The relevance of the Javanese language and literature amid contemporary challenges was the main topic in the Javanese Literature History course in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The lecture, which took place on Monday, November 10, 2025, featured an alumnus, practitioner, and observer of Javanese culture, Paksi Raras Alit, S.S., M.A., as a guest speaker.

The course, taught by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, M.A., was attended by all students from the class of 2024. The presence of Paksi Raras Alit aimed to provide a practical perspective on the sustainability of literary heritage in the modern era.

In his presentation, Paksi Raras Alit emphasized that the teachings and knowledge contained in Javanese culture are still very relevant to current social conditions. He cited his latest work, a book entitled Ajaran Bahagia dari Jawa: Filosofi untuk Hidup Tenang dan Legawa (Teachings of Happiness from Java: Philosophy for a Peaceful and Contented Life). The book was written in order to explore the Javanese philosophy of life to achieve happiness. According to him, the wisdom contained in Javanese literature can offer guidance or knowledge towards inner peace.

This activity was very well received by the students. Their enthusiasm was evident from the variety of questions they asked, despite the limited discussion time. Shabrina Fitra Azzahra, one of the course participants, shared her views in an online interview on November 21, 2025. She stated that she discovered various other perspectives on Javanese literature.

This activity not only increased knowledge, but also boosted the enthusiasm of students in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. This enthusiasm was manifested in their determination to nguri-uri ‘preserve’ and ngurip-urip ‘revitalize’ Javanese culture. Through a strong commitment to preservation and cooperation with various parties, it is hoped that the valuable messages and information contained in Javanese literary works can be “reintroduced” and bring tangible benefits to the wider community.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, November 21, 2025 — Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Anis Matta, Lc., emphasized that the roadmap for Indonesia’s integration with the Islamic world must be built upon the strength of cultural values that define the nation’s civilization. He delivered this material during a National Lecture titled “Indonesia’s Integration Roadmap with the Islamic World: Exploring Cultural Values in Indonesian Foreign Policy” held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event was organized through the collaboration of LEM FIB UGM, MADARA UGM, IWDN, and KMIB UGM.

The program opened with a series of remarks highlighting the importance of students and academic spaces in shaping Indonesia’s diplomatic orientation toward the Islamic world. Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Chair of LEM FIB UGM, underlined the contributions students can make through intellectual engagement, research, and critical discussion. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. JM. Muslimin, M.A., advisor to IWDN, expressed his appreciation for the forum and hoped that such cross-cultural dialogues would continue as part of efforts to prepare Indonesia’s future diplomatic direction.

The final remarks were delivered by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., who reiterated the faculty’s commitment to fostering strategic academic forums that connect humanities scholarship with global geopolitical dynamics, ensuring that students are not only observers of reality but also active contributors in shaping it.

The main session began with Nafesya Amrina Rosada, S.S., serving as moderator and guiding the discussion effectively and inclusively. In his keynote presentation, Vice Minister Muhammad Anis Matta stressed that Indonesia’s integration with the Islamic world must be grounded in the strength of the nation’s cultural values. He argued that Indonesia’s diplomacy cannot rely solely on political and economic cooperation; it must also draw from the country’s contributions in values, identity, and civilization—elements that form Indonesia’s unique global presence.

Following the presentation, the discussion grew increasingly interactive and substantive. The topic of the Israel–Palestine conflict became the central catalyst that intensified the forum’s dynamics. Participants critically examined how Israeli colonialism has transformed over time—from ethnically driven settlement colonization to an ideologically based colonial project anchored in religious legitimacy, security narratives, and nationalism. Systematic acts of genocide and human rights violations have, they argued, pushed Israel into deeper isolation in the eyes of the international community while gradually eroding what was once strong Western support.

The Vice Minister reaffirmed that Indonesia’s stance on Palestine remains firmly rooted in the principle of a two-state solution, with the moral imperative of protecting human life as the top priority before discussing any political options. He also noted that Indonesia’s support has expanded beyond humanitarian diplomacy and now includes readiness for defense-related support if necessary, while still maintaining Indonesia’s independence from global ideological blocs and geopolitical polarization.

The discussion then shifted to the planned development of an Indonesian “Hajj Village” in Makkah. The forum explored how the rising number of Indonesian pilgrims—exceeding two hundred thousand people each year—necessitates integrated facilities capable of providing structured accommodation and community activity centers. The proposed area is designed not only for convenience but also to strengthen the presence and networks of Indonesian communities in the Holy Land. Danantara is projected to serve as the developer and manager to ensure that the area is operated professionally, modernly, and sustainably.

The session grew even richer as the forum turned to cultural diplomacy as a pillar of foreign policy. The Vice Minister underscored that Indonesia possesses a distinctive civilizational identity—one that harmoniously synthesizes religion, democracy, and culture. This identity, he argued, represents a strategic asset with significant potential to contribute to the Islamic world. However, he also highlighted an internal challenge: Indonesians are often not accustomed to promoting their nation’s strengths on the global stage. Thus, there is a pressing need to translate Indonesia’s religious, social, and national concepts into Arabic to communicate them more effectively to Middle Eastern audiences. By doing so, intellectual diplomacy and cultural diplomacy can operate in harmony with political diplomacy.

A warm and appreciative atmosphere concluded the National Lecture, which broadened perspectives on Indonesia’s diplomatic dynamics within the Islamic world while reaffirming the academic community’s role in advancing global development agendas. By emphasizing cultural diplomacy, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to Palestinian peace, and connecting Indonesia’s religious and national ideas to the international sphere, the event aligns closely with several SDGs—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Author: Achmad Chozinatul Assror
Editor: Candra Solihin

Yogyakarta, November 13, 2025 – The Middle Eastern Studies Program (KBTT) and the Arabic Literature Program at Gadjah Mada University held an inspirational discussion session with Visiting Lecturer Prof. Ayman Shihadeh from SOAS University of London. This activity was held after the International Public Lecture, which was part of the event series, and took place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the KBTT Study Program meeting room. The discussion was attended by several enthusiastic students from the KBTT and Arabic Literature Study Programs at UGM who were eager to learn about Prof. Ayman Shihadeh’s academic experiences and international insights.

During the session, Prof. Ayman shared his experiences and views on teaching, research, and academic development at SOAS, as well as the importance of fostering collaborative relationships between universities worldwide, particularly in the fields of cultural studies and tolerance. He also presented the new MA Islamic Humanities program launched by SOAS in 2025. He gave a detailed presentation on the new study program, which offers several concentrations, including social studies, history, literature, religion, and others. This further increased the enthusiasm of the participants because the study program is very relevant to the fields of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies and Arabic Literature.

In addition, this discussion also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and share their views on the development of study programs and the potential for international cooperation that can be optimized in the future. Prof. Ayman emphasized the importance of openness in thinking and developing insights in facing global challenges. The event concluded with a group photo session and informal discussions that strengthened the academic relationship between UGM and SOAS and opened up opportunities for further collaboration. This event was an important step in introducing UGM’s Middle Eastern Cultural Studies students to a global perspective and strengthening academic ties with renowned institutions around the world, such as SOAS University of London. The discussion is expected to have a positive impact on academic development and international cooperation in the future.

Author: Jesisca Amanda

Yogyakarta, November 14th, 2025 –  The Ethnography of Maluku and Nusa Tenggara class held by the Department of Anthropology featured a guest lecturer. Danishwara Nathaniel (Mas Dan) is a PhD candidate from the Geneva Graduate Institute, currently doing research on Ternate, Northern Maluku. During the first session of the class, Mas Dan presented part of his research, titled Visual Activism and Maritime Identity in Indonesia’s Extraction Frontier. In this research, Mas Dan highlights the importance of visual media for the activist movement that is going on in Maluku, which historically has always been an important frontier for natural resources. During the colonial era, the resources being fought over were mainly spices; nowadays, minerals and mines are the resources being extracted from Northern Maluku. Mas Dan explained that Ternate is a sacrifice zone: a specific area that is being ‘sacrificed’ to better the lives of people in other parts of the world. In this context, Maluku’s nature is being destroyed by nickel mines, used for lithium batteries to power electrical vehicles.

Mas Dan further explains the importance of visual and digital media to help put the situation in Northern Maluku on a spotlight. In the past, maps were the visual media being used by colonial forces to plan the conquest of Ternate. This topdown, unspecified view makes the location seem static and controllable, void of any living elements that have their own agencies. Now, visual media helps the people of Ternate to voice their resentment towards the extraction project that they are facing. News and articles are being published all throughout the internet by international journalists and NGOs, spreading awareness about the impacts of green energy development. Mas Dan also mentions that visual and digital media can also be used to dampen the work that the activists have put in. This is mainly done by the government or stakeholders in the mining industry, through the launching of counter-narratives and censorship of the news.

In the second session of the class, Mas Dan brought in his friend as well as his interlocutor (through Zoom Meetings) to share more about the Ternate situation to the class. Adlun Fiqri is an activist from Halmahera who has been vocal in the struggle against the mining industry going on in his hometown. Mas Adlun is also a bachelor of anthropology from Universitas Airlangga, and even did an exchange semester here in UGM. Mas Adlun shared his experience of documenting and actively fighting the mining industry, even being captured a couple of times. He also explains the difference that the mines have brought to local communities: people are becoming more wary and less friendly, after facing countless encounters with the generally aggressive agents from the mines. The main point that is being projected through this class by Mas Dan and Mas Adlun is that Northern Maluku is currently a victim of the growing green energy movement. Visual and digital media can serve as loudspeakers to the world that Northern Maluku is not okay, and spread the word about the impacts of industries on local communities.

Author: Amadeus Abhirama Paramanindita

Yogyakarta, September 27, 2025 — A spirit of collaboration and youth empowerment filled the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) partnered with the Department of Village Community Development, BEM KM UGM, to hold the inspirational talkshow SEDASA: Suara Pemuda untuk Kemajuan Desa (Youth Voices for Village Advancement). The event, part of the Gemilang Desa 2025 program, took place on Saturday afternoon (27/9) from 13.00 to 15.30 WIB, drawing enthusiastic participation from attendees.

The talkshow featured three distinguished speakers: Joko Susilo, Founder of Gunungkidul Menginspirasi and Head of Training and Consultancy at the Nalar Institute; Prof. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM; and KPH H. Yudanegara, Ph.D., Head of the Office of Village Community Empowerment, Population, and Civil Registration of the Yogyakarta Special Region, who delivered the keynote address. The discussion was moderated by Antonia Elena Listya Araminta, the 2025 Environmental Ambassador of Yogyakarta, who led the session warmly and interactively.

As the key initiator, IKMASA played a central role in conceptualizing the event, designing its program flow, and fostering institutional collaboration to strengthen youth engagement in village development. The forum served as an important platform for students to engage directly with experts and practitioners on contemporary rural issues, including local potential development, technological innovation, and sustainable community empowerment.

The event attracted a diverse audience, including UGM students, high school participants from Yogyakarta, and delegates from various universities such as UPN and UNDIP, enriching the collaborative atmosphere and strengthening inter-institutional involvement in advancing rural communities.

Following the talkshow, the committee announced the winners of competitions held under the Gemilang Desa 2025 series and presented awards to the participants. The program was officially closed by Faris Zakiy Ramadhan, a 2023 Arabic Study Program student and General Coordinator of Gemilang Desa, who underscored the vital role of students in driving ideas and initiatives for village development.

Through the collaboration between IKMASA and BEM KM UGM, the SEDASA Educational Talkshow not only served as an inspiring space for young people to deepen their understanding of rural issues but also demonstrated a concrete contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

With strong collaborative energy, SEDASA 2025 reaffirms that UGM students (through the active involvement of IKMASA) are capable of becoming agents of change who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Indonesian villages and communities.

Author: Lisa Atika