The Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (KBTT UGM) participated in the 2024 National Working Meeting of the Ittihad Aqsam Al-Lughah Al-Arabiyah wa ‘Adabiha (IQLAB) Indonesia. The meeting was held in the Hall of the Faculty of Adab and Humanities (FAHUM) at the State Islamic University (UIN) Raden Fatah, Palembang, on April 29-30, 2024. KBTT UGM sent a faculty delegate, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., to present the program’s vision, mission, and curriculum during the meeting. The event was attended by 24 Arabic Language and Literature programs from leading universities in Indonesia, including Hasanuddin University, University of North Sumatra, and various State Islamic Universities across Indonesia.

The event featured a series of activities, providing participants with the opportunity to discuss dynamic issues in Arabic language and literature studies in response to contemporary demands. The discussions aimed to enhance academic knowledge in implementing the government’s Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program. The highlight of the National Working Meeting was the signing of a cooperation agreement between IQLAB and the heads of Arabic Language and Literature programs from various universities in Indonesia. This signing represented a concrete step in building institutional relationships and advancing knowledge in the field of Arabic language and literature.

The Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, in collaboration with the Master’s Program in American Studies, hosted a guest lecture by Professor Carla Jones, Ph.D., from America on Thursday, April 25, 2024. She is a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and an expert in globalization. The lecture was also attended by Professor Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., a professor of American Studies, as well as students from both programs.

Professor Carla addressed current issues related to the increasing strength of globalization. She mentioned that globalization has several impacts, including homogeneity and cultural chaos. Homogeneity refers to the similarity of social backgrounds that form the basis of group formation. This arises when cultures are influenced by shared ideas and media. The adverse effect of globalization is cultural chaos, which creates confusion and its own set of challenges. Therefore, as academics, we have an obligation to preserve our cultural identity so it is not eroded by the progress of civilization.