Students of the Undergraduate Archaeology Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a field visit on iconography at Plaosan Temple, Klaten, on Sunday (June 7, 2026). Led by Sir Aditya Revianur, M.Hum., the activity introduced students to Buddhist iconography through direct observation of statues and reliefs found within the temple complex. During the visit, students learned to identify various visual attributes, postures, and symbolic elements that play an important role in recognizing Buddhist figures in archaeological remains.

In addition to learning the fundamentals of Buddhist iconography, students were assigned to describe selected statues and reliefs observed during the visit. This exercise provided an opportunity to develop observation and documentation skills while engaging directly with archaeological remains. By studying the monuments firsthand, students were able to connect classroom knowledge with practical field experience and gain a deeper understanding of iconographic studies in archaeology.

Nama Penulis: Muhammad Irsyad

Pemilik Foto: Aditya Revianur, M.Hum.

Two students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Michelle Anastasia Budiman (Class of 2022) and Listu Prajna Anggana (Class of 2023), have been selected to participate in the Ferris University Exchange Program in Japan. The one-year exchange program commenced in March 2026 and is scheduled to continue until February 2027, providing students with the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture through direct experience.

Through the program, Michelle and Listu will receive various forms of support, including a tuition waiver and scholarship assistance from Ferris University throughout their period of study in Japan. The program is designed to support students’ academic development while encouraging cultural exchange and international engagement.

Ferris University also offers a range of support services for international students, including a mentorship program with Japanese students, academic tutors, and dormitory facilities. Through these opportunities, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, strengthen their Japanese language proficiency, and gain valuable intercultural experiences.

The participation of Michelle and Listu in this program reflects the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to encouraging students to take advantage of international opportunities and develop their academic competencies in a global environment.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]

Betari Ardya Febbyaliza, a 2023 student of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), won Second Place in the Shodou Taikai Isshoni Tanomimashou competition organized online by the Japanese Literature Student Association of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Brawijaya. The competition was attended by 29 participants from various universities across Indonesia. The winners were announced through Zoom and the official Isshoni Tanomimashou social media account on Saturday, 23 May 2026. For this achievement, Betari received an e-certificate and a cash award.

In preparation for the competition, Betari received guidance from Akbar Rizqi Dhea Habibi, S.S., M.A., a lecturer of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at UGM who also teaches the Shuuji (Japanese Calligraphy) course during the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The judging criteria included stroke order, the proper use of tomaru, haneru, and harau techniques, the aesthetic quality of the characters, and character proportion.

This achievement reflects the continuous development of BKJ UGM students’ competencies in Japanese language and culture. Through the Shuuji (Japanese Calligraphy) course, students not only learn the techniques of Japanese character writing but also develop an appreciation for the aesthetics, precision, and discipline that form an integral part of Japanese cultural traditions.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]

Jakarta, May 29, 2026 – Students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada once again achieved remarkable accomplishments at The 24th K-Speech Contest organized by the K-Speech Eloquence Association Indonesia at Korea 360 Hall, Lotte Shopping Avenue, Jakarta.

The competition was attended by students from various universities across Indonesia who demonstrated their Korean language proficiency through speech contests in several categories. Through this event, participants not only sharpened their foreign language skills, but also developed self-confidence, public communication abilities, and teamwork within an international competitive environment.

In this year’s competition, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM sent a total of 33 students consisting of 5 individual category participants, 1 big group team, and 7 small group teams. The big group team successfully won 1st Place in its category. In addition, Group Team 2 consisting of Justin Liepangi, Jemima Abigail Tirza Sitindaon, and Mila Najatul Maula secured 2nd Place. Another achievement was earned by Group Team 6, consisting of Farida Tiara Limbong, Cintya Nurhaliza, and Lintang Rangkep Cahyani, who received a Special Prize from 한국관광공사 (Korea Tourism Organization/KTO). 

The participants from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM also shared their impressions after participating in the competition. Justin stated, “I am very happy because this experience became a valuable opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone. First of all, thank you so much to Tirza and Maul for taking the time to practice amidst all of our other activities. Hopefully, this experience can become a stepping stone for us to grow into better individuals in the future.” Tirza also expressed, “It was an unforgettable experience because this was my first speech contest, and I am grateful that we were able to win.” Meanwhile, Mila shared, “Participating in this speech contest was one of the best decisions I made this year because it gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. It was a truly unforgettable first experience, and I am grateful that we were able to bring home an award. Thank you so much to Tirza and Justin for dedicating so much time and effort despite your busy schedules. Hopefully, this achievement will become a stepping stone for all of us to continue growing into better individuals in the future.” 

Similar impressions were also shared by Farida, Cintya, and Lintang, who received the special award from KTO. They expressed that the competition provided a memorable new experience while teaching them the importance of courage, trust in the process, and teamwork. They also conveyed their gratitude to KTO for the trust and valuable recognition given to them. 

Not only active students, but another proud achievement was also earned by Pramesti Rifna Saputri, an alumna of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM, who won 1st Place in the individual category of the competition. Beyond the awards achieved, all participating students deserve appreciation for their hard work and dedication in preparing for this competition. 

The participation of students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM in The 24th K-Speech Contest reflects their competitive Korean language proficiency and strong enthusiasm to continue growing in a global environment. Through this experience, the participants not only brought home achievements, but also valuable lessons that support the development of academic competencies and public speaking soft skills. 

[Aura Adiba Wijaya Litianko]

Yogyakarta, June 6, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University is once again reaching out to students with the Sibuya (Cultural Sciences Breakfast) program. This program is designed to support the final exams (UAS) for the second semester of the 2025/2026 academic year by providing free breakfast. Sibuya provides 200 servings daily, distributed via a coupon system on June 6, 11, 15, and 18. Each coupon is worth Rp13,000.00 and can be redeemed at any food stall in the Sastra Cafeteria. Sibuya will also take place on June 10 and 17, with boxed meals distributed in front of the Soegondo Building. 

Sibuya is a program initiated by FIB since 2024. To date, Sibuya has consistently supported the well-being of FIB students during midterm and final exam weeks by providing free, nutritious breakfasts. By ensuring adequate nutrition, FIB hopes to ensure students are in top condition when taking exams. This is part of FIB UGM’s commitment to creating a friendly and healthy campus environment.  

Through this program, FIB UGM contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by ensuring students have access to sufficient food and nutrition so they do not go hungry during exams, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by implementing the Health Promoting University (HPU) program to ensure nutritional needs are met. This program also aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, as maintaining physical health and sustained focus enables students to perform optimally during exams to achieve high-quality academic results.

Through the consistent implementation of the Sibuya program, FIB UGM demonstrates that academic support extends beyond the classroom to include tangible care for students’ physical well-being. With their nutritional needs met, it is hoped that students can navigate exam week with full focus and achieve optimal results.

[Humas FIB UGM, Maylafaizza Nafisha Zifa]