Yogyakarta, 7/1/2025 – Monash University in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University’s Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) is running an innovative program dedicated to beginners learning Indonesian language and culture called the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee through the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) as the program intermediary. The program not only offers in-depth language learning, but also strengthens international cooperation, in line with the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in supporting quality education and strengthening global partnerships.

The program is designed to provide a learning experience that is practical and relevant to everyday needs. The main focus of learning is on conversation, so participants can directly apply Indonesian in real situations. This method not only increases participants’ confidence in speaking, but also accelerates the language acquisition process. Participants are invited to participate in simulated daily conversations, such as shopping at the market, ordering food at a restaurant or giving directions. These activities are combined with cultural introductions such as the use of typical expressions that reflect the uniqueness of Indonesian society. With this approach, participants not only learn the language, but also understand the social and cultural context in which it is embedded.

One of the uniqueness of this program is the tutor session which is guided by Universitas Gadjah Mada students. In this session, UGM students act as mentors who help participants re-understand the material that has been taught. This approach provides an opportunity for participants to get a local perspective from native speakers, as well as strengthening the relationship between students from both countries. The tutors not only guide participants in understanding grammar and vocabulary, but also share personal experiences about life in Indonesia. This creates a more intimate and interactive learning atmosphere, where participants feel more comfortable to ask questions and discuss. The session also encouraged in-depth cultural dialogue, opening participants’ minds to the values and traditions that exist in Indonesia.

The collaboration between Monash University and Universitas Gadjah Mada in this program is a clear example of efforts to strengthen global partnerships through cultural diplomacy. The program not only aims to teach languages, but also to create a more harmonious relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Participants who understand Indonesian language and culture have the potential to become a bridge in various bilateral cooperation, ranging from education to trade.

This cultural diplomacy also provides long-term benefits for both countries. As more individuals understand Indonesian values and traditions, opportunities for closer collaboration in various sectors open up. The program serves as a platform to build a mutually beneficial relationship, where both sides can learn and develop together. The program makes a significant contribution to the achievement of the SDG’s, especially in supporting quality education and strengthening international relations. With a focus on conversation, participants are trained to communicate effectively in Indonesian, which opens up new opportunities in tourism, trade, and education.

Through tutoring sessions by UGM students, the program also provides social benefits to the local community. Students involved in the program have the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience while developing communication and leadership skills. This creates a widespread positive impact for both participants and tutors.

The Indonesian language and culture learning program launched by Monash University and Gadjah Mada University on 7 January 2025 is a strategic step in supporting sustainable development. With a focus on conversation-based education and interactive tutor sessions, the program not only improves participants’ language competency, but also strengthens the relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Through a combination of education, technology and cultural diplomacy, the program creates a broad positive impact on both individuals and communities. By continuing to support initiatives like this we can build a more inclusive, harmonious and sustainable world.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta 18/1/2025 – UGM received a guest of honor at the Innovation and Creativity Center of Gadjah Mada University (GIK UGM). The guest was the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, none other than Mr. Fadli Zon. He visited GIK UGM in order to carry out a working visit of the Minister of Culture to Yogyakarta. During this visit, UGM facilitated a discussion between the Minister of Culture and student representatives taken from 8 UKMs from the arts field.

It turned out that there were two students majoring in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who had the opportunity to participate in the visit! The two students were Alma Syahwalani who represented the Marching Band UKM as the Head of Public Relations, and Abimanyu Mahendra who represented the Swagayugama UKM as the General Chair.

The discussion led by Garin Nugroho as the Advisory Abroad of GIK UGM raised the theme ‘Indonesian Cultural Diplomacy Strategy Through Supercreative Hub’. The topic discussed was how a space or platform can combine creativity, technology, and culture to produce innovation in cultural promotion.

The innovations mentioned before could include creative incubators, collaboration centers between artists and creators, or virtual events that showcase Indonesian cultural works. Well, GIK is said to have this potential and can be a place for arts UKMs because arts UKMs themselves are definitely directly related to culture. Furthermore, it is hoped that arts UKMs can develop their work to be more creative, innovative, and also professional in promoting products and activities that can be an attraction or have a wider reach by utilizing the facilities provided by GIK.

In the QnA session, Alma Syahwalani asked a question related to how to utilize existing limitations to create wider opportunities to achieve the goals of Marching Band UKMs to the international scene. Mr. Fadli Zon said that such things could be communicated and given a place, and could also collaborate with the government or large companies.

As for Alma’s impression of this event, she felt very happy because she had the opportunity to attend and meet with the Minister of Culture and also meet representatives of other art UKMs. Because of this meeting, Alma and her friends were able to discuss directly and convey their aspirations.

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature FIB UGM, Fega Achiellea Maydena]

Malaysia, January 1, 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Arabic Literature Study Program is sending its students to participate in a student exchange at Universitas Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) through the Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA) program in 2024. IISMA is one of the flagship programs of Kampus Merdeka organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology. The activity takes place from October 7, 2024 to February 23, 2025.

Through this program, Elvira Sundari, a 2021 Arabic Literature student, had the opportunity to broaden her academic and cultural horizons by taking four courses from three different faculties. In the Faculty of Education, she studied “Social Media in Language Learning” and “Teaching of Literature: Reading The Word and The World”. From the Faculty of Islamic Studies, she took the course “Comparative Arabic Literature”, and in the Faculty of Social Sciences she attended the class “Intercultural Communication”. These activities support the development of cross-cultural and scientific understanding relevant to her field of study.

In addition to studying, Elvira also participated in various additional activities. She participated in a poetry declamation competition during the UKM 2024 Book Festival. She won third place in the competition and was the only participant from Indonesia. On another occasion, she recited Indonesian poetry during Arunika 2024, an Indonesian cultural festival in Malaysia.

“This opportunity gave me the experience of learning in a different environment, allowing me to learn more about literature and culture in Malaysia,” Elvira said. Her participation in this program reflects her spirit to continue learning and establishing relationships between nations.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Arts UGM, Bulan Churniati]

The Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies in collaboration with the Bachelor of Arabic Literature Program at Gadjah Mada University held a National Seminar in order to Mangayubagya the retirement of Dr. Hindun, M.Hum with the theme Palestine: From Nakbah to Tufan Al-Aqsa on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 in Room 709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The event was attended by the deans of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, namely Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum. (Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs), Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni), Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A. (Vice Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources), retired lecturers, alumni and students from the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies and Arabic Literature. The event opened with remarks from representatives of the dean of FIB UGM and continued with giving impressions and messages from representatives of lecturers, alumni, and students from both study programs.

Dr. Hindun is a lecturer in the Intercultural department with expertise in Arabic literature, especially in the poetry of Resistance literature (Adabul Muqawamah). She studied Arabic literature from bachelor to doctoral degree and has served for 40 years at Universitas Gadjah Mada. She has pursued the study of Arab resistance literature, especially Palestine, which until now is still being fought against Israeli occupation. In her speech, Mrs. Hindun said that the struggle for Palestinian independence will never end. She appealed to the invited guests that it is not only the Palestinians who are struggling, but all people of the world who have a humanitarian spirit. Therefore, this seminar certainly provides a deeper insight into the history of the Palestinian conflict to the latest information in the area. For the younger generation, it is hoped that they can continue the relay of this struggle to defend Palestine.

Sleman, 14 June 2024-A total of eight students from the Arabic Literature Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) underwent an internship program at the Sleman Regency Ministry of Religious Affairs. This program lasted for approximately three months from the beginning of March 2024 to mid-June 2024. This program provides an opportunity for students to develop hard and soft skills that will be needed in the world of work. The tasks given to them are quite diverse, ranging from administrative and archive management, providing counseling, public services, and covering activities.

To maximize the learning experience, the students were divided into several sections based on their field of work. Four were assigned to the Hajj and Umrah Services Section, two to the Madrasah Education Section, one to the Islamic Public Guidance Section, and one to the Public Relations Section.

The internship experience provided students with valuable insights into the mechanisms and procedures that apply in government institutions, as well as allowing them to apply academic knowledge in practical situations. One of the interns expressed his experience:

“This internship program is a very valuable experience for me. Not only can I try to apply the knowledge I learn on campus to the world of work, I also gain knowledge and experience about the dynamics of the real world of work. I learned many things here that were not taught in college. This program provides a new perspective that is very valuable for my future career development.”

These statements reflect the success of the internship program in achieving its goal of equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive professional environment.