Yogyakarta, 13 November 2025 — The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, welcomed an academic visit from the Master’s Program in Literary Studies, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro at Room 709, Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. The event was part of the ongoing implementation of the cooperation agreement between the two faculties in education, research, and community engagement.

The visit began with a warm welcome from the UGM Master’s in Literature team, who greeted the UNDIP delegation of lecturers and students. From the outset, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two institutions.

The first remarks were delivered by the Head of UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. In his address, he expressed his delight in receiving the academic visit. He emphasized the personal and academic closeness he shares with UNDIP, stating that the meeting felt like a family gathering. “I feel very close to UNDIP. I once taught there, and several of the lecturers are my close friends. So today truly feels like meeting family,” he said, receiving warm responses from attendees.

This was followed by remarks from the Head of the Master’s Program in Literary Studies at Universitas Diponegoro, Dr. Sukarjo Waluyo, M.Hum. He conveyed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to visit UGM in person and observe firsthand the learning atmosphere and academic dynamics of UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature. He noted that the visit was valuable for gaining insights into program management and for strengthening inter-faculty collaboration.

The event continued with presentations of study program profiles from both institutions. Representatives from UGM’s Master’s in Literature and UNDIP’s Master’s in Literary Studies shared information on curriculum structures, research focuses, teaching models, and recent developments within their programs. The session was interactive, with each institution exchanging insights and experiences. UNDIP presented several interesting points regarding learning strategies and curriculum innovation, while UGM elaborated on its academic management approach, including how the program operates with six specialization tracks.

The discussion grew livelier during the Q&A session. One UNDIP lecturer inquired about how UGM manages to open six specializations at the master’s level—namely Indonesian Literature, Javanese Literature, English Literature, French Literature, Japanese Literature, and Arabic Literature. In response, Prof. Aprinus explained that launching a specialization requires at least ten interested students and available faculty members. If no students register for a specialization in a particular semester, the track will not be opened for that term. He emphasized that this system has been implemented for a long time.

Students from both universities were equally active in the discussion. A UNDIP student asked about the forms of assignments and examinations used in the UGM Master’s program. UGM students from various specializations then shared their experiences. Nada from Arabic Literature explained, “In the first semester, we study many theoretical foundations as preparation for writing the thesis later on, such as sociology of literature, feminism, post-structuralism, and postcolonialism. In the second semester we continue with specialization courses, and in the third and fourth semesters we focus on the thesis.”

Nai from English Literature added, “For final assessments or examinations, they are usually in the form of academic papers, and in some English Literature specialization courses, we also have weekly essay assignments.”. Meanwhile, Marsya from French Literature shared her experience as the only student in her specialization that year. “In my cohort, I happened to be the only one taking the French Literature specialization. However, the classes were still conducted, and the lecturers continued to provide materials. As for the final assignment, it is similar to other specializations—either a draft article or a submitted article to a SINTA-indexed or Scopus-indexed journal,” she explained.

The Q&A session created an intimate academic atmosphere as lecturers and students from both institutions exchanged questions, perspectives, and reflections. The interaction demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for learning from one another and building a broader academic network.

The academic visit concluded with hopes that the collaboration between UGM’s Master’s in Literature and UNDIP’s Master’s in Literary Studies will continue to grow through similar activities in the future. The meeting not only strengthened institutional ties but also opened meaningful avenues for knowledge exchange, enriching the academic experience for all participants.

[Master’s Program in Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 17 November 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada once again welcomed a visit from SMA Plus Pembangunan Tangerang Selatan and MAN 2 Ponorogo, with a total of 128 participating students and accompanying teachers. This activity aimed to introduce the academic environment, cultural atmosphere, and student activities at FIB UGM, as well as to provide insights for students regarding the campus life at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The visit was guided by the UGM Campus Tour team in collaboration with the Public Relations Office of FIB UGM. The program began with the screening of profile videos of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, followed by a presentation from the FIB Public Relations team on various admission pathways to UGM, the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) system, and an introduction to Autonomous Arts Bodies (BSO) and the student organizations within FIB.

After the presentation session, participants were taken on a tour to get a closer look at the facilities and learning environment at FIB UGM, followed by a campus tour of the Central Building (GSP), one of the main landmarks of Universitas Gadjah Mada. The visit proceeded interactively and enthusiastically, both from the participants and the guides.

This school visit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this activity, FIB UGM actively contributes to expanding access to information on higher education and strengthening collaboration between universities and secondary schools to support the development of excellent and competitive human resources.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November 14th, 2025 –  The Ethnography of Maluku and Nusa Tenggara class held by the Department of Anthropology featured a guest lecturer. Danishwara Nathaniel (Mas Dan) is a PhD candidate from the Geneva Graduate Institute, currently doing research on Ternate, Northern Maluku. During the first session of the class, Mas Dan presented part of his research, titled Visual Activism and Maritime Identity in Indonesia’s Extraction Frontier. In this research, Mas Dan highlights the importance of visual media for the activist movement that is going on in Maluku, which historically has always been an important frontier for natural resources. During the colonial era, the resources being fought over were mainly spices; nowadays, minerals and mines are the resources being extracted from Northern Maluku. Mas Dan explained that Ternate is a sacrifice zone: a specific area that is being ‘sacrificed’ to better the lives of people in other parts of the world. In this context, Maluku’s nature is being destroyed by nickel mines, used for lithium batteries to power electrical vehicles.

Mas Dan further explains the importance of visual and digital media to help put the situation in Northern Maluku on a spotlight. In the past, maps were the visual media being used by colonial forces to plan the conquest of Ternate. This topdown, unspecified view makes the location seem static and controllable, void of any living elements that have their own agencies. Now, visual media helps the people of Ternate to voice their resentment towards the extraction project that they are facing. News and articles are being published all throughout the internet by international journalists and NGOs, spreading awareness about the impacts of green energy development. Mas Dan also mentions that visual and digital media can also be used to dampen the work that the activists have put in. This is mainly done by the government or stakeholders in the mining industry, through the launching of counter-narratives and censorship of the news.

In the second session of the class, Mas Dan brought in his friend as well as his interlocutor (through Zoom Meetings) to share more about the Ternate situation to the class. Adlun Fiqri is an activist from Halmahera who has been vocal in the struggle against the mining industry going on in his hometown. Mas Adlun is also a bachelor of anthropology from Universitas Airlangga, and even did an exchange semester here in UGM. Mas Adlun shared his experience of documenting and actively fighting the mining industry, even being captured a couple of times. He also explains the difference that the mines have brought to local communities: people are becoming more wary and less friendly, after facing countless encounters with the generally aggressive agents from the mines. The main point that is being projected through this class by Mas Dan and Mas Adlun is that Northern Maluku is currently a victim of the growing green energy movement. Visual and digital media can serve as loudspeakers to the world that Northern Maluku is not okay, and spread the word about the impacts of industries on local communities.

Author: Amadeus Abhirama Paramanindita

Yogyakarta, October 30, 2025 — The Arabic Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed an academic delegation from the Arabic Language and Literature Study Program (BSA), Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Ampel Surabaya, for a collaborative meeting on institutional partnership development and faculty cooperation in research and publication.

The meeting brought together heads of study programs and lecturers from both study programs. Representatives from UGM included Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, S.S., M.Hum., and several other lecturers. Meanwhile, UIN Sunan Ampel was represented by Dr. Abdulloh Ubet, M.Ag. (Head of BSA), Sodikin, M.Pd.I (Secretary of the Study Program), Dr. Mirwan Akhmad Taufiq, M.A. (Head of Department), along with other faculty members and teaching staff.

The meeting opened by Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., followed by welcoming speech from Prof. Sangidu and from the UIN Sunan Ampel delegation. During the meeting, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in community service and research. She noted that community engagement initiatives at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences now require involvement across various fields to produce two outcomes: one from UGM and one from its collaborating partners.

In addition to discussing research and publication cooperation, the two study programs reviewed strategies for teaching Arabic at the university level. Dr. Zulfa highlighted several innovations at UGM’s Arabic Study Program, such as matriculation classes for beginners, peer-assisted tutorials, and entrepreneurship courses taught by alumni.

From UIN Sunan Ampel, Dr. Abdulloh Ubet explained that most BSA lecturers have backgrounds in Arabic Language Education (PBA), which shapes their research focus toward education. He also shared that UINSA continues to strengthen students’ language proficiency through intensive Arabic and English training sessions starting as early as 6 a.m. Since 2025, the BSA Program has implemented a new curriculum designed to meet industry needs, including an Edupreneur course to equip students with entrepreneurial competencies.

The meeting concluded with documentation and an exchange of souvenirs between the two study programs, symbolizing their commitment to sustained academic cooperation.

This collaborative forum not only expanded academic networking between universities but also aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthened academic quality and partnership-based learning; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing students’ entrepreneurial skills; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the development of strategic institutional cooperation across higher education institutions in Indonesia.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

Yogyakarta, 8 November 2025 — The Student Association of Arabic Study Program (IKMASA), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Arab World Youth Summit with the theme “Determining Direction: Grand Narratives and Indonesia’s Strategic Steps in the Arab World” on Saturday (8/11) at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM. This biennial summit featured a series of programs including a campus tour, Sahara panel discussion, focus group discussion (FGD), group presentation, personal speech sessions, and an awarding ceremony.

The event welcomed invited guests and 45 youth delegates consisting of students from Indonesia and several other countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Palestine, and Kenya.

Before the official opening, delegates joined a campus tour guided by eight co-facilitators representing each firqah: Syria, Palestine, Libya, Morocco, Iraq, Qatar, Tunisia, and Egypt. The route began at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and continued through several UGM faculties, including the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, and finally the Main Building (GSP) and Balairung UGM. This activity served not only as an introduction to UGM’s academic environment but also as an opportunity to strengthen communication and build collaborative enthusiasm among participants. 

After returning to FIB, delegates enjoyed a coffee break before moving into the main agenda. The event officially opened with remarks from the emcee, followed by the Sahara panel discussion featuring two keynote speakers: Mohammed Adil Salim Algoul, S.T., M.T., M.Ag., Imam and Khatib of Al-Ikhlas Mosque, Nuseirat, Gaza; and Prof. Dr. Siti Muti’ah Setiawati, M.A., Professor of Middle Eastern Geopolitics, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM. This session was moderated by Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Project Director of Madara UGM, the session explored the dynamics of the Palestine–Israel conflict and Indonesia’s diplomatic role.

Prof. Siti Muti’ah highlighted Indonesia’s early commitment to human rights, having signed the UN Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. She emphasized that the rights of the Palestinian people have been violated, while Israel continues to breach international law, human rights conventions, and humanitarian principles.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Adil offered a critical geopolitical reflection:

“It is wrong to say America controls Israel. Even political leaders—including the U.S. President—have stated that Israel controls America because of the Zionist lobby. The term Zionist is bigger than Israel.”

He also noted Zionism’s skill in crafting terminology to shape social narratives, drawing parallels with historical divide-and-rule strategies in Indonesia, such as the santri–priyayi–abangan classification. He argued that Palestine must counter these narratives by producing alternative terminology.

The summit continued with a 45-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving all delegates. This session became a space for dialogue, collaborative thinking, and drafting strategic narratives concerning Indonesia’s role in the Arab world. Delegates then presented their group outcomes, followed by personal speeches designed to enhance public speaking skills.

As the event neared its conclusion, the committee announced the winners of IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Madara Essay Presentation Competition), a national essay competition with student and university categories. The awards included: Best Group Presentation: Syria Firqah and The Most Outstanding Delegate at the Arab World Youth Summit 2025: As’ad Najmuddin, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

The Arab World Youth Summit reflects Madara UGM’s vision as more than just a media platform or discussion forum—rather, it embodies the spirit of dialogue, critical thinking, and cross-border collaboration. The initiative aligns strongly with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The future belongs to those who open spaces for dialogue—not those who build barriers. Today, Indonesia’s youth stand at the threshold of shaping diplomatic direction, constructing grand narratives, and formulating strategic pathways for engagement with the Arab world.

[Arabic Literature, Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani ]