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]

Yogyakarta, September 23, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program Association IKMASA UGM held its second Raudhah Al-Kitabah discussion forum, this time focusing on “The Role of Media in Information Dissemination and Provocation: A Critical Discourse Analysis Perspective.” The event brought in expert speakers who explored how media shapes the flow of information, influences public opinion, and even carries the potential for provocation within society. The forum was actively attended by Arabic Study Program students as part of their effort to deepen their understanding of contemporary issues in the Arab world.

Through this discussion, participants were invited to examine the relationship between media and the social, cultural, and political dynamics of the Middle East. The speakers emphasized the crucial importance of media literacy and the ability to conduct critical discourse analysis to distinguish between valid information and misleading provocation.

As an outcome of the forum, students produced a discussion summary that not only serves as a reference for further academic study but also provides recommendations on how media should ideally function—as a tool for education and knowledge dissemination rather than mere propaganda.

Beyond the topic itself, the forum strengthened the academic culture among students, encouraging them to read critically, conduct research, and exchange ideas in a constructive and reflective way.

Author: Ikmasa UGM

Yogyakarta, 19/9/2025– The Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada officially opened its Summer School program in collaboration with Iwate University, Japan, at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM. The opening session featured Dwi Pratnyawan, S.S., M.A., who delivered a lecture titled Protecting Archaeological Site (Cultural Heritage).

The event brought together Archaeology students from UGM and international students from Iwate University. This academic forum highlighted the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage as both an identity marker and a collective memory of society.

In his presentation, Dwi explained that cultural heritage preservation, based on Indonesia’s Cultural Heritage Law, rests on three pillars: Protection, Development, and Utilization. He provided concrete examples, including rescue excavations at the Morangan Temple site near Prambanan, regular maintenance at Prambanan’s Siwa Temple, and zoning efforts to establish protective boundaries.

Development, he emphasized, involves research, revitalization, and adaptation, while utilization aims to maximize public benefit without compromising sustainability. However, he also addressed critical challenges such as weak enforcement—citing the use of Borobudur for a Red Bull commercial and damage to Majapahit sites due to illegal brick excavations—and uncoordinated developments, such as the destruction of parts of Trowulan to build a new museum.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A discussion, where both Indonesian and Japanese students raised questions on how best to preserve cultural heritage amid rapid modernization and urban development.

This initiative strongly aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which stresses the importance of protecting the world’s cultural heritage, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as reflected in the international collaboration between UGM and Iwate University.