The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again achieved a national accomplishment by winning the Grand Champion title at the 2nd Hiroshima University Japanese Essay Contest in Indonesia. The awards were presented on 7 February 2026 during the award ceremony held at Garuda Hall, Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, involving various national and international institutions as event partners.

The Japanese-language essay contest was organized by Hiroshima University in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia and Universitas Dharma Persada, with support from the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, the Association of Japanese Language Education, PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales, SPRIX Inc., Nihon Talent Solution, Andersen Group, Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd., Chateraise Co., Ltd., and Marugame Udon. In its second year, the competition received 268 essay submissions from 24 universities across Indonesia, a significant increase compared to the previous year, which received only 96 submissions.

Out of hundreds of submissions, 30 participants were selected to advance to the interview stage. UGM submitted 21 essays, with three participants advancing to the interview round, and two of them receiving awards, including the Grand Champion title.

A 2022 student of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM, Michelle Anastasia Budiman, won the Grand Champion award and received prizes including a MacBook Air M4, a round-trip ticket from Yogyakarta to Hiroshima with two weeks of accommodation, a round-trip ticket from Yogyakarta to Jakarta along with hotel accommodation for the award ceremony, Marugame Udon meal vouchers, and a certificate of achievement.

Meanwhile, another 2022 student of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM, Sheila Nursabila Sunarto, received the Honorable Mention Award and obtained a Huawei MatePad SE tablet, Marugame Udon meal vouchers, and a certificate of achievement.

On the same occasion, the UGM team supervisor, Wiastiningsih, Ph.D., also received an award as the Best Supervisor for her contribution in mentoring and assisting the students throughout the competition process.

The organizing committee stated that the increasing number of participants reflects the growing interest in Japanese language studies in Indonesia and expressed hope that the competition would continue to serve as a platform for appreciation and competency development among university students.

This achievement further demonstrates the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to providing quality education and encouraging students to compete at both national and international levels. Through collaboration with various institutions and active participation in global academic events, the program continues to strengthen its role in academic competency development and international networking.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

The Archaeology Student Association (HIMA) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada took part in a social service activity organized by the Perkumpulan Ahli Arkeologi Indonesia (IAAI) to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The activity involved planting 100 bamboo seedlings in the area surrounding Candi Morangan, specifically along the Gendol River embankment and Embung Tiban in Sindumartani Village, Ngemplak District, Sleman Regency. Held on April 19, 2026, the program began with an opening session and remarks, followed by documentation and the bamboo planting activity at the site. This activity was carried out through collaboration between IAAI Central, IAAI Regional Commission of Yogyakarta–Central Java, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Yogyakarta, Komunitas Kandang Kebo, Yayasan Hutan Biru, the Sindumartani Village administration, and HIMA. The involvement of HIMA in this activity reflects the active role of students in supporting environmental preservation and the protection of cultural heritage sites.

[Archeology, Jovinka Aldinova Kiranamurti]

Credit Photo : IAAI

Yogyakarta, April 25, 2026 – The Association of Arabic Literature Students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKMASA UGM) once again presents a student development program through the IKMASA Future Leaders 2026 event. With the theme Public Speaking Advancement & Leadership Decision Making, this program serves as a learning space for students to enhance their public communication skills while also strengthening their leadership capacity.

The event featured two experienced speakers in their respective fields. Nafesya Amrina Rasyada, S.S., Creative Officer at GIK UGM, delivered a session on public speaking, while Syifa Ulhusna Syahputri, S.S., Founder of Pelita Gembira, discussed leadership. Both speakers presented the material in an applied approach that was closely related to the current realities faced by students.

In the public speaking session, participants were guided to understand the fundamentals of effective communication, build self-confidence, and develop well-structured and persuasive ideas. Meanwhile, in the leadership session, participants were encouraged to explore the importance of decision-making, the ability to lead in various situations, and the development of adaptive leadership character. 

The event atmosphere was highly interactive. Participants did not only listen to the presentations but also actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and shared their experiences. Overall, IKMASA Future Leaders 2026 ran smoothly and provided a positive impact on students’ soft skills development, particularly in communication and leadership.

This program is expected to serve as an initial foundation for Arabic Literature students at UGM to become better prepared in facing future challenges, both in academic and professional fields.

[Arabic Literature, Indana Zulfa Maulida]

Yogyakarta, April 23, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Mengayubagya ceremony to honor its postgraduate graduates of Period III for the Academic Year 2025/2026 in a solemn and proud atmosphere. The event served as a moment of appreciation for the graduates’ academic achievements, as well as a milestone marking the beginning of their professional careers and contributions to society.

The ceremony was attended by the Dean of FIB UGM, Setiadi, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Nur Saktiningrum, Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Suray Agung Nugroho, as well as representatives from various departments and study programs within FIB UGM.

A total of 108 postgraduate graduates participated in the ceremony. In his remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM expressed optimism regarding the future development of postgraduate programs. He highlighted several ongoing academic innovations, including the introduction of a fast-track program, as well as strengthened collaborations with international universities through double degree and joint degree schemes. According to him, these initiatives will broaden opportunities to enhance both the number and quality of postgraduate students at FIB UGM.

On this occasion, an award was also presented to an outstanding graduate, Hadijah Rima, who achieved a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.00. This accomplishment is expected to inspire fellow graduates to continuously strive for academic excellence.

The Mengayubagya ceremony was not merely a formal event, but also a moment of reflection on the academic journey and a source of hope for the graduates’ future contributions in building a more knowledgeable and culturally enriched society.

This event aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the importance of inclusive and high-quality higher education, as well as the development of human resources to face global challenges. It also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthened international collaborations in double degree and joint degree programs.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM – Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, April 18, 2026 – Amid the demands of academic life, IKMASA, through its Department of Interests and Talents under the Dur Mufassal Cabinet, organized Fun-Minton as a refreshing activity for students. Held at the Sendowo Sports Hall from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, the event created a warm atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of togetherness.

Fun-Minton was open to all Arabic Literature students, regardless of their badminton skills, including those who simply wished to participate in a casual and enjoyable manner. Participants were welcome to attend directly at the venue in sports attire. Beyond promoting physical activity, this event also served as a platform to strengthen relationships among members and to foster a supportive environment within the Arabic Literature community. The interactions that took place throughout the event contributed to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Through Fun-Minton, students are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between academic and non-academic activities while also reinforcing a sense of solidarity. This initiative reflects IKMASA’s commitment to providing a productive, healthy, and collaborative space for all its members.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida