Yogyakarta, August 6, 2025 – As a tangible form of community service, the Master’s Program in American Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) collaborated with BP3MI (Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency), Yayasan Taman Cipta Karya Nusantara (TCKN), and Medical Outreachers Hong Kong to organize free health check-ups for returned Indonesian migrant workers. The event took place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the TCKN Foundation in Yogyakarta.

This activity is part of an annual collaboration that has been running since 2023 between TCKN and Medical Outreachers, a charitable organization of medical students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU). This year, the American Studies Student and Alumni Association (ASSAA) of UGM’s Master’s Program in American Studies served as the main academic partner as well as the primary organizer of the event. ASSAA members and several volunteer master’s and doctoral students in American Studies also acted as interpreters, bridging communication between the medical students and the returned migrant workers in attendance.

Carrying the spirit of collaboration and public service, this program aimed to provide basic health screenings to raise health awareness, particularly regarding degenerative diseases that are common among older adults. In addition, the event also included a public education session and training on first aid skills in emergency situations, equipping participants with practical knowledge and abilities to respond effectively and promptly before professional medical help arrives.

Remarks by Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum.

The event began with welcoming remarks by Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum., Head of the Master’s Program in American Studies. This was followed by the public education and training session, and concluded with basic health screenings conducted by the medical students from Medical Outreachers Hong Kong, assisted by American Studies students serving as interpreters. The medical services provided included blood pressure checks, blood glucose level tests, body mass index (BMI) measurement, basic nutrition consultation, and general medical consultation. All services were offered free of charge to around 20 participants, who were returned migrant workers from Yogyakarta and surrounding areas.

Basic Health Screening Process

The involvement of UGM postgraduate students as interpreters and organizing committee members was expected to be a meaningful learning experience, enhancing their social awareness and intercultural communication skills. With the program’s objectives achieved and strong participant enthusiasm, the event is also expected to serve as a momentum to strengthen cross-border and cross-sector collaboration in creating tangible social impact.

[Pengkajian Amerika, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Sunday, August 17, 2025 – 4 Students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Ataya Sasya Heradie (Korean Language and Culture 2024), Tabita Nada Kirana (Cultural Anthropology 2024), Andieni Ika Bela Safitri (Indonesian Language and Literature 2024), and Thiery Vincent Masarrang (French Literature 2024), delivered a captivating performance at the Yogyakarta Presidential Palace alongside fellow members of UGM’s Marching Band. This special moment coincided with the commemoration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day. UGM Marching Band performed as the Display team in the Parade Senja at the Presidential Palace in Yogyakarta. The event was attended by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana X and key policymakers in Yogyakarta.

Ataya Sasya and her peers expressed their deep honor at being able to perform at the Yogyakarta Presidential Palace. After several years of absence, UGM Marching Band finally returned to the Palace in 2025, marking a moment welcomed with pride and joy.

This performance was not only part of the 80th Independence Day celebration, but also a reflection of students’ contribution to preserving art, culture, and national spirit. It is in line with Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing opportunities for students to develop their talents through the arts, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by promoting cultural preservation in public spaces.

With a spirit of togetherness and creativity, UGM Marching Band reaffirmed its role as a cultural ambassador of the university, inspiring the community while strengthening unity during this historic Independence Day celebration.

[Public Relations, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 23 Juli 2025 – A proud achievement has once again been made by a student of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Ihsania Salma, a 2023 cohort student known for her active and inspiring spirit, has successfully earned the 2024 Beasiswa Unggulan from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding youth committed to making real contributions to society.

In an exclusive interview with the IKMASA Media Team, Ihsania—affectionately called Sania—shared her journey as a passionate student, literacy activist, and campus leader. She has taken on numerous roles with dedication, including as Mentor Coordinator for La-Tansa, Co-Facilitator for PPSMB PIONIR, and Chairperson of the 2024 Festival Anak Gadjah Mada Menginspirasi. She is also actively involved in teaching communities and women’s advocacy through Srikandi UGM.

“Becoming an awardee isn’t just about academic scores, but about who we are and what we stand for,” said Sania.

She emphasized that consistency, strong intent, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone were the keys to securing the scholarship. Through writing, podcasting, and meaningful daily contributions, Sania shows that every step—no matter how small—can carry great impact.

Through this achievement, Sania hopes to continue creating a meaningful impact and serve as an inspiration to her fellow Arabic Literature students. She encourages peers to start from small things, stay consistent, and dare to dream big.

“We don’t have to be perfect to be useful. Just start with small, sincere steps,” Sania concluded enthusiastically.

For students inspired by Sania’s story, a golden opportunity is now available. The registration for Beasiswa Unggulan 2025 is officially open until July 27, 2025. This program offers financial support to high-achieving students who are committed to using their knowledge and talents in service of society. Don’t miss it out! Prepare your documents and apply through the official portal at beasiswaunggulan.kemdikbud.go.id 

[ Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, July 14, 2025 – Eka Nur Cahyani, a 2023 student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has embarked on a long journey in the world of dance. Since the age of 7, Eka has been acquainted with and has loved classical dance, particularly the Yogyakarta style, thanks to the support of her late father, who was a court servant (abdi dalem) at the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace.

“I started dancing since I was little, often brought to the palace by my father. Since then, I fell in love with classical dance and have continued learning until now,” she recalled.

Although she never studied at a formal dance studio, Eka gained knowledge from art teachers since elementary school and is now active as a member of UGM’s Swagayugama Student Activity Unit. There, she learns directly from the palace’s dance instructor, Dra. Veronica Ratnaningsih (Nyi Mas Riya Murtiharini).

Eka’s dedication to dance extends beyond performing. She has served as an instructor in the “Kampung Menari” program by the Yogyakarta City Cultural Office and has taught children in Pakembinangun. Since 2024, she has joined the Pamulangan Hamong Beksa at the palace, where she delves deeply into techniques, movement variations, philosophy, and ethics of Yogyakarta-style classical dance.

In addition to mastering Yogyakarta-style classical dance, Eka has broadened her horizons by studying Surakarta-style classical dances, such as Gambyong and Srimpi. Currently, she actively participates in the Pamulangan Hamong Beksa at the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Every Sunday at 12:00 PM, Eka attends the palace wearing full traditional attire (jangkep), consisting of a kebaya tangkeban, jarik seredan, sanggul tekuk and subal, subang, and carrying a Sampur Gendala Giri.

“I am motivated to keep learning because I come from an artistic family—my grandfather was a puppeteer (dhalang), my paternal grandfather was a court servant, and my mother is a sindhen (traditional singer),” she said.

For Eka, dancing is not merely about aesthetic movements but also a spiritual and personal expression. She believes that each dance movement embodies the philosophy of patience, sincerity, and harmony between the body, feelings, and rhythm.

“Dancing is a form of prayer. The movements teach us to be sincere and patient in facing life,” Eka expressed.

Since beginning her journey in dance, Eka has performed on numerous stages, from campus events like the Kraton Performance Tourism Package featuring the Senggana Duta play by Swagayugama at Bangsal Srimanganti, Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace, and the Grand Swagayugama Performance at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, to national and international forums such as the 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA IV) and ASEAN in Today’s World.

Despite frequent performances, Eka maintains her enthusiasm for learning. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the concepts of wiraga (physical movement), wirama (rhythm), and wirasa (feeling), as well as knowing the names and meanings of various dance movements. According to her, consistency stems from love and the desire for continuous growth.

Eka Nur Cahyani’s journey in dance since the age of seven not only reflects her love for the art but also her tangible contribution to sustainable development. Through her activities in learning and teaching dance, especially to children, Eka supports SDG 4: Quality Education. Her role as an active woman in preserving culture aligns with SDG 5: Gender Equality. Moreover, her involvement in maintaining and revitalizing classical dance art strengthens SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by preserving intangible cultural heritage as the identity of Yogyakarta’s society.

Eka proves that cultural preservation is not solely the responsibility of previous generations but also a duty for the current generation to ensure a more cultured future.

“If we feel we have talent, it needs to be developed through continuous practice and not being afraid to try, because I believe learning will never lead to regret, and every process in learning will shape us into individuals with true identity.” – Eka Nur Cahyani

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, July 7, 2025 — Ajengkanthi Prabaningjati, a 2022 student of the Japanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in the Community Service-Learning and Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) Period II of 2025 in Wardo Village, West Biak, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province.

Ajeng is part of a KKN team called Biak Elok, whose main program theme is “Optimizing Sustainable Marine Resources to Realize a Blue Economy.” The program focuses on empowering local communities through the sustainable utilization of marine wealth. “Most people in Wardo Village work as fishermen, with fish as the main commodity,” explained Ajeng.

Within the team, Ajeng serves as the Coordinator of the Education Division. Together with her team, she focuses on teaching activities, especially for elementary school children, with an emphasis on character education. “The education division and I focus on teaching the elementary school children in Wardo, but we also open community classes for anyone who wants to learn in the Church environment, and we also assist as mentors for Sunday school. I hope we can make a lasting impact on the children here,” she expressed.

During the KKN program, Ajeng and her fellow team members stayed at the GKI Betel Wardo Church. They were warmly welcomed and cared for by a couple they affectionately call Mama Regina and Papa Ben. “Mama and Papa have been a great help to us, especially in terms of food. Not only that, but the Church community has also been very friendly and welcoming. The children often play with us too. Honestly, I feel very grateful to be accepted here,” added Ajeng.

Despite the remote location, the Biak Elok team managed to gain attention on social media. Thanks to their media team’s creativity, various moments from their community service from the natural beauty of Wardo Village to heartwarming interactions with the children—were captured in videos uploaded to Instagram and TikTok. Some of the posts even went viral and received positive responses from netizens.

One of the most touching experiences for Ajeng during the KKN program was witnessing the enthusiasm for learning among the children in Wardo Village. “Their eagerness to learn and their deep curiosity I think that’s already a strong foundation for them to achieve their dreams,” she said.

At the end of the interview, Ajeng shared a message for fellow students, especially those from FIB who will undertake KKN. “In my opinion, KKN is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not everyone gets to have. So when your time comes, try to enjoy every part of it. From the small things that may seem trivial to the big moments that will teach you a lot. I hope FIB friends can discover new, meaningful, and memorable stories through their journey.”

[Public Relation, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]