SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On Tuesday, January 20, 2024, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences held the first meeting with students who are currently enrolled in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences through the Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka (PMM) Program. The meeting was attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum, along with 17 students from various universities in Indonesia and 5 international students from Italy, Japan, and Korea.

Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum congratulated the students who were accepted into the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. Additionally, she provided a brief overview of life at FIB UGM and in Yogyakarta. She suggested the students to explore various aspects of life at UGM and in Yogyakarta, both academically and non-academically, in hope that it would give them new experiences.

The activity continued with guidance on filling out the Kartu Rencana Studi (KRS) / study plan by the Unit of Academic and Student Affairs. They conveyed information about campus regulations that the students should be aware of and provided an overview of various courses that they could take. During this agenda, their enthusiasm for studying at this faculty was evident, with some expressing interest in taking courses such as Indonesian Cultural Practices, particularly Traditional Dance.

In essence, the PMM program aims to provide students with a different learning experience, offering them the opportunity to experience teaching and learning activities at other universities. Additionally, they gain the experience of building relationships with students and professors at FIB UGM, with the hope of opening up possibilities for future collaboration and cooperation.

SDGs 4: Quality Education

Wednesday, February 21, 2024, marked an unforgettable day for 140 graduates of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), where they proudly received their new titles as Bachelor’s degree. The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si, the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., and representatives from each department and study program within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

In this graduation period, Mutiara Cantikan, a student of the Cultural Anthropology Study Program, achieved the highest GPA of 3.99, followed by Garin Arivian Muhammad with a GPA of 3.96 from the Arabic Literature Study Program.

The event began with a welcoming speech from Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos, M.Si. He also gave some advice on the importance of considering the past as a source of learning and emphasized the need to look forward. The first step, he mentioned, is to finish the things in front of us. This graduation ceremony signifies the success from the efforts in the previous years. The program continued with an entertaining performance of the Būchaechum dance by students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, who are part of the Dōngari Student Activity Unit. The ceremony was closed with a prayer led by Hamdan, S.S., M.A.

Congratulations to all the graduates! A bright future awaits you!

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On Monday, February 2nd, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program received a visit from students of Reitsumeikan University, Japan. The event took place in Room 405 (gamelan room), Margono Building, 4th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The participants of this visit were 20 students accompanied by one supervisor and 14 UGM students from the UGM Buddy Club organization. 

During the visit, seven student representatives from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program gave a presentation about the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Family Organization (HMJ Kamastawa). Furthermore, they introduced Karawitan musical instruments as part of Javanese culture. The introduction was carried out by explaining the musical instruments, demonstrating the instruments, and presenting a traditional Javanese song entitled “Suwe Ora Jamu.” After the presentation, Reitsumeikan University students were allowed to try various gamelan instruments guided by student representatives.

The visit was then closed with a documentation session and the souvenirs handover to Reitsumeikan University. With this visit, Reitsumeikan University students had the opportunity to have a deep and better understanding of Indonesian culture, especially Javanese culture. This activity can be an important tool to introduce the beauty of the archipelago’s culture to the international community. Attempts to introduce and explore the traditions and culture of the archipelago are in line with the fourth point in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : Quality Education.

SDGs 4: Quality Education

Banda Neira has become a trending destination, drawing the attention from both local and international visitors. For Sherina, an Archaeology student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, wo conducted her Community Service Program (KKN) on the island, Banda Neira is not just a tourist spot but a personal heaven. Belgica Fort, one of its popular icons, holds a special place in her heart. Sherina is fascinated by the fact that every arranged stone on the island holds a story and a mystery from the past waiting to be unraveled. Sherina said, “Many people do not know much about this fort, or they only know it from the backside of the one thousand rupiah banknote, without detailed explanations. What was the fort used for in the past? What were the functions of each room? What is the significance of its five sides? Was it for surveillance or other purposes?”

As an archaeology enthusiast, Sherina discovered various tangible and intangible remains in Banda Neira, particularly within the fort. She also engaged in discussions with the rector of Banda Neira University who shared their interest in historical remains. Interestingly, the historical remains spread across Banda Neira span various eras, as she mentioned, “Banda Neira is full of colonial remains, and as a person who is interested in colonial heritage, Banda Neira is like a heaven. However, the remains there are not limited to the colonial era as I visited a museum called ‘Rumah Budaya,’ where I found artefacts from the prehistoric era, such as thorns and fish bones.”

Sherina’s journey was beyond textbooks and classroom, delving into the secrets of history and the intricacies of Banda Neira. In the end, Sherina’s adventure in Banda Neira reflected the profound impact of hands-on experiences in fostering a deeper appreciation for history and cultural heritage. Through this writing, she invited fellow students to explore untouched territories and preserve the history embedded in our cultural heritage.

Photo 1: Banda Neira

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities

Community Service is an essential component of higher education in Indonesia, especially at Universitas Gadjah Mada. Khansa Avissa, an English Literature student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, from mid-December to early February, conducted KKN-PPM in Malaringgi Village, Laonti District, South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi where she dedicated to serve the community through an English language teaching program. This initiative came from the realization of the lack of English language knowledge and understanding among the community, especially children, while the need for English proficiency is increasng in the realms of education and employment.

Avissa’s program focused on teaching English at local schools. She acknowledged that a strong understanding of the English language is one of the key factors in the success of children in this globalization era. Through small and interactive classes, she assisted the children in Malaringgi Village in learning the basics of the English language.

They welcomed the program with enthusiasm. Children who initially had limitations in English knowledge now show significant improvement. Avissa did not only act as a teacher but also as a motivator, shaping their confidence to communicate and express themselves with English vocabulary.

The importance of English proficiency extends beyond the realm of education; it is also a highly important skills in the workforce. Avissa hopes that with this program, the children will be prepared to face future challenges. This initiative served as a tool to improve their quality of life and open access to various opportunities.

What has been done by Avissa reflects the role of students in bringing positive change to various layers of society. With her passion and dedication, she proves that students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM are not only committed to academic improvement but also play an active role in creating positive impacts in society. This program did not only provide English language knowledge but also brought a hope and inspiration to the children of Malaringgi Village as the future generation.