Yogyakarta, January, 23, 2026 – Yogyakarta is widely recognized as one of the cities with a strong literacy ecosystem in Indonesia. The presence of bookstores spread across various parts of the city plays an important role in supporting public reading and learning activities. In recent years, bookstores in Yogyakarta have developed new concepts by incorporating coffee spaces and aesthetically designed interiors.

This concept has transformed bookstores from merely places for book distribution into alternative literacy spaces that are open to students and the general public. A number of bookstores that frequently attract attention on social media include Buku Akik, Solusi Buku, Ruang Literasi Yogyakarta, Buku Natan, Namu Buku, and Shira Media, among others. These bookstores offer reading areas, discussion spaces, and various literacy-related activities that are widely accessible.

The emergence of bookstores with creative concepts has further strengthened the culture of literacy in Yogyakarta. These spaces are used for reading, discussions, and the organization of literacy-based activities involving communities and students. With a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere, bookstores serve as non-formal learning spaces beyond the campus environment.

The growing phenomenon of aesthetic bookstores in Yogyakarta aligns with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education, through the expansion of access to reading materials and inclusive learning spaces. In addition, the use of bookstores as creative public spaces supports SDG Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing safe, welcoming, and sustainable cultural spaces in urban areas.

Through the presence of bookstores with diverse concepts, Yogyakarta continues to strengthen its role as a city of literacy that is adaptive to the times and responsive to the needs of the younger generation.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, January, 9, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a thanksgiving ceremony to celebrate the successful completion of the international accreditation assessment by ACQUIN (Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute). The event marked an important milestone for FIB UGM in its continuous efforts to enhance educational quality to a level recognized globally.

ACQUIN is an international accreditation agency based in Bayreuth, Germany. This accreditation evaluates the quality of higher education institutions based on European standards, covering aspects such as curriculum design, academic governance, human resources, and supporting learning facilities. By achieving ACQUIN accreditation, the accredited study programs are recognized as having met international higher education quality standards and as being on par with universities in Europe.

A total of 12 study programs at FIB UGM have officially obtained ACQUIN international accreditation, namely Cultural Anthropology, Archaeology, Japanese Language and Culture, Korean Language and Culture, Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Indonesian Language and Literature, Tourism, History, Arabic Literature, English Literature, as well as the Master’s Programs in Anthropology and History.

The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all members of the academic community who contributed to the international accreditation process. He emphasized that this achievement was the result of collective efforts involving lecturers, educational staff, students, and the support of university leadership.

The success of FIB UGM in attaining ACQUIN international accreditation is in line with the university’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG ****4: Quality Education, through the provision of inclusive, high-quality, and globally recognized higher education. In addition, this achievement also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening international cooperation and recognition in the fields of education and culture.

The thanksgiving ceremony concluded with a communal meal as an expression of gratitude and a means of strengthening solidarity among the academic community of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, January 8, 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), facilitated the distribution of donations from Jogokariyan Mosque to 18 FIB UGM students from Sumatra who were affected by flooding. This assistance reflects the care and solidarity of various elements of society toward students directly impacted by natural disasters.

The event was attended by four representatives of the affected students from Sumatra, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A., the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., Paksi Raras Alit as a representative of artists from the Jogja Hanyengkuyung Sumatra organizing committee, representatives of the Jogokariyan Mosque management, and volunteers.

Paksi Raras Alit explained that on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Jogja Hanyengkuyung Sumatra initiative was held as an expression of solidarity by musicians, event organizers, volunteers, and the Yogyakarta community to support those affected by flooding in Sumatra. He also noted that coordination had been carried out with Kagama and Kagama Care for the construction of sanitation facilities (MCK) in the affected areas, which has now begun. The fundraising effort was conducted in collaboration with Jogokariyan Mosque, which is widely recognized for its transparent and trustworthy fund management system, ensuring that the assistance would be distributed effectively and appropriately.

A representative of the volunteers stated that their presence at FIB UGM also served as an opportunity to strengthen ties and was expected to mark the beginning of further cooperation in social and humanitarian initiatives. Meanwhile, a representative of the Jogokariyan Mosque management explained that the mosque had been entrusted by the Jogja Hanyengkuyung Sumatra committee, along with recommendations from Kagama FIB, to distribute aid to FIB UGM students affected by the disaster in Sumatra.

The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., emphasized that FIB UGM remains open to various forms of collaboration, particularly those related to community assistance and community service activities. He also reaffirmed his support for synergy among universities, communities, and society in addressing shared needs.

The financial assistance distributed by Jogokariyan Mosque amounted to IDR 3,000,000 per student. The aid is distributed every three months through the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The symbolic handover of the assistance during the final session of the event was represented by four affected students from Sumatra.

This donation distribution activity not only aims to alleviate the economic burden faced by students affected by the disaster but also seeks to ensure the continuity of their education while strengthening the spirit of mutual cooperation and cross-community partnerships. Through collaboration among educational institutions, religious communities, artists, volunteers, and alumni, this initiative also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in mitigating post-disaster social impacts, ensuring inclusive access to education, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, January, 7, 2026 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Farewell and Welcome Ceremony for Faculty Officials, which was accompanied by the signing of the official handover documents for Heads of Departments and Heads of Study Programs. This event marked an important moment in ensuring leadership continuity and strengthening institutional governance oriented toward improving educational quality and sustainable institutional development.

The event commenced with the signing of the official handover documents, symbolically represented by the outgoing and incoming Heads of Departments. The handover and signing were carried out by the Heads of the Departments of Anthropology, Archaeology, Language and Literature, and History, reflecting a shared commitment to continuing the academic leadership relay within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

In his remarks, Drs. Sudibyo, M.Hum., expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and support of the entire academic community during his previous term of office. He conveyed his hope that the new leadership would further enhance the faculty’s performance and strengthen FIB’s role in delivering high-quality higher education. On the same occasion, Drs. Sudibyo congratulated the newly appointed officials and offered his apologies for any shortcomings that may have occurred during his tenure.

Remarks on behalf of the Heads of Departments and Heads of Study Programs were delivered by Dr. Fahmi Prihantoro, S.S., S.H., M.A. He stated that the new Heads of Departments had been officially inaugurated at the university level earlier that morning. According to him, the mandate entrusted to the new leadership carries significant responsibility, considering the achievements attained by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences to date. He affirmed the commitment of the new management to continue the leadership responsibly while fostering collaboration and the sharing of experiences to sustain academic and institutional excellence.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., expressed his appreciation to the former Heads of Departments and Heads of Study Programs for their dedication and contributions over the past five years. He emphasized that a number of strategic achievements had been accomplished, ranging from the strengthening of faculty management systems and improvements in academic performance to progress toward international accreditation for all study programs. These achievements, he noted, reflect sound institutional management and a strong orientation toward building resilient institutional capacity.

Furthermore, Prof. Setiadi expressed optimism regarding the future development of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, including plans for the utilization of a new building scheduled to begin operation in July 2026. The new facility is expected to support the development of language and linguistic studies, as well as the downstreaming and contextualization of humanities scholarship to ensure its continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. This initiative forms part of FIB’s commitment to fostering academic innovation, expanding access to quality education, and strengthening the role of cultural studies in sustainable development.

Through this farewell and welcome ceremony, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, accountable, and sustainable leadership. The orderly and transparent transition of leadership is expected to further strengthen FIB’s contribution to producing high-quality human resources, building robust institutional foundations, and promoting innovation and the application of knowledge for the benefit of society at large.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

The Kazoku Division of the Japanese Language and Culture Student Association (HIMAJE), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held its Undoukai program on 27–28 September 2025. This event was organized as a series of sports competitions within the Japanese Language and Culture Program (BKJ) to strengthen connections among students from different cohorts and to foster closer interaction between students and faculty members. In addition, Undoukai served as a space to promote sportsmanship and create a healthy, fun, and exciting competitive atmosphere.

The first day of activities, held on Saturday, 27 September 2025, focused on a badminton tournament involving students from all cohorts as well as lecturers. The matches were conducted with high enthusiasm and provided an opportunity for students and faculty to interact more closely in a supportive setting. Through this sport, participants not only competed but also reinforced a sense of togetherness within the BKJ UGM community.

The event continued on Sunday, 28 September 2025, featuring competitions based on games and strategy, including Mobile Legends, chess, and FIFA. This variety of events encouraged participation from students with diverse interests. The competitions were lively and demonstrated that strong bonds can be built through different forms of activities—whether physical sports or games that rely on teamwork, focus, and strategic thinking.

Undoukai became one of the activities that strengthened the family-like atmosphere within the BKJ UGM community. Through this program, the Kazoku Division of HIMAJE BKJ UGM hopes that the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity will continue to grow, while also fostering warmer interaction between students across cohorts and faculty members.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]