West Lombok, 23/7/2025 — In an effort to introduce Arabic language and culture to children from an early age, students from Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Community Service Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized a program titled “Arabic Days: Introduction to Arabic Language and Culture” in Karang Bucu Lauq Hamlet, Bagik Polak Village, West Lombok Regency. Held every Tuesday and Wednesday over a three-week period from July 8 to July 23, 2025, the sessions took place at the Syamsul Huda prayer hall.

This initiative was led by a member of the KKN-PPM Antologi Labuapi Team, a student from the Arabic Study Program at UGM, as a form of community engagement through education rooted in Islamic and cultural values. The primary goal was to introduce children to the basics of the Arabic language and cultural elements in a fun and engaging way. The participants were children attending the local TPQ (Qur’anic Learning Center), ranging from 3 to 8 years old.

Throughout the program, KKN students guided the children directly in learning hijaiyah letters, reading Iqra and the Qur’an, and introducing them to basic Arabic vocabulary, greetings, and aspects of Arab culture, such as traditional foods and clothing. Each session was designed to be child-friendly and enjoyable, using interactive learning methods like illustrated PowerPoint presentations, Islamic-themed animated videos, educational songs, and simple games with Islamic nuances. These methods ensured that the children not only understood the material but also enjoyed and stayed engaged throughout the learning process.

The children showed high enthusiasm and curiosity from the very first day, actively participating in every activity with joy and interest. The local community warmly welcomed and supported the program, seeing it as a positive contribution to the children’s learning, especially in religious education and broader exposure to Islamic culture. Parents and community members appreciated the students’ active involvement in delivering fun and communicative learning.

Through Arabic Days, the KKN-PPM students hope to instill a love for the language of the Qur’an and broaden the children’s understanding of the rich and diverse Arab culture. This program stands as a testament to how creatively designed education can bridge religious and cultural values in a harmonious and impactful way within local communities.

Author: Chusna Shifati

Bandung, July 20, 2025 — Students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participating in the KKN-PPM Sekocihampelas program conducted a creative community empowerment initiative titled “Reusing Eggshell Waste as Calligraphy Decorations.” The workshop, held at Bening Saguling Foundation in Cihampelas, West Bandung Regency, engaged local Karang Taruna youth in transforming everyday waste into meaningful works of art.

The activity began with a presentation on the potential of eggshells as recyclable art materials, followed by a hands-on session where participants crafted calligraphy pieces using the discarded shells. This initiative served not only as a creative outlet but also as an environmental awareness campaign, encouraging responsible household waste management through artistic reuse.

This program was spearheaded by the KKN-PPM UGM student team and reflects the core values of the Arabic Study Program, which envisions language and art as powerful tools for community engagement. During the practical session, participants created a variety of calligraphy designs, including names, Islamic expressions, and animal motifs like birds. The energy and enthusiasm from the youth showcased their strong interest in art and sustainable practices.

Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh, the student unit coordinator and lead organizer, expressed hope that this initiative would serve as a catalyst for sustainable waste management habits in the community.

“We hope that this activity not only teaches participants to create art but also raises awareness about environmental conservation. What was once discarded waste, like eggshells, now has artistic and economic value,” she explained.

The program actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by creatively repurposing organic waste into useful and aesthetic products. Furthermore, it aligns with SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as the activity was conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders—Karang Taruna youth and the Bening Saguling Foundation—underscoring the importance of community-based partnerships in promoting sustainability.

More than just an art workshop, this initiative became a collaborative platform for education, environmental awareness, and community empowerment. Through this participatory and cross-sector approach, UGM’s KKN-PPM students successfully delivered a program that combined creativity, sustainability, and local engagement.

Author: Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh

Yogyakarta, June 2025 — Two students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, have successfully been accepted into the Fast Track Bachelor’s–Master’s (S1–S2) Program at UGM. They are Fadisya Zata Amany and Raissa Aneswari, both from the 2022 batch.

The Fast Track program offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to continue to the master’s level and complete both degrees in a shorter period of time. Below are the reflections and messages shared by the selected students:

Fadisya Zata Amany
“Alhamdulillah, saya sangat bersyukur bisa diterima dalam program fast track S1–S2 di Universitas Gadjah Mada. Kesempatan ini menjadi awal baru lagi untuk terus belajar, memperluas wawasan, dan memperdalam keilmuan di bidang yang saya tekuni. Proses seleksi yang cukup menantang membuat saya banyak belajar tentang ketekunan, konsistensi, dan pentingnya persiapan yang matang. Saya berterima kasih kepada dosen-dosen, teman-teman dan khususnya kepada orang tua saya yang selalu memberikan dukungan serta semangat selama proses ini. Buat teman-teman yang lagi berjuang, jangan takut ambil kesempatan ya!”

Raissa Aneswari
“Jujur, awalnya nggak nyangka bisa lolos Fast Track. Waktu daftar, sempat ragu juga, jadi ya semangatnya nothing to lose aja. Tapi Alhamdulillah, bersyukur banget bisa dapet kesempatan ikut seleksi dan akhirnya lolos. Terima kasih buat dosen-dosen dan pihak prodi yang udah mendukung proses seleksi dan pengembangan kami. Juga makasih banyak buat teman-teman atas dukungan dan doanya. Semoga ke depannya makin banyak mahasiswa yang termotivasi buat terus belajar dan berani ambil tantangan baru.”

This achievement highlights the strong academic spirit and dedication of Korean Language and Culture students at UGM in pursuing continuous education toward postgraduate study.

Penulis: Nisa Khairuna Sabilla

Who says Arabic Literature students only deal with texts and Middle Eastern culture? Faris Zaky, an active student from the Arabic Literature program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proves otherwise. He has successfully demonstrated that a background in the humanities is not a barrier to making a real contribution in the professional world.

Starting with a desire to fill his semester break with productive activities, Faris discovered an internship opportunity. Upon reading that one of the positions available was in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he immediately felt intrigued, even though he initially hesitated, thinking his major was not directly related. With the courage to try, he decided to seize the opportunity. This decision turned out to be fruitful. He was accepted and began an internship experience that introduced him to various community dynamics.

Faris’s interest in social issues is not new. Since the beginning of his studies, he has been active in various community activities such as Ikmasa Mengabdi, Gemilang Desa, Ramadhan di Kampus, and being part of the organizing team for PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024. From these experiences, his sensitivity to social issues and planning skills have grown, which are now essential assets in his role in CSR.

Despite coming from an Arabic Literature background, Faris found that many skills he acquired during his studies are highly useful in the workplace. The writing and communication skills he honed during his studies became his main assets in conveying information to the community in a clear and understandable manner. Additionally, his experience in managing organizational programs equipped him with the ability to accept criticism, respond to problems with solutions, and prepare public communication materials with appealing visuals—such as graphic design and video editing—all of which support CSR work in the field.

During his internship, Faris was involved in various community development programs covering agriculture, livestock, health, tourism, and the economy. One of the programs he is most proud of is the development of the Bina Mandiri Farmer Group in Pulosari Village through the innovation of biodigester technology that produces bio slurry. This product was then developed into Bio Slurry Plus, an original innovation from PLTP Gunung Salak that has not been implemented elsewhere. This program has proven to increase productivity in the agricultural and livestock sectors and is one of the reasons why the CSR program of PLTP Gunung Salak received the Gold award—the highest level in the national CSR program assessment.

In carrying out his role, Faris also faced challenges, especially in changing the habits of the community that were not entirely appropriate, particularly in agriculture and livestock. He and his team chose to educate gradually, consistently, and with a persuasive approach so that the messages of change could be accepted without offending deeply rooted habits. Throughout this process, Faris upheld local values and culture. He believes that the principle of “where the earth is stepped, there the sky is upheld” is key to building community trust, especially when working in an environment rich in cultural values, such as the area around the Halimun Gunung Salak National Park, even though the program’s target area is outside the conservation zone.

This internship experience has transformed Faris’s perspective on the relationship between literature, social issues, and the professional world. He realized that the knowledge he studied, which he initially thought was only relevant in academic or cultural studies, actually has a close connection to practical needs in the field. Literature is not just about texts; it is also about understanding social contexts, building empathy, and effectively conveying ideas—elements that are crucial in community development. For him, the worlds of literature and work do not oppose each other; rather, they support and strengthen one another.

After completing his internship program, Faris is determined to continue engaging in social activities and deepen his knowledge in community development. He also wants to explore the skills he has honed, such as event planning, design, video editing, and writing, which he believes are highly needed in the social work sector. Faris Zaky’s story is a testament that the courage to step forward, consistent interest, and adaptability can lead students from any discipline to make a real impact on society—even within state-owned enterprises.

Yogyakarta, 17/5/2025 – A proud achievement has once again been recorded by a student from Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula, a student of the Arabic Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, successfully secured 2nd place in the prestigious International Arabic Speech Competition (Khiṭābah ‘Arabiyyah) held as part of the GEKA 7 International event.

The competition took place from May 14 to 17, 2025, at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) and served as an international stage featuring 26 participants from various renowned institutions, both domestic and abroad. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey sent their best delegates. Notable foreign universities participating included Universiti Malaya, USIM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Fatoni University from Thailand.

In a competitive atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, Haris stood out as the sole delegate from UGM’s Arabic Literature program, showcasing his proficiency in Arabic while delivering a speech in front of an international jury and audience. With sharp rhetorical skills, a strong command of the language, and high confidence, Haris managed to impress the judges and secured the second position, just one point behind the first-place winner from Darussalam Gontor University.

“I feel very grateful. All of this is thanks to the guidance of my lecturers, the support of my friends, and the prayers from my parents who have always accompanied my journey.” Haris expressed emotion after the announcement of the winners.

The International Arabic Speech Competition is a significant event that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting access to education and enhancing educational opportunities in developing countries. By participating in such international competitions, students like Haris not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to the global dialogue on education and cultural exchange.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of education in developing countries cannot be overstated. Events like the International Arabic Speech Competition provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and foster a sense of community among diverse cultures. Haris’s achievement is a testament to the potential that lies within students when given access to quality education and opportunities.

This achievement is tangible proof that Indonesian students, especially in the humanities field like Arabic Literature, can compete and excel on the international stage. Haris’s victory also reflects the quality of education and the collaborative spirit within the UGM academic environment, which continuously encourages its students to excel and contribute in global forums.

Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula’s story is not just about competition; it embodies the spirit of learning, dedication, and the belief that language is a bridge to the world. This achievement serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to dare to dream and take steps further.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]