The Japanese Language and Culture Program (BKJ) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, through its student association HIMAJE, held Bunkasai 2025 under the theme “Natsu no Bunkasai.” Inspired by Japanese school culture festivals, the two-day event offered an immersive cultural experience through stage performances, competitions, interactive booths, karaoke, and a lively bazaar, allowing visitors to enjoy a festive and engaging atmosphere.

Bunkasai took place on Friday and Saturday, 14–15 November 2025, across several key venues at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, including Plaza Margono, the Auditorium, and Greenland. On the first day, activities began as the gates opened at Greenland, followed by an opening session and welcoming remarks. The day concluded with stage performances that set the festive tone of the event. One of the highlights was a performance by HIKARI, which energized the audience and marked the beginning of the entertainment program leading up to the opening of the bazaar.

On the second day, the event started with the opening of competitions at the Soegondo Building, followed by contests such as a quiz competition, Mobile Legends, and chess. Visitors were also invited to participate in other competitions, including speech, dokkai (Japanese reading), and presentations, emphasizing that the festival served not only as a space for entertainment but also as a platform for showcasing Japanese language skills.

In the afternoon and evening, the festival returned to Greenland with an even more vibrant atmosphere. The bazaar reopened alongside the announcement of competition results, followed by performances from internal BKJ communities such as HIGAKU and DAIJI. After an exhibition session and mini games, the event continued with a highly anticipated group karaoke session, reinforcing the spirit of expression and togetherness that Bunkasai aimed to create.

Overall, Bunkasai 2025 demonstrated how BKJ UGM students do not only study Japanese language and culture in the classroom, but also bring it to life through an open, interactive, and collaborative cultural festival. Through a combination of performances, competitions, bazaar activities, and creative programs, Bunkasai became one of the events that reflects the strong and dynamic student community within BKJ UGM, while also serving as an enjoyable medium for introducing Japanese culture to a broader audience.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, December, 12, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), officially launched the Implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT)–Based Smart Classroom System for Room Temperature Automation and Monitoring on the 7th floor of the R. Soegondo Building.

This activity is part of the UGM Sustainability Campus Action Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences 2025, which aims to optimize the management of learning spaces through the efficient and sustainable use of digital technology. In its initial phase, the IoT-based Smart Classroom system has been installed and operated in four rooms within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as an effort to enhance comfort and effectiveness in academic activities.

During the launching event, the FIB UGM Information Technology Team presented the application dashboard used to operate the Smart Classroom system. The dashboard enables centralized control and remote monitoring of room temperature. The system operates using the UGM WiFi network as its main infrastructure. As long as the WiFi connection is active, the system can function optimally; however, when the network is unavailable or disrupted, the automation system will also cease to operate.

The launching event was attended by faculty leaders, representatives of lecturers, educational staff, students, and technical support teams. The series of activities included remarks from faculty leadership, implementation briefings, a technical presentation by the FIB IT Team, and the official launch of the IoT-based Smart Classroom system. In the final session, participants were invited to visit the rooms that have been equipped with IoT-based temperature control devices to observe the system’s implementation firsthand.

The implementation of the IoT-based Smart Classroom aligns with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The provision of a comfortable and adaptive learning environment supports SDG 4 (Quality Education). Energy efficiency through automated temperature control contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Furthermore, the use of technological innovation in campus facility management reflects support for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Through the implementation of this system, FIB UGM reaffirms its commitment to continuously integrating technology, humanistic values, and sustainability principles in the development of its academic environment.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, December, 16, 2025 – The Neuroscience-Based Language Teaching approach became the central focus of an academic activity held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event aimed to introduce and discuss language learning strategies that emphasize the role of emotions, focus, and meaningful learning experiences grounded in how the human brain works.

The activity opened with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya and the Gadjah Mada Hymn, followed by opening remarks from the course lecturer. The program then continued with the screening of instructional videos and educational animations illustrating the application of neuroscience in the language learning process, before proceeding to an interactive talk show session.

In their presentations, the speakers emphasized that emotional elements play a vital role in language learning. Positive emotions, a sense of trust, and learner engagement have been shown to support the formation of emotional memory, making the learning process more meaningful and the material easier to retain. This was demonstrated through various examples of interactive learning media, including animated videos and educational games.

The first talk show session was moderated by Rizky Ramadhani under the theme “Languages Through Gamification: A Neuroscience-Based Approach.” Several language education practitioners served as speakers, namely Tabinda Putri, Eva Pras, Fajri, and Elvina. They shared their experiences in applying neuroscience-based approaches through gamification methods in language teaching.

Elvina, an English course instructor whose students range in age from 17 to 25, highlighted the characteristics of Generation Z learners, who tend to become easily bored. To address this challenge, she developed learning media in the form of a snakes-and-ladders–style board game as well as web-based games. According to her, language learning does not need to begin with a strong emphasis on grammar, but can be packaged in a more engaging way through games that train learners’ focus and participation.

Meanwhile, Tabinda Putri, an instructor of Indonesian for Speakers of Other Languages (BIPA), emphasized the importance of building emotional rapport with learners before introducing the core material. She explained that light conversations about students’ names, interests, and backgrounds serve as an effective initial approach to building trust. This trust fosters positive feelings that influence learners’ memory and comprehension of the learning material.

The speakers also underlined the importance of adjusting teaching methods to learners’ preferred learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The use of images, videos, writing on the board, role play, and games was considered effective in accommodating this diversity of learning styles. At the same time, Fajri highlighted challenges related to limited technological facilities in certain learning contexts, which need to be collectively addressed in the development of innovative teaching methods.

This activity reflects FIB UGM’s commitment to providing inclusive, innovative, and research-based language education. The Neuroscience-Based Language Teaching approach aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of effective, learner-centered teaching methods. In addition, the activity supports Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities by promoting access to adaptive learning, as well as Goal 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the use of innovative media and technology in language education.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 15 December 2025 – The Archaeology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held the Archaeopreneur Bazaar as part of the fulfillment of the Final Semester Examination (UAS) assignment for the Archaeopreneur course. The course is taught by Sektiadi, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in Archaeology at FIB UGM, and aims to encourage students to develop creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset grounded in archaeological knowledge.

The bazaar featured eight booths representing student groups enrolled in the Archaeopreneur course. Each group showcased a variety of locally produced creative items, including bag charms, tumblers, scarves, illustrated pins, bags, and many other products. These creations not only emphasized aesthetic value but also embodied philosophical meanings inspired by cultural values.

Through this activity, students were trained to transform archaeological knowledge into creative products with both commercial and educational value. The Archaeopreneur Bazaar served as a contextual learning space that bridges academic studies and entrepreneurial practice, enabling students not only to understand theory but also to apply it in real-world contexts.

This activity aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of practice-based learning and student creativity. In addition, the bazaar supports SDG Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth by fostering young entrepreneurship, as well as Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production through the development of local products that prioritize cultural values and sustainability.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 14 December 2025 – To commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), a Wayang Kulit Purwa madya ratri (midnight) performance featuring the play “Rajamala Ruwat” was held as part of the Nitilaku 2025 series of events. The performance took place on Sunday (14/12) starting at 6:00 p.m. until completion at the Joglo of the Innovation and Creativity Center, and was open to the public.

In the performance, Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi, a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, appeared as one of the dalang (puppeteers). Ki Rafi’s participation reflects the active role of the younger generation, particularly FIB UGM students, in preserving and revitalizing the traditional art of wayang kulit.

The performance of “Rajamala Ruwat” was collaboratively presented by six dalang from various elements of the UGM academic community and the Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Association (KAGAMA), namely Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi (FIB student), Ki Gymna Cahyo Nugroho (Vocational School student), Ki Faizal Noor Singgih (KAGAMA, Faculty of Agricultural Technology), Ki Gilang Thomas Kumoro (KAGAMA, Faculty of Geography), Ki Jack Haryanto (Educational Staff, UGM University Secretariat), and Ki Prof. Drg. Suryono (Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry). The performance was accompanied by the Karawitan ensemble of the Student Arts Family.

The involvement of Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi in this cultural performance aligns with UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of culture-based and experiential learning. In addition, the activity supports Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by safeguarding the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage, as well as Goal 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through cross-faculty collaboration among students, alumni, and members of the academic community on a shared cultural stage.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]