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

Yogyakarta, October 18, 2025 – Students from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), have once again brought pride to their university at the national level. The team, consisting of Muhammad Al Hasan and Faqih Hidayatulloh, successfully won 2nd Place in the Essay Presentation Competition at the Arabic Fair 2025.

The Arabic Fair 2025 is an annual competition organized by the Arabic Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), and supported by the QISAR Arabic Student Association. The event serves as a platform to broaden academic perspectives and enhance students’ competencies in Arabic language and literature.

In the Essay Presentation category, Muhammad Al Hasan and Faqih Hidayatulloh competed against participants from universities across Indonesia. The category challenged students not only to compose their ideas in a written essay but also to present them persuasively and comprehensively before the judges. Through determination and hard work, the UGM team demonstrated their exceptional quality, securing the 2nd best position and outperforming many other competitors. Remarkably, both are first-semester students, making their achievement even more impressive as they competed alongside senior-level participants.

Expressing their gratitude, the team emphasized the importance of confidence and perseverance in academic pursuits. “We worked day and night to prepare for this competition. But we believe this achievement is not the end of our journey, it’s just the beginning of a long road ahead,” said Muhammad Al Hasan on behalf of the team.

The accomplishment of Muhammad Al Hasan and Faqih Hidayatulloh adds another milestone to the list of achievements of UGM’s Arabic Study Program students at the national level. Their success is expected to inspire and motivate fellow students to continue participating actively in competitions and academic initiatives. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM extends its warmest congratulations to the team for their remarkable achievement.

[Arabic Literature, Faqih Hidayatulloh & Muhammad Al Hasan]