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, 17/5/2025 – A proud achievement has once again been recorded by a student from Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula, a student of the Arabic Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, successfully secured 2nd place in the prestigious International Arabic Speech Competition (Khiṭābah ‘Arabiyyah) held as part of the GEKA 7 International event.

The competition took place from May 14 to 17, 2025, at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) and served as an international stage featuring 26 participants from various renowned institutions, both domestic and abroad. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey sent their best delegates. Notable foreign universities participating included Universiti Malaya, USIM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Fatoni University from Thailand.

In a competitive atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, Haris stood out as the sole delegate from UGM’s Arabic Literature program, showcasing his proficiency in Arabic while delivering a speech in front of an international jury and audience. With sharp rhetorical skills, a strong command of the language, and high confidence, Haris managed to impress the judges and secured the second position, just one point behind the first-place winner from Darussalam Gontor University.

“I feel very grateful. All of this is thanks to the guidance of my lecturers, the support of my friends, and the prayers from my parents who have always accompanied my journey.” Haris expressed emotion after the announcement of the winners.

The International Arabic Speech Competition is a significant event that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting access to education and enhancing educational opportunities in developing countries. By participating in such international competitions, students like Haris not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to the global dialogue on education and cultural exchange.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of education in developing countries cannot be overstated. Events like the International Arabic Speech Competition provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and foster a sense of community among diverse cultures. Haris’s achievement is a testament to the potential that lies within students when given access to quality education and opportunities.

This achievement is tangible proof that Indonesian students, especially in the humanities field like Arabic Literature, can compete and excel on the international stage. Haris’s victory also reflects the quality of education and the collaborative spirit within the UGM academic environment, which continuously encourages its students to excel and contribute in global forums.

Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula’s story is not just about competition; it embodies the spirit of learning, dedication, and the belief that language is a bridge to the world. This achievement serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to dare to dream and take steps further.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 10, 2025 – IKMASA Future Leaders 2025 was successfully held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). Carrying the theme “Think Beyond the Urgent: Leading with Strategy, Not Stress”, the event featured Nafesya Amrina Rasyada, S.S., as the keynote speaker.

The program was attended by members of the Arabic Literature Student Association (Ikatan Mahasiswa Sastra Arab or IKMASA) and aimed to encourage participants to understand the importance of strategic thinking in decision-making—especially in high-pressure situations.

In her presentation, Nafesya emphasized the diversity of critical thinking frameworks, highlighting the need for individuals to adapt their decision-making processes to context, timing, and specific needs. Her session covered various perspectives on decision making, types of urgency in both personal and professional settings, the qualities of an ideal leader in decision-making situations, and practical steps toward becoming a responsible individual who can own their decisions—whether right or wrong.

This initiative is part of IKMASA’s ongoing leadership and character development program, designed to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Through this mentoring session, participants were encouraged to distinguish between decisions made under emotional pressure and those resulting from reflection and well-thought-out analysis—an essential skill for future leaders in both organizational and professional environments.

[Public Relation of IKMASA FIB UGM]

Yogyakarta, 24 April 2025 – IKMASA Mentoring #1 was successfully held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, carrying the theme “Ownership Over Obligation: Working With Purpose, Not Just Pressure.” The event featured Garin Arivian Muhammad, S.S., as the main speaker and was attended by students of the Arabic Study Program at UGM who are members of Ikmasa. The mentoring session aimed to foster a deeper awareness of responsibility as a core foundation for both personal and professional growth.

In his presentation, Garin emphasized that responsibility is more than just an obligation imposed from outside, it is a conscious attitude toward one’s role and the impact of one’s actions. His talk covered the meaning of responsibility from various perspectives, the different types of responsibility (personal and professional), and practical steps to become a responsible individual, such as keeping promises, owning one’s actions, setting realistic goals, and engaging in regular self-reflection.

This event is part of Ikmasa’s Leadership and Character Development program, designed to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Through this mentoring session, participants were encouraged not only to understand the concept of responsibility but also to apply it meaningfully in academic life, organizational involvement, and future professional paths.

[External Relations Division of IKMASA]

Yogyakarta, April 26, 2025 – The Student Association of Arabic Study Program (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) welcomed a delegation from the Student Association of Arabic Language and Literature (HMPS BSA) of Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD) in a collaborative visitation program titled IKMASA Berkunjung (SANJUNG). This visit was part of HMPS BSA UAD’s initiative to strengthen organizational quality, evaluate performance, expand networks, and foster innovation among students of Arabic Literature.

The event brought together the executive members of IKMASA 2025/2026 and HMPS BSA UAD 2024/2025, including both chairpersons—Candra Solihin (IKMASA UGM) and Galih Yoga (HMPS BSA UAD). The program featured a warm silaturahmi (bond-building session) between the two organizations, including cabinet presentations by both chairpersons, division-level sharing sessions, and a campus tour followed by a group photo session.

Held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, specifically in Room 709 of Soegondo Building, the event began at 09.00 AM with an Opening Ceremony. The agenda included a Qur’anic recitation and a communal singing of the Indonesian national anthem, “Indonesia Raya.” Welcoming speeches from representatives of both organizations followed, expressing shared hopes and the purpose behind this inter-campus initiative.

In the main session, each chairperson presented their respective organizational structures and work programs, aiming to inspire mutual collaboration and exchange of ideas. From 10.30 to 11.00 AM, the program continued with a dynamic interdepartmental sharing session that provided a valuable forum for discussion, reflection, and the exchange of experiences and strategies.

The visit concluded with a campus tour of UGM, giving guests from HMPS BSA UAD a closer look at the university environment while strengthening the personal and institutional connections between the two groups.

It is hoped that this event will serve as the foundation for future collaboration and continued communication between IKMASA UGM and HMPS BSA UAD. Beyond building organizational insight, the program also fostered meaningful relationships and a spirit of unity among Arabic Literature students from different institutions.

SANJUNG marks a positive step forward in promoting inter-university dialogue and collaboration. Activities like this demonstrate that the spirit of student organization and cooperation can flourish not only within UGM and UAD but also across other Arabic Literature programs throughout Indonesia—encouraging a more connected and empowered academic community.

[External Relations Division of IKMASA]