Yogyakarta, 9 May 2025 — To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Himpunan Sarjana-Kesusastraan Indonesia (HISKI) held an Academic Writing Workshop titled “100 Years of Pramoedya Ananta Toer.” The event was conducted in a hybrid format—offline at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and online via Zoom Meeting—bringing together literary scholars from various higher education institutions across Indonesia.

This initiative served not only as a tribute to Pramoedya’s intellectual legacy but also as an academic platform for scholars and writers to engage with his literary works through a wide range of theoretical approaches. As part of this framework, HISKI facilitated the workshop as a forum for academic writing, enabling participants to develop and present scholarly articles that critically examine Pramoedya’s oeuvre from multiple perspectives.

The event was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Novi Anoegrajekti, M.Hum., Chairperson of HISKI, who underscored the strategic role of academic publishing in both scholarly and cultural domains. She noted that HISKI has consistently contributed to collaborative publications such as Sastra Pariwisata, Antologi 222, 100 Years of A.A. Navis, and Antologi 122, reflecting the collective academic engagement of the association.

“We are delighted by the enthusiastic response to this initiative. To date, we have received a total of 136 abstracts from prospective contributors,” stated Prof. Novi. She further emphasized that Pramoedya’s commitment to writing remained unwavering, even during his periods of imprisonment. “Physical confinement never silenced Pram’s voice. His work exemplifies the enduring power of ideas and writing beyond physical limitations.”

Following the opening remarks, Prof. I Nyoman Darma Putra, M.Litt., Ph.D. from Universitas Udayana, representing the editorial team, highlighted the importance of the workshop as a space for critical dialogue and inspiration. He encouraged participants to engage in intellectual exchange and to strengthen the intertextual foundations of their academic manuscripts. According to him, the constructive and reflective discussions cultivated during the sessions are essential to enhancing the academic quality of the written works.

Several notable scholars also attended to support the event, including Prof. Dr. Djoko Saryono, M.Pd. (Universitas Negeri Malang), Dr. Sastri Sunarti, M.Hum. (Vice Chairperson III of HISKI Central Board), Sudartomo Macaryus, M.Hum. (HISKI UST-UTY), and Dr. Shoim Anwar, M.Pd. (Universitas PGRI Adi Buana Surabaya).

The main sessions of the workshop consisted of presentations by selected contributors, each outlining the framework of their academic papers. These works were critically reviewed by two distinguished reviewers Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. (HISKI UGM) and Dr. Y. Yapi Taum, M.Hum. (Universitas Sanata Dharma). Their insightful feedback stimulated dynamic discussions and encouraged deeper analytical engagement with Pramoedya’s literary contributions.

The diversity of theoretical frameworks presented—ranging from postcolonial theory to identity and historical narratives—reflected the extensive influence of Pramoedya’s thought in the field of literary studies. Participants offered interpretations that were not only critical and analytical but also contextually reflective of the socio-political dimensions embedded in his works.

Beyond commemorating a literary icon, the workshop represented a concrete effort by the academic community to foster a vibrant, critical, and relevant literary discourse. With a collaborative and intellectually stimulating atmosphere, the Academic Writing Workshop on 100 Years of Pramoedya Ananta Toer successfully provided a meaningful forum for intellectual exchange, interpretative exploration, and the spirit of transformative thought that Pramoedya championed throughout his life and writings.

[Public Relation Master of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, May 14, 2025 — As part of an effort to broaden academic perspectives, the Tadris Bahasa Indonesia Study Program at IAIN Madura conducted an academic visit (Studi Wawasan) to the Master in Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the L1 Seminar Room of the UGM Library and Archives Building, the event was attended by over 70 undergraduate students from IAIN Madura along with their faculty supervisors.

The main agenda of the event included an introduction to UGM, an overview of the Master of Literature curriculum and student activities, insights into academic life on campus, and a Q&A session discussing admissions and scholarships available for postgraduate study.

In his opening remarks and presentation, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., Head of the Master in Literature Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasized that the program not only offers academic learning in the classroom but also a variety of enrichment activities to support student development.

Meanwhile, Agus Purnomo Ahmad Putikadyanto, M.Pd., Head of the Tadris Bahasa Indonesia Program of IAIN Madura, expressed his hope that the visit would broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to pursue deeper academic engagement.
“We hope our students can learn and gain new insights into further education, so they are motivated to expand their knowledge even more,” he stated.

The Q&A session became one of the most engaging parts of the event. Nada Nadillah, a current student of the Master in Literature Program and recipient of the LPDP scholarship, shared her experience in obtaining the scholarship. She explained the application process, selection stages, and required documents in detail.
“There are various types of LPDP scholarships, such as regular and affirmative. The selection process includes administrative screening, a scholastic test, and a substantive interview. Requirements include a TOEFL score, academic transcript, and a study plan,” Nada explained in response to one of the participants’ questions.

Marisa Santi Dewi, an alumna of the Master in Literature Program at UGM, addressed a question about the difficulty level of gaining admission to a master’s program. She emphasized that the selection process is manageable if students prepare well in advance.
“Getting into the Master’s program is quite easy, actually. You just need a TOEFL score, a TPA test result, and your transcript. You can start preparing now—especially since you’re still in your fourth semester,” Marisa encouraged.

This academic visit served as a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two institutions. It aimed not only to provide insight into postgraduate education but also to inspire students from IAIN Madura to continue developing themselves academically. In addition to presenting information on curriculum structure, admissions pathways, and available scholarships, the event featured warm and interactive discussions with current students and alumni of the Master of Literature Program, enriching participants’ perspectives. As such, the visit was not only informative but also motivational, fostering greater readiness among students to pursue higher education in the future.

[Public Relation Master of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 23/4/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada organized a public lecture entitled “Beyond Borders: Rethinking Homeland and Belonging in Diaspora and Francophone Studies” on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, in the Soegondo Hall of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event, attended by students from various departments, was officially opened by the Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Aprinus Salam emphasized that public lectures are a concrete manifestation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi. He underlined the importance of broadening international perspectives, “Although our focus is in literature from a particular country, global awareness remains an essential asset. Therefore, our program will continue to present lectures on cutting-edge literary topics from around the world.” he said. 

The main material was delivered by Dr. Arifah Arum Candra Hayuningsih, S.S., M.A., who invited students to reassess conventional understandings of homeland and belonging within the context of diaspora and Francophone studies. The lecture raised fundamental philosophical and political questions, What does “home” mean? And must identity always be rooted in a specific place?

Dr. Arifah Arum highlighted that the theories of homeland and belonging are often understood in rigid terms–in terms of citizenship, territory, or national identity–whereas diasporic experiences show that identities are fluid, negotiated, and shaped by memory, language, and the legacies of colonialism. This lecture dissects important thoughts in diaspora studies from various scholars such as Paul Gilroy to Stuart Hall. Furthermore, Dr. Arifah Arum presented an analysis of Francophone literary works such as those by Leïla Sebbar, Maryse Condé, and Mariama Ba, which showed how experiences of migration and colonialism gave birth to plural creole identities. Francophone diasporic literature, according to her, is an important medium to reveal experiences that are often excluded from the dominant national narrative.

In the Q&A session, students were actively involved  in raising personal and political issues around multiple identities, repatriation, and the meaning of ‘second home’. In responding to the issue of multiple identities, Dr. Arifah Arum argued that “what makes us who we are today is not a single thing. There are always broken fragments in shaping our identity. Our identities will continue to change and reproduce.” she explained. Then, she emphasized the importance of language, memory, and representation as a bridge to build an authentic sense of existence.

At the end of the session, participants were invited to reflect, could ‘homeland’ be plural, emotional, even imaginary? And how does literature play a role in shaping and re-questioning the meaning of home, identity and existence? This public lecture marks the importance of cross-cultural studies in understanding the dynamics of global identity. Not only did it enrich students’ academic insights, it also underscored the relevance of sustainable development values.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – Amidst the vibrant celebrations of Indonesia’s Independence Day, an inspiring achievement emerges from the literary world. Nur Fitrianti Aspany, an alumna of the Master’s Program in Literature, has been selected as one of the seven chosen writers in the prestigious Emerging Writers program at the Makassar International Writers Festival (MIWF) 2025, themed “Land and Hand.”

MIWF 2025, set to take place from May 29 to June 1, carries the theme “Land and Hand” as a form of resistance against various acts of land appropriation, oppression, and environmental destruction that persist in different regions. This year, the festival’s visual artwork is created by Taufiqurrahman ‘Kifu,’ a multidisciplinary artist from Palu, Central Sulawesi.

As in previous years, MIWF provides an opportunity for writers to participate by submitting works in various forms, including poetry, short stories, novels, and literary criticism. This year, 256 applicants from diverse backgrounds submitted outstanding works in various genres. Out of these hundreds of submissions, only seven writers were selected, including Nur Fitrianti Aspany.

Nur Fitrianti captivated the jury with two of her works: a digital poem titled “Aporia dan Epiphany dalam Sebuah Puisi Digital“ and a printed poem titled “Tragedi yang Dibalut Serendipity.“ These works were born from her creative process under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Faruk, S.U., a distinguished cultural studies expert and professor at Gadjah Mada University.

Reflecting on her achievement, Nur Fitrianti admitted that she initially had doubts about participating, given the fierce competition. However, she remained consistent in her writing, which eventually led her to this valuable opportunity. “At first, I wasn’t sure. Compared to my peers, I wondered if I could compete in both fiction and non-fiction. But when this opportunity arose, I happened to have some works ready, and fortunately, I never stopped writing,” she said.

Nur Fitrianti Aspany’s accomplishment is a testament to how passion and perseverance in the creative process can yield remarkable results. Her success at MIWF 2025 is not only a proud moment for the Master’s Program in Literature but also an inspiration for the younger generation to continue creating and contributing to the literary world.

[Public Relations Master of Literature, Anisa Dien Rahmawati]

Yogyakarta – Polanco S. Achri, a writer born in Yogyakarta and currently pursuing a master’s degree in literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continues to make waves in the art scene. Known for his poetry, prose, and essays on performance and visual arts, Polanco also actively contributes as a scriptwriter and musician in the Utusan Negeri Dongeng community. He is the mind behind the management of Pendjadjaboekoe and a member of Sindikat Muda Liar Ngantukan. His achievements include curating exhibitions such as Soil Distortion #2 (2024) and Membaca Jokpin (2024), as well as directing documentary films Di Balik Merangkul (2021) and Sangu Rasa (2023).

Most recently, Polanco has taken on the role of curator for the Moda-Modif Exhibition, which runs from December 20, 2024, to January 11, 2025, at Rumah DAS Gallery, Condongcatur. Open to the public daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the exhibition invites visitors free of charge, with no prior registration required.

About Moda-Modif: Youthful Energy in Motion
The Moda-Modif Exhibition (Creativity in Visual Arts by Youth) embodies the ideas of Moda (movement) and Modif (modification). These concepts reflect the continuous exploration, learning, and innovation of young artists who push boundaries to create new narratives.

This exhibition serves as a stepping stone, offering young artists a bridge to larger platforms. Their art is a result of a journey that is both creative and reflective. Beyond a mere display of visual arts, Moda-Modif fosters interaction through activities such as Artist Talks, Curatorial Tours, Reading Space Activations, and collaborations with local communities. Every aspect of the exhibition is designed to bring art closer to the public.

Featuring works by 17 young artists over three weeks, the exhibition highlights not only the aesthetic aspects of their creations but also stories of transformation, adaptation, and the dynamic spirit of youth.

Polanco’s Aspirations
Polanco hopes that the Moda-Modif Exhibition will encourage young artists from Yogyakarta and Solo to continue evolving, taking bold steps, and finding creative strategies to thrive.

“This exhibition is not just about showcasing works; it’s about building courage and ingenuity in navigating the art world,” he remarked.

Through his role as curator, Polanco reaffirms his dedication to bridging artistic expression with broader societal engagement, ensuring that the voices of young creators are heard and appreciated.

Photo Source: Doc. DAS House