Yogyakarta, 13 November 2025 — The Arabic Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), with Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, and Pondok Pesantren Muhammadiyyah, took part in the Arabic Language Teaching Training organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). The training brought together not only participants from Indonesia but also representatives from various countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Russia, and others.

The ICESCO training focused on four fundamental theories in Arabic language teaching and learning. The first was the Grammar–Translation Theory, which is suitable for advanced learners and emphasizes reading, writing, and vocabulary mastery, particularly for academic, religious, and literary purposes. The second was the Behaviorism Theory (as-Sulukiyah), which views language as a form of behavior shaped through repetition and imitation, highlighting the significant role of environment in language acquisition. The third theory, Cognitivism (al-Ma‘rifiyyah), underscores that language learning involves active mental processes such as attention, information processing, and comprehension, placing learners as active participants rather than passive recipients. The final theory, Communicative Theory (at-Tawasuliyyah), emphasizes real-life language use within social contexts, prioritizing fluency and communicative ability over strict grammatical accuracy. This theory also acknowledges dialectal variations as an integral part of everyday language use.

In its concluding remarks, ICESCO highlighted that no single theory is entirely sufficient. Each has strengths and limitations, meaning effective Arabic language instruction requires an integrated approach that adapts to context. The training also emphasized the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in designing lessons, generating exercises, and visualizing theoretical applications in more engaging and effective ways.

The Arabic Study Program at UGM’s participation in the ICESCO training reinforces the university’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Arabic language educators and learners on campus. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this involvement, the Arabic Study Program at UGM continues to advance as a progressive and globally connected center for Arabic language and cultural studies.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

West Java, October 29, 2025 – The Curriculum Team of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), took part in the Curriculum Standards Assessment Workshop organized by UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. The event gathered 19 Arabic Language and Literature study programs from various universities under both the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology and the Ministry of Religious Affairs. 

Participating universities included Universitas Gadjah Mada, UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, Universitas Hasanuddin, UIN Alauddin Makassar, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Sekolah Tinggi Dirasat Islamiyah Imam Syafi’i Jember, STAI Riyadlul ‘Ulum Tasikmalaya, UIN Raden Fatah Palembang, UIN Raden Mas Said Surakarta, UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, UIN Satu Tulungagung, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Sunan Giri, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin Banten, and UIN Salatiga. This broad participation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening inter-institutional collaboration in shaping a modern and adaptive approach to Arabic language education in response to contemporary challenges.

The opening ceremony, held at the 8th floor auditorium of the SBSN Siber Building, was attended by faculty leaders and members of the Ittihad Aqsam al-Lughah al-‘Arabiyyah wa Adabiha (IQLAB) central board. In his address, Dr. Uki Sukiman (UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta), Chairperson of IQLAB Indonesia, emphasized the growing importance of synergy among Arabic Language and Literature study programs in advancing both academic excellence and institutional development. The workshop was officially inaugurated by Dr. Wakhid Nashruddin, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati, who highlighted the urgency of curriculum evaluation as a strategic step to enhance graduate competitiveness.

The sessions continued with curriculum development and assessment discussions led by Haeruddin, M.A. (Universitas Hasanuddin), Head of the Curriculum and Quality Assurance Division at IQLAB, who presented the concept of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and stressed the importance of continuous assessment in curriculum improvement.

On the second day, participants conducted self-assessments of their respective study programs and endorsed two key documents: the Curriculum Development Guidelines and the Curriculum Draft Assessment Manual. Both documents were signed by all participants and officially ratified by Dr. Uki Sukiman, M.Ag, Chairperson of IQLAB Indonesia, accompanied by Siti Aminah, S.S., M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada, who serves as IQLAB’s Secretary General.

Beyond the academic agenda, the workshop also served as a platform to foster camaraderie and collaboration among institutions. To close the event, participants explored Cirebon’s rich cultural heritage through visits to Kasepuhan Palace and Masjid Sang Cipta Rasa, followed by a culinary experience featuring the city’s signature dish, empal gentong, at Krucuk.

Through this workshop, IQLAB Indonesia and participating institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the quality of Arabic Language and Literature education in Indonesia, fostering inter-institutional partnerships, and aligning curricula with the evolving demands of the modern world and global educational standards.

Author: Siti Aminah, S.S.,M.A.

Yogyakarta, October 24, 2025 – Two students from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) — Sultan Amirul Muttaqin and Jibriel Sayyid Ishaq — have successfully advanced to the semifinal round of the Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025. They are two of only 17 participants selected from various countries who made it through after an intense and highly competitive preliminary stage.

In the semifinal round, the competition continues to be held online, with participants required to submit a new video speech addressing a different theme from the previous round. This stage serves as a crucial opportunity for Sultan and Jibriel to demonstrate their analytical depth, creative thinking, and contextual argumentation skills on pressing global issues.

The Arabic Study Program continues to provide comprehensive support for Sultan and Jibriel during this phase, including guidance in speechwriting, training in articulation, intonation, and body language, as well as assistance with video recording and editing. This ongoing support reflects the program’s strong commitment to nurturing students’ linguistic, rhetorical, and cultural competencies on the international stage.

Sultan and Jibriel’s participation in this competition also exemplifies the Arabic Study Program’s contribution to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Their success not only brings pride to the university but also serves as an inspiration for fellow Arabic Literature students to continue developing their potential, engaging in international arenas, and representing Indonesia through language, intellect, and culture.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

Banjarmasin, October 5, 2025 — Three students from the Arabic Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, proudly represented UGM as delegates in the 18th National University Qur’an Recitation Competition (MTQMN XVIII), held at Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

The delegates were Muhammad Candra Solihin (Arabic Literature, Class of 2023, Contemporary Calligraphy Male category), Pandhita Hapsari (Arabic Literature, Class of 2023, Qur’anic Debate in Arabic), and Hasifa Zara (Arabic Literature, Class of 2024, Qur’anic Debate in Arabic). In addition, Muhammad Shofyyulloh (Cultural Anthropology 2023) as an official, also accompanied the group from UGM.

Before advancing to the national stage, the three students had to undergo a series of rigorous selection processes. These included internal selection at UGM, followed by an online pre-national selection involving hundreds of students from various universities across Indonesia, before finally being chosen as UGM’s official representatives.

The 18th MTQMN brought together around 1,500 students from universities throughout Indonesia, with the competition running over five days. The event featured an opening ceremony, preliminary rounds, final rounds, and a closing ceremony.

This prestigious competition aims to strengthen students’ Qur’anic character, nurturing a generation with noble character, academic excellence, and the ability to contribute to the nation.

UGM provided full support for its delegates, including regular training, academic guidance, and full facilitation of competition needs. Such support reflects the university’s commitment to fostering achievements while upholding UGM’s reputation on the national stage.

The participation of Arabic Literature students in categories such as Qur’anic debate in Arabic highlights the strong relevance between academic learning and competition. It not only sharpens language mastery but also broadens networks and strengthens the tradition of Islamic scholarship on campus.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, September 27, 2025 – The collaboration between the Arabic Literature Student Association (Ikmasa) UGM and the Department of Village Community Development of BEM KM UGM brought forth an inspiring event titled the SEDASA Educational Talkshow (Suara Pemuda untuk Kemajuan Desa / Youth Voices for Village Advancement), as part of the Gemilang Desa 2025 series. Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, the event was lively and full of enthusiasm, attended by high school students as well as university students from across Indonesia.

The talk show featured distinguished speakers, including Joko Susilo, Founder of Gunungkidul Menginspirasi and Head of Training and Consultancy at the Nalar Institute; Prof. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM; and keynote speaker KPH H. Yudanegara, Ph.D., Head of the Office of Village Community Empowerment, Population, and Civil Registration of Yogyakarta Special Region. The session was moderated by Antonia Elena Listya Araminta, Environmental Ambassador of DIY 2025, who guided the discussion warmly and interactively.

This activity served as a vital dialogue space to address modern challenges faced by villages, ranging from limited access to information, insufficient utilization of technology, to the lack of open dialogue between young people and community leaders. Through the talk show, participants gained direct insights from real-life case studies and practical strategies to optimize village potential. This aligns with the spirit of the Kongres Abdi Desa 2025, carrying the theme “Light from the Village, Weaving Hopes for Indonesia.”

General coordinator of the event, Faris Zakiy Ramadhan, highlighted the remarkable enthusiasm of the participants from the very beginning. “Today we will hold the second and third activities, namely the Gemilang Desa Competition and the SEDASA Talkshow. The Gemilang Desa Competition successfully carried out its series of contests, with the final day being held today. Thank you to the 377 registrants of the Gemilang Desa Competition, which consists of 12 teams in the Business Plan Competition, 101 teams in the Essay Competition, and 26 participants in the Poster Competition. Today we will hold the final round featuring the top 10 individuals and 10 teams from each branch, representing their institutions from all over Indonesia,” he explained.

Through this talk show, young people were encouraged not only to understand village issues but also to foster awareness of realizing village potential and addressing the challenges villages face in the modern era. Moreover, the event created an inclusive and interactive platform to share perspectives, innovative ideas, and cross-regional experiences.

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing inequality (SDG 10), improving the quality of education (SDG 4), and strengthening sustainable communities (SDG 11). Villages are positioned not merely as objects of development but as sources of inspiration and drivers of national progress without losing their cultural identity.

The festive atmosphere peaked when the session concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Gemilang Desa competitions. The participants responded with great enthusiasm, taking home new inspiration on how the real contributions of young people can be the key to advancing villages. With the spirit of collaboration, Gemilang Desa 2025 proved that Indonesian students and youth can play an active role in building villages that are both competitive and sustainable.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Candra Solihin]