Yogyakarta, July 7, 2025 — Ajengkanthi Prabaningjati, a 2022 student of the Japanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in the Community Service-Learning and Empowerment Program (KKN-PPM) Period II of 2025 in Wardo Village, West Biak, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua Province.

Ajeng is part of a KKN team called Biak Elok, whose main program theme is “Optimizing Sustainable Marine Resources to Realize a Blue Economy.” The program focuses on empowering local communities through the sustainable utilization of marine wealth. “Most people in Wardo Village work as fishermen, with fish as the main commodity,” explained Ajeng.

Within the team, Ajeng serves as the Coordinator of the Education Division. Together with her team, she focuses on teaching activities, especially for elementary school children, with an emphasis on character education. “The education division and I focus on teaching the elementary school children in Wardo, but we also open community classes for anyone who wants to learn in the Church environment, and we also assist as mentors for Sunday school. I hope we can make a lasting impact on the children here,” she expressed.

During the KKN program, Ajeng and her fellow team members stayed at the GKI Betel Wardo Church. They were warmly welcomed and cared for by a couple they affectionately call Mama Regina and Papa Ben. “Mama and Papa have been a great help to us, especially in terms of food. Not only that, but the Church community has also been very friendly and welcoming. The children often play with us too. Honestly, I feel very grateful to be accepted here,” added Ajeng.

Despite the remote location, the Biak Elok team managed to gain attention on social media. Thanks to their media team’s creativity, various moments from their community service from the natural beauty of Wardo Village to heartwarming interactions with the children—were captured in videos uploaded to Instagram and TikTok. Some of the posts even went viral and received positive responses from netizens.

One of the most touching experiences for Ajeng during the KKN program was witnessing the enthusiasm for learning among the children in Wardo Village. “Their eagerness to learn and their deep curiosity I think that’s already a strong foundation for them to achieve their dreams,” she said.

At the end of the interview, Ajeng shared a message for fellow students, especially those from FIB who will undertake KKN. “In my opinion, KKN is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that not everyone gets to have. So when your time comes, try to enjoy every part of it. From the small things that may seem trivial to the big moments that will teach you a lot. I hope FIB friends can discover new, meaningful, and memorable stories through their journey.”

[Public Relation, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – As part of the UNY Cultural Festival 2025, the dance group HIKARI from the Student Association of Japanese Language and Culture (HIMAJE) UGM, took the stage as one of the featured performers, bringing the rich essence of Japanese culture to life. With striking performances clad in traditional kimono and accompanied by fan props, HIKARI delivered not only aesthetic beauty but also heartfelt stories full of emotional depth and cultural meaning.

The first performance was a traditional-style dance set to the song “Tsugai Kogarashi” by Hinayuki. Performed by Listu and Sabrina (class of 2023), the duet portrayed Listu in a masculine role and Sabrina in a feminine one. Through graceful yet firm movements, they told the story of two souls bound by fate, wandering through the cold winds of autumn. The dance visualized themes of loyalty, loss, and the enduring hope that persists in a chaotic world.

The second performance was a cover dance of the song “Usubeniiro no Yakusoku” by AKATSUKI, a group from the game Ensemble Stars!!. This routine was performed by three first-year students from the class of 2024: Rani, Bilqis, and Shelina. With synchronized and elegant choreography, they embodied the spirit of three idols united by quiet promises and unwavering commitment. Their performance reflected not just coordination, but also the strength that lies in silent determination—to stand firm amid change, to protect shared dreams, and to uphold values they believe in.

These two performances were more than just artistic showcases—they were meaningful learning experiences. Behind each movement lies a process of understanding culture, collaborating as a team, and conveying emotion and narrative through physical expression. With continued support from the Japanese Language and Culture Program at FIB UGM, students are encouraged not only to study Japanese culture through textbooks but also to live and experience it directly. Here, learning becomes holistic: touching the mind, touching the heart, and touching the soul.

[Public Relations of Japanese Language and Culture, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – On May 11, 2025, the HIKARI dance group performed as one of the featured acts at Okaeri Reborn 2025, a cultural festival organized by UGM’s Vocational School. For this performance, they presented Yosakoi Odori, a vibrant festival dance originating from Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Known for its energetic movements and fast-paced rhythm, Yosakoi captures the spirit of togetherness and the joyful celebration of life deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

HIKARI’s performance was set to the song “Shunki Mushin Mirai e”, a well-known number in the world of Yosakoi performances. The song conveys themes of spring, sincerity, and a hopeful outlook toward the future. The dance was brought to life by four students from the 2023 cohort: Rani, Ibel, Amel, and Febby, whose spirited and harmonious choreography left a lasting impression. Their use of umbrella props not only enhanced the visual appeal but also added a theatrical layer that deepened the emotional resonance of the dance.

Through this performance, HIKARI didn’t just introduce Japanese culture on a surface level—they embodied it within a local context, offering a holistic form of cross-cultural learning. Dance became a medium through which students experienced core Japanese values firsthand: teamwork, consistency, and self-expression—all internalized through intensive rehearsals and live performance.

By creating opportunities like this, the program aims to nurture students who don’t just learn about Japanese culture from textbooks, but who also actively engage with it in meaningful ways. Events such as these reflect the importance of fostering a participatory, creative, and supportive learning environment—one that cultivates not only intellectual growth but also emotional and personal development.

[Public Relations of Japanese Language and Culture, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, 15/5/2025 – Rina Dwi Astuti, a 2021 student from the Bachelor of Japanese Language and Culture who had the opportunity to study at Ferris University, shared her meaningful experiences during her time in Yokohama, Japan.

As part of the Spring Semester exchange program, Ferris University organized a study tour called the Japan Study Tour. This three-day, two-night trip to Hiroshima aimed to strengthen the bonds between exchange students and local Ferris University students, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of peace.

During the trip, Rina and other participating students visited several iconic locations, including the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima and Hiroshima Castle. They also visited significant sites such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Honkawa Elementary School—which served as an evacuation site for survivors of the atomic bombing—and the former site of an Indonesian student dormitory in Hiroshima. Additionally, the students had the rare opportunity to listen to a firsthand account from Mr. Yamada, who was just two years old at the time of the bombing.

As a history enthusiast, Rina mentioned that visiting Itsukushima Shrine, known for its famous torii gate standing in the sea, and Hiroshima Castle left the deepest impression on her. Her visit to the castle allowed her to imagine how people once lived and thrived in the area, which is now preserved as a historical site. Although the tour did not directly relate to her academic courses or specific field of study, Rina appreciated the chance to learn new vocabulary that she might not encounter in class.

Rina also expressed her gratitude to Ferris University for the thorough support provided to international students during the preparation for the Japan Study Tour. The university shared a clear and well-structured itinerary, helping prevent confusion and patiently assisting students who faced difficulties in getting ready for the trip.

The Japan Study Tour had a profound impact on Rina’s perspective of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Through learning about the event in depth—without justifying the actions of any party—she came to a greater understanding of the value of global peace. Rina also expressed her desire to spread the message of peace by sharing the knowledge she gained with those who are willing to listen.

[Valentina Pramahita Iswari through Public Relation of Japanese Literature, Yulia Agustiani]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 – As part of its support for students’ interests and talents in Japanese culture, the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, consistently offers various academic enrichment opportunities — one of which is the shuuji (Japanese calligraphy) class.

This class serves as a platform for students who are passionate about the artistic expression of Japanese characters, while also deepening their understanding of the cultural values embedded in the practice. Beyond the classroom, the activity also encourages students to actively participate in national-level competitions.

On April 26, 2025, two students from the Department of Japanese Language and Culture — Putri Mega Asmarani and Barra Taura Nursa’id — represented FIB UGM in a national shuuji competition hosted by Widyatama University in Bandung. The competition was part of the annual Widyatama Japan Matsuri, which brought together students from various universities across Indonesia — including UGM, UNAIR, UB, UNPAD, and others — in a shared celebration of Japanese language education and cultural appreciation.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences provided full support for the students’ participation, including technical, administrative, and logistical assistance for inter-provincial travel. This support reflects the faculty’s ongoing commitment to nurturing both the academic and personal development of its students.

Although the competition did not yield the expected results, the experience proved immensely valuable. In addition to refining their calligraphy skills, students had the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and build meaningful connections with peers from across the country.

[Public Relation of Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]