Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026  – The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Ova Emilia, encouraged the emergence of various innovations and new leaps in the development of humanities scholarship during her remarks at the 80th Dies Natalis celebration of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). The eight-decade milestone of the faculty was seen as an important moment to reflect on past achievements while strengthening the contribution of the humanities to the development of civilization.

In her speech, Prof. Ova Emilia expressed pride in the faculty progress report presented by Setiadi. She emphasized that the Dies Natalis celebration is not merely a commemoration of the institution’s age, but also an opportunity to remember the struggles of the founders and predecessors who laid a strong foundation for the development of FIB UGM.

“Eighty years is a mature age, yet at the same time it demands agility to continuously adapt and innovate,” she stated.

According to her, the various achievements attained by FIB UGM demonstrate continuous progress, both nationally and internationally. The academic community, she added, bears the responsibility to continuously produce breakthroughs and new leaps so that the faculty can not only survive but also thrive in facing future challenges.

Since its establishment in 1946, FIB UGM has demonstrated resilience through its ability to adapt and innovate amid changing times. This strength is reflected in the contributions of its alumni as well as numerous scholarly works and innovations that have produced tangible impacts on society.

Prof. Ova Emilia likened FIB UGM to a teak tree that grows stronger as it ages. The older a teak tree becomes, the stronger and higher the quality of its wood. This analogy reflects the maturity and resilience of the faculty in carrying out its role as an institution for humanities education.

She also highlighted several academic achievements attained by the faculty, including international recognition received by its lecturers and the success of several study programs that rank among the top three nationally. These accomplishments, she noted, serve as both pride and motivation to further enhance the quality of education and research.

In addition, the improvement of research performance within the faculty has also drawn attention. Despite relatively limited internal budget allocations, the number of research projects produced remains high due to funding support from various national and international partners. This, she explained, reflects strong public trust in the university.

“The substantial funding obtained from external partners for the implementation of the tridharma activities reflects public trust in the university,” she explained.

She also underscored the strong tradition of community engagement within UGM, which receives broad support from various partners. Every community service initiative carried out by the university, she noted, consistently receives positive responses from stakeholders who wish to contribute.

On this occasion, Prof. Ova Emilia expressed her gratitude to the founders, predecessors, professors, academic community members, educational staff, alumni, and partners who have significantly contributed to building and advancing FIB UGM to its current achievements. She hopes that the values of scholarship and humanity cultivated on campus will continue to grow and contribute positively to national development.

The 80th Dies Natalis celebration of FIB UGM also reflects the faculty’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Strengthening humanities education aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of inclusive and high-quality higher education. Furthermore, research collaborations with various national and international partners support SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while innovations in research and knowledge development contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Closing her remarks, Prof. Ova Emilia delivered a pantun as an expression of appreciation and hope for the faculty’s future:

Attending a celebration by riding a vehicle,

Wearing a dark red kebaya,

Eight decades mark a time of maturity,

May the Faculty of Cultural Sciences always prosper.

Happy Anniversary, FIB UGM!

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Khabib Anwar, widely known by his digital persona “Rektor Desa” (Village Rector), continues to promote village empowerment through a creative, digital-based approach. He is recognized as a village empowerment practitioner, creative mentor, and local economic mobilizer who focuses on content development and YouTube optimization.

Through the identity of “Rektor Desa,” Khabib carries a vision of bringing educational standards and professionalism to the village level. He believes that villages should not be left behind in the digital transformation, particularly in utilizing social media as a platform for education, promoting local potential, and strengthening community-based economies.

In various sharing sessions, Khabib emphasizes that becoming a beginner YouTuber is not about owning expensive cameras or sophisticated equipment. “It’s not about how expensive your camera is, but how strong your willingness is to start telling stories,” he said. He stressed that the most crucial step is having the courage to begin with whatever tools are available, because consistency in creating content is far more valuable than luxurious equipment.

According to him, digital platforms such as YouTube can serve as strategic spaces for rural communities to showcase local potential, promote MSME products, and share inspiring grassroots stories. With the right content strategy and sustained commitment, villages can build economic independence while expanding their market networks.

Khabib Anwar’s initiatives and ideas are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) by strengthening the creative capacity of rural communities. The use of digital technology to expand access to information and economic opportunities also supports reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and building sustainable communities (SDG 11). Furthermore, this effort reflects the importance of partnerships and collaboration within the digital ecosystem (SDG 17).

Through consistency and the courage to take the first step, “Rektor Desa” demonstrates that digital transformation can begin in villages, by villages, and for the advancement of villages themselves.

Yogyakarta, February 27, 2026 – Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama has brought a unique and vibrant Ramadan atmosphere to the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) area of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Initially held from February 18 to March 1, 2026, the event has attracted enthusiastic participation from students and the wider community.

Designed as a creative and collaborative ngabuburit (pre-iftar gathering) space, the festival features a diverse range of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) tenants offering various culinary delights and products. Among them are Nasi Goreng Berkah, Meowtcha, Bunaaca, and many other local businesses providing iftar meals and trendy snacks. The presence of these tenants not only enlivens the Ramadan atmosphere but also serves as a platform for promoting and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of visitors, the organizers have extended the event until March 8, 2026. This extension provides a wider opportunity for the academic community, including students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, to enjoy a warm and productive ngabuburit experience at GIK UGM.

The organization of Ramadan Fest is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting local MSMEs, the event contributes to SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the collaboration between GIK UGM and Swaragama reflects the spirit of partnership highlighted in SDG 17, strengthening the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university environment. By creating an inclusive and positive social space during Ramadan, the festival also supports SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Through Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama, UGM not only provides an enjoyable iftar gathering space but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and economic empowerment during the meaningful month of Ramadan.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Dili, Timor Leste, 13 February 2026 – The Dili Institute of Technology (DIT) facilitated a meeting between the delegation team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Keluarga Alumni Gadjah Mada (KAGAMA) Timor Leste. The meeting was guided by the spirit of “learning from the past, reflecting on the present, for our better shared future” as the foundation for collaboration.

Held at the DIT campus, the meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Manuel Vong, Ph.D., Chair of KAGAMA Timor Leste (former Minister of Tourism of Timor Leste and former Rector of DIT); Aderita Mariana Takeleb, M.Sc., Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at DIT; Napoleon, Head of Fiscal Affairs of KAGAMA; the Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at DIT; Mica Barreto Soares, Ph.D., Director of the MBA Program at DIT; Celline, Head of the Center for Cultural and Arts Studies at Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL); as well as lecturers and researchers from UNTL’s Faculty of Social Sciences, many of whom have written extensively on Indonesia–Timor Leste relations.

In his remarks, the Chair of KAGAMA Timor Leste emphasized that the organization’s current strategic programs focus on improving welfare through the agriculture and fisheries sectors, clean and healthy politics, tourism–arts–industry, and sustainable creative culture. Social inequality remains a primary concern, and collaboration with UGM is expected to strengthen quality education and research as key foundations for addressing these disparities.

The meeting produced several short-term follow-up initiatives, including:

• Training on article writing (both technical and substantive aspects) and journal management and development;

• Collaboration between UGM and KAGAMA Timor Leste in media news writing (public relations and communications);

• Organizing a sport tourism event in the form of a heritage fun walk, involving students from UNTL and DIT as the organizing committee;

• A Literary Festival through UGM’s international community service program (KKN) in border areas, in response to a request from the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Timor Leste for arts training programs (including gamelan, Indonesia–Timor Leste collaborative dance, and the writing of folk tale books).

UGM and KAGAMA Timor Leste also agreed to adopt a cultural approach as the foundation for cooperation across higher education institutions in Timor Leste. This synergy is expected to broaden the societal impact of knowledge and scholarship, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The visit conducted by Universitas Gadjah Mada received support and sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) as the main sponsor of the organization Cultivating the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Under-Represented Scholars of Asia (CHSS). CHSS itself is a transnational inclusivity initiative established by the Association for Asian Studies (AAS).

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]