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]

A total of six students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences underwent a Certified Cultural Internship program placed at the Balai Pelestarian Kebudayaan region X (Yogyakarta – Central Java), this internship is part of the Certified Internship and Independent Study activities. They came from several study programs namely Cultural Anthropology (Amandha Eva, Gemma Padira, Via Vitarina, and Widya Pandega), History (Duhita Prananing Tyasayu), and Arabic Literature (Salma Shidqiyah). The six students were divided into two fields, namely Assistant Cultural Heritage Recorder and Assistant Recorder of Cultural Promotion Objects. For four months from September to December 2024, they had the opportunity to expand their knowledge related to cultural heritage preservation, starting from multi tagging analysis, documentation, the process of determining cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage, data collection, to interviews.

Documentation of internship students while exploring Ijo Temple

Not limited to data collection, interns also have the opportunity to participate in the process of the Cultural Heritage Expert Team hearing and play a direct role in the formation of Regional Cultural Thoughts (PPKD). Before collecting data directly in the field, they were introduced to the Directorate General of Culture and its duties and functions, they also received briefings related to the types and legal protection of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Promotion Objects,

As a final project, they translated the cultural heritage into a magazine entitled Tracing the Charm of Ijo Temple: Civilization Above the Clouds, a “Cultify” podcast inviting KI Gondo Suharno, and flashcards containing several Objects of Cultural Advancement as learning media for students in kindergarten. In addition, they also worked on individual assignments in the form of scientific papers on critical reviews of various aspects of cultural heritage.

[Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Sandya Kirani]

Yogyakarta – Polanco S. Achri, a writer born in Yogyakarta and currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues to make waves in the art scene. Known for his poetry, prose, and essays on performance and visual arts, Polanco also actively contributes as a scriptwriter and musician in the Utusan Negeri Dongeng community. He is the mind behind the management of Pendjadjaboekoe and a member of Sindikat Muda Liar Ngantukan. His achievements include curating exhibitions such as Soil Distortion #2 (2024) and Membaca Jokpin (2024), as well as directing documentary films Di Balik Merangkul (2021) and Sangu Rasa (2023).

Most recently, Polanco has taken on the role of curator for the Moda-Modif Exhibition, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 11, 2025, at Rumah DAS Gallery, Condongcatur. Open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the exhibition invites visitors free of charge, with no prior registration required.

About Moda-Modif: Youthful Energy in Motion
The Moda-Modif Exhibition (Creativity in Visual Arts by Youth) embodies the ideas of Moda (movement) and Modif (modification). These concepts reflect the continuous exploration, learning, and innovation of young artists who push boundaries to create new narratives.

This exhibition serves as a stepping stone, offering young artists a bridge to larger platforms. Their art is a result of a journey that is both creative and reflective. Beyond a mere display of visual arts, Moda-Modif fosters interaction through activities such as Artist Talks, Curatorial Tours, Reading Space Activations, and collaborations with local communities. Every aspect of the exhibition is designed to bring art closer to the public.

Featuring works by 17 young artists over three weeks, the exhibition highlights not only the aesthetic aspects of their creations but also stories of transformation, adaptation, and the dynamic spirit of youth.

Polanco’s Aspirations
Polanco hopes that the Moda-Modif Exhibition will encourage young artists from Yogyakarta and Solo to continue evolving, taking bold steps, and finding creative strategies to thrive.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing works; it’s about building courage and ingenuity in navigating the art world,” he remarked.

Through his role as curator, Polanco reaffirms his dedication to bridging artistic expression with broader societal engagement, ensuring that the voices of young creators are heard and appreciated.

Photo Source: Doc. DAS House

Sandya Kirani, a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is a person who is known to excel in managing various events and organizations. Originally from Yogyakarta, Sandya is active in various Student Activity Units (UKM) as well as volunteering for a number of major events in the area.

As a part-time worker in the Public Relations Unit of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Sandya has strategic roles, such as receiving domestic and international guest visits, managing the faculty’s social media, and becoming a website admin. This job enriches her skills in public relations.

In addition to her work in the world of work, Sandya also has long experience in the realm of organization. Currently, she serves as Vice Chairperson of the UGM Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit, where she is in charge of coordinating the organization’s internal activities and establishing relationships with Forkom Gelanggang Mahasiswa UGM. Sandya also plays an important role as Production Leader in the collaboration performance of UKM Sekber Seni at Gelanggang Expo 2024.

Her love for arts and culture has led her to great responsibilities. She has been the Chief Executive of the Traditional and Modern Dance Stages of Porsenigama 2023, Stage Manager of the Gelanggang Expo 2023 Sekber Seni Collaboration Performance, and Head of GMCO’s Creative Mini Concert Event Division. In addition, she was involved in major events such as the UGM Balinese Dance Festival 2023, the 73rd UGM Anniversary Art Performance, and Nitilaku 2024.

With a myriad of experiences, Sandya Kirani proves herself as a student who is not only academically active but also has a high commitment to the development of arts and culture. She believes that her involvement in these events is a real contribution to enrich the experience of the arts community at UGM and beyond.

Sandya is committed to continue working in the world of events and public relations in the hope of having a positive impact on the wider community, especially in the preservation of local arts and culture.