Yogyakarta, April 21, 2026 — Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) inaugurated Prof. Dr. Mutiah Amini, M.Hum. as a Professor of Urban Social History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The inauguration ceremony took place at the UGM Central Building. In her inaugural speech, Professor Amini sharply highlighted the gap between city comfort slogans and the reality of the residents’ social spaces.

The inaugural speech was titled “History and Citizens’ Imagination of Urban Social Space.” Professor Amini chose the word imagination as a reflection of various social phenomena in contemporary public spaces. She observed the contradiction between citizens sleeping on the streets seeking pity and the various prideful acronyms used by city governments. Slogans such as Bandung Bermartabat, Semarang Kota ATLAS, Surabaya HEBAT, and Yogyakarta Berhati Nyaman seem to imply the promise of a perfect urban space to live in.

“From this reflection, it is certainly important to question whether the abbreviations or acronyms created remain the aspiration of all city governments and their citizens today. Or conversely, are these acronyms merely a fleeting hope?” explained Professor Amini, introducing her ideas.

Professor Amini then referred to Kartini’s thoughts on comfortable urban spaces as a starting point for discussion. She explained that the idea of creating urban social spaces since the colonial era has actually brought significant impacts that are often overlooked. Society became increasingly aware of the boundaries between private and public spaces. The function of the house during modernization slowly shifted. Houses often lost their role as a place that provides comfort and a sense of belonging for families, turning simply into a physical space for temporary shelter.

Citizens’ imagination of a healthy and harmonious urban space continued to live on until the independence period. The complexity of public spaces raised various concerns regarding floods, evictions, and domestic and industrial waste issues. The middle class then used mass media to voice their resignation through opinion columns. Pleas such as “where should we turn” commonly appeared in newspapers to demand the restoration of lakes and other public spaces.

Unlike the middle class, the urban poor had their own way of realizing their collective imagination. This group tended to occupy available urban public spaces. Professor Amini cited Lefebvre’s view, which refers to this phenomenon as a space of representation. The space is brought to life through various symbols and imaginations of its users as a way to manifest the collective memory of city residents.

Historical facts show that Kartini had thought about urban humanitarian and social issues comprehensively since over a century ago. Professor Amini emphasized this as an important self-criticism for modern-era historians. Kartini paved the way for the idea that all government policy formulations must be drafted carefully and comprehensively.

Urban regional planning ultimately demands a balance between physical development and the fulfillment of basic human rights. The provision of an aesthetic, harmonious, and healthy living space is an absolute prerequisite for the sustainability of a just social system. Inclusive spatial planning policies are the main key to ensuring a city is truly capable of supporting and adequately protecting all its residents for future generations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

The Faculty of Cultural Studies Library is pleased to announce a new book collection designed to broaden horizons, foster a love of reading, and support the knowledge and personal development of our patrons. This collection includes 12 books in the field of literature and 8 books in the social sciences, all tailored to meet readers’ needs.

Literature Collection

The latest collection in the field of literature features 12 compelling novels by various national and international authors, spanning diverse genres and narrative perspectives, including contemporary fiction, historical and cultural novels, young adult novels, and literary works addressing social and humanitarian themes.

The 12 novel titles soon to be available at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences library are as follows:

• As Long As The Lemon Tree Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
• Semua Ikan di Langit by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie
• Seporsi Mie Ayam Sebelum Mati by Brian Khrisna
• Aroma Karsa by Dee Lestari
• Gadis Kretek by Ratih Kumala
• Mosquerade Hotel by Keigo Higashino
• Pasta Kacang Merah by Durian Sukegawa
• 24 Jam Bersama Gaspar by Sabda Armandio
• Kapan Nanti by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie
• Dawuk by Mahfud Ikhwan
• Satine by Ika Natassa
• Gelombang by Dee Lestari

Social Sciences Collection

The new book collection in the social sciences features 8 books covering history, social realities, leadership, and personal development. 

The 8 titles are as follows.

• Ratu Adil Ramalan Jayabaya & Sejarah Perlawanan Wong Cilik
• Hidup Bersama Raksasa Manusia Dan Pendudukan Perkebunan Sawit
• Sejarah Korea Semenanjung Korea Dari Masa Ke Masa
• Leaders Eat Last
• Keseharian Orang Buangan Di Kamp Colonial
• Dari Industri Gula Hingga Batik Pekalongan
• Sila Ke-6: Kreatif Sampai Mati
• Sukses Sidang Skripsi

The new book collection is now available and can be accessed through the library’s circulation services starting in April 2026. Detailed information regarding titles, authors, and classification numbers can be viewed through the Open Access Catalog Online (opac.lib.ugm.ac.id). 

The library invites all patrons to utilize this latest book collection as a source of reading, learning, and inspiration. Come on, let’s go to the library!

 Author: Arifah Nur F.

Students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program have once again gained the opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at prestigious universities in South Korea. This opportunity has been awarded to three students through a scholarship program from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation (Hyundai Motor CMK), which will take place over two semesters (Fall 2026 – Spring 2027).

Continuing the achievements of previous years, students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program have once again been selected as awardees of the Hyundai CMK Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year. This prestigious scholarship offers various benefits, including full tuition coverage, living expenses support, and opportunities to experience Korean culture firsthand. In addition, recipients will gain insights into corporate culture in South Korea and participate in a variety of academic and non-academic activities organized by the CMK Foundation.

The three selected students will pursue their studies at three renowned universities: Yonsei University, Korea University, and Seoul National University. This achievement is not only a source of pride for the students but also strengthens the academic reputation of the study program.

Justin Liepangi, a 2024 student of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program who will study at Yonsei University, expressed his gratitude and pride:

“Becoming one of the Awardees of the Hyundai CMK Scholarship 2026 is a great honor for me. I was able to obtain this scholarship thanks to the support of my family and friends who have encouraged me to keep moving forward. For me, this journey is clear proof that the limits of our abilities often exist only in our minds. I applied for the Hyundai CMK Foundation Scholarship to go beyond those limits. Do not be afraid to try! We often hesitate because we fear failure, when in fact the greatest failure is never daring to try at all. Seize every opportunity, because we never know which door will lead us to greater dreams.”

Meanwhile, Adzini Nurul Fatima Juliani, a 2023 student of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program who will study at Korea University, shared her excitement and pride:

“Ending up at Korea University feels a bit unreal, in the best way possible. That’s why being selected as one of the Hyundai CMK scholarship awardees means more to me than I can put into words. From this opportunity, I hope to take myself further—both to deepen my education in Korea at its source and to gradually build the direction of my future. And of course, I will devote my youth fully to this experience. ‘나의 청춘을 걸겠습니다,’ just as the words say. I also hope that one day I will be able to meaningfully give back to society as much as I have received.”

Ferdinanda Melinda Suryaningrum, a 2023 student who will study at Seoul National University, also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity:

“I feel extremely grateful to have been selected as an Awardee of the Hyundai CMK Scholarship 2026 and to be given the opportunity to study at Seoul National University. This opportunity will be a very meaningful experience for me. Studying abroad has always been one of my greatest dreams. ‘인생은 뭐가 있어? 도전해야지!’ With this motto, I hope that the dynamics of life I will experience during this exchange will become an unforgettable chapter in my life story, encouraging me to bravely pursue many of the things I aspire to achieve.”

The achievements of these three students are expected to inspire others to continue developing their academic potential and to seize global opportunities. Furthermore, their participation in this program is anticipated to strengthen academic and cultural ties between Indonesia and South Korea.

Author: Eunike Serafia N.S

For many students, studying abroad is more than just an academic opportunity but also a journey of self-discovery. This is certainly true for Rizkya Laili Trianisa (Nisa), an English Department student from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), batch 2024, who is currently participating in a one-semester exchange program at Jeonbuk National University (JNU) in South Korea. The program, which is part of a partnership between JNU and UGM, offers students the chance to broaden both their academic and cultural perspectives. Nisa first learned about this opportunity through the Office of International Affairs in UGM (OIA UGM), as she shared, “I found the information through OIA’s social media and website.” 

Her decision to study in South Korea was not merely influenced by the global popularity of K-culture, but rather by a deeper sense of familiarity. Having previously spent three semesters in Korea during her high school years, Nisa already had some understanding of the country and its environment. “I think my sense of similarity with Korea plays a big role,” she explained. This sense of connection was further strengthened by her choice of Jeonbuk National University, which is located in Jeonju—a city often compared to Yogyakarta by Indonesian students. “A lot of Indonesian people think that Jeonju is similar to Jogja” she said, describing both cities as places rich in historical culture with a rhythm of life that is “a bit slower yet still hectic, just like Jogja.” 

Before departing, Nisa prepared not only in practical terms but also mentally. She emphasized the importance of keeping an open mind when entering a completely new environment. This mindset proved especially useful when she arrived in South Korea during the transition from winter to spring. “The very cold weather shocked me,” she admitted, recalling the snowy rain and strong winds she encountered. Despite anticipating the cold, experiencing it firsthand was entirely different. However, instead of allowing the shock to overwhelm her, she chose to see it from a different perspective. “Before coming here, I told myself that everything is new. I wanted to learn everything from zero. So instead of shocking, it is more fascinating”, she reflected.

Like many exchange students, Nisa also faced challenges during her time abroad. Not everything went according to plan, and many of the difficulties she encountered were beyond her control. Nevertheless, she found strength in the people around her. Being surrounded by fellow students who were going through similar experiences helped her cope with these challenges. “One thing that I like is the fact that I am not alone. I have friends to talk to about what we should do to make our journey better and more memorable.” With this support system, she gradually developed a more resilient mindset, believing that “every day is like a new page and a new chance,” a perspective that continues to guide her throughout the program. 

Academically and personally, this exchange program has brought meaningful changes to Nisa’s life. She has become more confident and proactive in class, something she previously struggled with. “I try to be more proactive… I voice my opinions and ask questions,” she explained. At the same time, being exposed to a diverse international environment has broadened her perspective. These experiences continue to shape her growth as she strives to become a better version of herself.

Reflecting on her journey, Nisa encourages other students to carefully consider their own paths before applying for an exchange program. She points out that UGM offers numerous opportunities for studying abroad, and choosing the right one requires self-awareness. “UGM actually has tons of programs and exchange opportunities,” she noted. “Take your time acknowledging who you are and who you want to be, and match that with the program offered.” For Nisa, this experience has been nothing short of transformative. As she concluded in her own words, “This exchange journey is such a life changer for me—it shifted my perspective, developed my lifestyle, and improved my daily habits.” Through moments of challenge, adaptation, and discovery, her story reflects how studying abroad is not just about changing places, but about growing into someone new.

[English Literature, Maulina Artyansa]

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has officially inaugurated Professor Dr. Nur Aini Setiawati, M.Hum., Ph.D., as a Professor of Agrarian History at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The inauguration ceremony took place at the UGM Central Building on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. In her inauguration speech, she analyzed the dynamics of agrarian reform and its impact on agricultural development through a comparative study between Indonesia and South Korea.

Professor Setiawati delivered a speech titled “From Agrarian Phenomena to Agricultural Development: Indonesia and Korea.” She emphasized that land ownership and control are key factors in determining the success of a country’s development. Using a chronological and thematic historical approach, she evaluated how changes in agricultural production have been heavily influenced by land policies of the past.

“Agrarian reform plays a crucial role in agricultural development. By understanding agrarian issues, this study evaluates changes in agricultural production. The main problem to be addressed in this speech is how the impact of agrarian reform on agricultural development can be re-examined, considering that the issues of agrarian reform and agricultural development since the era of kingdoms have always been a compelling subject,” stated Professor Setiawati in her speech.

In her presentation, she explained South Korea’s success in implementing agrarian reform between 1945 and 1950. The policy successfully increased agricultural productivity by providing incentives to farmers. Consequently, the Korean agricultural sector was able to provide a stable food supply amidst waves of industrialization and urbanization. Furthermore, this reform contributed to the formation of an educated working class and encouraged the emergence of a new capitalist class.

A different situation occurred during the period of 1960 to 1984. Professor Setiawati revealed that Indonesia tended to be trapped in ideological conflicts and weak bureaucracy. National industrialization in Indonesia was not aligned with land reform. Instead, land procurement for industry actually strengthened the concentration of land control by the state and corporations. On the other hand, South Korea placed agrarian reform as the main foundation of their national industrialization.

The failure to equalize land ownership in Indonesia was also triggered by a lack of supervision and resistance from local elites. This stands in stark contrast to South Korea, which successfully distributed land evenly thanks to strong institutional support, such as cooperatives and village development programs. The impact can be seen in farmers’ welfare, where South Korea achieved rice self-sufficiency while Indonesia experienced stagnation due to structural inequality.

These findings indicate that consistent agrarian governance is the main differentiator in transforming land challenges into developmental strengths. Agrarian reform is not merely an economic policy, but a historical process that reflects power relations and the future direction of a nation.

This historical record serves as an important reflection for current policy formulation. Inclusive management of agrarian resources is an absolute prerequisite for ensuring food sovereignty and public welfare in the future. Through the continuity of appropriate policies and social legitimacy, land justice is expected to become an engine of development that provides tangible benefits to all levels of society fairly and equitably.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]