Yogyakarta, October 28, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again celebrates a proud achievement through one of its students, Sultan Amirul Muttaqin, who successfully earned three prestigious awards in both national and regional rounds of the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an (MSQ) competition. Sultan’s outstanding ability to interpret and eloquently convey the messages of the Qur’an earned him recognition for his clarity, expressiveness, and emotional depth.

Sultan’s first major accomplishment came at the National MSQ Competition organized by the Qur’anic Studies Program of UIN Walisongo Semarang, where he and his team achieved 2nd Place Nationally. The UGM team delivered a powerful collaboration between the qāriʾ (reciter), the translator, and the syāriḥ (commentator), impressing the judges with their harmonious performance, strong arguments, and deep spiritual expression.

His second achievement followed at the Festival Santri Multitalent 2025, hosted by the Khaulabenazir National Community of Female Students, where Sultan once again secured 2nd Place Nationally in the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an category. Serving as the translator, he showcased exceptional linguistic precision and rhetorical beauty in rendering the meaning of the Qur’anic verses.

Not stopping there, Sultan also triumphed at the regional level, earning 2nd Place in the Yogyakarta and Central Java MSQ Competition, organized by the Al-Qur’an Education Institute (LPQ) Masjid As-Syuhada Yogyakarta. The event brought together participants from educational institutions, universities, and Islamic boarding schools committed to promoting Qur’anic-based da’wah.

In his reflections, Sultan emphasized that the role of the translator in the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an is not merely about linguistic conversion, but about reviving the soul and message of the verses so that audiences can truly feel their meaning. “Alhamdulillah, every competition is a valuable experience to deliver da’wah in a scholarly and beautiful way. This proves that students can be meaningful bridges of da’wah through intellect and language,” he shared.

These achievements not only bring honor to the UGM Arabic Study Program but also embody the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The Study Program hopes Sultan’s accomplishments will inspire other students to continue striving for excellence, spreading the values of Islam through language, and contributing to Islamic scholarship both nationally and internationally.

Author: Sultan Amirul Muttaqin

Yogyakarta, 21/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has once again produced a new doctor in the field of linguistics. Novi Eka Susilowati officially earned her doctoral degree with her dissertation titled “The Use of Verbal Violence Metaphors Against Indonesian Politicians on Twitter.” The doctoral promotion session took place in the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM, with promoter Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A., and co-promoter Dr. Hayatul Cholsy, M.Hum.

In her research, Novi discovered that political discourse on social media is rife with metaphors of verbal violence used by netizens to dehumanize and belittle politicians. The forms of these metaphors vary, ranging from words and phrases to sentences, drawing from source domains such as animals, trash, metaphysical beings, and physical objects. Interestingly, new metaphors unique to Indonesia’s digital culture have emerged, such as Mak Lampir and Kakek Sugiono.

During her speech, she identified six factors contributing to the use of verbal violence metaphors against politicians: (1) disappointment with politicians, (2) the political party ideology that supports the politicians, (3) access to social media, (4) the anonymity feature on Twitter, (5) the social distance between Twitter users and politicians, and (6) cultural context.

These findings indicate that social media is not merely a space for expression but also an arena for the reproduction of symbolic violence that can damage the positive image of politicians and diminish respect for their human rights. From a global perspective, this study is relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which emphasizes the importance of peaceful communication, transparency, and respect for human dignity in public life.

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]