Gadjah Mada University once again served as a destination for a study tour. This time, UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) warmly welcomed 95 students from MAN 1 Pandeglang at the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Unlike typical academic visits, this gathering was organized in a more relaxed manner, with a focus on introducing the culture and dynamics of campus life. Faculty members invited the students to see firsthand how the academic programs at FIB UGM present the study of language, history, and literature in a way that is engaging and relevant to current trends.

The discussion took on a two-way nature as the Q&A session began. The students seemed curious about how cultural studies are applied in the digital age. The conversation flowed lively, covering topics ranging from the use of technology in historical research and fun ways to learn foreign languages to the creative projects of FIB students, which were anything but rigid.

This visit is expected to open new horizons for the students of MAN 1 Pandeglang regarding the importance of cultural literacy. In addition, this trip will serve as a source of motivation for them to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges in college in the future.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

Yogyakarta, June 22, 2026 – Three students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) are participating in the 2026 Period II Community Service–Community Empowerment Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada. They have been assigned to Indonesia’s 3T (Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost) region, specifically on Parang Island and Nyamuk Island in Karimunjawa District.

The three students are Alma Syahwalani (Class of 2023, Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program), Keysha Almira Putri (Class of 2023, Tourism Study Program), and Ancelmus Lugas Jejeg Pideksa (Class of 2023, English Literature Study Program). They are members of the KKN Kanvas Paramu 2026 Team, which carries out community empowerment initiatives based on the local potential of the island communities.

The KKN Kanvas Paramu Team is assigned to two islands and divided into four subunits: Parang 1, Parang 2, Nyamuk 1, and Nyamuk 2. Alma and Keysha are assigned to Nyamuk 2 Subunit, while Lugas serves in Parang 1 Subunit.

As villages categorized as part of Indonesia’s 3T regions, Parang Village and Nyamuk Village face various challenges while also possessing significant development potential. Based on a community needs assessment, the KKN Kanvas Paramu Team has designed several programs that focus on community empowerment and sustainable development.

These programs include strengthening community empowerment through education, healthcare, the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and children’s creativity. In addition, the team is committed to promoting sustainable marine ecotourism management and environmental conservation to support Karimunjawa’s tourism potential.

In the environmental sector, the students will implement programs to strengthen coastal environmental management and improve basic village infrastructure. Meanwhile, in the economic sector, their initiatives focus on developing local food resources, promoting the sustainable utilization of coastal resources, and enhancing MSME products through improved distribution networks and sustainable marketing strategies.

Through the implementation of the 2026 KKN-PPM Period II, FIB UGM students are expected to apply the knowledge they have gained throughout their studies to make meaningful contributions to local communities. The program also provides valuable experiential learning opportunities, enabling students to better understand the social, cultural, and economic conditions of island communities while fostering collaboration between the university and society in achieving sustainable development.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

On Saturday (29/10/2026), the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a meeting with students who are recipients of the Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo (YAD) scholarship. The event, conducted online via Google Meet, was attended by the Head of the Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum.

The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, serving as both a space for sharing and reflection for the students. Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., expressed her appreciation to the YAD scholarship recipients who have maintained strong academic performance, with a current cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 3.5. Appreciation was also given for the students’ active involvement in various non-academic activities, particularly those related to the preservation and development of Javanese culture.

In addition, she extended her congratulations to two YAD scholarship recipients who have completed their studies and participated in the Undergraduate and Applied Bachelor graduation ceremony (Period III, Academic Year 2025/2026) on May 21, 2026, namely Endar Sasmito Aji and Haryo Untoro. This achievement is expected to serve as motivation for other students to complete their studies successfully.

In her remarks, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., emphasized the importance of sustaining students’ contributions, especially those related to Javanese culture. She reminded them that their achievements should not stop at personal accomplishments but should also bring benefits to society. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of documenting every activity undertaken, not only as a form of accountability, but also as part of a portfolio that can be utilized in the future.

The meeting also served to strengthen the resolve of YAD scholarship recipients in navigating both their academic journey and extracurricular activities. Beyond being a form of appreciation and encouragement, the meeting opened space for students to continue developing their roles within society, particularly in relation to the preservation of Javanese culture.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, June 25, 2026 – The Kuliah Kerja Nyata – Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (KKN-PPM) program at Universitas Gadjah Mada serves not only as a platform for community engagement but also as an opportunity for students to learn about Indonesia’s diverse local traditions and cultures. This was experienced by Alma Syahwalani, a student of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, who is currently participating in the 2026 KKN-PPM Period II program in Nyamuk Village, Karimunjawa District.

During her program, Alma had the opportunity to participate in the Barikan Ceremony, a traditional ritual practiced by the people of Nyamuk Village as a communal prayer for protection and the well-being of the entire community. The ceremony is held at a village crossroads and attended by local residents.

As part of the tradition, each household brings a tumpeng a cone-shaped serving of yellow rice as a symbol of gratitude and hope for safety and prosperity. Unlike most tumpengan traditions, however, the tumpeng prepared for the Barikan Ceremony is not shared and eaten together. Instead, after prayers led by a respected community elder, the tumpeng is thrown to the gathered participants. The lively and joyful event reflects the strong sense of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and communal spirit that characterizes the people of Nyamuk Village.

According to local residents, the Barikan Ceremony is held regularly every Friday Wage, one of the days in the Javanese calendar. The tradition is also preserved in Parang Village and Karimunjawa as part of the communities’ ongoing efforts to safeguard their cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.

The Barikan Ceremony shares similarities with the Sedekah Bumi tradition, as both express gratitude to God while also seeking blessings, protection from misfortune, and safety for the community in their daily lives.

For Alma, participating in the Barikan Ceremony was a valuable learning experience throughout her KKN-PPM program. As a student specializing in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, taking part in the tradition allowed her to gain firsthand insight into a living cultural practice that continues to thrive within the community. The experience also broadened her understanding of Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity and reinforced the importance of preserving local traditions as an integral part of the nation’s cultural identity.

[Public Relations, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM]

Two students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Michelle Anastasia Budiman (Class of 2022) and Listu Prajna Anggana (Class of 2023), have been selected to participate in the Ferris University Exchange Program in Japan. The one-year exchange program commenced in March 2026 and is scheduled to continue until February 2027, providing students with the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture through direct experience.

Through the program, Michelle and Listu will receive various forms of support, including a tuition waiver and scholarship assistance from Ferris University throughout their period of study in Japan. The program is designed to support students’ academic development while encouraging cultural exchange and international engagement.

Ferris University also offers a range of support services for international students, including a mentorship program with Japanese students, academic tutors, and dormitory facilities. Through these opportunities, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, strengthen their Japanese language proficiency, and gain valuable intercultural experiences.

The participation of Michelle and Listu in this program reflects the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to encouraging students to take advantage of international opportunities and develop their academic competencies in a global environment.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]