Yogyakarta, 31/1/2025 – On January 30, 2025, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took an important step in development planning by moving three significant archaeological statues: Ganesha, Prajnaparamita, and Agastya. These statues, which symbolize knowledge and wisdom, were moved to a new location in front of the faculty pond due to the upcoming demolition of Buildings A and B.

The Moving Process of Three Archaeological Statues

The Faculty of Humanities is known for its Department of Archaeology, which specializes in the study of past human cultures through the systematic study of material data left behind. This systematic study includes the discovery, documentation, analysis and interpretation of artifacts and ecofacts, as well as cultural values, norms, customs and customary laws. The removal of these statues is thus not just a logistical task; it reflects the faculty’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adapting to the needs of modern development. These statues, acquired through alumni donations, serve as a reminder of the rich cultural history that the department seeks to study and protect.

Before and After Relocation of the Three Archaeological Statues

Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, is widely recognized as the god of knowledge and wisdom in Hindu culture. Prajnaparamita, often depicted as a female figure, symbolizes the perfection of wisdom, while Agastya is a rishi revered for his contributions to ancient Indian literature and science. Together, these statues embody the values of education and enlightenment that the Faculty of Humanities aims to promote.

The decision to relocate the statues came with the planned demolition of the old buildings, which will be replaced to improve the learning environment for students. This development is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in promoting quality education and sustainable practices in higher education institutions.

In addition to the physical removal, the faculty also plans to document the process and meaning of these statues in a comprehensive report. This documentation will be a valuable resource for future research and educational purposes, ensuring that the legacy of these artifacts continues to inspire generations of students.

The Faculty of Humanities UGM remains committed to its mission to advance knowledge and understanding of human culture, while also meeting the challenges of modern development. The transfer of these statues is a testament to this commitment, demonstrating the balance between preserving the past and planning for the future.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the UGM Japanese Language and Culture Study Program held a socialization of working in Japan together with Marimo Group. The activity which was carried out on the basis of this collaboration was attended by representatives of Marimo Group, Manager of International Human Resource Development Marimo Holdings Inc. Kanakuchi Yuya and Tatang Hariri, Ph. D. as Head of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program along with final year students and alumni of BKJ Study Program.

The activity began with the introduction of Marimo Group to the socialization participants. Marimo Group is a company engaged in the property sector with headquarters in Hiroshima City, Japan which now has more than 21,000 mansion units throughout Japan. Currently, Marimo is opening opportunities for final year students or alumni of BKJ Study Program who are interested in working in Japan. Marimo can assist applicants in finding suitable jobs according to their interests and talents. Jobs that are generally in demand are in the field of translation and hospitality, but it does not rule out the possibility if you want to apply in a field that is not offered.

Being with Marimo as a partner in working abroad can certainly make a sense of security and comfort when working. Feelings of homesickness while working can also be relieved because, with connections from Marimo we can still meet with Indonesians. This good opportunity is expected to be utilized by academics and alumni to gain experience in the world of work.

The Middle Eastern Culture & Religion Issues (MECRI) journal of the UGM Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program has officially signed a cooperation agreement with Ittihad Mudarrisi Al-Lughah Al-Arabiyah (IMLA) Indonesia on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Discovery Hotel, Ancol Jakarta. The signing was attended by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum. as the ex-officio Chairperson of the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program and Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A. as the Managing Editor of the MECRI Journal, while from the IMLA side it was attended by the Chairman, Prof. Dr. Uril Bahruddin, M.A.

MECRI Journal and IMLA Indonesia establish editorial board cooperation in the form of involving IMLA Indonesia as a bestari partner and quality assurance of national and international journal publications online and Open Journal System (OJS). In this historic moment, the Professor of UIN Malik Ibrahim Malang said that the association of lecturers with Arabic Language and Literature journals needs to synergize in improving the quality of education in Indonesia. The entire academic community is obliged to make research-based innovations in the study of Arabic language and literature. With this collaboration, it is hoped that the UGM MECRI Journal can become one of the platforms for the development of scientific publications in Indonesia so that academics and researchers will find it easier to publish scientific papers in the future.

Friday, February 23, 2024 – The French Studies Student Association of UGM held a Handover event from the management of the 2023 period to the new management of the 2024 period. The event took place at the Soegondo Auditorium and started at 11:00 WIB moments after the Student Gathering event was over. This event is in accordance with SDGs point number 4, namely Quality Education. The event was led by two Masters of Ceremony from the new management, Ajeng and Aurell.

There are several agendas on today’s Handover of Position. The first was a speech from the Chairperson of the French Language and Literature Study Program, Madame Dr. Hayatul Cholsy, S.S., M.Hum followed by the final speech from the Chairperson of HMSP Period 2023, Catharina Maida Muhamartha. Furthermore, there was a symbolic event of Handover of Position in the form of releasing the corsa from each Daily Management of the 2023 Period which was then given and worn by the Daily Management of the 2024 Period.

The symbolic event started from the Chairman of HMSP and ended with the Interest and Talent Department. After that, the Executive Board of the 2023 Period was invited to sit back down and the new Executive Board remained standing in front of the Auditorium podium to then take the Oath and Promise led by the Head of the Study Program. After the reading of the Oath and Promise, the event was closed with a prayer. Before leaving the Auditorium, the Executive Board for the 2023 and 2024 Periods and the Head of the Study Program took a group photo on the Auditorium podium. The event ended at 11.30 WIB.

Friday, February 23, 2024 – The UGM French Language and Literature study program held a Student Gathering event at the Soegondo Auditorium on the seventh floor. This event is held at the beginning of each semester with the aim of providing the latest information related to the academic activities of the study program for the next semester and reminding students to always make a learning plan for the next semester so that they are better prepared and can achieve maximum achievement. This program is in accordance with SDGs point number 4, namely Quality Education and SDGs number 17, namely Partnerships to achieve goals.

The event began at 09.00 WIB and was led directly by the Head of the French Language and Literature Study Program, Madame Dr. Hayatul Cholsy, S.S., M.Hum and attended by several French Language and Literature lecturers. This event was attended by all active students of the French Language and Literature Study Program. At the end of this event session, there was a question and answer segment and some students asked questions related to technical processes, such as how to do Pre-KRS, KRS process for KKN period 2 in 2024, and also student exchange information from Study Program partners. The event ran smoothly and was full of enthusiasm from the participants and ended at 10.45 WIB.