Yogyakarta, May 22, 2025 — On May 9, 2025, the American Studies Program successfully held a seminar titled Contemporary American Issues at the Soegondo Building 70X.

In addition to providing the audience with an opportunity to hear insights from Prof. Gade, the seminar also featured Achmad Munjid, Ph.D. as the second speaker, who delivered a talk on “Contestation on Freedom of Speech in the US Today.”

In the second session of the seminar, the discussion focused on how the concept of freedom of speech in the United States has significantly shifted—so much so that it appears citizens are only free to express their opinions as long as those opinions align with the voice of the government. This trend can be observed in various aspects of American society today.

The presentation also explored how the decline of democracy amidst the rise of globalization is driven by the emergence of anti-globalization sentiments in different parts of the world, resulting in fragmentation among individuals, including within the United States.

Beyond addressing current issues, the discussion also delved into broader events unfolding in the U.S. today and the underlying causes behind them. Examining this issue more deeply reveals that many of the changes occurring in America today are closely tied to the historical foundations of the nation.

Despite the many contradictions present in contemporary America, this discussion encouraged participants to think more critically about social equality, freedom of speech, and government transparency—both nationally and globally—as Indonesian citizens engaging with global discourse.

[Master of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, May 14, 2025 — As part of an effort to broaden academic perspectives, the Tadris Bahasa Indonesia Study Program at IAIN Madura conducted an academic visit (Studi Wawasan) to the Master in Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the L1 Seminar Room of the UGM Library and Archives Building, the event was attended by over 70 undergraduate students from IAIN Madura along with their faculty supervisors.

The main agenda of the event included an introduction to UGM, an overview of the Master of Literature curriculum and student activities, insights into academic life on campus, and a Q&A session discussing admissions and scholarships available for postgraduate study.

In his opening remarks and presentation, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., Head of the Master in Literature Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasized that the program not only offers academic learning in the classroom but also a variety of enrichment activities to support student development.

Meanwhile, Agus Purnomo Ahmad Putikadyanto, M.Pd., Head of the Tadris Bahasa Indonesia Program of IAIN Madura, expressed his hope that the visit would broaden students’ horizons and encourage them to pursue deeper academic engagement.
“We hope our students can learn and gain new insights into further education, so they are motivated to expand their knowledge even more,” he stated.

The Q&A session became one of the most engaging parts of the event. Nada Nadillah, a current student of the Master in Literature Program and recipient of the LPDP scholarship, shared her experience in obtaining the scholarship. She explained the application process, selection stages, and required documents in detail.
“There are various types of LPDP scholarships, such as regular and affirmative. The selection process includes administrative screening, a scholastic test, and a substantive interview. Requirements include a TOEFL score, academic transcript, and a study plan,” Nada explained in response to one of the participants’ questions.

Marisa Santi Dewi, an alumna of the Master in Literature Program at UGM, addressed a question about the difficulty level of gaining admission to a master’s program. She emphasized that the selection process is manageable if students prepare well in advance.
“Getting into the Master’s program is quite easy, actually. You just need a TOEFL score, a TPA test result, and your transcript. You can start preparing now—especially since you’re still in your fourth semester,” Marisa encouraged.

This academic visit served as a valuable platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between the two institutions. It aimed not only to provide insight into postgraduate education but also to inspire students from IAIN Madura to continue developing themselves academically. In addition to presenting information on curriculum structure, admissions pathways, and available scholarships, the event featured warm and interactive discussions with current students and alumni of the Master of Literature Program, enriching participants’ perspectives. As such, the visit was not only informative but also motivational, fostering greater readiness among students to pursue higher education in the future.

[Public Relation Master of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 16 May 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is organising a Career Readiness Workshop focused on essential skills for students preparing to enter the workforce. The event will be held in Sugondo Building, Room 127, from 13:00 to 15:00 WIB. This workshop aims to address key aspects of income equality and decent work for all, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Juventino Torres, an experienced career consultant from the United States, will share his expertise on crafting effective resumes and mastering successful interview techniques. With extensive experience helping students and young professionals navigate the complexities of the job market, Torres is an ideal speaker for this event.

Participants can expect an engaging session that includes a presentation, interactive quizzes, and a Q&A session. This format not only enhances learning but also fosters community engagement among students, encouraging them to share experiences and insights.

The importance of education in achieving income equality cannot be overstated. By equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in their careers, UGM contributes to a fairer job market. The workshop will highlight the role of education as a tool of empowerment, enabling students to access decent employment opportunities.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, the need for effective resume writing and interview skills is more critical than ever. Torres will provide valuable insights into what employers are looking for, helping students tailor their applications to stand out. This knowledge is crucial for cultivating a generation of jobseekers prepared to meet market demands.

In addition to practical skills, the workshop will also focus on building participants’ confidence. Many students face anxiety when it comes to job interviews, and Torres will share strategies to help them present themselves effectively. This aspect of the workshop aligns with the SDG goal of promoting mental well-being and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM remains committed to supporting its students in their career journeys. By hosting events like this workshop, the faculty demonstrates its dedication to nurturing a supportive community that prioritises student development and success.

In conclusion, the Career Readiness Workshop on 16 May 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for students to gain crucial skills for their future careers. With guidance from Juventino Torres, participants will leave the event with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the job market effectively. This event not only contributes to individual growth but also supports the broader goal of income equality and decent work for all.

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

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Towards the end of the last Ramadan, the social division of HMJ KAMASTAWA carried out an annual work program, namely Sosmas Berbagi. Sosmas Berbagi is an annual agenda of the social division of society which is generally carried out in the month of Ramadan every year, namely the distribution of alms to people in need in the form of consumption for breaking the fast.

This year, Sosmas Berbagi was held on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Together with members of the social division of society and representatives from other divisions, they left campus and went around Kotabaru and Gejayan. From the funds collected amounting to one million rupiah, the social division distributed it in the form of heavy meals, namely fried chicken rice and iced tea.

It was decided that the target recipients of this alms distribution were people who mostly live and work on the road. For example, online motorcycle taxi drivers, pedicab drivers, parking attendants, and others.

The journey started at around 16.40. The team that left was divided into two, one towards Kotabaru, one towards Gejayan. However, not long after, rain suddenly fell heavily. Finally, the social team was forced to take shelter on the side of the road for about 20 minutes, waiting for the rain to at least ease a little. After the rain had eased a little, the social team continued the mission, but to anticipate more rain, all members wore raincoats.

Thank God, despite the weather constraints, the social team managed to complete their work program and was welcomed by the community who received it. Hopefully, with this work program, the HMJ KAMASTAWA social team can continue to play a role as a trusted partner in non-profit social activities in the long term.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 21/4/2025 – Warung Sastra once again served as a warm and critical space for literary dialogue during teh “Malam Buku” (Book Night) event held on Sunday, April 21, 2025. The event featured Dari Dalam Kubur autor Soe Tjen Marching, alongside Ramayda Akmal, a lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada, as a guest speaker. This dialogue offered an in-depth discussion on how the novel constructs a historical narrative through the intergenerational experiences of its characters.

In the discussion, Ramayda stated that the novel does not merely present a personal story but also serves as a space to articulate the collective wounds of the nation. “The stories of Carla, her mother, and her grandmother are not just individual experiences. They carry the weight of history and give voice to those who have long been silenced, “she said. Ramayda further emphasized that the novel positions the female body as a historical site that reveals systemic violence rooted in the state, race, and dominant patriarchy.

Dari Dalam Kubur specifically highlights the issue of intergenerational trauma within families affected by the political violence of 1965 in Indonesia. The novel is also marked by a retrospective narrative approach. “Ms. Marching writes from the present, with an awareness of past events, for the sake of our understanding today,” Ramayda explained. She underlined that the function of historical fiction is not merely to revive the past but to critique ongoing inequalities. When past narratives continue to echo in the present, it signifies unresolved issues that require collective attention.

During the session, Soe Tjen Marching revealed that the writing process of this novel was hindered by emotional blocks caused by trauma. “When something is too painful, our bodies block it. We think we have forgotten, but the trauma becomes even more real,” she said. She stressed that dari Dalam Kubur is not just a work of fiction, but rather a reflective space that invites readers to engage in a dialogue with the inherited wounds passed down through generations.

This discussion highlighted the importance of historical literacy, gender awareness and freedom of expression–values that serve as the foundation for sustainable development. Dari Dalam Kubur offers a space for contemplation for anyone seeking to understand how historical trauma continues to resonate in the pulse of today’s life.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]