Yogyakarta, 06/13/2025 — The Department of Cultural Anthropology presented Mike McGovern from the University of Michigan as a resource person in a seminar entitled “Resentment Three Ways: Is Resentment Politically Destructive, or Can it be Constructive?” Cultural Anthropology students attended this event to explore the complex nature of resentment and its impact on society.

In his presentation, Mike McGovern highlighted that most European thinking on resentment follows the views of Friedrich Nietzsche, who belittled this sentiment as part of a “slave rebellion in morality,” which he said characterized Judeo-Christian culture. According to Nietzsche, resentment is considered an emotion that is past-oriented, childish, and ultimately detrimental to the individual who experiences it.

This seminar aims to explore the multifaceted nature of resentment, especially in the context of education and conflict resolution. Mike McGovern emphasized that understanding resentment is essential to fostering dialogue and promoting peace in societies that end conflict. He argues that hurt can lead to destructive political outcomes or serve as a catalyst for constructive change, depending on how it is managed.

Mike McGovern brings together three case studies from Myanmar, Guinea, and the United States to illustrate how hurt operates in different social and economic contexts, each producing different trajectories and outcomes. In Myanmar, for example, hurt has fueled protracted ethnic conflict, divisions, and hampered progress toward reconciliation. Meanwhile, the situation in Guinea shows how collective hurt over colonial legacies has fueled movements toward social justice and political reform.

Throughout the seminar, McGovern encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences with hurt and consider how these feelings can be transformed into positive action. He emphasized the importance of education in this process, as it provides individuals with the tools to engage in constructive dialogue and resolve conflict.

As the seminar concluded, participants left with a new understanding of the dual nature of hurt. While it can be a source of discord and conflict, it also has the potential to inspire change and foster unity when approached thoughtfully. The event emphasized the importance of addressing emotions such as hurt in efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, especially in the areas of education and conflict resolution.

[Humas FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 24, 2025 – In the spirit of promoting fitness, team spirit, and athletic potential among students, the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada launched its first basketball training session called Basket Asik IKMASA on Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, at the Faculty of Psychology Basketball Court, UGM.

Starting at 7:00 AM, the session was free of charge and open to all Arabic Study Program students from any year. Participants didn’t come alone—friends, family members, and partners were also welcome, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere on the court.

While the activity was held in a casual and cheerful tone, it also served as an initial step toward discovering promising basketball talent who could represent IKMASA in future sports competitions. 

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by encouraging physical activity and fostering healthy social networks through sports.

Basket Asik IKMASA is a testament to how a culture of health, camaraderie, and positive competition can thrive in a lighthearted and joyful environment—one basketball game at a time.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, May 23, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada brought together students in a lively sporting event, Fun Match Futsal SASRAB, held on Friday evening, May 23, 2025, at Telaga Futsal 1 starting at 5:30 PM.

Open to all Arabic Study Program students regardless of year or gender, the event also welcomed friends, family members, and partners to join the fun. With a participation fee of just Rp10,000, attendees enjoyed an energetic and friendly futsal match aimed at refreshing minds and bodies after a week of academic activities.

More than just a casual game, Fun Match Futsal SASRAB served as a platform to discover hidden talents and nurture interest in sports, especially futsal, among students. This activity also supports the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by promoting physical wellness and social connection in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Through this fun and energizing event, IKMASA aims to strengthen solidarity and encourage active lifestyles among Arabic Literature students. Fun Match Futsal proves that student bonding, sportsmanship, and well-being can all be fostered—one goal at a time.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, May 17, 2025 – To recharge students’ spirits amid their demanding academic schedules, the Interests and Talents Division (Mikat) of the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted Badminton Time – “Edisi Keringet Bareng!” on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at GOR Lembah UGM from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

The event was open to all Arabic Study Program students, whether seasoned badminton players or those simply looking to have fun and break a sweat together. With an entry fee of only Rp5,000, participants were provided with shuttlecocks, access to the court, and a vibrant opportunity to play and connect with fellow IKMASA members. No registration was required; students simply needed to show up in sportswear with energy and enthusiasm. Rackets were also available on-site for borrowing.

This activity also aligned with the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—in particular, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. By creating a physically active and socially inclusive space, Badminton Time served as a platform for building community through wellness and collaboration.

The event successfully strengthened solidarity among IKMASA members while providing a healthy and enjoyable break from academic routines. Badminton Time stands as a testament that the spirit of sports, joy, and togetherness continues to thrive among Arabic Literature students at UGM.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, May 23, 2025 — Elvira Sundari, an Arabic Study Program student at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), claimed first place in the female category of the 2025 Yogyakarta Language Ambassador Selection. The award was announced during the Grand Final and Awarding Night held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM WIB in the Bima Hall, Yogyakarta City Hall.

In a night filled with energy and excitement, Elvira delivered an outstanding performance alongside Razif Raihan Rasyid, a student from UGM’s Faculty of Animal Science, who was named the male first-place winner. Together, they will represent the Yogyakarta Special Region at the upcoming National Language Ambassador Competition. 

The Yogyakarta Language Ambassador Competition is an annual program organized by the Yogyakarta Language Center (Balai Bahasa Yogyakarta or BBY) to select young individuals with strong competence in language and literature. The selection process began well before the awarding night, starting with document screening, followed by interviews, intensive training, and final evaluations. Participants were assessed on personal potential, linguistic knowledge, and foreign language proficiency.

Drs. Anang Santosa, M.Hum., Head of BBY, emphasized that the Language Ambassador selection is more than a competition. It is a platform to shape agents of change who can preserve and promote the Indonesian language, safeguard regional languages, and master foreign languages. This initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by empowering youth in advancing literacy, language, and cultural awareness.

[Author, Elvira Sundari]