Yogyakarta, October 21, 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held its graduation ceremony for 184 postgraduate students, consisting of 173 master’s and 11 doctoral graduates in the first period of the 2025/2026 academic year. The ceremony took place at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, marking a moment of celebration and recognition for the graduates’ dedication and perseverance throughout their academic journey.

A total of 102 graduates earned the Cum Laude distinction, reflecting not only their academic excellence but also their resilience and commitment to the humanities.

The Master’s Program in Linguistics produced the largest number of graduates with 66 students, followed by the Master’s in Literature with 46 graduates, and both the Master’s in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies and the Master’s in Anthropology, each with 16 graduates. At the doctoral level, the Doctoral Program in Humanities recorded the highest number with nine graduates. Other programs contributing to this period’s graduation include Master’s in History (10), Master’s in American Studies (10), Master’s in Archaeology (9), Doctoral Program in American Studies (1), and Doctoral Program in Anthropology (1).

The highest GPA and shortest study period among master’s graduates was achieved by Kyra Andhayu Noer from the Master’s Program in Archaeology, who completed her studies with a GPA of 3.96 in 1 year, 1 month, and 10 days. At the doctoral level, Ria Yuliati from the Doctoral Program in Humanities achieved a GPA of 3.81 with a study duration of 3 years, 11 months, and 8 days.

On average, the GPA of master’s graduates reached 3.78, while the doctoral graduates’ average GPA was 3.80. The Master’s in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies achieved the highest average GPA of 3.84, reflecting strong academic performance and dedication to interdisciplinary cultural studies.

In a deeply moving moment, the Faculty also paid tribute to one of its postgraduate students, Nanang Syaifudin, S.Hum., M.A., from the Master’s Program in Linguistics, who passed away before the graduation ceremony. Known for his diligence, humility, and passion for learning, his diploma was received symbolically by his parents during the ceremony. Their presence was met with heartfelt respect and emotion from the entire audience. The Faculty expressed its highest appreciation for Nanang’s commitment and prayed that his good deeds and knowledge continue to benefit many, while his family finds strength and solace.

This graduation was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a moment of reflection on the deeper meaning of education — one that nurtures empathy, integrity, and humanity. Through this occasion, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences reaffirms its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Graduates of FIB UGM are expected to become agents of positive change, carrying forward the values of culture, ethics, and humanity into their communities. With their knowledge and character, they are ready to take part in shaping a more inclusive, civilized, and sustainable world.

Yogyakarta, October 13, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship course series with the seventh session featuring a new speaker, Diyah Wikan Rakhmatika, S.S., M.A.—an academic and business practitioner with extensive experience in Islamic economics and financial management. In this session, Arabic Study Program students explored the crucial topic of Financial Management in Entrepreneurship.

During the lecture, Diyah emphasized that financial management is the backbone of business sustainability, where maintaining a balance between income and expenditure must be grounded in transparency and accountability. She highlighted that many entrepreneurs, especially in the UMKM sector, struggle to grow because they mix personal and business finances. Therefore, students were encouraged to understand the importance of financial separation, regular transaction recording, proper budgeting, and periodic financial evaluations to assess business performance effectively.

The lecture also covered three essential financial reports that every aspiring entrepreneur should master: the income statement, cash flow statement, and simple balance sheet. These reports serve as critical tools for measuring profitability, maintaining positive cash flow, and understanding the overall financial health of a business. Diyah further introduced the concepts of cash flow management and reinvestment strategy as strategic approaches to maintaining financial stability and supporting long-term business growth.

Beyond the technical aspects, Diyah also discussed the ethical and social responsibilities of financial management. She linked sound financial practices with the principles of sustainability, emphasizing that business profits should not solely benefit the owner but also contribute to the well-being of employees, communities, and the environment—such as through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Through this seventh session, students of the Arabic Study Program at UGM were expected not only to understand financial management theory but also to apply it in their ongoing business plan projects. With strong financial literacy, students can build ventures that are not only profitable but also ethical and sustainable.

This entrepreneurship class also aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing practical entrepreneurship education, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering competent young entrepreneurs, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by instilling values of efficient and ethical resource management.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), welcomed students from Osaka University, Japan, from September 10 to 20, 2025. For ten days, they studied Indonesian language and explored Javanese culture in Yogyakarta, accompanied by lecturer Prof. Dr. Yumi Sugahara.

Activities included visits to Pakualaman Palace, Wotawati Village, the Jogja Archive Diorama, the Yogyakarta Palace, the Sonobudoyo Museum, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple. In addition, the Osaka students received guidance from UGM students who acted as tutors and conversation partners on the customs of Indonesian society.

The closing ceremony was held on September 19, 2025, with a presentation of the observation results at FIB UGM. That evening, the Osaka University student group performed at the Gugur Gunung XIV event at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, singing two songs, Tsubasa wo kudasai and Doraemon no Uta, in Indonesian. The visit concluded on September 20, 2025, with the students’ return to Japan.

This program is a form of strengthening academic cooperation between Gadjah Mada University and Osaka University. It is hoped that this cultural visit will not only be a forum for academic cooperation, but also a place for learning and understanding between cultures. In addition, this activity contributes to the introduction and preservation of cultural values that form the identity of both nations. Thus, this program is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the aspects of quality education (point 4) and partnerships for the achievement of common goals (point 17).

Author: Haryo Untoro & Yasmin Nabiha Sahda
Editor : Haryo Untoro

As part of the Professional Japanese Language course, third-year students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted a field study at PT Bengawan Solo Garment Indonesia (PT BSGI) in Boyolali on October 8, 2025. The activity was attended by 36 students and three accompanying lecturers, who were warmly welcomed by PT BSGI President Director Mr. Hiroyuki Tsutsumi, along with PPIC Manager Ms. Shoko Nakata, HRD staff Ms. Yuni and Ms. Wahyu Indriani, and other company representatives.

This visit aimed to provide students with firsthand experience of how Japanese is used in professional environments while introducing them to the work ethic and corporate culture of Japanese companies operating in Indonesia. Established in January 2001, PT BSGI is a Japan-based Foreign Investment Company (PMA) specializing in garment production, with all its products exported to Japan. PT BSGI serves as an ideal learning site for students to observe authentic Japanese workplace settings and explore potential career paths within Japanese-affiliated companies.

The program began with a presentation session delivered in Japanese by Mr. Tsutsumi and Ms. Nakata, covering the company’s profile, work culture, and key principles of professionalism upheld by PT BSGI. This was followed by an interactive discussion session, where both lecturers and students engaged directly with company executives and staff to discuss career opportunities for Japanese Studies graduates and gain deeper insight into working in a Japanese company environment.

After the discussion, participants were given a guided factory tour to observe the garment production process and the daily operations across several divisions. During this session, students witnessed firsthand how values such as discipline, work ethic, and kaizen (continuous improvement) are implemented in practice—hallmarks of Japanese corporate culture.

This field study provided students with valuable, real-world exposure to the professional use of Japanese language and work practices. Beyond expanding students’ academic and cultural understanding, the visit also strengthened the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program’s partnership with the industrial sector, particularly Japanese enterprises operating in Indonesia.

Writer: Barra Taura Nursa’id

Editor: Stedi Wardoyo

Students from the Japanese Language and Culture (BKJ) Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the opportunity to participate in the 22nd Kanji Cup, organized by the Consulate-General of Japan in Surabaya on October 4, 2025, and held at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). This national-level competition was attended by hundreds of participants from various universities and schools across Indonesia, including UI, UNDIP, UNSOED, UNAIR, UNIBRAW, UNESA, as well as several high schools and vocational schools in East Java.

The BKJ UGM delegation departed for Surabaya on October 3, 2025, with full support from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which provided accommodation and logistical assistance throughout the event.

This year’s Kanji Cup was divided into two categories: shokyuu (beginner) and chuukyuu (intermediate). Each category consisted of three stages — preliminary, semifinal, and final rounds. In this competition, BKJ UGM sent six student representatives. Two students competed in the shokyuu category and reached the preliminary stage. Meanwhile, four other students took part in the chuukyuu category, divided into two teams. Team A reached the preliminary stage, while Team B advanced to the semifinals, gaining valuable experience throughout the competition process.

The participation of BKJ UGM students in the 22nd Kanji Cup reflects their enthusiasm and active engagement in improving their Japanese language skills. Through this competition, students not only honed their abilities but also learned about teamwork, healthy competition, and building broader connections and insights.

Author: Barra Taura Nursaid