Yogyakarta, October 13, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship course series with the seventh session featuring a new speaker, Diyah Wikan Rakhmatika, S.S., M.A.—an academic and business practitioner with extensive experience in Islamic economics and financial management. In this session, Arabic Study Program students explored the crucial topic of Financial Management in Entrepreneurship.

During the lecture, Diyah emphasized that financial management is the backbone of business sustainability, where maintaining a balance between income and expenditure must be grounded in transparency and accountability. She highlighted that many entrepreneurs, especially in the UMKM sector, struggle to grow because they mix personal and business finances. Therefore, students were encouraged to understand the importance of financial separation, regular transaction recording, proper budgeting, and periodic financial evaluations to assess business performance effectively.

The lecture also covered three essential financial reports that every aspiring entrepreneur should master: the income statement, cash flow statement, and simple balance sheet. These reports serve as critical tools for measuring profitability, maintaining positive cash flow, and understanding the overall financial health of a business. Diyah further introduced the concepts of cash flow management and reinvestment strategy as strategic approaches to maintaining financial stability and supporting long-term business growth.

Beyond the technical aspects, Diyah also discussed the ethical and social responsibilities of financial management. She linked sound financial practices with the principles of sustainability, emphasizing that business profits should not solely benefit the owner but also contribute to the well-being of employees, communities, and the environment—such as through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Through this seventh session, students of the Arabic Study Program at UGM were expected not only to understand financial management theory but also to apply it in their ongoing business plan projects. With strong financial literacy, students can build ventures that are not only profitable but also ethical and sustainable.

This entrepreneurship class also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing practical entrepreneurship education, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering competent young entrepreneurs, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by instilling values of efficient and ethical resource management.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

Yogyakarta, October 6, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship course in the sixth session by once again inviting Sofian Munawar, S.S., M.A., Founder of Ruang Baca Komunitas, as the guest lecturer. In this session, students were guided to design a business plan under the theme “Developing Social Entrepreneurship Based on Literature and Language”, as a practical application of the materials discussed in previous meetings.

During the lecture, Sofian Munawar emphasized the importance of understanding the literacy ecosystem within schools and communities as the foundation for developing literature- and language-based social enterprises. Students were encouraged to identify existing literacy issues—such as low reading interest, limited access to books, and weak writing culture among students. From these challenges, they learned how to conduct research, develop innovative concepts, and formulate sustainable business plans that take social and educational aspects into account.

Sofian Munawar also highlighted the significance of building cross-institutional networks involving schools, government bodies, and literacy communities. He introduced students to various literacy-based initiatives such as IKMASA Goes to School (a literacy outreach to Islamic boarding schools), collaborations with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and BAZNAS, and publishing opportunities through IKMASA Press. In this context, books are seen not merely as reading materials, but as tools of inspiration and instruments for community empowerment.

As a form of applied learning, Arabic Study Program students were assigned to create a group business plan titled “Social Entrepreneurship Design Based on Linguistic Literacy”, which included components such as background, problem identification, business opportunities, and implementation strategies. These business plans will later be presented in the following session as a tangible reflection of their ability to develop literacy-based social enterprise ideas.

Through this session, UGM Arabic Study Program students not only learned to be critical and creative academics but also changemakers capable of generating social impact through literacy innovation. This program also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening literacy movements, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by encouraging the creation of competitive social enterprises, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive education and language-based community empowerment.

[Sastra Arab, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship lecture series with the fifth meeting featuring Sofian Munawar, S.S., M.A., Founder of Ruang Baca Komunitas. In this session, students were invited to explore the concept of social entrepreneurship, a business approach that prioritizes solving social, environmental, and community issues through innovative and sustainable methods.

The lecture highlighted that social entrepreneurship is not merely profit-driven but instead focuses on social missions, innovation, sustainability, and generating real impact for communities. In the context of literature and language studies, this can be applied through creative literacy initiatives such as reading and writing workshops, digital literacy development, promoting a reading culture, and expanding public access to educational resources.

Students of the Arabic Study Program were also introduced to various examples of social entrepreneurship practices, both globally and locally. Inspiring cases such as Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, Warby Parker in the United States, and Indonesia’s National Literacy Movement showcased how social enterprises can improve quality of life while fostering independence. Locally, best practices from Yogyakarta were presented, including CV Agradaya Indonesia, which promotes sustainable spice farming; Yayasan Penyandang Cacat Mandiri, which empowers people with disabilities through woodcraft; and Sayur Sleman Academy, which trains young agripreneurs. These examples served as both motivation and inspiration for students to see the potential in their own fields.

The lecture also addressed the challenges facing literacy movements, such as limited resources, lack of student motivation, and barriers to technology access. However, students were encouraged to view these challenges as opportunities for innovation through collaboration among schools, families, and communities. This perspective reinforced the idea that literacy is not confined to classrooms but is brought to life through community activities, local culture, and digital platforms.

Through this session, Arabic Study Program students not only gained a conceptual understanding of social entrepreneurship but were also challenged to develop real initiatives rooted in literature and language that could bring tangible benefits to society. This lecture also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening literacy movements, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering social enterprises that create meaningful jobs, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive community empowerment programs.

[Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, 7/8/2025 – The Arabic Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), warmly welcomed its new cohort of students during the vibrant PIONIR Kampung Budaya event held at Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. This event is part of the university’s PIONIR 2025 (Orientation for New Student Learning Success) series, designed to introduce incoming students to the academic and cultural environment of the program.

With great enthusiasm and a strong sense of camaraderie, the Arabic Study Program community greeted the Class of 2025. The agenda included an introduction to the Arabic Study Program, a warm welcome from the program’s lecturers, an overview of the student association Ikmasa, and a video message featuring heartfelt greetings and insights from program alumni.

Through this orientation, new students are expected to gain a foundational understanding of the academic atmosphere, the cultural values embraced by the program, and the spirit of togetherness that defines the Arabic Study Program community at UGM.

Welcome, Arabic Study Program Class of 2025! May this academic journey mark the beginning of your meaningful contribution to society and the world.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

West Lombok, 23/7/2025 — In an effort to introduce Arabic language and culture to children from an early age, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized a program titled “Arabic Days: Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture” in Karang Bucu Lauq Hamlet, Bagik Polak Village, West Lombok Regency. Held every Tuesday and Wednesday over a three-week period from July 8 to July 23, 2025, the sessions took place at the Syamsul Huda prayer hall.

This initiative was led by a member of the KKN-PPM Antologi Labuapi Team, a student from the Arabic Study Program at UGM, as a form of community engagement through education rooted in Islamic and cultural values. The primary goal was to introduce children to the basics of the Arabic language and cultural elements in a fun and engaging way. The participants were children attending the local TPQ (Qur’anic Learning Center), ranging from 3 to 8 years old.

Throughout the program, KKN students guided the children directly in learning hijaiyah letters, reading Iqra and the Qur’an, and introducing them to basic Arabic vocabulary, greetings, and aspects of Arab culture, such as traditional foods and clothing. Each session was designed to be child-friendly and enjoyable, using interactive learning methods like illustrated PowerPoint presentations, Islamic-themed animated videos, educational songs, and simple games with Islamic nuances. These methods ensured that the children not only understood the material but also enjoyed and stayed engaged throughout the learning process.

The children showed high enthusiasm and curiosity from the very first day, actively participating in every activity with joy and interest. The local community warmly welcomed and supported the program, seeing it as a positive contribution to the children’s learning, especially in religious education and broader exposure to Islamic culture. Parents and community members appreciated the students’ active involvement in delivering fun and communicative learning.

Through Arabic Days, the KKN-PPM students hope to instill a love for the language of the Qur’an and broaden the children’s understanding of the rich and diverse Arab culture. This program stands as a testament to how creatively designed education can bridge religious and cultural values in a harmonious and impactful way within local communities.

Author: Chusna Shifati