Yogyakarta, 5 December 2025 — A workshop on IoT-based smart classroom systems was held in room S 709 on the seventh floor of the R. Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event featured Irawan Wko Prabowo, S.T., M.Eng., who delivered a session on the implementation of automation technology and room temperature monitoring through a Building Management System (BMS).

The workshop discussed how BMS functions as a centralized computer system that controls mechanical and electrical equipment within a building. Irawan explained that integrating building systems is essential for operational efficiency, especially in modern classrooms that require comfort and stable learning conditions. “BMS allows administrators to regulate temperature, lighting, and building security from a single control point, enabling real-time monitoring,” he said.

In his presentation, Irawan outlined the main functions of BMS, including HVAC control to maintain air quality and room temperature, lighting management that adjusts to energy needs, as well as monitoring electricity use and security systems. All functions are connected through an integrated platform, making facility management more streamlined.

Participants also received an explanation of how BMS works, starting from the collection of sensor data that measures temperature, humidity, and energy usage, to the processing of this data by digital controllers that determine automatic actions. The information is displayed through a user interface accessible via computers and mobile devices. With this technology, building managers can monitor rooms remotely and make decisions based on real-time data.

The workshop emphasized the importance of efficient building management in addressing rising energy demands. IoT-based smart classroom technology is expected to support a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsive learning process. This initiative represents a strategic step toward promoting sustainable space management and fostering smarter, more responsible learning environments.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 22 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again achieved an impressive accomplishment at a national-level entrepreneurship event. In the competition organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the FIB Mandira Heritage Team secured 1st Place in the Growing Business Category at the 2025 KMI Expo, the culminating event of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Program (KMI).

This event brought together young entrepreneurs from universities across Indonesia in a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovation and sustainability. Mandira Heritage Group stood out with its ideas that combine cultural themes, creativity, and digital technology. Products such as Mandira Brick, Mandira Puzzle with Augmented Reality technology, Bimba Brush, and JAKI, an interactive 3D puzzle, captivated both visitors and judges. Strong product design, compelling visual creativity, and rich cultural narratives made UGM’s booth one of the most striking among the participants.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of Fahmi Prihantoro, M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, who supported the team from concept development to final execution. The accomplishment further strengthens FIB UGM’s position as a faculty that not only focuses on humanities studies but also encourages students to innovate within the cultural-based creative industry.

Mandira Heritage’s success aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to advancing quality education and strengthening culture-based creative economies. Through the use of digital technology in cultural preservation and education, this initiative supports the creation of inclusive and innovative learning experiences. Additionally, participation in a collaborative event that brings together universities nationwide reflects efforts to reinforce national partnerships as part of sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November 14, 2025 — The Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a Government Tour as part of the 2025 External Relations Department’s flagship program. The visit, held from 13:30 to 15:00 WIB, involved 40 students from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Language Center of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (BBY), reflecting the institution’s appreciation for student-led educational initiatives.

The event opened with remarks from Candra Solihin, the 2025 President of IKMASA, who emphasized the importance of institutional visits in broadening academic insight and fostering early professional networking. The agenda continued under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Rusydatu Nibras Salamah, ensuring the program ran smoothly and in order. The atmosphere grew more engaging when participants were invited to enjoy refreshments prepared by BBY.

During the main session, Mulyanto, M.Hum., Senior Expert Linguist at the institution, delivered an informative presentation outlining the history of the Language Center, its institutional roles, and various strategic programs carried out to support language development and literacy initiatives across the Yogyakarta region. He also highlighted internship opportunities available for students interested in pursuing linguistic research and institutional language work.

Throughout the visit, students demonstrated strong enthusiasm, actively engaging in discussions about language programs, research opportunities, and potential pathways for student involvement in BBY’s activities. This Government Tour is expected to serve as a meaningful platform for UGM Arabic Study Program students to expand their professional network, gain firsthand exposure to applied language work, and explore future collaborative possibilities with the Language Center.

Author: Aisyah Mutmainnah

Yogyakarta, November 19, 2025 – The Muslim Family of Cultural Sciences (Keluarga Muslim Ilmu Budaya – KMIB) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a Blood Donation Drive on Wednesday, December 19, 2025. This humanitarian activity was held in Room 202 of the Poerbatjaraka Building, FIB UGM, in collaboration with the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia – PMI) of Sleman Regency. This drive is one of the social work programs of the Department of Community Service Relations (Hubungan Pelayanan Umat – HPU), serving as a real manifestation of the students’ commitment to contributing directly to humanitarian and social issues.

The blood donation event, which took place from 08.00 to 11.00 a.m, received a very positive reception from various parties. Enthusiasm came not only from students but also from lecturers, educational staff, and the general public. The success of this drive, fully supported by the KMIB committee, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and the Sleman Regency PMI, managed to collect a significant amount of blood donations. This extraordinary achievement underscores the strong spirit of solidarity within the FIB UGM environment, and this contribution greatly helps the PMI in maintaining its blood supply.

The initiative, spearheaded by the HPU department, did not only focus on blood collection but also served as a means of health education. Every prospective donor had the opportunity to undergo a basic health check, such as blood pressure and hemoglobin level checks. KMIB hopes that this positive initiative can continue to have an impact, becoming an implementation of the values of care highly upheld by FIB UGM students, and can be a sustainable agenda in the future.

The success of this event reinforces KMIB FIB UGM’s position as an active student organization moving across various lines, from spirituality and culture to humanitarian social action. KMIB FIB UGM expresses its highest appreciation to the Sleman Regency PMI for their cooperation and to all donors who have sincerely contributed their time and blood. The presence and active participation of all campus elements were the key to the successful execution of this Blood Donation Drive.

This blood donation drive tangibly supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by providing a safe and critical blood supply for public health services; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that blood is accessible to all who need it, regardless of socio-economic status; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through strengthening community health resilience by guaranteeing the availability of emergency medical resources; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals) through effective collaboration between FIB UGM students (KMIB), the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and the Sleman Regency PMI.

Author: Hilmi Anugerah Alghani

Yogyakarta, 18 November 2025 — As part of its ongoing effort to expand creative dialogue within the academic community, the Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a public lecture titled “Tracing Self-Identity Through Fiction” on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in Room 204 of the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. The event featured California-based writer of Vietnamese–Indonesian descent, Mazdo, as the keynote speaker, with Naria Nur Iftitah serving as moderator. Her presence drew enthusiastic attention from students, alumni, and literary researchers eager to explore how fiction can serve as a medium for reflecting identity, personal experience, and socio-cultural dynamics.

In her presentation, Mazdo explained that writing, for her, is a deep dialogue between personal experience, imagination, and the internal questions that continually shape her creative process. She introduced three of her short stories as examples of how she navigates identity through fiction. The first piece she discussed, When the Moths Came (2023), stems from her personal experience. “This story began from my experience living in an apartment where moths were flying everywhere— in the kitchen, around the living room, everywhere. I felt disturbed, but I thought it would be interesting to turn it into a short story,” she explained. From this simple experience, Mazdo crafted a narrative about a married couple dealing with the constant presence of moths, which disrupt their daily life and create emotional distance between them.

Her second story, The Collector (2024), is rooted in her time studying at the Southeast Asia Program building at Cornell University, which was filled with cultural artifacts. She invited the audience to examine how such objects hold long historical traces, including power relations between the United States and Southeast Asian nations. Through the perspective of two curious and innocent children, she demonstrates how Orientalism and colonial traces can be reimagined in fictional space.

Meanwhile, her story Cut Blooms (2025) highlights the relationship between two sisters—shaped by affection, misunderstanding, and an unbreakable emotional bond. Mazdo shared that the inspiration for this work came from her closeness to her own sisters. “When I write, inspiration can come from anywhere, even from my own life experiences. For example, Cut Blooms comes from my personal experience, but I do not write it literally as it happened. Since I write fiction, only small details that truly happened in my life are adapted into the story,” she explained. This statement helped the audience understand that fiction does not require literal adherence to real events, but instead transforms lived experience into a broader emotional structure.

The public lecture also aligned with values of social and cultural sustainability. Through her stories, Mazdo demonstrated that literature can serve as a tool for cultivating empathy, honoring diverse identities, and encouraging reflection on one’s place within larger historical contexts.

The question-and-answer session unfolded warmly and thoughtfully. The first question came from Marisa Santi (Kagama UGM), who asked about the narrative approach Mazdo most frequently uses, whether she prefers the author as an omniscient narrator or allows the characters full autonomy. Responding to this, Mazdo said, “I tend to use the first approach, where the writer serves as the narrator.” She added that this position allows her to guide the fictional world while still giving her characters space to move freely.

The next question was posed by Marsya Kamila, a student of UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature, who asked whether Mazdo plans to write fiction that explicitly addresses migration or identity exploration in the United States, given that her parents migrated there. Mazdo responded enthusiastically: “Yes, because both of my parents come from Vietnam and Indonesia, I think it would be interesting to write fiction that gives voice to our origins and experiences.” Her answer indicates that family history and migration remain enduring sources of inspiration in her creative journey.

The event concluded with great appreciation from participants, who felt they gained new insights into how fiction operates as a tool for self-exploration, historical reading, and reinterpreting lived experience. The Master’s Program in Literature hopes that similar public lectures will continue to provide creative spaces that strengthen literary literacy while fostering cultural awareness and sustainability in society.

[Master’s Program in Literature, Marsya Kamila]