Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 — The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari by Kuntowijoyo marked a special moment at the 2025 Jogja Art + Books Fest. Held at The Ratan, Bantul, the event was attended by academics, literary activists, and literature enthusiasts. The launch discussion featured Prof. Faruk H.T.  (Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature and Literary Critic) and writer Mahfud Ikhwan as keynote speakers, with Amanatia Junda serving as moderator.

Originally written by Kuntowijoyo in 1964, the novel is set against the backdrop of the 1949 Indonesian revolution. Rather than emphasizing heroism, the story portrays village life, interpersonal conflict, and a collective search for the meaning of independence in a more humanistic light. This work is especially important to revisit today, notably for its unique sense of locality and spirituality.

In his presentation, Prof. Faruk highlighted that the novel expresses a spirit of reconciliation and communal cooperation as a way out of socio-political conflict. “This novel offers a communal solution to the tensions of that time—between the colonizers and the colonized, between nationalists and traditional elders. Its foundation is oral tradition, and forgiveness is the key theme,” he explained. This underscores an effort toward ideological reconciliation after conflict.

Mahfud Ikhwan, affectionately known as Cak Mahfud and widely recognized for his deep interest in the history of Indonesian literature, noted that the novel had long been “forgotten” and seldom read by the younger generation. He also drew attention to the historical context of Kuntowijoyo’s creative process. “The novel was written between 1963 and 1964, but it is often associated with the events of 1965. This is interesting because we might ask whether Kunto was responding to the events of 1949 or actually preparing for 1965,” he remarked.

The re-publication of this novel was initiated by Dodo Hartoko through Pabrik Tulisan Publishing, with illustrations by Enka Komariah. “Our hope is that this work can reach younger readers without feeling outdated or vintage,” said Dodo in his opening remarks. The new edition features a minimalist and modern design while remaining faithful to the original manuscript. He also emphasized that the setting of the story—Ngawonggo, Ceper—further strengthens the novel’s local thematic character.

The discussion session was lively and interactive. During the Q&A, Arif Kurniawan asked, “If Kuntowijoyo were given the opportunity to write and respond to today’s chaotic political landscape, what would come out of his typewriter?” Prof. Faruk responded by reflecting on Kuntowijoyo’s creative trajectory. “If we look at his first novel, it was very spontaneous, with little control—like the author was directly conversing with the reader. Over time, his writing became more disciplined and autonomous, as though the author gradually stepped back. If Kuntowijoyo were still alive and responding to today’s issues, perhaps his writing would be more realistic, yet still carry his prophetic mission,” he stated. Mahfud added that Kuntowijoyo’s authorship evolved alongside his deepening Sufi ideology: “Kuntowijoyo’s works do not merely record history—they provide meaning through spirituality. If he were writing today, that would likely still define his style.”

The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari not only marks the return of one of Indonesia’s important literary works to the public eye but also underscores the significance of preserving classic literature. This event is part of the Jogja Art + Books Fest 2025’s broader mission to position Yogyakarta as a collaborative space for art, literature, and critical discourse. Kuntowijoyo’s work, in this context, is not merely read as a historical document, but as an interpretation of Indonesia’s present and future.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 27 May 2025 – Behind the classroom doors of the Indonesian for Foreign Speakers (INCULS) Program lies a space for dialogue that goes far beyond language learning. It is a meeting point of nations, a space where values are exchanged, and most importantly, where tolerance and understanding grow. One of the individuals who plays a vital role in this process is Nabila Intan Sari, fondly known as Natan. A student of English Literature from the 2021 cohort, she has been actively involved as a tutor at INCULS since 2023. Her experience has profoundly shaped the way she views the world, Indonesia, and herself.

Through INCULS, Natan has participated in various Indonesian language teaching programs for foreign speakers, such as Darmasiswa, Developing Countries Partnership (KNB), Gadjah Mada International Fellowship (GMIF), and collaborations with Monash University and the University of New South Wales. For her, each program comes with its own unique stories and challenges. Yet, a common thread runs through them all: the critical role of language as a unifying tool and a window into cultural meaning.

Among all her experiences, Natan finds the KNB program the most memorable. Unlike other programs, KNB offers a longer teaching duration, allowing for deeper friendships to form between tutors and international students. Natan wasn’t just a teacher—she became a listener, a discussion partner, and even a close friend. These relationships did not end with the program, as communication continues to this day. This, to her, is a true form of education rooted in humanity.

“To me, being a tutor is not just about delivering theory. It’s about showing up as a human being who can make others feel seen and valued,” she shared.

Natan’s teaching methods reflect a humanistic and dialogical approach. She does not dive straight into grammar or sentence structure. Instead, the first two sessions are spent discussing everyday topics such as daily life, campus experiences, cultural differences, and unique habits from each student’s home country. These conversations help build emotional connections and create a safe, relaxed learning atmosphere. Slang, light humor, and current topics often emerge during tutorials, making the learning experience feel like casual, meaningful conversations.

Another thing Natan finds fascinating is the passion for learning shown by students in long-term programs like KNB and Darmasiswa. They arrive with high motivation, great curiosity, and a respectful attitude. Of course, teaching has its challenges. Natan often encounters difficulties with accents and pronunciation, particularly with students from India and Pakistan. Language barriers are inevitable, but she refuses to give up. Instead, she sees them as opportunities to build more creative and interactive learning approaches.

One of the strategies she implements is taking learning outside the classroom. She brings students to places like the Sonobudoyo Museum to explore Javanese cultural history or hikes with them in the Kali Talang area to witness Indonesia’s natural beauty firsthand. During these activities, conversations naturally flow, touching on various topics including social issues like patriarchy and power dynamics in culture. It is through such moments that social and humanitarian values are woven into language education.

“In doing so, I feel that Bahasa Indonesia becomes more than just a communication tool—it becomes a window into the way our people live and think,” she said.

For Natan, being a tutor has changed many aspects of her life. She has become more aware of diversity and has learned not to judge others from a single perspective. She has grown to respect others more and to appreciate her own culture deeply. Her sense of nationalism has also grown stronger after witnessing how enthusiastically foreigners study Indonesian language and culture. That pride arises not from obligation, but from seeing Indonesia through the eyes of others.

“Sometimes, we only truly understand our own country when we explain it to others. And in doing so, we rediscover the meaning of Indonesia,” she reflected.

To Natan, INCULS is not just a language learning space. It is a small stage for cultural diplomacy, where Indonesia is introduced in the most human way—through person-to-person interaction. She believes that every tutor becomes a lens through which others see Indonesia. Therefore, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining ethics, attitude, and the quality of education. She also hopes to see improved learning facilities, including the need for a new building to better support the teaching-learning process.

In addition, she hopes international programs such as those with Monash University can be expanded and extended in duration. After all, one hour is not enough to truly explore the deeper layers of Indonesian culture. Consistent time and interaction are needed for meaningful intercultural relationships to take root.

To fellow tutors, Natan shares a simple yet powerful message: stay motivated. She encourages tutors to go beyond just teaching the language—to help students truly experience life in Indonesia. Only through firsthand experience can students grasp the essence of Indonesia, not just through words, but through the kindness, warmth, and diversity they encounter.

Through her journey, Natan has shown that teaching language can be a powerful pathway to fostering tolerance, respect, and love for the homeland. In the hands of tutors like her, language becomes a bridge—not just between nations, but between hearts—connecting the present with a more inclusive and understanding future.

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, May 17, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed a delegation from Qismul Adabil ‘Arabiy (QIS’AR) of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) for a comparative study visit held at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event was held to strengthen inter-organizational connections and foster lasting relationships between student associations of Arabic Study programs.

The visit was attended by all members of IKMASA, representing each department, and led by IKMASA Chairperson Candra Solihin. The QIS’AR UNS delegation, numbering around 50 students, was accompanied by their Chairperson, Adil Alhuda.

The visit began with welcoming speeches from the heads of both student associations, followed by detailed presentations of work programs from each department. To facilitate in-depth discussions, participants were divided into smaller groups consisting of 2–3 corresponding departments for more focused exchanges.

The event concluded with a documentation session held in Room 709 of the Soegondo Building and in front of the Graha Sabha Pramana building, capturing the spirit of collaboration and mutual learning that defined the day.

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a public lecture entitled “Sugianto’s Heroic Action in the Great Fire Crisis in Korea” on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

The public lecture featured Prof. Yang Seung Yoon, a prominent scholar in Korean history and culture, as the keynote speaker. In his presentation, Prof. Yang shared a moving true story about the bravery of an Indonesian citizen named Sugianto, who was involved in a major fire crisis in Korea. The story not only portrayed extraordinary humanity but also highlighted how a foreign national could make a meaningful contribution during a cross-national crisis.

The session was highly interactive, with Prof. Yang weaving in historical narratives, the geography of Korea, and the human values that formed the core of his lecture.

Following the lecture, the event continued with the awarding of scholarships from KAGAMA Korea to eleven students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. This scholarship represents the alumni’s concern and support for advancing the education of younger generations, especially those who show dedication and commitment to Korean studies.

To conclude the event, Prof. Yang Seung Yoon presented books on Korean history to the attendees. The books symbolize a commitment to supporting intercultural learning and serve as valuable references for the students. After the book presentation, Prof. Yang left the audience with a memorable message: “Never stop reading.” This simple yet meaningful remark inspired all participants to continue expanding their knowledge through literacy.

This event not only strengthened the bonds between academia, alumni, and the Korea–Indonesia community, but also formed part of a broader effort to foster global academic collaboration and promote quality education through intercultural knowledge exchange.

[Bachelor of Korean Language and Culture, Nisa Khairuna Sabilla]