Yogyakarta, January, 7, 2026 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Farewell and Welcome Ceremony for Faculty Officials, which was accompanied by the signing of the official handover documents for Heads of Departments and Heads of Study Programs. This event marked an important moment in ensuring leadership continuity and strengthening institutional governance oriented toward improving educational quality and sustainable institutional development.

The event commenced with the signing of the official handover documents, symbolically represented by the outgoing and incoming Heads of Departments. The handover and signing were carried out by the Heads of the Departments of Anthropology, Archaeology, Language and Literature, and History, reflecting a shared commitment to continuing the academic leadership relay within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

In his remarks, Drs. Sudibyo, M.Hum., expressed his gratitude for the cooperation and support of the entire academic community during his previous term of office. He conveyed his hope that the new leadership would further enhance the faculty’s performance and strengthen FIB’s role in delivering high-quality higher education. On the same occasion, Drs. Sudibyo congratulated the newly appointed officials and offered his apologies for any shortcomings that may have occurred during his tenure.

Remarks on behalf of the Heads of Departments and Heads of Study Programs were delivered by Dr. Fahmi Prihantoro, S.S., S.H., M.A. He stated that the new Heads of Departments had been officially inaugurated at the university level earlier that morning. According to him, the mandate entrusted to the new leadership carries significant responsibility, considering the achievements attained by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences to date. He affirmed the commitment of the new management to continue the leadership responsibly while fostering collaboration and the sharing of experiences to sustain academic and institutional excellence.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., expressed his appreciation to the former Heads of Departments and Heads of Study Programs for their dedication and contributions over the past five years. He emphasized that a number of strategic achievements had been accomplished, ranging from the strengthening of faculty management systems and improvements in academic performance to progress toward international accreditation for all study programs. These achievements, he noted, reflect sound institutional management and a strong orientation toward building resilient institutional capacity.

Furthermore, Prof. Setiadi expressed optimism regarding the future development of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, including plans for the utilization of a new building scheduled to begin operation in July 2026. The new facility is expected to support the development of language and linguistic studies, as well as the downstreaming and contextualization of humanities scholarship to ensure its continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges. This initiative forms part of FIB’s commitment to fostering academic innovation, expanding access to quality education, and strengthening the role of cultural studies in sustainable development.

Through this farewell and welcome ceremony, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, accountable, and sustainable leadership. The orderly and transparent transition of leadership is expected to further strengthen FIB’s contribution to producing high-quality human resources, building robust institutional foundations, and promoting innovation and the application of knowledge for the benefit of society at large.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

The Kazoku Division of the Japanese Language and Culture Student Association (HIMAJE), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held its Undoukai program on 27–28 September 2025. This event was organized as a series of sports competitions within the Japanese Language and Culture Program (BKJ) to strengthen connections among students from different cohorts and to foster closer interaction between students and faculty members. In addition, Undoukai served as a space to promote sportsmanship and create a healthy, fun, and exciting competitive atmosphere.

The first day of activities, held on Saturday, 27 September 2025, focused on a badminton tournament involving students from all cohorts as well as lecturers. The matches were conducted with high enthusiasm and provided an opportunity for students and faculty to interact more closely in a supportive setting. Through this sport, participants not only competed but also reinforced a sense of togetherness within the BKJ UGM community.

The event continued on Sunday, 28 September 2025, featuring competitions based on games and strategy, including Mobile Legends, chess, and FIFA. This variety of events encouraged participation from students with diverse interests. The competitions were lively and demonstrated that strong bonds can be built through different forms of activities—whether physical sports or games that rely on teamwork, focus, and strategic thinking.

Undoukai became one of the activities that strengthened the family-like atmosphere within the BKJ UGM community. Through this program, the Kazoku Division of HIMAJE BKJ UGM hopes that the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity will continue to grow, while also fostering warmer interaction between students across cohorts and faculty members.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

The Japanese Language and Culture Program (BKJ) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, through its student association HIMAJE, held Bunkasai 2025 under the theme “Natsu no Bunkasai.” Inspired by Japanese school culture festivals, the two-day event offered an immersive cultural experience through stage performances, competitions, interactive booths, karaoke, and a lively bazaar, allowing visitors to enjoy a festive and engaging atmosphere.

Bunkasai took place on Friday and Saturday, 14–15 November 2025, across several key venues at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, including Plaza Margono, the Auditorium, and Greenland. On the first day, activities began as the gates opened at Greenland, followed by an opening session and welcoming remarks. The day concluded with stage performances that set the festive tone of the event. One of the highlights was a performance by HIKARI, which energized the audience and marked the beginning of the entertainment program leading up to the opening of the bazaar.

On the second day, the event started with the opening of competitions at the Soegondo Building, followed by contests such as a quiz competition, Mobile Legends, and chess. Visitors were also invited to participate in other competitions, including speech, dokkai (Japanese reading), and presentations, emphasizing that the festival served not only as a space for entertainment but also as a platform for showcasing Japanese language skills.

In the afternoon and evening, the festival returned to Greenland with an even more vibrant atmosphere. The bazaar reopened alongside the announcement of competition results, followed by performances from internal BKJ communities such as HIGAKU and DAIJI. After an exhibition session and mini games, the event continued with a highly anticipated group karaoke session, reinforcing the spirit of expression and togetherness that Bunkasai aimed to create.

Overall, Bunkasai 2025 demonstrated how BKJ UGM students do not only study Japanese language and culture in the classroom, but also bring it to life through an open, interactive, and collaborative cultural festival. Through a combination of performances, competitions, bazaar activities, and creative programs, Bunkasai became one of the events that reflects the strong and dynamic student community within BKJ UGM, while also serving as an enjoyable medium for introducing Japanese culture to a broader audience.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, 19 December 2025 — The Korean Language and Culture Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada held the K-Speech UGM 2025 Oratory Competition as a Final Semester Project for the Speaking and Listening III course, taught by Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi, S.S., M.A. The event took place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. WIB at Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, 3rd Floor, and was attended by the President of the K-Speech Eloquence Association of Indonesia, Mr. Woo Yong Taek.

A total of 22 teams, each consisting of two to three students, along with one individual participant, took part in the competition. The oratory topics were grouped into three main themes: bullying in universities, world peace, and cultural exchange between Korea and Indonesia.

Prior to the competition, students participated in one oratory technique class and two consultation sessions with the course instructor. Unlike conventional speeches, oratory requires a strong voice and clear articulation. Beyond technical skills, the purpose of oratory is not merely to convey a narrative, but to encourage audiences to reflect on surrounding social issues and to propose meaningful solutions.

Following the performances of all 23 participants, Mr. Woo Yong Taek expressed his appreciation for the students. He praised their Korean pronunciation, noting that it closely resembled that of native Korean orators. He also selected four best teams and awarded each team a scholarship of IDR 2,500,000. The selected teams were:

• Ardhanika Brahmadhinata, Nasywa Amelia, Theresia Chindyawati
• Allysa Fadhia Pramudita, Brigitta Angela Limanto, Paula Maureen Christella
• Irene Xaviera Lovryna, Vivian Valerie Boru Tambunan, Rosalia Pramoda Wardhani
• Alfinda Fidela Daniswara Azarine, Febriana Valentia Andhiera Putri, Jovita Oryza Ananda Naita

The course instructor, Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi, S.S., M.A., expressed her hope that the competition and the presence of the K-Speech Eloquence Association of Indonesia would serve as a source of motivation for UGM students to continue developing their communication skills, social awareness, and readiness to participate in the annual K-Speech competition in the coming year.

Written : Alfiana Amrin R
Edited : Eunike Serafia N.S

Yogyakarta, December, 8 2025 – The Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is collaborating with the Student Association of the Department of Puppetry (HMJ Pedhalangan) of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta to hold a collaborative Wayang Gedhog performance in commemoration of National Puppetry Day. The performance will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. WIB at the Pendapa Tari ISI Yogyakarta. This event is a collaborative synergy between young artists from UKJGS UGM and HMJ Pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta in preserving this rare performing art.

The Wayang Gedhog performance to commemorate National Wayang Day was organized by HMJ Pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta, inviting UKJGS UGM to participate. As the coordinator of the Pedhalangan division at UKJGS UGM and a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at UGM, Muhammad Rafi Nur Fauzy explained that this is a great opportunity to introduce UKJGS’s work in the field of pedalangan, while also enlivening the National Wayang Day celebration. 

The role of puppeteer in this Wayang Gedhog performance was entrusted to Rafi, accompanied by music from other UKJGS members. This performance featured Wayang Gedhog because Wayang Gedhog performances are rarely staged. This type of puppet show had been dormant for a long time and was revived several decades ago. Wayang Gedhog performances are actually considered stiff because they are constrained by the palace hierarchy in their content. Wayang Gedhog was also featured as an introduction to the rich heritage of puppetry to the general public.

The story of Panji Laleyan Duta (Sayembara Keris Jaka Piturun) was chosen to be performed because it was relevant to the current situation and information that was happening and becoming a hot topic of discussion in society, namely the polemic over the change of king in the Surakarta (Solo) Palace. According to Rafi, we need to question how this Javanese monarchy can survive in the midst of a democratic situation. Not only in the Surakarta Palace, but also in Yogyakarta.

As a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at UGM, Rafi expressed his joy and pride at having the opportunity to perform Wayang Gedhog. Currently, not many puppeteers are willing to perform Wayang Gedhog because the performance is considered difficult due to its fixed accompaniment. Only a few puppeteers understand the performance. With the guidance of Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program, Rafi was able to successfully perform Wayang Gedhog, which is considered difficult.

The Wayang Gedhog performance supports the achievement of SDG point 4 Quality Education and point 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, namely as a medium of education and introduction to the treasure trove of wayang and enriching knowledge about cultural heritage in the academic environment, as well as an opportunity for the regeneration of performing arts and livelihoods for young artists. Not only that, this performance contributes to the achievement of SDG point 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by using the role of art as a means to voice constructive criticism of the leadership polemic in the Surakarta Palace. The participatory collaboration between UKJGS UGM and HMJ Pedhalangan ISI Yogyakarta supports the achievement of SDGs and point 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

[ Javanese Literature & Culture, Maysa Putri Fatihah]