Yogyakarta, 26/3/2025 – The Middle Eastern Culture & Religion Issues (MECRI) Journal has reached an important milestone by receiving SINTA 4 accreditation on Friday, March 21, 2025. Established in 2022, the journal is managed by the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program within the Department of Intercultural Studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). MECRI focuses on the study of language, literature, culture, and religion in the Middle East, providing a valuable platform for researchers to explore the complex interactions between culture and religion and their impact on global society. This accreditation reinforces MECRI’s position as a leading reference journal in cross-cultural studies, particularly regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education. 

As an academic platform, MECRI offers researchers, academics, professionals, practitioners, and students a space to share ideas through high-quality empirical and theoretical research articles. Topics covered include social, political, cultural, literary, linguistic, and religious studies related to Middle Eastern Studies. The journal publishes articles regularly in July and December and follows a strict peer-review process conducted by a team of editors and reviewers from leading universities in Indonesia and abroad. MECRI also establishes strategic partnerships with Ittihad Mudarrisin Lugah Arabiyyah (IMLA) Indonesia—a national organization that oversees Arabic language teachers—and the International Center for Arab Studies and Training (ICAST) in Egypt. These collaborations not only ensure the maintenance of academic quality but also enhance the journal’s relevance to the development of global science. 

The SINTA 4 accreditation represents a significant opportunity for MECRI to further promote cross-cultural dialogue through research on Middle Eastern language, literature, religion, and culture. The published articles enrich academic understanding and offer practical solutions to various global challenges. With a broad range of topics, MECRI has featured numerous insightful articles on contemporary issues in the Middle East, such as feminism, social inequality, cultural diplomacy, and peace efforts. These studies contribute to the achievement of several other SDGs, including SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 10 on reducing social inequality, and SDG 16 on peace and justice. 

As part of its commitment to the SDGs, MECRI continues to strive to be a research platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding for a more inclusive world. With this achievement, MECRI is poised to advance as a leading force in innovative and globally impactful Middle Eastern studies.

[Public Relations Master of Middle East Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Nafila Azzahra]

Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – For the past four months, GMIF 2024 students have been immersed in their studies at INCULS, refining their Indonesian language skills in reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. However, their learning experience extended far beyond the classroom. Through educational excursions to the Chocolate Monggo Museum & Factory, UGM Museum, and Grhatama Pustaka Library, they gained a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture.

As their time at INCULS drew to a close, students were assigned a final reading task to reflect on their experiences. The overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the quality of instruction. Irakiza Gideon shared his appreciation:

“Their patience and encouragement fostered an environment that nurtured my growth. Now, I can confidently communicate in Indonesian, which is a testament to the effectiveness of their teaching.”

INCULS is not merely a language center; it is a place where students receive guidance from experienced educators while being immersed in Indonesian culture. Many students highlighted the warmth and unwavering support of their lecturers, tutors, and staff.

“Every lecturer is incredibly kind, approachable, and always willing to help,” one student noted.

For some, INCULS became more than an academic institution—it became a home away from home.

“INCULS was not just a place where I learned Indonesian; it was where I found a second family.”
“The lecturers and staff do not simply teach; they cultivate an environment that feels as welcoming as family.”

When describing INCULS in English, many students simply called it “home”:

“INCULS provided not only education but also a profound sense of belonging.”

As their journey at INCULS comes to an end, GMIF students unanimously agree that their experience here is one they will cherish for a lifetime. Their heartfelt testimonials further reinforce INCULS’ reputation as a premier institution for Indonesian language and cultural studies, offering a welcoming and enriching environment for international students.

[Public Relations of INCULS, Decika Syahda Maharani]

University campuses serve as ideal spaces to explore knowledge beyond the classroom. Discussion forums can be created as a response to pressing issues, such as inequality in Indonesia. These discussions can be sparked through various media, including music and film, which is exactly what the Anthropology Students Association (KEMANT) has done through its event, Rembukant #2, a program initiated by KEMANT’s academic division. This second edition of Rembukant invited participants to watch a film and explore the creative process behind the music currently trending in Papua Highlands.

The event took place on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in Room 521+522 of Soegondo Hall, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. With the theme “Celebrating Identity Through Music: Technology, Tradition, and Globalization in Wisisi Nit Meke,” KEMANT encouraged participants not just to watch but also to engage in a discussion with the filmmaker. The event featured Wok The Rock as the film’s producer, Asep Nayak as the musician and main actor, and Cania, a 2020 UGM Cultural Anthropology alumna and current film researcher. The event was moderated by Puspita Nindya Sari, a 2023 Cultural Anthropology student.

The event began with a film screening, followed by a discussion with the speakers, and concluded with a Q&A session and a flashmob of the Aster dance, led by Asep Nayak. Aster dance is a popular dance in Papua today, performed to the beat of wisisi music created by Asep Nayak.

The second speaker, Asep Nayak, shared his journey as a wisisi musician and film actor. He explained how his passion for music led him to learn FL Studio software on his own via YouTube. Through his storytelling, Asep highlighted the significance of wisisi music and its collaboration with Aster dance in the context of Papuan society.

The final speaker, Cania, provided an anthropological analysis of the film. She shared her perspective on how the film reflects the intersection of technology, tradition, globalization, and identity.

The discussion was engaging and interactive, with the film Wisisi Nit Meke offering new insights into how wisisi music and Aster dance have become part of the identity of the indigenous Papuan community. The internet, as a result of technological progress, has made global information more accessible, including tutorials for using FL Studio, which has become a tool for creative expression. Rembukant #2 concluded with a flashmob of the Aster dance, accompanied by wisisi music led by its creator.

[FIB UGM Public Relation, Writer: Puspita Nindya Sari, Editor: Aldiza, Translator: Aldiza, Photos: Afkar Alhamid]