Yogyakarta, 17/02/2025 – Penerbit Erlangga, one of Indonesia’s largest companies in the printing and publishing industry, has once again launched the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) internship program for college students. This program is designed to enhance literacy competencies and provide hands-on experience in the publishing world, covering areas such as editing, graphic design, and book marketing. Elsyam Fudhail Azka, a student from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), had the opportunity to intern in the Madrasah Division, Islamic Studies Department at Penerbit Erlangga.

Occurring between September and December 2024, the MBKM program allows students to be mentored by experienced professionals, helping them develop critical thinking, communication, and project management skills. Through practical experience and guidance, students gain insights into producing high-quality, reader-friendly books, ensuring that content is well-written, easy to understand, and adheres to the Indonesian Spelling System General Manual (PUEBI).

Beyond skill development, this internship program also provides students with opportunities to build professional networks and understand the dynamics of Indonesia’s literacy industry. Many alumni who have participated in internships at Erlangga Publishing have successfully pursued careers in publishing and related sectors. Through this program, students not only gain valuable work experience but also develop a deeper awareness of the importance of literacy and education in advancing society.

Active participation in various projects and editorial processes offers students a unique and enriching experience, while also reflecting Erlangga Publishing’s commitment to supporting and contributing to the improvement of Indonesia’s education system and the development of young talents. With the presence of the MBKM program, it is hoped that students will gain real benefits, inspiring new innovations in the fields of literacy and publishing in Indonesia.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature, Elsyam Fudhail Adzka]

The UGM Arabic Literature Student Association (Ikmasa) held SANJUNG (Ikmasa Visits) on Sunday, June 30th, 2024. This event took place in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This event was a collaboration between Ikmasa and the Student Association of Arabic Language Education at Muhammadiyyah University of Yogyakarta (HIMA PBA UMY).

The event was attended by all members of the UGM Arabic Literature Student Association (Ikmasa) and the Student Association of Arabic Language Education at Muhammadiyyah University of Yogyakarta (HIMA PBA UMY).

The event began with an opening by the MC, followed by remarks from the HMP Chair, and presentations of each HMP’s work programs. It continued with departmental sharing sessions, where participants gathered with their respective departments, and concluded with the symbolic exchange of souvenirs and a group photo at the UGM rectorate.

It is hoped that through SANJUNG (Ikmasa Visits), the bonds of friendship will be maintained, fostering a sense of togetherness and cooperation among all participants.

Arabic Literature students from Padjadjaran University and North Sumatra University delivered farewell to the Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., after completing a one-semester of Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka (PMM) at UGM Arabic Literature. This moment took place in Yogyakarta on June 25th, 2024.

During this exchange program, the students had the opportunity to attend various courses offered by the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM. Additionally, they were involved in cultural and academic activities that enriched their understanding of the Arabic language and culture. Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati expressed her pride in the dedication and enthusiasm for learning shown by the three students.

This student exchange program not only provided students with the opportunity to broaden their academic horizons but also to build networks and collaborations between universities in Indonesia. It is hoped that this experience will greatly benefit the students in their academic and career development in the future.

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.