Cairo, Tuesday, February 20, 2024 – Muhammad Raushan Afkar, a student of Arabic Literature UGM, successfully completed the 3-month Cairo Credit Transfer Program. Along with 11 colleagues from Universitas Sebelas Maret, Universitas Padjajaran, and Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia, Afkar joined the study program at the International Center for Arab Studies and Training and Faculty of Letters, Benha University, Egypt. The experience of studying in the land of camels gave him valuable knowledge about the Arabic language and culture which became an important foundation in the development of his studies.

During the program, they were not only taught practical proficiency in Arabic, but were also exposed to the rich culture and history of Arab countries. Students are given in-depth knowledge of the history of Arab civilization and Muslims, as well as the role and contribution of Islamic leaders in creating history.

In every meeting, lecturers actively involve students in listening, analyzing texts, question and answer discussions, and communicating exclusively in Arabic. Students are even encouraged to communicate only in Arabic and will be penalized with a monetary fine if they violate the rules. The money collected is then donated to help the poor people of Egypt. This shows the spirit of solidarity and social responsibility in an academic environment.

In addition, lecturers also enrich the learning experience by bringing typical Egyptian items into the classroom, such as food and cultural artifacts. Thus, students not only gain a comprehensive knowledge of Arabic language and culture, but also acquire a unique and memorable learning experience amidst the richness of Egyptian culture.

At the end of the program, students are given the opportunity to express the knowledge and skills they gained during their journey from Indonesia to Egypt and while living in Egypt through the creation of an Arabic drama with the theme “Journey from Indonesia to Egypt”. Through this drama, students not only show their official Arabic language skills, but also slip some local languages owned by Egypt when interacting and socializing with native Egyptians.

After this program, students are expected to apply what they have learned in Egypt to student life at UGM. They are encouraged to integrate their experiences into their daily activities, both in the use of Arabic language and in the promotion of Arabic culture in the campus environment. Thus, their learning experience does not only stop in Egypt, but also becomes a strong foundation to develop themselves in the future.

SDGs 1: No Poverty | SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDGs 9: Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2024 — In the second semester of the Academic Year 2023/2024, the Arabic Literature Program at UGM once again organized an Entrepreneurship and Self-Development Lecture by inviting alumni as practitioner lecturers. This semester, the Entrepreneurship and Self-Development Lecture featured five speakers, four of whom are alumni of the Arabic Literature Program at UGM, sharing their experiences and knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship with students.

Kuwat Prasetya, S.S. – March 5, 2024, and March 12, 2024:

The first speaker, Kuwat Prasetya, S.S., is an entrepreneur in the Umrah and Hajj sector, focusing on the theme “Entrepreneurship Opportunities.” In his presentation, Kuwat emphasized that what we learn will definitely be beneficial someday. “Being a Hajj guide is the fastest way to perform Hajj; what you do today determines who you will be tomorrow,” said Kuwat.

Ahmad Fauzi, S.S., M.M. – March 19, 2024, and March 26, 2024:

Next, Ahmad Fauzi SS, MM, a social entrepreneur who has successfully developed various social projects in Indonesia, provided insights into “Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities.” Fauzi explained the opportunities and challenges for Arabic Literature alumni in the field of Entrepreneurship. “Sensitivity to the environment is key in social entrepreneurship,” said Fauzi to the lecture participants.

Aishi Hamarin, S.S. – April 2, 2024, and April 23, 2024:

In the third session, Aishi Hamarin, S.S., a finance expert in the banking sector, thoroughly discussed the theme “Financial Management in Entrepreneurship.” Aishi emphasized the importance of good financial management in maintaining business sustainability.

Reisa Nurma Borurega, S.S. – April 30, 2024, and May 7, 2024:

The final session was led by Reisa Nurma Borurega, S.S., a digital marketing expert, with the theme “Entrepreneurship Development through Digital Promotion.” Reisa provided tips and effective strategies for utilizing digital platforms to increase exposure in promoting businesses. “This age is the golden age; we have the time and fitness, so we must have entrepreneurial skills so that in five years, we will already see results,” said Reisa.

This activity was enthusiastically welcomed by students who were actively asking questions and discussing with the speakers. It is hoped that this activity can inspire students to be more courageous in entrepreneurship and develop their potential. Through Entrepreneurship and Self-Development Lectures, the Arabic Literature Program is committed to continuously supporting the development of entrepreneurial competencies and self-development of students as preparation for the job market and creating new business opportunities in the future.

SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being | SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Yogyakarta, April 24, 2024 – The Association of Arabic Literature Students UGM (IKMASA) held a Halal Bihalal event on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Siti Baroroh Building A201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This event is a regular agenda of IKMASA conducted during the month of Shawwal and is mandatory for all Arabic Literature students at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The event was attended by Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Arabic Literature Program, Arief Budiman, S.S., M.A., an Arabic Literature lecturer, and the speaker, who is an alumnus of Arabic Literature UGM, Ustadz Ibnus-Sakan Al-Faishal, S.S., M.Sc.

The event began with an opening by the MC, followed by welcoming speeches and the recitation of the Shawwal pledge by the Head of the Program, the Arabic Literature lecturer, the Chair of IKMASA 2024/2025, and representatives of the 2021, 2022, and 2023 cohorts. This was followed by a presentation by the speaker, moderated Q&A sessions, games, the presentation of souvenirs, a documentation session, and concluded with a closing.

The agenda discussed the theme “Weaving Harmony in Togetherness, to Strengthen the Foundation of Unity,” which can be summarized with the following quotes:

“Halal bihalal is a cultural product in Indonesia initiated by Abdul Wahab Chasbullah. It was first held in 1948 at the Merdeka Palace to reconcile DI/TII, Masyumi, Kartosuwiryo, and others to prevent division at that time.” – Ustadz Ibnus-Sakan Al-Faishal, S.S., M.Sc.

“The blessing of halal bihalal is that it can strengthen the bonds of friendship between one another, between students and lecturers, maintain harmony, and reinforce togetherness.” – Ustadz Ibnus-Sakan Al-Faishal, S.S., M.Sc.

It is hoped that through this general lecture with the theme “Weaving Harmony in Togetherness, to Strengthen the Foundation of Unity,” Arabic Literature students will be able to maintain their bonds of friendship, thereby creating a sense of togetherness among each other.