Yogyakarta, 10/2/2025 – After conducting a series of registrations and member selection of the Students Association, finally on Monday, February 10th 2025, the Family of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Students (KAMASTAWA) held the first gathering for the new members of the association. This meeting was held in room 303 of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences in the afternoon after the class was finished.

The purpose of this First Gathering is to familiarize all members of HMJ Kamastawa so that in the future they will have a good and close relationship with each other. Familiarity and personal closeness can also support the performance and cooperation between members in an organization.

The event began with an opening by the MC, then continued with the introduction of the division heads and their members. After that, each division briefly presented its work program. After all divisions presented their work program plans, the event continued with an exchange of gifts and simple games. This event can be said to have run smoothly and had a warm atmosphere because of the enthusiasm of the new members. And in this First Gathering, each division was also asked to wear a certain color to distinguish between one division and another.

The First Gathering was relaxed and fun because it involved a bonding process without seniority walls between the 2023 and 2024 classes. It is important to eliminate the sense of seniority to foster a sense of kinship. Ultimately, this sense of kinship will bring a comfortable and safe organizational atmosphere for all its members. It is hoped that with this activity, the work programs that will be held by HMJ Kamastawa in the future can run smoothly without significant obstacles. It is also hoped that the dynamics and cooperation between division members can flow without obstacles.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 3/3/2025 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 79th Anniversary by holding a grand Open Senate Meeting at the 7th floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building. This year’s theme, ‘Menyongsong Delapan Dekade Berkarya Membangun Peradaban Dunia,’ reflects the faculty’s commitment to education and community development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event began with opening remarks by the Chair of the Faculty Senate followed by Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., Rector of UGM, giving an inspiring speech. Prof Emilia invited the entire academic community to continue to contribute to society through innovative research and community service.

In the main part, the Dean of FIB, Prof. Dr Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., delivered a comprehensive report showing the performance of the faculty over the past year. His report highlighted various educational programmes, community service initiatives, research projects, and achievements that have made a positive impact on the university and the surrounding community. He emphasised the faculty’s dedication in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

One of the highlights of the event was the scientific speech delivered by Dr Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, MA, titled ‘Art: Optimising UGM’s Identity.’ In his speech, Dr Lono emphasised that UGM has an identity as a national university; a university of struggle; a Pancasila university; a populist university; and a university of cultural centres in accordance with the values of FIB UGM.

The event also honoured outstanding individuals within the FIB community. Awards were given to three exemplary lecturers, two dedicated education staff, two distinguished alumni, and eleven outstanding students. These awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and support within the academic community. In a further exciting award announcement, FIB’s new mascots, Budi and Amulya, were introduced. These mascots are expected to promote the spirit of culture among faculty members.

The celebration closed with a mesmerising performance from the Paramadaya Choir, who sang ‘Bungong Joempa’ and ‘Viva La Vida,’ as well as an interactive singing session. The choir’s performance not only entertained the audience but also highlighted the role of music and arts in education, building a sense of community and shared experience.

The Faculty’s 79th Anniversary served as a reminder of the vital role that educational institutions play in shaping a better future for society, in line with the SDGs and inspired all participants to continue their journey of learning and contribution.

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

Yogyakarta, 23/2/2025 – University Club Boulevard hosted a seminar and workshop aimed at improving the role of PELBAKORI instructors in preparing prospective Indonesian migrant workers to work in South Korea. Welcomed by the dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the event was a follow-up to an audience held in January 2025 between the Ministry of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI) and PELBAKORI, which focused on the government-to-government (G to G) labour dispatch programme.

Seminar dimulai dengan upacara pembukaan yang mencakup lagu kebangsaan Indonesia, diikuti dengan pembacaan doa. Suasana penuh semangat saat para undangan disuguhkan penampilan tari kipas Korea (Buchaechum) yang dibawakan oleh para mahasiswi dari Program Studi Bahasa dan Kebudayaan Korea. Pertunjukan yang memukau ini tidak hanya menunjukkan keindahan budaya Korea, tetapi juga menciptakan suasana positif untuk kegiatan hari itu. 

One of the crucial issues identified in this programme is the language barrier faced by Indonesian migrant workers, which is a concern for Korean employers. Many workers have difficulty understanding work instructions, resulting in miscommunication and potential conflict. To address this, PELBAKORI is committed to improving the quality and skills of prospective migrant workers, especially in language acquisition, by collaborating with academic institutions.

Instructors from vocational training centres (LPK) that are members of PELBAKORI play an important role in this initiative. They are tasked with equipping migrant workers with the language skills necessary to succeed in South Korea. Therefore, it is imperative that these instructors continue to improve their teaching skills in Korean.

The Korean Language and Culture Study Programme at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has been a key partner of PELBAKORI since 2018. This collaboration aims to create synergy between academia, vocational training institutions, and KP2MI to improve the quality of prospective migrant workers. The ultimate goal is to prepare these workers to become ambassadors of the nation who contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings, in accordance with KP2MI’s tagline #BerangkatMigranPulangJuragan.

The seminar was attended by distinguished guests, including Dwi Setiawan Susanto, Director General of Promotion and Utilisation of Overseas Employment Opportunities at KP2MI, and Abri Danar Prabawa, Director of Vocational Institutional Development for Indonesian Migrant Workers at KP2MI. Also present will be the heads of UPT BP3MI from Yogyakarta, Central Java, and East Java, as well as Shin Jiwon from the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS).

The event will also feature expert speakers, including Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., MA, Ph.D. from the department of Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Didin Samsudin, S.E., M.M., CHCM., CIT. from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, and Dr Hwang Who Young, M.A. from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Their insights will be invaluable in discussing challenges and solutions related to language training for migrant workers.

As part of the workshop, participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to improve their teaching methodologies and language teaching techniques. This practical approach aims to empower instructors to better prepare their students for the realities of working in South Korea, ensuring they can communicate and integrate well in the workplace.

This seminar and workshop is a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of access to education and decent work for all. By investing in the education and training of migrant workers, Indonesia not only improves their competitiveness but also fosters a more skilled workforce that can contribute positively to the economy.

In conclusion, collaboration between PELBAKORI, KP2MI, and academic institutions is crucial to the success of Indonesian migrant workers in South Korea. By overcoming the language barrier and improving the quality of training, this initiative will help create a generation of skilled workers who can be ambassadors for Indonesia abroad.

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

Yogykarta, 13/2/2025 – The International Student Orientation for the INCULS programme took place at the Auditorium on the 7th floor of Soegondo FIB UGM. The event aims to welcome new international students and provide important information about studying and living in Indonesia. The orientation is a significant step towards promoting cultural diversity and enhancing the educational experience for all students.

The event began with an inspiring speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si. who emphasised the importance of cultural diversity in education. He highlighted how the presence of international students enriches the academic environment and encourages a deeper understanding of different cultures. This is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and quality education.

After the Dean’s welcome, Dr. Wulan Tri Astuti, S.S., M.A., Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed., gave an overview of the INCULS programme. She discussed the curriculum and introduced the tutors, the various activities planned for the semester, the culture in daily life, as well as the support services available to international students. Her presentation was well received, as it provided valuable insights into how to live academic life in Indonesia. Some INCULS tutors also participated in the orientation. They emphasised the importance of engaging with the local culture and participating in community activities within SMEs and student clubs. This not only helps students adapt but also enriches their educational journey by allowing them to learn from various perspectives.

The event concluded with a group documentation session, where all participants, including dozens of new INCULS students, gathered for a memorable group photo. This moment symbolised the beginning of their journey in Indonesia and the friendships they would make along the way.

Overall, the International Student Orientation for INCULS was a positive tone-setting first step for the upcoming semester. The event reinforces UGM’s commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment that values cultural diversity and promotes global citizenship.

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

Yogyakarta, 13/2/2025 – On 4 February 2025, two student representatives from the Korean Language and Culture study programme of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) showed their skills in a competition that celebrates education and cultural exchange in the K-Newscasting Competition organised by the Korean Culture Center Indonesia (KCCI).

The event began with the opening and technical competition for this final round. After the opening remarks, the final round of the competition began. Participants were tasked with presenting a pre-made news segment in Korean, demonstrating their language skills and ability to convey information effectively.

The atmosphere was electric as each contestant performed, showcasing their unique style and perspective. After all participants had delivered their segments, the judges provided comments for each contestant. This judging session was very important for the students, as it provided insight into their performances and areas for improvement.

While waiting for the announcement of the winners, the audience was entertained with a lucky draw, which added an element of fun and engagement for the audience. The atmosphere was festive, with participants and spectators alike hoping for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived. The announcement of the winners was met with cheers and applause. To the pride of the UGM delegation, one of the two student representatives, Mulya Ghefira Azzahra, was declared the first winner of the K-Newscasting Competition. This outstanding achievement not only highlights the hard work and dedication of the students, but also confirms the quality of education provided by UGM.

Let’s take a look at the impressions of our two students about this competition:

“Do it scared” is a slogan that encourages me to keep going and dare to try new things. I believe that courage does not mean not feeling fear, but to keep going despite doubts or even lack of confidence. I am very happy to be able to participate in this race because I do like challenges. Through this valuable experience, I was able to meet many cool people and learn many new things from them. Although I didn’t win, I see this as the first step to opening up more opportunities and continuing to grow. Of course, there is a slight sense of disappointment, but I have no regrets because I have tried to give my best. Going forward, I will continue to try other opportunities and stay excited for the next challenge. Lastly, I would like to thank my prodi and family for their support because it means a lot!!! -Adzini

Initially, I was quite confident about participating in the final, but after seeing the other participants’ abilities, I didn’t really expect to win. Even so, I still tried to perform as much as possible by learning from the judges’ feedback from the first session. While performing, I mispronounced some words and felt that my gestures were not good enough, even so, I hoped that I could at least win the runner-up or third place. When second place was mentioned, I finally gave up and continued eating snacks. However, when my name was suddenly called as the first place winner, I was shocked, and came forward while still chewing my food. That will be a memorable moment for me. This experience is a good start for us to continue challenging ourselves in the next opportunity. I’m very grateful for the support from 교수님 and Prodi, not to forget my supportive family, I can get to this point thanks to them. -Mulya

This win can be an inspiration for other students in the programme, encouraging them to pursue their interest in language and culture with passion. The success of UGM students in the K-Newscasting Competition is a moment of pride for the university and a significant contribution in promoting Korean culture in Indonesia. It highlights the role of educational institutions in developing talent and encouraging cultural appreciation, ultimately contributing to a more interconnected world. Competitions such as this play a huge role in promoting education and cultural exchange, aligning with sustainable development goals.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]