YOGYAKARTA – As they enter their fifth semester, students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Class of 2024, are beginning to prepare for their academic and career paths. This was among the topics discussed during a meeting with the Head of the Study Program and Academic Advisor, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, which covered study planning, final projects, and internship opportunities.

The meeting began with a discussion on students’ academic progress and the plans they have started to develop. Some students have already expressed an interest in literature, linguistics, and translation, while others are still considering their options for their final projects. Dr. Zulfa also provided guidance on academic planning, including key considerations related to the implementation of the 2021 and 2026 curricula.

Beyond coursework, students were encouraged to view their fifth semester as an ideal time to gain experience outside the classroom, particularly through internships. Sultan, who previously completed an internship at the Directorate of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, shared his experience during the internship. He discussed the process of securing the position and the various responsibilities he undertook, including supporting state events and diplomatic visits. Drawing from his experience, Sultan emphasized the importance of early preparation, from completing the necessary documents to developing communication and coordination skills.

The discussion then expanded to broader career opportunities with Garin Arivian, a 2020 alumnus of the Arabic Literature Study Program. He encouraged students to recognize that Arabic language skills can lead to diverse career paths rather than being limited to a single field. Diplomacy, international organizations, research and think tanks, media, and the private sector are among the areas that Arabic Literature graduates can explore. Students were therefore encouraged to begin identifying the fields they would like to pursue and developing the skills needed to support their career goals. Garin also emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-organized CV, building a professional LinkedIn profile, developing a writing portfolio, and strengthening English proficiency to access opportunities at the international level.

The discussion also extended beyond opportunities in Indonesia, with students exploring internship and short-term program opportunities abroad. Some expressed interest in gaining experience at embassies and international research institutions. Garin also offered to assist students seeking such opportunities, particularly those related to research institutions and think tanks. Throughout the process, students were encouraged to consult with the Study Program and their Academic Advisor to ensure that the opportunities they pursue align with their academic needs and can be appropriately recognized as part of their academic development.

The meeting provided an opportunity for students of the Arabic Literature Study Program, Class of 2024, to connect their academic studies with internship experiences and future career plans. The fifth semester is therefore not merely a stage for completing academic credits, but also a valuable period for exploring opportunities, gaining practical experience, and beginning to define the professional paths they wish to pursue after graduation.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (JLCSP UGM) held a meeting to explore potential collaboration with the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. The meeting was opened by the Head of JLCSP UGM and continued with presentations by Ono Sensei and Kitagawa Sensei. The event was also attended by five students from the University of Tsukuba, consisting of four Japanese students and one student from Argentina, as well as 45 JLCSP UGM students from the Class of 2023.

The meeting continued with a sharing and discussion session between JLCSP UGM and University of Tsukuba students on various topics related to arts and culture, both in the context of teaching and research. Through this interaction, JLCSP UGM students had the opportunity to gain insights into Japanese arts and culture from the perspectives of international students. The information and experiences shared during the discussion also served as inspiration for students in completing their academic assignments, particularly those related to Indonesian arts and culture.

In addition to providing a space for exchanging knowledge and experiences among students, the meeting marked an initial step toward exploring collaboration between JLCSP UGM and the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba in the fields of research and community engagement. Potential areas of collaboration included the development of a book chapter and future joint research initiatives. Through this meeting, both institutions are expected to strengthen their academic relationship and open opportunities for sustainable collaboration.

Author: Japanese Language and Culture Study Program

Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the First Lecture for the Postgraduate Program for the 2026/2027 Academic Year on Wednesday (26/8). The event, held at the Auditorium of R. Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, was attended by around 250 new master’s and doctoral students under the theme “Research Methods and Ethics in the Humanities”. The event was officially opened with warm remarks from Mrs. Ningrum, who emphasized the importance of academic adaptation and high integrity for young researchers.

Present as the keynote speaker was Professor and Lecturer of the Department of Languages and Literature at FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Drs. Sajarwa, M.Hum. In his presentation, Prof. Sajarwa highlighted that no reputable research begins without a research gap. He thoroughly examined research originality through three main areas (quantity, quality, and limitation) as well as four types of literature gaps, including conceptual, temporal, population group, and methodological aspects. Students are required to expand their literacy and read references deeply before formulating research ideas.

To identify these gaps, students are directed to actively map literature through globally reputable scientific databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. Beyond reviewing scientific articles, students are also encouraged to remain sensitive to empirical reasons in the field—such as threats to humanity, problem-solving needs, historical facts, topicality, extreme conditions, and social deviations—as primary catalysts for research.

At the end of the session, Prof. Sajarwa shared crucial advice regarding scientific writing methodology at the postgraduate level. He urged students to set aside individual egos and build a solid academic tradition. “Do not write alone; write in groups,” he concluded, stressing the importance of collaboration and peer group discussions to produce comprehensive and high-impact research outputs.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed a visit from Ms. Keiko Kawana on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. During the visit, Ms. Kawana had the opportunity to meet and get acquainted with members of the study program and several lecturers. She also presented a Japanese translation of Hujan, a novel by Indonesian author Tere Liye, as a gift. The novel was translated into Japanese by Ms. Keiko Kawana and Ms. Yuri Kiyooka. In addition to the translated book, they also presented a furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth commonly used to wrap and carry various items, including bento boxes.

In addition to discussing the translation of Indonesian literary works into Japanese, Ms. Kawana, who also has experience teaching shodou (Japanese calligraphy), had the opportunity to view the shodou equipment owned by the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program. The visit provided an opportunity to strengthen connections and exchange experiences in the fields of language, literature, and Japanese culture.

Author: Barra Taura Nursaid

Yogyakarta, August 6, 2026 — As part of the PIONIR Kampung Budaya program, new students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a study program orientation session on August 6, 2026. The session provided an opportunity for new students to become more familiar with the academic environment that will be part of their educational journey in the Korean Language and Culture Study Program.

During the session, students were introduced to the study program’s profile, various academic and non-academic activities within the study program, as well as the faculty members who will support them throughout their studies. Students were also introduced to the new curriculum, which will be implemented for the 2026 cohort.

The curriculum revision is part of the study program’s ongoing evaluation and development, taking into consideration various inputs, including feedback from students and alumni. Through this revision, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program seeks to provide more diverse learning opportunities while giving students greater flexibility to develop competencies according to their interests and areas of specialization.

One of the major changes in the 2026 curriculum is the addition of courses and the introduction of three areas of specialization: Linguistics, Literature, and Culture. Students have the opportunity to select two areas of specialization according to the curriculum track they pursue. This structure allows students to develop a more focused academic interest while broadening their understanding of Korean Studies from different perspectives.

In addition to changes in the course structure, the 2026 curriculum also implements the Transdisciplinary Development Curriculum Type 3 and Type 7, in accordance with Article 13D of UGM Rector’s Regulation Number 19 of 2025. Unlike the previous curriculum, which only implemented Type 7, the new curriculum provides alternative pathways for specialization, allowing students greater flexibility in determining their academic direction.

Under the Transdisciplinary Development Curriculum Type 7, students may pursue one area of specialization, with the following structure:

1. University curriculum courses: 23 credits;
2. Faculty curriculum courses: 4 credits;
3. Core study program curriculum courses: 90 credits;
4. Study program specialization courses: 15 credits; and
5. Elective courses: 15 credits.

Meanwhile, the Transdisciplinary Development Curriculum Type 3 allows students to pursue two areas of specialization. This curriculum consists of:

1. University curriculum courses: 23 credits;
2. Faculty curriculum courses: 4 credits;
3. Core study program curriculum courses: 90 credits; and
4. Two groups of study program specialization courses, each consisting of 15 credits.

The introduction of the new curriculum during the study program orientation is expected to help new students understand the academic options available to them from the beginning of their studies. With a more diverse and flexible learning structure, students will not only gain a strong foundation in the Korean language and culture but will also have opportunities to develop expertise according to their individual interests.

Through the 2026 curriculum, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program continues to develop an adaptive learning environment that responds to students’ needs and developments in the field, while strengthening connections with academic partners at the international level. This curriculum enhancement is expected to provide a strong foundation for students to develop academic competencies, intercultural perspectives, and readiness to pursue diverse opportunities at both national and global levels.

Author: (Aura Adiba W.L/Eunike Serafia N.S)