, but also for the entire school community. With trained and competent supervisors, the implementation of JLPT at SMKN 2 Jetis can run smoothly and orderly. This will certainly have a positive impact on the school’s image and increase the confidence of examinees and their parents in the organization of the exam.

At the end of the event, participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss directly with the speakers. This question and answer session was a very useful venue for participants to deepen their understanding and get direct clarification on things that were not yet clear. The resource persons also provided practical tips and tricks to help supervisors perform their duties better.

Overall, the lecture and socialization activities were successful and received positive responses from the participants. They felt that they gained a lot of new knowledge and skills that were very useful for carrying out their duties as JLPT supervisors. In the future, it is hoped that this kind of activity can continue to be carried out regularly to ensure that the quality of exam implementation is maintained and getting better from time to time.

Thus, the socialization of rules and guidelines for proctors not only serves as a technical preparation, but also as an important step in maintaining the quality standards of education at SMKN 2 Jetis, while strengthening international cooperation in the field of education.

Back again from Friday Ceria FIB Sehat, this routine activity is back to realize a healthier and happier balanced life routine. This activity was attended by lecturers, teaching staff, and academic community of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Various types of sports were held in this activity, including healthy gymnastics, line dance, fitness/gym, badminton, table tennis, and healthy walking. Today’s special event was a new sport, Volleyball.

Photo 1: The staff are having fun playing volleyball.

Together with the academic community and educators, FIB UGM filled this activity with excitement. Each participant can choose sports according to their interests and habits. Not only providing physical benefits, apparently this activity also builds togetherness, enthusiasm, and maintains the mental health of each participant. This is part of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’ commitment to promoting health and well-being among the academic community.

Photo 2: Gym Room Faculty of Humanities