Friday, November 21, 2025 – The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program at Gadjah Mada University held an Inspiring Alumni event as part of its efforts to provide insight and inspiration to students and alumni who are preparing to enter the professional world. M. Asykari Muslim (Owner and CEO of Hayfa Academy), an alumnus and speaker at this event, presented a theme titled “Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs: The Synergy of Science, Technology, and Creativity in the Digital Age.” The event, at 709 of the Soegondo building, aimed to connect the current generation of students with alumni who have had successful careers in various fields, while also strengthening the academic and professional networks between the two parties.

The inspiring Alumni event began with a speech from Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Secretary of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Department. In her speech, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. emphasized the importance of building bridges between the academic world and the professional world through the firsthand experiences of successful alumni. “Through this event, we hope that students can gain a realistic picture of career opportunities in the professional world and understand how the skills they acquire in college can be applied in real life,” she said.

The alumni motivated the participants to continue developing themselves, to remain adaptable to the changing times, and to take advantage of every opportunity available. “As KBTT alumni, we must take advantage of all available opportunities, from our ability to speak Arabic or other languages. Look for opportunities to work, don’t be afraid to try, take advantage of available technology. If we want to build something, whatever it is, whether it’s a business or something else, we must use knowledge as a starting point, because without knowledge, no idea will last long,” said M. Asykari Muslim, M.A.

The question and answer session provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with alumni, deepen their understanding of the world of work, and build connections that will be useful for their future career development. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to alumni who shared their experiences and knowledge during the event. The event ended with a group photo and the hope that such activities will continue to be held in the future to strengthen the relationship between the study program and alumni and encourage students to be better prepared for the future.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, 24 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again recorded an outstanding achievement. Alna Hanifah, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, won 2nd Place in the monologue competition held at Universitas Indonesia during the National & ASEAN Student Arts Festival.

This accomplishment demonstrates that FIB UGM students excel not only academically but also in the performing arts. Through an artistically and narratively strong monologue performance, Alna captivated the judges and brought pride to UGM at both national and regional levels. This prestigious event also serves as a platform for students to develop creativity, expand networks, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

The participation and success of FIB UGM students in this competition align with the faculty’s commitment to advancing quality education, as reflected in the principles of the SDGs. By supporting artistic activities, the faculty aims to foster a learning environment that encourages character development, creativity, and cultural competence. Moreover, UGM’s involvement in a festival that brings together universities from Indonesia and ASEAN countries reflects the spirit of global partnership, as the competition provides a space for collaboration and cultural exchange that strengthens international relationships.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 22 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again achieved an impressive accomplishment at a national-level entrepreneurship event. In the competition organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the FIB Mandira Heritage Team secured 1st Place in the Growing Business Category at the 2025 KMI Expo, the culminating event of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Program (KMI).

This event brought together young entrepreneurs from universities across Indonesia in a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovation and sustainability. Mandira Heritage Group stood out with its ideas that combine cultural themes, creativity, and digital technology. Products such as Mandira Brick, Mandira Puzzle with Augmented Reality technology, Bimba Brush, and JAKI, an interactive 3D puzzle, captivated both visitors and judges. Strong product design, compelling visual creativity, and rich cultural narratives made UGM’s booth one of the most striking among the participants.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of Fahmi Prihantoro, M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, who supported the team from concept development to final execution. The accomplishment further strengthens FIB UGM’s position as a faculty that not only focuses on humanities studies but also encourages students to innovate within the cultural-based creative industry.

Mandira Heritage’s success aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to advancing quality education and strengthening culture-based creative economies. Through the use of digital technology in cultural preservation and education, this initiative supports the creation of inclusive and innovative learning experiences. Additionally, participation in a collaborative event that brings together universities nationwide reflects efforts to reinforce national partnerships as part of sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada recorded an impressive achievement at the 2025 Gadjah Mada Sports and Arts Week (PORSENIGAMA). Based on the official recap, the FIB contingent secured victories across various sports and arts categories, in both individual and team competitions, highlighting the strong competitiveness of its students beyond academic fields.

In the athletics division, FIB earned three achievements through I Putu Arya Ananda Adi Nugraha Santosa, who won third place in the Men’s 1500 m, Yustisia Raka Saputra who claimed first place in the Men’s Long Jump, and Ahmad Mikail who took third place in the Men’s 200 m. In orienteering, Rangga Rayhan Paristyo and Shang Narendra Paramarthadewa Suryaputra secured second place in the General Team category.

Outstanding results also came from the FIB Men’s Hockey Team, which won first place. The team members included Alif Yoga Pratama, Arjuna, Fadly Bayu Laksono, Jonathan Ephram Purnomo, Reihan Mandiri Wangsa, Rasendriya Evan Muhammad Walia, Ferdika Dwi Cahya, Firlan Maulana Sayogya, Ibrahim, Jonathan Kefas, Muhammad Farhan, and Muhammad Thoriq Aziz. In addition, Rasendriya Evan Muhammad Walia received the Top Scorer award.

In judo, Wanita Perkasa Bijaksana earned third place in the Women’s +57 kg category and second place in the Women’s +57 kg Tachiwaza category, while Dewan Gusti Dinantaka took third place in the Men’s +90 kg Tachiwaza. In karate, Muhammad Faiz Darmawan won second place in the Men’s Individual Kata, followed by Human Irsyad Sabil in third place for the same category. Kevin Naufal Bagaskara secured third place in Men’s Kumite +60 kg, and Sarah Jasmine Kahiking earned third place in Women’s Kumite +55 kg.

In archery, Affa Arif Hukmana Rahayu won second place in the Men’s Barebow Individual Qualification and third place in the Individual Elimination in the same division. FIB also excelled in pencak silat, with Labibah Haya Nurmaulidza taking first place in Women’s Class C and Lakshita Pradnya Dayinta claiming first place in the Women’s Artistic Single category.

Achievements in the arts category also strengthened FIB’s position. Alna Hafifah won first place in Poetry Reading, Najmah ‘Ulya Syahidah secured first place in Comic Strip, and the monologue category received the Best Directing title. In scriptwriting, Berekhya Kiri Grace Syandana earned third place. In modern dance, FIB won first place through the team consisting of Azra Khansa Ahista Melody Putri Wijayanto, Fransisca Cindy Putri Tet Hun, Justin Liepangi, Kyla Ajizah Rahardhi, Nadia Nasywa Naila Pentha Calista, Nadira Renata Nur Setyaningrum, Nicola Shevarelia Bima Putri, Oryza Sativa Rosyadi, Salsabila Rizky Alifa Zul’am, and Syaira Radhwa Aqila. For traditional dance, Alexandra Gendhis Danurdara, Arba’Athun Nisa Adhya Nur Baity, Audrey Gizella Islamey, Ermin Dhiva Nurhaliza, and Hapsari Inez Kinasih secured third place in the group category.

In the keroncong vocal category, Muhammad Isa Dafa Hakam won first place in the Men’s Solo performance, and Dian Patmisari earned second place in the Women’s Solo category.

These achievements reflect the commitment of FIB students to developing their full potential through healthy, collaborative, and quality-oriented competition. The accomplishments not only bring pride to the faculty, but also emphasize the importance of support and facilities for interest and talent development within higher education environments, contributing positively to the growth of character and the competitive capacity of the younger generation.

Photo: pixabay.com
[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, November 26, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada officially graduated 91 Bachelor Degree students in the First Graduation Period of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held on November 26, 2025 at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM. The ceremony was attended by graduates from 11 study programs, as well as one graduate from a previous period who joined the procession this time.

The graduation ceremony took place solemnly and included the presentation of academic achievements and messages for the graduates. Based on faculty data, the cohort consists of 25 male graduates and 66 female graduates. Cultural Anthropology marked the highest number of graduates with 21 students, followed by English Literature with 13 graduates, and Indonesian Language and Literature and Tourism with 11 graduates each. A total of 73 graduates earned the distinction of cum laude.

In his remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM emphasized the faculty’s commitment to strengthening academic contributions. “FIB contributes around seven areas of study recognized by QS out of 27 at UGM. This is our goal in strengthening FIB, not only by focusing on one or two individuals, but by building a shared spirit, a spirit of synergy in advancing knowledge,” stated the Dean of FIB UGM.

In addition, a representative of the graduates’ parents delivered a message encouraging students to view graduation as the beginning of a long journey. “Continue learning and seeking knowledge because graduation is not the end, but the beginning of your long journey. Be a person who brings benefit, because the best human being is the one who brings the most benefit to others. Use your knowledge to bring light not only to yourselves, but also to your families, communities, the nation, and the world. Hold firmly to character, for it is the key foundation in earning public trust,” she said.

The representative of the top graduates, Catharina Maida from the French Language and Literature Program with a GPA of 3.91, also expressed gratitude and optimism for the future. “Our challenges are still long ahead. There will be many more obstacles in life,” she said.

During the event, the faculty also released other academic achievements, including the fastest study completion and graduate age statistics. Maritza Vidyatsabita from the English Literature Program completed her studies in the shortest time of 3 years, 2 months, and 5 days. Meanwhile, the youngest graduate is Bulan Churniati from English Literature, aged 21 years, 1 month, and 10 days.

This graduation ceremony not only marks the completion of the students’ academic journey, but also the beginning of their contribution to the progress of society. The values of knowledge, collaboration, and character highlighted throughout the ceremony are expected to guide the graduates in building a more sustainable future and bringing meaningful benefits to the wider community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]