Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – The Middle Eastern Culture & Religion Issues (MECRI) Journal has reached an important milestone by receiving SINTA 4 accreditation on Friday, March 21, 2025. Established in 2022, the journal is managed by the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program within the Department of Intercultural Studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). MECRI focuses on the study of language, literature, culture, and religion in the Middle East, providing a valuable platform for researchers to explore the complex interactions between culture and religion and their impact on global society. This accreditation reinforces MECRI’s position as a leading reference journal in cross-cultural studies, particularly regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education. 

As an academic platform, MECRI offers researchers, academics, professionals, practitioners, and students a space to share ideas through high-quality empirical and theoretical research articles. Topics covered include social, political, cultural, literary, linguistic, and religious studies related to Middle Eastern Studies. The journal publishes articles regularly in July and December and follows a strict peer-review process conducted by a team of editors and reviewers from leading universities in Indonesia and abroad. MECRI also establishes strategic partnerships with Ittihad Mudarrisin Lugah Arabiyyah (IMLA) Indonesia—a national organization that oversees Arabic language teachers—and the International Center for Arab Studies and Training (ICAST) in Egypt. These collaborations not only ensure the maintenance of academic quality but also enhance the journal’s relevance to the development of global science. 

The SINTA 4 accreditation represents a significant opportunity for MECRI to further promote cross-cultural dialogue through research on Middle Eastern language, literature, religion, and culture. The published articles enrich academic understanding and offer practical solutions to various global challenges. With a broad range of topics, MECRI has featured numerous insightful articles on contemporary issues in the Middle East, such as feminism, social inequality, cultural diplomacy, and peace efforts. These studies contribute to the achievement of several other SDGs, including SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 10 on reducing social inequality, and SDG 16 on peace and justice. 

As part of its commitment to the SDGs, MECRI continues to strive to be a research platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding for a more inclusive world. With this achievement, MECRI is poised to advance as a leading force in innovative and globally impactful Middle Eastern studies.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – To enhance collaboration and improve human resources (HR) quality for the next generation, the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Masters Program (KBTT) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), hosted a visit from strategic partners on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Representatives from Darunnajah University Jakarta, along with the Head of Pondok Modern Tazakka in Batang and Mr. Irman Adi Purwanto Moefti, the Trade Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Cairo, participated in discussions regarding the challenges and opportunities for HR development in various educational institutions. The visit was warmly received by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., the Head of the Intercultural Department at FIB UGM, who highlighted the importance of synergy between educational institutions in producing exceptional graduates capable of contributing to sustainable development.

The productive discussion emphasized the crucial role of higher education in enhancing the quality of human resources at Islamic boarding schools and universities. Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., stated that higher education should serve as a strong foundation for students to develop their potential across various fields, particularly in the context of globalization and sustainability. This view is shared by KH. Hadiyanto Arief, S.H., M.Bs., from Darunnajah University Jakarta, who stressed the importance of academic support for students to prepare them for future challenges. Additionally, KH. Anang Rikza Masyhadi, M.A., Ph.D., Head of the Tazakka Modern Islamic Boarding School, highlighted the necessity of ongoing academic collaboration by sending Islamic boarding school cadres to the KBTT Study Program at FIB UGM. This initiative aims to cultivate competent future leaders who can transform Islamic boarding schools into responsible institutions.

This activity not only strengthens the relationships between partners but also opens up new opportunities for community service and more inclusive academic development. Through this discussion, we aim to create strategic programs that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the area of quality education (SDG 4). The collaboration between the KBTT UGM Study Program, Darunnajah University, and Pondok Modern Tazakka is a significant step towards implementing SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships to achieve the goals of building exceptional human resources. These resources will not only be academically competent but also possess a strong social awareness, contributing to the progress of both the nation and the world.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 16/2/2025 – Middle Eastern Cultural Studies (KBTT) students at Universitas Gadjah Mada have launched a new initiative: a weekly exercise session held every Sunday morning. The inaugural event took place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, and was attended by several KBTT students. The goal of this initiative is to enhance both physical and mental health while fostering social connections among students. With a spirit of togetherness, this activity serves not only as a sports event but also as a way to create a healthier and more productive environment, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on health and well-being.

This regular sports activity is designed to provide long-term benefits for students. In addition to maintaining physical fitness, sports have been shown to improve concentration, reduce stress, and build self-confidence—important factors that support optimal academic achievement. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with global efforts to promote an active lifestyle as a preventive measure against various non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

By involving the student community, the program contributes to the formation of healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Beyond health benefits, this initiative also reflects KBTT’s commitment to sustainable development. Sports not only enhance individual health but also help build more inclusive and harmonious communities. By including this activity as a regular agenda, KBTT students aim to inspire other communities to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while also contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. 

This program demonstrates that small actions, such as weekly sports participation, can have a significant impact on global health and sustainable development.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 4/2/2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Coordination Meeting for the even semester of 2024/2025. This meeting was attended by all lecturers, including: Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Syamsul Hadi, S.U., M.A., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Lasiyo, M.A., M.M., Prof. Dr. Siti Mutiah Setiawati, M.A., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, M.A., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, M.Hum., Dr. Arifuddin, Lc. M.A., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. The meeting commenced with remarks from the Head of the Intercultural Department, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. He emphasized the significance of collaboration among lecturers to create a better future for the study program and the students in the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program. “We must fulfill this teaching mandate to the best of our abilities for our collective progress,” stated Prof. Sangidu. This message aligns with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting quality education as a foundation for sustainable development.

The meeting continued with a session led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, focused on the lecture system. The purpose of this session was to ensure that all participants shared a common understanding of the lecture system and the learning strategies that will be implemented in the upcoming semester. Attendees engaged in intensive discussions to design innovative teaching methods that cater to student needs and respond to global developments. It was agreed that strong collaboration among lecturers is essential for producing competent and competitive graduates successfully.

The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program aims to enhance its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through this coordination meeting, particularly focusing on quality education (SDG 4) and partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17). The collaboration among lecturers is expected to develop a curriculum that is not only academically focused but also promotes sustainable values. This initiative demonstrates the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program’s commitment to nurturing a generation capable of effecting positive change within the global community.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 25/1/2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held an online evaluation of the work program and finalized the accountability report for the IMABTA Management of 2024 on January 25, 2025. This event was attended by the Core Management of IMABTA 2024 and representatives of the prospective management candidates for 2025. The meeting began with remarks from Muhammad Rizqy Nawwari, the Chairperson of IMABTA 2024. He expressed his gratitude to all members of the management for their dedication in making the organization’s annual work program a success. Rizqy also conveyed his hope that this evaluation would provide valuable insights for the management in the upcoming year, enabling IMABTA to continue building strong and sustainable organizational governance.

Deputy Chairperson of IMABTA 2024, Farhan Aziz Wildani, expressed his appreciation to the management for their hard work over the past year. In his remarks, Farhan emphasized the importance of preparing the Articles of Association and Bylaws (AD/ART) to strengthen the organizational structure for the future. He hopes that the IMABTA 2025 management can prioritize this effort to ensure the sustainability of better organizational governance. This input aligns with the goal of supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 16, which focuses on creating effective, transparent, and inclusive institutions.

The event continued with a main session that included the evaluation of the work program and the finalization of the Accountability Report for the IMABTA 2024 management, led by the Secretary of IMABTA 2024, Aisyah Dian Azhar. During this session, various achievements and challenges encountered during the management period were discussed in depth to provide a clear overview for the next management team. This activity aims to ensure that IMABTA continues to adapt and evolve into a student organization that can positively impact its members and the wider community. This meeting marks the first step in building a strong institution in line with the values of the SDGs.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences FIB UGM, Nafila Azzahra]