Yogyakarta, 8 November 2025 — The Student Association of Arabic Study Program (IKMASA), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Arab World Youth Summit with the theme “Determining Direction: Grand Narratives and Indonesia’s Strategic Steps in the Arab World” on Saturday (8/11) at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM. This biennial summit featured a series of programs including a campus tour, Sahara panel discussion, focus group discussion (FGD), group presentation, personal speech sessions, and an awarding ceremony.

The event welcomed invited guests and 45 youth delegates consisting of students from Indonesia and several other countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Palestine, and Kenya.

Before the official opening, delegates joined a campus tour guided by eight co-facilitators representing each firqah: Syria, Palestine, Libya, Morocco, Iraq, Qatar, Tunisia, and Egypt. The route began at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and continued through several UGM faculties, including the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, and finally the Main Building (GSP) and Balairung UGM. This activity served not only as an introduction to UGM’s academic environment but also as an opportunity to strengthen communication and build collaborative enthusiasm among participants. 

After returning to FIB, delegates enjoyed a coffee break before moving into the main agenda. The event officially opened with remarks from the emcee, followed by the Sahara panel discussion featuring two keynote speakers: Mohammed Adil Salim Algoul, S.T., M.T., M.Ag., Imam and Khatib of Al-Ikhlas Mosque, Nuseirat, Gaza; and Prof. Dr. Siti Muti’ah Setiawati, M.A., Professor of Middle Eastern Geopolitics, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM. This session was moderated by Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Project Director of Madara UGM, the session explored the dynamics of the Palestine–Israel conflict and Indonesia’s diplomatic role.

Prof. Siti Muti’ah highlighted Indonesia’s early commitment to human rights, having signed the UN Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. She emphasized that the rights of the Palestinian people have been violated, while Israel continues to breach international law, human rights conventions, and humanitarian principles.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Adil offered a critical geopolitical reflection:

“It is wrong to say America controls Israel. Even political leaders—including the U.S. President—have stated that Israel controls America because of the Zionist lobby. The term Zionist is bigger than Israel.”

He also noted Zionism’s skill in crafting terminology to shape social narratives, drawing parallels with historical divide-and-rule strategies in Indonesia, such as the santri–priyayi–abangan classification. He argued that Palestine must counter these narratives by producing alternative terminology.

The summit continued with a 45-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving all delegates. This session became a space for dialogue, collaborative thinking, and drafting strategic narratives concerning Indonesia’s role in the Arab world. Delegates then presented their group outcomes, followed by personal speeches designed to enhance public speaking skills.

As the event neared its conclusion, the committee announced the winners of IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Madara Essay Presentation Competition), a national essay competition with student and university categories. The awards included: Best Group Presentation: Syria Firqah and The Most Outstanding Delegate at the Arab World Youth Summit 2025: As’ad Najmuddin, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

The Arab World Youth Summit reflects Madara UGM’s vision as more than just a media platform or discussion forum—rather, it embodies the spirit of dialogue, critical thinking, and cross-border collaboration. The initiative aligns strongly with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The future belongs to those who open spaces for dialogue—not those who build barriers. Today, Indonesia’s youth stand at the threshold of shaping diplomatic direction, constructing grand narratives, and formulating strategic pathways for engagement with the Arab world.

[Arabic Literature, Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani ]

On 19 August 2025, the Master’s Programme in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies held a Welcome Event for New Students of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme for the First Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. Held in the Multimedia Room of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at 09:00 WIB, the event was attended by lecturers such as Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Fadlil Munawwar Manshur, M.S., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, M.A., Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, M.Hum., Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., Dr. Muhammad Zakki, and all active students of the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme.

The Head of the Intercultural Department of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., opened the event by welcoming students to begin this semester’s teaching and learning activities with enthusiasm and excitement. In addition, he also introduced several lecturers who were present and shared their academic experiences, particularly in the field of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies.

Dr. Mahmudah, Secretary of the Intercultural Department, gave a presentation on the curriculum at the end of the event. She stated that ‘Middle Eastern culture-based research can make a significant contribution in addressing global challenges such as peace, social justice, and sustainability.’ In addition, she emphasised that graduates of this programme have great opportunities for careers in academia, research, diplomacy, or other professions that support the achievement of the SDGs.

After a group photo, the new students were introduced, and the welcoming event came to an end. It is hoped that through this welcoming event, students will continue to foster enthusiasm for developing their knowledge through extensive research and scientific publications. New students are expected to become pioneers of change in the field of Middle Eastern cultural studies and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals at the local and global levels with a spirit of cooperation and innovation.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

On 22 September 2025, the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, held a public lecture on the theme of the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Sufi Order. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina, a leading expert from the University of Malaya in the study of Islamic creed and thought, particularly in the field of Sufism, who provided in-depth insights into the history and teachings of this Sufi order. This public lecture aimed to provide a more detailed introduction to the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order and explore its influence in the world of Islamic spirituality, particularly in the context of other Islamic orders.

In the public lecture, Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina outlined the history of the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order, which is a branch of the Tijaniyyah Order. She explained the origins of this order and its teachings, which emphasise the importance of spiritual purification and closeness to God through various spiritual practices, such as zikr and meditation. This order is renowned for its emphasis on purity of heart and personal development through intensive spiritual guidance, which has made it the preferred choice of many Sufi followers in various regions.

Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina also discussed how the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order has developed over time, as well as its contribution to shaping spirituality in the lives of Muslims. This order, rooted in the Sufi tradition, is characterized by its teachings that unite spirituality and everyday practices, thereby having a significant impact on the character and morality of its followers. In her presentation, Prof. Zarrina emphasised the importance of this order in maintaining a balance between the spiritual and social dimensions of Muslim life. 

The event concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer session, where participants had the opportunity to discuss various aspects of the Ahmadiyyah Idrisiyyah Order directly with Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina. This discussion provided an opportunity for participants to explore in greater depth how this order influences the lives of its followers and its role in the broader context of Islamic spirituality. Through this public lecture, it is hoped that participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of orders in the spiritual development of Muslims worldwide.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

Academics from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (FIB UGM) reaffirmed their role in Indonesian philological studies by actively participating in the XX International Symposium on Nusantara Manuscripts (SIPN) and the Eighth National Conference (Munas) of the Nusantara Manuscript Society (MANASSA), held 15–17 October 2025 in Jakarta. The event, titled ‘Nusantara Manuscripts: Collective Memory and the Future of Indonesian Philology,’ was organized by MANASSA, the National Library of Indonesia (Perpusnas), and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). It united researchers, academics, and cultural activists from Indonesia and abroad to discuss the future direction of philology and to build manuscript research networks in the digital era.

In this biennial scientific forum, lecturers and students from the Faculty of Humanities, Gadjah Mada University, played an active role as speakers and presenters. These included Dr Sudibyo, M.Hum.; Dr Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum.; Dr Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A.; Dr R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A.; and Dr Phil. Ramayda Akmal, S.S., M.A. Five FIB UGM students also presented their research: Nanda Nursa Alya (Master of Linguistics), Priyo Joko Purnomo (Master of Literature), Ajeng Aisyah Fitria (Master of Literature), Sarwo Edi Wardana (Master of Literature), Tarlen Handayani (Master of Anthropology), and Anugrah Maulana Fadhli (Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies). Their involvement reflects their seriousness and dedication in building a dynamic, critical, and relevant manuscript research ecosystem in Indonesia to face the challenges of the times.

A special moment coloured this year’s symposium: Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., a retired lecturer from FIB UGM, received the Pustaka Paripalana 2025 for her dedication to preserving the archipelago’s manuscripts, especially through her work at the Pura Pakualaman Library, Yogyakarta. The Jury Chair, Prof. Dr. Oman Fathurahman, noted that the award reflects Dr. Sri Ratna’s perseverance, diligence, and consistency in safeguarding the nation’s knowledge heritage. The forum concluded by appointing Dr. Agus Iswanto, MA.Hum., as Chairman of MANASSA for 2025–2029. He carries the mission to encourage the younger generation to explore philology and manuscript studies (17/10).

FIB UGM representatives actively participated in SIPN XX. Their involvement demonstrated academic contributions and affirmed their commitment to making manuscripts a bridge between the nation’s past and future knowledge.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

Yogyakarta, October 24, 2025 – Two students from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) — Sultan Amirul Muttaqin and Jibriel Sayyid Ishaq — have successfully advanced to the semifinal round of the Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025. They are two of only 17 participants selected from various countries who made it through after an intense and highly competitive preliminary stage.

In the semifinal round, the competition continues to be held online, with participants required to submit a new video speech addressing a different theme from the previous round. This stage serves as a crucial opportunity for Sultan and Jibriel to demonstrate their analytical depth, creative thinking, and contextual argumentation skills on pressing global issues.

The Arabic Study Program continues to provide comprehensive support for Sultan and Jibriel during this phase, including guidance in speechwriting, training in articulation, intonation, and body language, as well as assistance with video recording and editing. This ongoing support reflects the program’s strong commitment to nurturing students’ linguistic, rhetorical, and cultural competencies on the international stage.

Sultan and Jibriel’s participation in this competition also exemplifies the Arabic Study Program’s contribution to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Their success not only brings pride to the university but also serves as an inspiration for fellow Arabic Literature students to continue developing their potential, engaging in international arenas, and representing Indonesia through language, intellect, and culture.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah