Yogyakarta, June 2, 2025 — The International and Indonesian Language Learning Center (INCULS), Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, welcomed an academic visit from students and lecturers of the English Literature Study Program, Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta. The event took place on Monday, June 2, 2025, from 09.00 to 11.00 WIB at the Auditorium of Prof. Dr. R.M. Ng. Poerbatjaraka FIB UGM.

The visit began with opening remarks from the Deputy Coordinator of INCULS, Wiastiningsih, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., who expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the visiting participants and emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange between higher education institutions in broadening students’ academic horizons. In her speech, Dr. Wiastiningsih also introduced the vision and programs of INCULS to the visiting students.

The event continued with a presentation session delivered by three INCULS instructors: Fitthrotul Izzah, S.S., M.A., Novi Wulandari, M.A., and Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed.—all of whom are alumni of the English Literature Program at FIB UGM.

The speakers shared their personal journeys, from becoming instructors at INCULS to pursuing advanced degrees abroad. They discussed cultural adaptation processes, academic challenges, as well as the motivations and strategies for self-development within international academic environments. Their presentations offered both inspiration and practical insights for students interested in pursuing further studies and participating in global academic mobility.

The Q&A session emerged as one of the most engaging parts of the event. A student named Hans posed a question about the motivations behind the speakers’ decisions to pursue their studies abroad. The speakers responded reflectively, underscoring the importance of curiosity, the courage to step outside of one’s comfort zone, and the commitment to developing academic and professional competencies through international experiences.

This event not only served as a platform for academic exchange but also strengthened the network between Universitas Duta Bangsa Surakarta and Universitas Gadjah Mada. It is hoped that this visit will inspire students to further explore the global academic landscape and prepare themselves to become competitive individuals at both national and international levels.

Writer: Public Relations of FIB UGM, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 — The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari by Kuntowijoyo marked a special moment at the 2025 Jogja Art + Books Fest. Held at The Ratan, Bantul, the event was attended by academics, literary activists, and literature enthusiasts. The launch discussion featured Prof. Faruk H.T.  (Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature and Literary Critic) and writer Mahfud Ikhwan as keynote speakers, with Amanatia Junda serving as moderator.

Originally written by Kuntowijoyo in 1964, the novel is set against the backdrop of the 1949 Indonesian revolution. Rather than emphasizing heroism, the story portrays village life, interpersonal conflict, and a collective search for the meaning of independence in a more humanistic light. This work is especially important to revisit today, notably for its unique sense of locality and spirituality.

In his presentation, Prof. Faruk highlighted that the novel expresses a spirit of reconciliation and communal cooperation as a way out of socio-political conflict. “This novel offers a communal solution to the tensions of that time—between the colonizers and the colonized, between nationalists and traditional elders. Its foundation is oral tradition, and forgiveness is the key theme,” he explained. This underscores an effort toward ideological reconciliation after conflict.

Mahfud Ikhwan, affectionately known as Cak Mahfud and widely recognized for his deep interest in the history of Indonesian literature, noted that the novel had long been “forgotten” and seldom read by the younger generation. He also drew attention to the historical context of Kuntowijoyo’s creative process. “The novel was written between 1963 and 1964, but it is often associated with the events of 1965. This is interesting because we might ask whether Kunto was responding to the events of 1949 or actually preparing for 1965,” he remarked.

The re-publication of this novel was initiated by Dodo Hartoko through Pabrik Tulisan Publishing, with illustrations by Enka Komariah. “Our hope is that this work can reach younger readers without feeling outdated or vintage,” said Dodo in his opening remarks. The new edition features a minimalist and modern design while remaining faithful to the original manuscript. He also emphasized that the setting of the story—Ngawonggo, Ceper—further strengthens the novel’s local thematic character.

The discussion session was lively and interactive. During the Q&A, Arif Kurniawan asked, “If Kuntowijoyo were given the opportunity to write and respond to today’s chaotic political landscape, what would come out of his typewriter?” Prof. Faruk responded by reflecting on Kuntowijoyo’s creative trajectory. “If we look at his first novel, it was very spontaneous, with little control—like the author was directly conversing with the reader. Over time, his writing became more disciplined and autonomous, as though the author gradually stepped back. If Kuntowijoyo were still alive and responding to today’s issues, perhaps his writing would be more realistic, yet still carry his prophetic mission,” he stated. Mahfud added that Kuntowijoyo’s authorship evolved alongside his deepening Sufi ideology: “Kuntowijoyo’s works do not merely record history—they provide meaning through spirituality. If he were writing today, that would likely still define his style.”

The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari not only marks the return of one of Indonesia’s important literary works to the public eye but also underscores the significance of preserving classic literature. This event is part of the Jogja Art + Books Fest 2025’s broader mission to position Yogyakarta as a collaborative space for art, literature, and critical discourse. Kuntowijoyo’s work, in this context, is not merely read as a historical document, but as an interpretation of Indonesia’s present and future.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – The national seminar held on May 16, 2025, marked the conclusion of the academic visit series by the Student Association of the Literature and Cultural Studies Graduate Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted by the American Studies Student and Alumni Association (ASSAA). On this occasion, the seminar featured three speakers: Glory Emanuelle, a graduate student from UGM’s American Studies program, and Ahmad Faizin and Athaya Belia, graduate students from UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies program.

In this session, each speaker presented various perspectives linked to culture and the identity of certain groups. For example, Ahmad Faizin’s presentation focused on the morning coffee-drinking culture in the Magelang area, which has become part of the identity of the community practicing it. Meanwhile, Athaya Belia’s presentation focused on the pop culture of metal music, specifically the Baddiecore genre, and concluded that fan communities can also evolve due to a shared sense of belonging. In the final presentation, Glory Emanuelle discussed the relationship between media and the representation of Native American tribes on the TikTok platform. Although each presentation brought a different perspective and focus, they shared a common theme: culture, media, and individual identity are interconnected and shape communities.

This collaboration between UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies graduate students and UGM’s American Studies graduate students not only opens up opportunities to better understand how both local and global cultures influence and shape communities, but also builds a bridge for future collaboration between UNAIR and UGM.

[Public Relations of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, 08/05/2025 – Amidst the vibrant melodies of bowed strings and profound harmonies, a deeply meaningful cultural event unfolded in “Mini Concert #18: Romansa Svara (Romance of Sound)”. This classical music performance by the Gadjah Mada Chamber Orchestra (GMCO) was held on Thursday, 8 May 2025 at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. In the elegant atmosphere that enveloped the stage that evening, one figure stood out: Oh Yeonju, a student from South Korea currently studying Indonesian at INCULS, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada.  

More than just a guest or spectator, Oh Yeonju took part as a member of the orchestra, playing the violin with passion and dedication. Alongside young musicians from across Universitas Gadjah Mada and Indonesia, she performed expressive compositions in a concert that showcased not only musical beauty but also reflected a profound cultural encounter.  

Oh Yeonju’s participation in this concert embodied the spirit of inclusivity and cross-border learning. In this collaborative artistic space, differences in background were not barriers but bridges connecting hearts and minds. Music, as a universal language, brought together individual uniqueness in a harmonious unity, creating a learning ecosystem that touched both intellect and emotion.  

“Romansa Svara” was not merely an aesthetic experience but also carried important values of cooperation, mutual respect, and growth in diversity. This was a stage where international friendships were woven naturally, not through diplomatic discussions but through notes flowing in perfect rhythm.  

Oh Yeonju’s story on the GMCO stage served as a reminder that true education extends beyond the classroom. It thrives in interaction, in the courage to try new things, and in openness to embracing differences. UGM, through platforms like GMCO and INCULS, continues to foster inspiring spaces for both local and international students to collectively shape a more harmonious, empathetic, and meaningful world.  

Amidst the thunderous applause that night which resonated as more than just musical appreciation there was a clear message: art can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering hope for a more harmonious world. And among the performers, a South Korean student became part of this beautiful story, a vital note in the symphony of togetherness known as “Romansa Svara”.  

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

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]