Yogyakarta, 17/9/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized an academic workshop themed “Breaking Into Reputable Journals: Strategies for Writing and Publishing Academic Articles.” The event, held on Wednesday (17/9) at Auditorium C, Poerbatjaraka Building, featured two keynote speakers: Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., professor at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, and Adwidya Susila Yoga, S.Pd., M.A., an academic as well as a practitioner in scientific publishing. The session was moderated by Nada Nadillah.

In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro emphasized that writing for reputable journals requires decisiveness in selecting the issue and accuracy in building methodological frameworks. “The first thing to pay attention to is the material or issue. A strong issue is one that is specific, contextual, and intellectually challenging. Do not fall into the trap of cliché topics,” she explained.

She gave examples of fresh entry points in literary research, such as LGBTQ+ issues in Muslim-majority countries, abortion debates in Muslim contexts, and the rebellion of Indonesian women writers against male-dominated literary traditions.

Prof. Wening also highlighted the importance of a novelty-based literature review. “The literature review is the foundation. It is from there that we can demonstrate our contribution to academic debates. If we only repeat previous studies, our work will not be considered competent,” she stressed.

The second session, delivered by Adwidya Susila Yoga, S.Pd., M.A., underlined the importance of accuracy in identifying target journals and the necessity of determining clear topics. “Writing an article cannot be separated from mapping the topic and having a clear storyline. After that, we need to do optimal sourcing—do not let references pile up only in the introduction while being scarce in the discussion. The next step is the ‘journal hunt,’ which means finding journals that match the topic, are consistent, and have a good reputation,” he explained.

He also warned participants about the dangers of predatory journals. “If a journal has an excessively high publication frequency, an unusually fast review process, an invalid E-ISSN, or ambiguous publication fees, we need to be cautious. Those are usually signs of a predatory journal,” he cautioned.

Furthermore, Adwidya encouraged students to utilize digital tools. “Use digital platforms such as Grammarly, DeepL, Vosviewer, and even AI—but their use must be academically accountable. Do not just use them recklessly,” he noted.

The workshop continued dynamically with a Q&A session between participants and speakers. Naria (Master’s in Literature) raised a question regarding the selection of research material: “Should research objects be literary works that have already received awards? And should research questions always be derived from theory?” she asked.

Responding to this, Prof. Wening stated, “Research objects do not have to be award-winning works. What matters most is the issue we want to bring forward. Focus on novelty and the perspective we present, not the credibility of the text itself. As for research questions, they can arise from the problems we want to examine, not necessarily from theory alone.”

Meanwhile, Andi (Master’s in Public Administration) asked about balancing local research with global issues. “Indonesia’s research strength lies in its rich empirical evidence. How can we balance this with global issues to ensure relevance?” he inquired.

Prof. Wening emphasized, “The key is to focus on contextual issues while still opening up to global debates. Take issues that others may not be familiar with, then connect them to wider discourses. That way, our research will gain international appeal.”

This workshop successfully provided in-depth insights into strategies for writing academic articles and breaking into reputable journals. Participants not only gained theoretical knowledge but also practical guidance from the speakers. With this momentum, the Master’s Program in Literature at FIB UGM hopes its students can produce high-quality, contributive scholarly works capable of competing at both national and international levels.

Author: Marsya Kamila / Public Relations, Master’s Program in Literature

Yogyakarta, 15/9/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a public lecture titled “Make the Invisible Visible Again: Race, Gender, and Language in Popular Literature.” The event took place on Monday (15/9) at the Soegondo Auditorium, FIB UGM, featuring Dr. Ashika Prajnya Paramita, S.S., M.A. as the keynote speaker.

The lecture was attended by students and literature enthusiasts eager to explore how ideology operates within popular texts. With an engaging and communicative style, Dr. Ashika emphasized that literature is never a neutral narrative but always carries underlying ideologies, often hidden in plain sight.

Opening her talk with the questions “What’s visible?” and “What’s invisible?”, Dr. Ashika illustrated how everyday objects and cultural products that appear neutral are in fact loaded with ideological meaning. Examples ranged from the skin-tone bias in band-aids, beauty discourses in advertisements, to the privileging of certain languages over others. Quoting Antonio Gramsci, she reminded the audience that ideology operates through common sense—perceptions that society accepts as natural. “Everyday ideology is always around us. If we are not aware, we need to check,” she explained.

Dr. Ashika further examined how race and gender are represented in popular works, particularly in superhero films. She discussed debates surrounding Sam Wilson as Captain America and the assumption that Barack Obama’s presidency signaled the end of racism in the United States, while in reality, racial tensions persisted.

On gender, she highlighted how physical strength in superhero films is typically coded as masculine, while female characters are often given invisible or passive powers. Citing Judith Butler (1993), she reminded participants that “Gender is a kind of imitation for which there is no original,” stressing that masculinity and femininity are constructed and constantly shifting.

Bringing the discussion closer to home, Dr. Ashika invited the audience to critically read representations in the Indonesian film Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca (2022). She pointed out how white-skinned characters were often depicted as bosses, while darker-skinned characters appeared as security guards or lower-class workers. Language use also reinforced hierarchies, with Javanese accents assigned to “village folk,” while the protagonist spoke Jakarta urban slang.

“Literature is never just stories. Ideologies hide in plain sight. Reading critically is seeing power,” she concluded, marking the end of her main lecture.

The Q&A session was lively, with questions ranging from the representation of women in comics, ideological bias in reading literature, to the masculine standards in modern superheroes. Dr. Ashika underscored that ideological progress is never linear but rather messy and full of resistance. She also reminded the audience of the importance of readers’ critical awareness in examining their own biases.

This public lecture demonstrated that the study of popular literature goes beyond entertainment, offering critical reflections on power, representation, and ideology in everyday life. Through this event, the Master’s Program in Literature at UGM reaffirmed its commitment to providing an academic space that engages with contemporary issues while equipping students with critical perspectives in reading texts and culture.

Author: Marsya Kamila / Public Relations, Master’s Program in Literature

Yogyakarta, 11/9/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, hosted a two-day creative writing workshop on flash fiction, held on Tuesday (9/9) and Thursday (11/9) at Soegondo Building, Room 125, FIB UGM.

The event featured international creative writer Alexandra Masri Do, widely known as Maz Do, who holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in fiction from Cornell University, USA. Currently in Yogyakarta on a Fulbright scholarship for creative writing and research, Maz Do has published short stories in renowned literary journals such as Guernica, The Baffler, and McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern. The workshop was attended by around 20 participants, not only from the Master’s Program in Literature at UGM but also from various backgrounds outside the program who shared an interest in creative writing.

The first session, titled “Flash Fiction: Discover the Art of Short-Form Storytelling”, introduced the fundamentals of flash fiction as a compact narrative form capable of delivering depth within brevity. Alexandra opened the workshop with a provocative exercise called the Lying Exercise by Steven Doung.

She emphasized that this practice is essential because writing fiction, in a positive sense, involves “lying” by creating new realities through imagination. “Fiction is a lie, but it is a lie that reveals truth. As writers, we invent, we fabricate—but through this act of lying, we reach something deeply human and meaningful,” Maz Do explained.

Through this exercise, participants were encouraged to realize that the “lies” crafted in fiction can, in fact, serve as gateways to broader truths. Following this, Maz Do elaborated on key elements such as shape, perspective, and how a story can be viewed as a series of questions that challenge readers’ expectations.

The second session, titled “Generative Creative Workshop: Write Your Own Flash Fiction”, focused more on practice and story development. Participants engaged in simple yet imaginative exercises such as the Chair Exercise, which connected words to visuals and personal memories. Starting with the word “chair”, participants explored synonyms, compared the visual images that arose, and linked them to personal memories. From these associations, they were asked to compose short sentences and share them in group discussions.

Enthusiasm was evident throughout both days of the workshop. The atmosphere was dynamic, filled with discussions, partner activities, and reflective sharing. The presence of participants from diverse backgrounds—academics, students, and literary enthusiasts alike—brought unique perspectives into the creative process.

The workshop provided valuable insights into how a short narrative can powerfully evoke readers’ imagination. More than just theory, Maz Do equipped participants with practical skills in writing, revising, and sharpening literary sensitivity.

Through this program, the Master’s Program in Literature, FIB UGM reaffirms its commitment to creating open, innovative, and internationally engaged learning spaces. With guidance from Maz Do, flash fiction has proven to be a refreshing medium for exploring imagination and enriching today’s literary practice.

Author: Marsya Kamila / Public Relations, Master’s Program in Literature

Yogyakarta, May 25, 2025 — A solemn and heartfelt atmosphere filled the event “Membaca Karya Emha dan Doa Ambal Warsa Cak Nun 72 Tahun” held in celebration of the 72nd birthday of cultural and spiritual figure Emha Ainun Nadjib, widely known as Cak Nun. Hosted at the West Office Hallway of Jogja Expo Center (JEC) from 6:00 to 9:00 AM, the event drew participants from various backgrounds—academics, cultural practitioners, and the general public.

More than a tribute, the gathering served as a spiritual and intellectual forum where participants shared readings of Cak Nun’s works, offered prayers, and expressed hopes for his continued health and contribution to Indonesian culture and Islamic thought. The initiative was led by Sigit Sugito, Head of Koperasi Seniman Yogyakarta (KOSETA).

In addition to artists and cultural figures, several academics were in attendance, including Professor Aprinus Salam, Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, who read aloud one of Cak Nun’s poems. His presence was made even more meaningful as he was joined by his wife, Pristi Salam, whose melodious performance of a lyrical piece deeply moved the audience.

Also present was senior artist Yati Pesek, a well-known comedian and legendary ketoprak performer. She shared her admiration for Cak Nun’s ability to preserve local culture while remaining a devout follower of Islamic teachings. “One day I met Kyai Maimun Zubair. In his sermon, he said that local culture should go hand-in-hand with Islam. I believe Cak Nun has embodied that in his life. He remains devoted to Prophet Muhammad while upholding Javanese cultural values. That’s what I admire most about him,” she remarked.

Cultural figure Yani Saptohoedojo also highlighted the reflective and critical nature of Cak Nun’s literary works. “Sometimes his work contains criticism, but it’s always conveyed gently,” he noted, underscoring the poet’s subtle and humane approach to addressing social issues.

The event left a lasting impression on all who attended. It served as both a celebration and a reflection on the life and legacy of Cak Nun. On his 72nd birthday, attendees extended heartfelt prayers for his continued health and productivity, hoping he will persist in creating meaningful contributions to culture, spirituality, and society.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 — The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari by Kuntowijoyo marked a special moment at the 2025 Jogja Art + Books Fest. Held at The Ratan, Bantul, the event was attended by academics, literary activists, and literature enthusiasts. The launch discussion featured Prof. Faruk H.T.  (Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature and Literary Critic) and writer Mahfud Ikhwan as keynote speakers, with Amanatia Junda serving as moderator.

Originally written by Kuntowijoyo in 1964, the novel is set against the backdrop of the 1949 Indonesian revolution. Rather than emphasizing heroism, the story portrays village life, interpersonal conflict, and a collective search for the meaning of independence in a more humanistic light. This work is especially important to revisit today, notably for its unique sense of locality and spirituality.

In his presentation, Prof. Faruk highlighted that the novel expresses a spirit of reconciliation and communal cooperation as a way out of socio-political conflict. “This novel offers a communal solution to the tensions of that time—between the colonizers and the colonized, between nationalists and traditional elders. Its foundation is oral tradition, and forgiveness is the key theme,” he explained. This underscores an effort toward ideological reconciliation after conflict.

Mahfud Ikhwan, affectionately known as Cak Mahfud and widely recognized for his deep interest in the history of Indonesian literature, noted that the novel had long been “forgotten” and seldom read by the younger generation. He also drew attention to the historical context of Kuntowijoyo’s creative process. “The novel was written between 1963 and 1964, but it is often associated with the events of 1965. This is interesting because we might ask whether Kunto was responding to the events of 1949 or actually preparing for 1965,” he remarked.

The re-publication of this novel was initiated by Dodo Hartoko through Pabrik Tulisan Publishing, with illustrations by Enka Komariah. “Our hope is that this work can reach younger readers without feeling outdated or vintage,” said Dodo in his opening remarks. The new edition features a minimalist and modern design while remaining faithful to the original manuscript. He also emphasized that the setting of the story—Ngawonggo, Ceper—further strengthens the novel’s local thematic character.

The discussion session was lively and interactive. During the Q&A, Arif Kurniawan asked, “If Kuntowijoyo were given the opportunity to write and respond to today’s chaotic political landscape, what would come out of his typewriter?” Prof. Faruk responded by reflecting on Kuntowijoyo’s creative trajectory. “If we look at his first novel, it was very spontaneous, with little control—like the author was directly conversing with the reader. Over time, his writing became more disciplined and autonomous, as though the author gradually stepped back. If Kuntowijoyo were still alive and responding to today’s issues, perhaps his writing would be more realistic, yet still carry his prophetic mission,” he stated. Mahfud added that Kuntowijoyo’s authorship evolved alongside his deepening Sufi ideology: “Kuntowijoyo’s works do not merely record history—they provide meaning through spirituality. If he were writing today, that would likely still define his style.”

The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari not only marks the return of one of Indonesia’s important literary works to the public eye but also underscores the significance of preserving classic literature. This event is part of the Jogja Art + Books Fest 2025’s broader mission to position Yogyakarta as a collaborative space for art, literature, and critical discourse. Kuntowijoyo’s work, in this context, is not merely read as a historical document, but as an interpretation of Indonesia’s present and future.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]