Yogyakarta, January 21, 2025 – The Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Study Program (KBTT) at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a meeting to prepare a new curriculum for 2025. The event took place in the Soegondo Building UGM and was attended by a team of curriculum-drafting lecturers, including Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. They were assisted by two student staff members, Nafila Azzahra and Hermawati Putri Dian Insani. The meeting began with opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., the Head of the Intercultural Department. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the attending lecturers and emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing a more relevant and adaptive curriculum. Prof. Sangidu also underscored the necessity of updating the curriculum to align with KBTT’s three main concentrations: Arabic Language and Literature, Arabic Culture, and Islamic Studies. Additionally, student input was taken into account when revising several key elements, such as Graduate Learning Outcomes (CPL), scientific vision, and course naming.

The intensive discussion was led by Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., the Secretary of the Intercultural Department, who provided a platform for lecturers to share their ideas. One notable suggestion came from Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, who proposed that the scope of Middle Eastern studies should extend beyond Arab culture. He recommended the creation of a special course that explores both Arab and non-Arab cultures, including those of Israel, Iran, and Cyprus. This proposal aims to enhance students’ understanding of cultural diversity in the Middle East, while also contributing to the development of an inclusive and comprehensive curriculum. 

Through this meeting, the KBTT Study Program aspires to create a curriculum that meets academic needs and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on quality education. With this initiative, the KBTT Study Program is dedicated to producing graduates who excel in their fields while also possessing a broader global perspective. This new curriculum is envisioned as a strategic step toward establishing sustainable education that is responsive to global dynamics and the needs of contemporary society.

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

Yogyakarta, 20/3/25 – The Human Resource Development (PSDM) Division of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Student Association (IMABTA) held its first online meeting on March 5, 2025. The meeting was attended by Tasya Syams El-Diny, the Deputy Chairperson of IMABTA, along with all the administrators of the PSDM division. In her remarks, Tasya highlighted the importance of synergy among members in developing effective work programs during the management period. She stated that strong collaboration would be essential in creating activities that promote the ongoing advancement of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program (KBTT). This initiative aligns with the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing the quality of education (Goal 4) and fostering partnerships for shared objectives (Goal 17).

The meeting continued with a discussion of the activity plan led by Anugrah Maulana Fadhli, the Chairperson of the PSDM Division. The conversation was dynamic, featuring a variety of ideas and proposals from division members. Some of the flagship programs planned include the compilation of a journal bank focused on Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, a scientific writing workshop, and a career development seminar featuring KBTT alumni. 

Additionally, IMABTA is committed to maintaining collaboration with the Indonesian World Student Association for the Middle East and Africa Region (PPIDK Timtengka). This collaboration will involve a series of events, starting with IMABTA Menyapa, followed by a book review, and concluding with an essay writing competition. 

All of these programs are designed to empower KBTT students with competencies relevant to contemporary needs while supporting the achievement of sustainable development goals. Through this meeting, the IMABTA PSDM Division hopes to create activities that benefit not only KBTT students but also have a positive impact on the wider community. With a spirit of collaboration and a vision for sustainability, all administrators are committed to implementing innovative programs that make a real difference. This initial step serves as an important foundation for developing superior human resources capable of contributing to sustainable development in the future.

[Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, Nafila Azzahra]

Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies UGM held a Scientific Writing Workshop for all students on Monday, November 18, 2024 in the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, Faculty of Arts UGM. This activity aims to help accelerate the process of students in writing a thesis. The event invited an expert lecturer in intercultural studies, Dr. Hindun, M.Hum. and was attended by the Head of the Department of Intercultural Studies, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Secretary of the Department of Intercultural Studies Dr. Mahmudah M.Hum. as well as all students of the Middle East Cultural Studies Study Program from batch 2022 to 2024.

In opening the event, Prof. Sangidu as the Head of the Department of Interculture said that this activity needs to be utilized as well as possible to deepen the theory and methods of scientific research, especially in the scope of thesis research. The material presented was related to the big theme of the KBTT Study Program’s research, namely making works of literature and Arabic as a “window” in seeing phenomena in society. Dr. Hindun also said that students must be up-to-date in the use of theories, especially in the use of social theory and critical theory. Thus, KBTT students are expected to master intercultural theories and develop them in their final project research.

The peak agenda of the ‘Middle East Culture Week’ activity organized by the Middle East Cultural Studies Student Association of Gadjah Mada University (IMABTA UGM) has been carried out on Wednesday, September 16, 2024. The celebration was successfully merged with the agenda of the National Seminar Mangayubagya Dr. Hindun, M.Hum which was held offline in the Soegondo Room of the Faculty of Arts UGM at 08.00 – 12.30 WIB. Previously, IMABTA UGM and PPIDK Timtengka had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of organizational and academic-based cooperation on July 31, 2024 at the Omega Education Group Office, South Jakarta.

The points of cooperation between the two parties are as follows.

1. Publishing information about education, research, and service.
2. Open opportunities for collaborative research and scientific publications in the MECRI Journal.
3. Open opportunities for collaboration in volunteering and community service activities.
4. Collaborate in the implementation of the ‘Middle East Culture Week’ which is held once a year.
5. The collaboration is valid for 5 years.

As the closing of the big agenda of ‘Middle East Culture Week’, the symbolic MoU was marked by the showing of a short video with a duration of 2 minutes 23 seconds. In the video, a series of documentation from a series of activities that have been held by IMABTA UGM from May to July are shown. A little flashback first, the first series of ‘Middle East Culture Week’ began with the IMABTA Greeting event on May 30, 2024.

Continuing on June 7, 2024, the Middle East Issues Talk Seminar which was accompanied by Palestinian Literature Observer, Dr. Hindun, M.Hum was held online and attended by Indonesian students both at home and abroad. The third agenda ‘Sharing Session KBTT UGM Expo’ was resumed on June 13, 2024. Furthermore, the Book Review presenting Indra Gunawan, Lc., M.A. was held on June 27, 2024. As a closing agenda, IMABTA UGM and PPIDK Timtengka held their last activity, namely the ‘Scientific Essay Writing Competition’ which is ongoing until November 2024.

On Monday, September 23, 2024, Students of the UGM Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program have carried out Community Service at the Sunan Pandanaran Yogyakarta Islamic Boarding School. The event was attended by the principal of Sunan Pandanaran Islamic Boarding School Yogyakarta, teacher representatives, and class XII students. The principal of Sunan Pandanaran Islamic Boarding School, Dr. KH Mu’tashim Billah, S.Q., M.Pd.I. said that he was very happy to host the community service from the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program. This community service activity reflects the spirit of knowledge, togetherness, and care. The materials presented by KBTT students are expected to provide new insights for santri and santriwati in schools related to the Middle East, both from social, cultural, and political aspects.

The event continued with the presentation of material delivered by three students, namely Yusuf Idrus Malik, Vania Aina Sadikin, and Lutfi Nurfadli. The material presented by KBTT students included the countries of Egypt, Jordan, and the features of the Middle East. In the presentation of the three students, it was concluded that demographic diversity in the Middle East is one of the main characteristics of this region, covering aspects of socio-culture, religion, and political government.The Middle East is home to various tribes, languages, and traditions. From Arabs, Kurds, Persians, Turks, to Berbers, each ethnic group has its own unique culture and identity. These cultures are reflected in art, music, food, and customs. As for religion, the Middle East is very diverse, although the region is known as the birthplace of three major religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Islam, with its various sects such as Sunni and Shia, dominates social and political life in many countries. However, Christian, Yazidi, Druze, and Bahá’í communities also have a long history and contribute to cultural diversity.

Santri and santriwati of the Sunan Pandanaran Islamic boarding school were enthusiastic about the material as evidenced by the active forum discussion and souvenir distribution. At the end of the event, the principal of the Sunan Pandanaran Islamic Boarding School expressed his gratitude to PKM UGM students and motivated all students to study hard and practice the knowledge gained to the community. The event was closed by giving souvenirs from UGM to Sunan Pandanaran Islamic Boarding School and continued with a group photo session.