Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – Coinciding with its 80th anniversary, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada launched a historical book titled Mengeja Waktu Merajut Warna, 80 Tahun Perjalanan Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Gadjah Mada. The book was presented to the Chair of the FIB Senate, Professor Bambang Hudayana, M.A., and UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia, Ph.D., as part of an effort to document the faculty’s long journey in developing literary and cultural studies in Indonesia.

The book was written by a team consisting of Abdul Wahid, Tatag Andriawan, Soraya Anugra Lia, and Lenna Aurelia Amalia. Although the writing process was completed within a relatively short period, it is expected to serve as an initial step in reconstructing the institutional history of FIB UGM over the past eight decades.

In the book’s introduction, the authors explain that this work represents an early effort to document more comprehensively the history of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as one of Indonesia’s oldest higher education institutions in the fields of literature and culture. Through this historical exploration, the book also seeks to understand the meaning behind the transformations experienced by the faculty over time.

“This book is the first attempt to comprehensively reconstruct the 80-year journey of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as the oldest higher education institution in Indonesia in the field of literature and culture, while also seeking meaning from this long historical process,” the authors wrote.

As a study of institutional history, the book explains the development of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM as an organization shaped by internal dynamics as well as external changes, including government policies, developments in higher education, and social dynamics. The institutional history approach does not merely record a chronology of events but also explains how an institution evolves and responds to changes over time.

Writing institutional history also plays an important role in preserving institutional memory. This memory includes physical aspects such as buildings, classrooms, organizational structures, and institutional artifacts, as well as non-physical aspects such as norms, rules, and workplace culture that develop within the institution.

For an academic institution, institutional memory has strategic value as it provides a basis for reflection in understanding the formation of collective identity while helping to shape future development.

In its preparation, the book was written chronologically to help readers understand the faculty’s development. The periodization used in the book is based on the changes in the faculty’s name throughout its history.

The discussion is divided into four main chapters. The first chapter covers the early development period from 1946 to 1955. The second chapter discusses the period of the Faculty of Letters and Culture from 1955 to 1982. The third chapter explores the Faculty of Letters period from 1982 to 2001. The fourth chapter discusses the Faculty of Cultural Sciences period from 2001 to 2025.

The authors acknowledge that the book still has limitations and does not yet fully capture the complexity of the faculty’s long history. Therefore, they hope the publication will serve as a starting point for more in-depth research on institutional and academic development within FIB UGM.

“We realize that this book is far from complete, let alone perfect. With humility, we hope it will receive constructive input so that it can be improved in the future,” the authors wrote.

The authors also expressed their gratitude to various parties who supported the writing process, particularly the FIB UGM Dean’s Office for the 2021–2026 period, which entrusted the team with the project.

The publication of this book is expected to serve as a reflection for the academic community to better understand the institution’s journey while strengthening its commitment to advancing knowledge, culture, and academic contributions to society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in the field of Philology, was one of the speakers at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Islam in Javanese Babad: Efforts to Revitalize Mataraman Islam”. The event was organized by PPM Aswaja Nusantara in the PPM Aswaja Nusantara Mlangi Hall on Friday (February 6, 2026) from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In her presentation, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. explained the connection between literary works, particularly Babad Ngayogyakarta, and the development and existence of Islam in the Yogyakarta Palace. She explained that Babad Ngayogyakarta was written during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana (HB) V and was transcribed again during the reign of HB VII. The manuscript was written in Javanese script and contains expressions of Islamic teachings that developed within the Yogyakarta Palace.

The chronicle covers the period of HB IV-V, starting from the childhood of HB IV until the coronation of HB V. During this period, Prince Diponegoro is also described as the guardian of HB IV until the outbreak of the Diponegoro war. Prince Diponegoro is also described as a figure who upheld Islamic teachings and revived them in the life of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

One example cited was Prince Diponegoro’s role in providing Islamic education to Hamengkubuwana IV. This education included the obligation to study the Qur’an, understand fiqh, and instill values of struggle. Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. also explained that Diponegoro’s concept of struggle was reflected in the war against colonialism, which was based on the spirit of upholding Islamic teachings, including the call of sabilullah as a motivator for the troops.

Through a study of the literary work Babad Ngayogyakarta, various important information can be found, ranging from historical facts, literary forms, to information about the existence of Islam in Java. He described the existence of Islam at that time in three (3) words, namely manjing ‘enter’, ajur ‘melt’, and ajer ‘walk together’.

Information related to literature and history of the past can be found in various manuscripts. In this case, philology plays an important role in uncovering the information contained in ancient manuscripts so that it can be understood and utilized by today’s society. In addition, philological studies are also part of efforts to preserve and protect regional languages, literature, and cultures in Indonesia.

This FGD activity is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 4 on quality education, point 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and point 17 on partnerships to achieve development goals.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Khabib Anwar, widely known by his digital persona “Rektor Desa” (Village Rector), continues to promote village empowerment through a creative, digital-based approach. He is recognized as a village empowerment practitioner, creative mentor, and local economic mobilizer who focuses on content development and YouTube optimization.

Through the identity of “Rektor Desa,” Khabib carries a vision of bringing educational standards and professionalism to the village level. He believes that villages should not be left behind in the digital transformation, particularly in utilizing social media as a platform for education, promoting local potential, and strengthening community-based economies.

In various sharing sessions, Khabib emphasizes that becoming a beginner YouTuber is not about owning expensive cameras or sophisticated equipment. “It’s not about how expensive your camera is, but how strong your willingness is to start telling stories,” he said. He stressed that the most crucial step is having the courage to begin with whatever tools are available, because consistency in creating content is far more valuable than luxurious equipment.

According to him, digital platforms such as YouTube can serve as strategic spaces for rural communities to showcase local potential, promote MSME products, and share inspiring grassroots stories. With the right content strategy and sustained commitment, villages can build economic independence while expanding their market networks.

Khabib Anwar’s initiatives and ideas are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) by strengthening the creative capacity of rural communities. The use of digital technology to expand access to information and economic opportunities also supports reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and building sustainable communities (SDG 11). Furthermore, this effort reflects the importance of partnerships and collaboration within the digital ecosystem (SDG 17).

Through consistency and the courage to take the first step, “Rektor Desa” demonstrates that digital transformation can begin in villages, by villages, and for the advancement of villages themselves.

Yogyakarta, February 26, 2026 – Indonesian novelist and sociologist Okky Madasari, Ph.D., delivered a critical reflection titled “The Representation of Marginalized Voices: Who Speaks for Them?” at a public discussion forum in Yogyakarta. In her presentation, she encouraged participants to question who truly speaks on behalf of marginalized communities.

Okky elaborated on various forms of marginalization occurring across different spheres of life, including economic, political, cultural, identity-based, and even global political marginalization. According to her, marginalized groups often face not only limited access to resources but also the loss of space to represent themselves within public discourse.

“Representation that does not stem from empathy and solidarity will continue to exclude and sideline marginalized communities,” she emphasized. She warned that without critical awareness, voices claiming to represent marginalized groups may, in fact, reinforce unequal power relations and perpetuate social exclusion.

In the context of Ramadan, Okky also underscored the importance of social piety. “Ramadan is about social piety. A mosque is not only a place of worship, but also a space for dialogue and critical education,” she stated. She encouraged society to transform religious spaces into arenas for fostering empathy, solidarity, and advocacy for vulnerable groups.

The discussion is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by strengthening the participation and representation of vulnerable groups in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the promotion of critical dialogue, social justice, and inclusive public spaces supports the goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Efforts to build collective awareness and social solidarity also contribute to the creation of inclusive and sustainable communities, in line with SDG 11.

Through this reflection, Okky Madasari reaffirmed that advocating for marginalized voices is not merely about providing them with speaking space, but about ensuring empathy, solidarity, and structural transformation so that they can become full subjects in social and political life.

[Public Reation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

It may seem uncommon for a humanities student to be involved in an international forum centered on business and innovation. Yet that is precisely what makes the story of Kharisma Qurrota Ayun compelling. A Master’s student in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Kharisma took part in the Korea Youth Summit 2026, organized by Youth Break the Boundaries from February 2–5, 2026, in South Korea.

Rather than attending as a project delegate, Kharisma contributed from behind the scenes as a member of the organizing committee. Far from being a secondary role, her position highlights an important point: global forums are not sustained by ideas alone, but also by the cultural fluency, communication skills, and coordination that make international collaboration possible. Her involvement invites a broader reflection on how the humanities, often perceived as distant from business and technology, play a vital role in knowledge diplomacy and cross-cultural engagement.

The summit’s central agenda, the International Symposium, brought together 34 young innovators from New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Morocco, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Uzbekistan. Participants presented business-driven solutions to pressing global challenges, including green economic transitions and community-based empowerment initiatives. The symposium functioned not merely as a competition of ideas, but as a shared learning space where diverse perspectives met and evolved.

In this context, Kharisma’s academic training in literary studies proved unexpectedly relevant. Literature sharpens the ability to interpret narratives, understand cultural nuances, and engage with different worldviews, skills that are indispensable in multinational settings. In global conversations, persuasive storytelling and cultural sensitivity are often as important as technical feasibility. Her background equipped her to navigate complex intercultural dynamics while supporting the event’s overall coordination.

As part of the organizing team, she helped ensure the smooth execution of the symposium, facilitated communication among international participants, and maintained the flow of the program. The role demanded meticulous planning, adaptability, and intercultural competence: qualities that reflect the emerging practice of youth-led global diplomacy.

Kharisma’s experience underscores a broader message: humanities graduates are not confined to classrooms or textual analysis. They are equally positioned to contribute to global innovation ecosystems. Her journey illustrates that literature is not only about studying texts, but about cultivating the capacity to “read” societies, bridge differences, and shape meaningful dialogue.

From Yogyakarta to South Korea, her participation signals the growing presence of Indonesian youth in international arenas. It also reminds us that transformative global initiatives rely not only on groundbreaking ideas and capital investment, but on empathy, narrative intelligence, and collaboration across cultures.

[Master of Arts in Literature, Khotibul Umam]