YOGYAKARTA, August 11, 2026 – The Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an orientation session for its 2026 new students as part of an introduction to the academic environment and university life. The event provided new students with an opportunity to learn more about the study program, understand the academic system, and gain an overview of the various opportunities for personal and academic development available during their studies in Arabic Literature at UGM. The session began with a presentation by Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program. During the session, new students were introduced to the academic environment and system of the study program, including an overview of the learning process, the completion of the Study Plan Card (KRS), and other important information they need to know at the beginning of their university journey. The session provided new students with an initial understanding of the academic process while helping them adjust to university life.

The orientation continued with an experience-sharing session featuring Garin Arivian, S.S., an alumnus of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM from the 2020 cohort who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sweden. Garin shared his experiences as a university student, including his involvement as a Student Achievement Award recipient (Mahasiswa Berprestasi/Mapres) and as the head of Kampung Budaya, a student-led cultural community. His experiences showed new students that university life can be an opportunity to develop themselves through a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. During the session, Garin also encouraged new students to be willing to explore the opportunities that come their way during their studies. He emphasized that students do not have to wait until they feel completely ready before taking an opportunity. Participating in student organizations, competitions, campus activities, and experiences beyond the classroom can be valuable processes for discovering one’s abilities and interests. His experience of pursuing further studies abroad also demonstrated how the experiences and achievements built during university can become valuable preparation for taking the next step in one’s academic journey.

The series of activities continued with a meeting with the Academic Advisors (Dosen Pembimbing Akademik/DPA): Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Hamdan, S.S., M.A., Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., and Dr. Tohir Mustofa, S.S., M.A. During this session, new students met directly with the lecturers who will support and guide their academic journey throughout their studies in Arabic Literature at UGM. Beyond serving as an opportunity for introductions, the meeting allowed students to communicate more closely with their Academic Advisors and gain a better understanding of how academic guidance and support will be provided throughout their university years.

Through this orientation program, new students gained an initial understanding of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM from various perspectives. From learning about the academic system and hearing experiences from alumni to meeting their Academic Advisors, the series of activities is expected to help new students adapt to university life while encouraging them to remain open to the many opportunities to learn, grow, and develop throughout their studies.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada held a welcoming ceremony for students participating in the Exchange Program and the Independent Student Exchange (Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka / PMM) for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. The event took place in a warm atmosphere at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM.

The activity was attended by representatives of the FIB UGM Academic Team and was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.E.A. This semester, FIB UGM welcomes 20 exchange students from various partner universities abroad, two of whom are enrolled in joint/double degree programs. Additionally, 10 PMM students from Faculties of Cultural Sciences at universities across Indonesia are joining the faculty.

In her remarks, the Vice Dean extended a warm welcome to all students, expressing her hope that they will easily adapt and make the most of their learning experience at UGM. The ceremony then proceeded with a technical guidance session on course registration (KRS) conducted by the FIB UGM Academic Team to ensure a smooth academic orientation for the incoming students throughout their study period.

The implementation of these exchange programs reflects FIB UGM’s concrete commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, it contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive and globally oriented educational opportunities, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening strategic academic collaborations with higher education institutions both nationally and internationally.

[Humas FIB, Maylafaizza Nafisha Zifa]

A total of 12 students from Daito Bunka University, Japan, officially attended the opening of the 2026 Summer Program held at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building 2nd Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Tuesday (4/8/2026) at 10:00 AM WIB.

The event was opened by two Masters of Ceremonies (MC), Suryono (an NCCU student) alongside his co-host. The opening atmosphere was warm and friendly, filled with lighthearted moments during the welcoming remarks delivered by the Coordinator of INCULS FIB UGM, Dr. Rakhmat Soleh, S.S., M.Hum. The event then proceeded with a group photo session involving participants, teaching lecturers, and student tutors.

The Japanese students will undergo an intensive two-week learning program from August 4 to August 19, 2026. Throughout the program, they are enrolled in the Elementary 2 (A2) level, focusing on coursework such as Reading & Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar, as well as Listening and Conversation. Beyond academic study, participants will also gain direct cultural exposure through hands-on workshops in batik making and traditional gamelan music.

Following the opening ceremony, students immediately began their first class session at 10:00 AM WIB with Yayan Sensei. The first day concluded with a meet-and-greet session with their student tutors at 3:00 PM WIB to assist with their academic and cultural adaptation at FIB UGM.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

The Student Association of Japanese Language and Culture (HIMAJE), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized the Japanese Studies Lecture (Kuliah Seru Kejepangan/KSK) on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the 4th Floor of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event was open to the public and attended by students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program as well as participants from other faculties within UGM.

HIMAJE invited Lili Febriyani, S.S., M.Si., a lecturer from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, as the keynote speaker. She delivered a lecture entitled “The Visible and the Invisible: Reading Japanese Culture through Visual Media.”

The session began with a series of photographs taken in Japan, encouraging participants to share their initial observations and interpretations. The discussion then moved beyond what was immediately visible, inviting participants to explore the cultural meanings embedded within the images. In addition to photographs, the speaker introduced various forms of visual media—including scenes from Japanese television dramas, television commercials, magazine covers, and other visual materials—to demonstrate how Japanese culture can be understood through critical visual analysis. The lecture covered several topics, including Japanese homogeneity and conformity, changes in Japanese food culture, and shifting representations of masculinity as portrayed in different forms of media.

As one of the flagship programs of HIMAJE’s Education and Strategic Studies Division (DIKASTRAT), the Japanese Studies Lecture aims to broaden public understanding of Japanese Studies through engaging and accessible learning activities. The event was offered free of charge to encourage wider participation from students and the general public.

Author: Heni Putri Lestari

Editor: Lili Febriyani, S.S., M.Si.