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]

Behind the spotlight of national and international achievements lies a long journey of perseverance lived by Haris Arfakhsyad, a student of Arabic Literature of FIB UGM who has become known for his outstanding performance in Arabic public speaking. He has won first place in the Arabic Fair organized by UNS Surakarta, second place at the international level in GEKA 7 held by UMY Yogyakarta, and second place in FIKAR 12 hosted by UPI Bandung. But beyond the trophies and podiums, his story is about the courage to rise again after an early setback.

That journey began back in the third grade of elementary school at a Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. During a Qur’anic preaching competition organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bangkalan, his teachers and parents encouraged the shy and timid boy to compete. He agreed. He trained diligently, memorized his speech, and prepared himself for the stage. Yet, fate took a different turn. Halfway through his performance, he suddenly forgot his lines and had to end his speech abruptly. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered to his father, “Dad, I want to go home. I must have lost.”

The experience left him shaken, and for a time, he refused to enter any competitions. But a year later, encouraged once again by his mother, he decided to give it another try. This time, he placed third, a small victory that reignited his spirit. From that moment on, his passion for public speaking slowly grew stronger. By the time he entered high school, he had developed a deep interest in Arabic speeches. Failures came often, but each setback taught him resilience and shaped the speaker he would become. Eventually, he claimed his first victory in an Arabic speech contest organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jember—an achievement that fueled his path toward national and even international stages.

His success, however, did not come by chance. It was the product of discipline and consistent preparation. He began every competition by carefully crafting a script that matched the given theme. Once the text was ready, he memorized it word for word, practiced his gestures and intonation, and rehearsed in front of teachers, friends, or family to gather feedback. This routine became his formula for growth, one he still relies on today.

The road to victory, of course, was not without obstacles. In fact, failures far outnumbered his wins. “I always believe that every difficulty comes with ease. Never think poorly of your own effort,” he said. For him, failure was not the end, but the best teacher and the foundation for future achievements.

Support from his parents, teachers, and friends also played a pivotal role. “The prayers of my parents are the key,” he stated firmly. Competitions also gave him the opportunity to meet new peers—talented, inspiring individuals who became part of his journey. For him, those connections are among the most meaningful rewards.

When asked what qualities are most important to compete at the national level, his answer was straightforward yet powerful: a willingness to keep learning and improving. “Never be satisfied too soon. Those who want to grow will not stop at a single achievement,” he explained. Humility and optimism, he added, are equally vital pillars for success.

The toughest moments came when he lost repeatedly, with no victories to hold onto. At times, he thought about giving up. But again, the faith and encouragement of his parents lifted him back up. “Great people are not those who never fail, but those who refuse to quit despite repeated failures,” he reflected.

As he closed his story, he shared a message for fellow students: that every person is born with their own strengths and weaknesses, and what sets us apart is our willingness to keep improving ourselves. “Whoever strives with sincerity will succeed,” he said, quoting the well-known Arabic proverb, man jadda wajada. 

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

On 23-24 September 2025, the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, held a Scopus-indexed scientific article writing class with the theme ‘Urban Spirituality and the Reformulation of Sufi Rituals’, led by Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina binti Sa’ari, a leading expert from the University of Malaya in the study of Islamic creed and thought. This class aims to provide practical insights on how to write quality scientific articles for Scopus-indexed international journals, with a focus on the topics of urban spirituality and the reformulation of Sufi rituals.

Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina explained the importance of choosing relevant and contemporary topics in the academic world, as well as how urban spirituality and Sufi rituals can be used as interesting subjects of study. She shared strategies on how to write a good scientific article, from topic selection to effective writing techniques, with an emphasis on the importance of clear methodology and valid references.

Participants were also provided with guidance on selecting the appropriate journal and structuring an article systematically, as well as tips for crafting an engaging and persuasive abstract. Prof. Zarrina also discussed common challenges in writing articles, such as dealing with criticism from journal reviewers and how to respond to feedback constructively.

The class concluded with a question-and-answer session that offered participants the opportunity to learn more about the process of writing scientific articles. It is hoped that this class will enrich participants’ skills in writing articles ready for publication in Scopus-indexed international journals, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of urban spirituality and Sufism studies within an academic context.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

September 26, 2025 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada held the Korindo Foundation Scholarship Awarding Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic year. The event was opened by the MC and the Talchum performance, followed by welcoming remarks from Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and Setiyono, General Manager of the Korindo Foundation.

The ceremony continued with the announcement of the names of Korean Language and Culture students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who were selected as recipients of the Korindo Foundation Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year. The following students were awarded the scholarship:

1. Alma Naya Kamila
2. Anisa Setya Utami
3. Febryani Dhea Khusnulia
4. Mulya Ghefira Azzahra
5. Oryza Sativa Rosyadi
6. Raissa Aneswari

In addition to the announcement, the scholarship recipients also shared their gratitude and reflections:

“I am deeply grateful to the Korindo Foundation for its support. This scholarship is not only a financial aid but also a reminder and motivation to always study diligently. I hope the Korindo Foundation will continue to provide this valuable opportunity to other outstanding students in the future.” – Alma

“I sincerely thank the Korindo Foundation for this meaningful scholarship. This support motivates me to complete my studies with the best results, pursue my dreams, and make my parents proud. The scholarship will truly benefit my education and future career.” – Anisa Setya

“I feel very grateful and proud to be chosen as one of the Korindo Scholarship recipients. This support is a great motivation for me to study harder, develop my potential, and gain valuable experiences. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Korindo for the trust and support given. May this program continue and bring greater benefits to more students in the future.” – Febryani

“My deepest thanks to the Study Program and the Korindo Foundation for this precious opportunity. For me, this scholarship is a form of trust as well as a reminder that every small step I take matters. Although my journey is currently a bit slowed down due to health conditions, I want to keep moving forward with gratitude and responsibility, so that greater dreams can be achieved.” – Mulya

“I am very grateful to be selected as one of the scholarship recipients, and I truly appreciate the Korindo Foundation for providing this award. For me, the scholarship is not only financial support but also a form of encouragement and trust. This opportunity motivates me to keep learning and achieving. I hope this scholarship program will continue and inspire more students in pursuing their education.” – Oryza

“I feel proud and thankful to be chosen as one of the Korindo Foundation scholarship recipients. For me, this scholarship is not just financial support, but also a form of motivation and trust that drives me to study harder. I hope that in the future more students will benefit from Korindo’s scholarship program.” – Raissa

The event concluded with a group photo session featuring all scholarship recipients, representatives from the Korindo Foundation, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’ leadership, and the Talchum performers. Through this event, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program hopes to continue strengthening its partnership with the Korindo Foundation in the years ahead.

(Aura Adiba // Sherina Azmi A.)

Yogyakarta, 18 September 2025 – The Study Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), organized the 14th Gugur Gunung Exhibition as part of its annual anniversary celebration. Held on 17–18 September 2025, the exhibition showcased various aspects of Javanese cultural heritage, ranging from manuscript displays and traditional games to traditional musical instruments presented in an interactive manner.

In addition, the exhibition also featured food stands that visitors could enjoy, adding comfort and convenience to the overall exhibition experience.

The Gugur Gunung Exhibition serves as an important platform for academics, students, and the wider community to further appreciate, engage with, and preserve the richness of the Javanese language, literature, and culture. Through this activity, the Study Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture reaffirms its commitment to sustaining traditions while strengthening the relevance of cultural studies in contemporary society.

This initiative aligns with the commitment of FIB UGM to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through the promotion of inclusive access to cultural learning, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the preservation of cultural heritage and local traditions as part of the nation’s collective identity.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]