Yogyakarta, 7/5/2025 – Faculty of Ushuludin, Adab, and Humanities of UIN Salatiga made a significant visit to the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event took place in the Auditorium Margono and was attended by students from various programs, including Quranic Studies, Arabic Literature, and Islamic Theology and Philosophy. The primary aim of this visit was to gain insights into the curriculum and learning methodologies of the Cultural Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies programs at FIB UGM.

The event commenced with an opening ceremony that set a warm and collaborative tone for the day. The opening remarks highlighted the importance of educational partnerships and the role of civil society in fostering academic exchanges. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education and partnerships for the goals.

Following the opening, a representative from UIN Salatiga, Prof. Dr. Mubasirun, M.Ag., delivered a welcoming speech. He emphasized the significance of collaboration between institutions and the sharing of knowledge, which is essential for enhancing educational quality. His remarks resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of civil society partnerships in achieving educational objectives.

The Faculty of Cultural Studies at UGM was represented by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., who also provided a welcoming address. He expressed his enthusiasm for the visit and the potential for future collaborations. His speech highlighted the importance of cultural studies in understanding diverse perspectives, which is crucial in today’s globalized world.

The first session of the event focused on Cultural Anthropology, presented by Dr. Elan Lazuardi, M.A. He provided an overview of the program, discussing its curriculum and the methodologies employed in teaching. The session was interactive, with students engaging in a Q&A session, allowing them to delve deeper into the subject matter and clarify their queries.

Following the discussion on Cultural Anthropology, the second session was dedicated to Middle Eastern Studies (KBTT). Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., led this session, providing insights into the unique aspects of the program. The students from UIN Salatiga were particularly interested in the comparative studies and cultural exchanges that the program offers, which are vital for understanding the complexities of the Middle Eastern region.

The event fostered an environment of sharing and learning, with students from both institutions exchanging ideas and experiences. This interaction not only enriched their academic knowledge but also strengthened the bonds between the two faculties, paving the way for future collaborations.

As the event drew to a close, the participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from one another. The closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued partnerships in education, which is essential for achieving the SDGs related to quality education and fostering inclusive and equitable learning opportunities.

In conclusion, the visit of the Faculty of Ushuludin, Adab, and Humanities of UIN Salatiga to FIB UGM was a successful event that highlighted the importance of educational collaboration. It served as a platform for knowledge exchange and reinforced the commitment of both institutions to work together in promoting quality education and cultural understanding.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 16/4/2025 – On April 15, 2025, an Open Session of the Dissertation Examination took place in the Open Session Room on the 3rd Floor of the KH. Mahrus Aly Tower at UIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya. This event highlighted academic collaboration across campuses and countries. Professor Sangidu, M.Hum., a professor from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), was invited as a guest examiner, further strengthening the scientific partnership between the two esteemed institutions. The dissertation under examination was authored by Mohammed Ramadhan Abraheem Al-Shaykh Ali, an international student from Libya. His research focused on the principles of education illustrated in the stories of Sayyidina Ibrahim and Luqman Al-Hakim, exploring their relevance in shaping human character through the values of the Qur’an.

This dissertation research thoroughly examines the educational methods found in the Qur’an, particularly through the inspiring stories of Ibrahim and Luqman Al-Hakim. Utilizing content analysis, the researcher deconstructs relevant verses to uncover principles, approaches, and effective educational methods that contribute to shaping human behavior and morality. This study emphasizes that the Qur’an not only provides guidance to the right path but also offers solutions to psychological conflicts by integrating spiritual strength, reason, and self-control. These concepts have been relevant since the beginning of creation and continue to be significant today.

The presence of the Professor from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM as a guest examiner at this forum exemplifies cross-institutional and international collaboration in developing Islamic education with a global perspective. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on quality education (SDG 4), strengthening institutions (SDG 16), and fostering collaboration (SDG 17). By integrating Qur’anic values with sustainable development principles, we enrich the curriculum and enhance the role of Islamic universities in shaping a generation that is not only intellectually capable but also spiritually aware and socially responsible. This synergy aims to promote a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future while reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a hub for the advancement of progressive Islamic education on the global stage.

[Public Relation of Middle East Studies, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 15/4/2025 – The National Seminar titled “Modern Linguistics and Its Relevance to Islamic Studies and Humanities” was successfully held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Rabithah Hall of Pondok Modern Tazakka in Batang. The event featured Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., a Professor at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), as the main speaker. He discussed the interpretation of QS. Al-Fath: 29 through a linguistic and humanities lens. The seminar was inaugurated by KH Anang Rikza Masyhadi, the keynote speaker, who emphasized the importance of integrating modern science with religious values to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education and cultural preservation.

In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Sangidu utilized a semiotic theoretical framework to examine QS. Al-Fath: 29, employing two reading methods: heuristic and hermeneutic. The heuristic method, drawing from Al-Maroghi’s interpretation, is used to understand the literal meaning of each word. In contrast, the hermeneutic method, or retroactive approach, references interpretations from Ibn Kathir, Sayyid Quthb’s *Fi Zhilalil Quran*, and other sources to uncover the deeper meaning of the verse. This approach illustrates how modern linguistics can serve as a relevant analytical tool for understanding religious texts in a contextual and multidimensional manner.

The seminar provided a scientific forum focused on integrating modern linguistics into Islamic studies and the humanities, with the aim of enhancing the quality of education. By adopting an innovative approach to understanding religious texts, the seminar sought to enrich the curriculum for Islamic religious education and improve teaching quality. Participants—including academics, teachers, and students—welcomed the ideas presented during the event. In addition to facilitating scientific discussions, the seminar also strengthened the partnership between the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program at FIB UGM and Pondok Modern Tazakka. Through collaboration, the seminar is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of education grounded in religious values, while also supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Indonesia.

[Public Relation of Middle East Studies, Nafila Azzahra]

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, 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]