Two students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Michelle Anastasia Budiman (Class of 2022) and Listu Prajna Anggana (Class of 2023), have been selected to participate in the Ferris University Exchange Program in Japan. The one-year exchange program commenced in March 2026 and is scheduled to continue until February 2027, providing students with the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture through direct experience.

Through the program, Michelle and Listu will receive various forms of support, including a tuition waiver and scholarship assistance from Ferris University throughout their period of study in Japan. The program is designed to support students’ academic development while encouraging cultural exchange and international engagement.

Ferris University also offers a range of support services for international students, including a mentorship program with Japanese students, academic tutors, and dormitory facilities. Through these opportunities, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, strengthen their Japanese language proficiency, and gain valuable intercultural experiences.

The participation of Michelle and Listu in this program reflects the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to encouraging students to take advantage of international opportunities and develop their academic competencies in a global environment.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]

Betari Ardya Febbyaliza, a 2023 student of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), won Second Place in the Shodou Taikai Isshoni Tanomimashou competition organized online by the Japanese Literature Student Association of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Brawijaya. The competition was attended by 29 participants from various universities across Indonesia. The winners were announced through Zoom and the official Isshoni Tanomimashou social media account on Saturday, 23 May 2026. For this achievement, Betari received an e-certificate and a cash award.

In preparation for the competition, Betari received guidance from Akbar Rizqi Dhea Habibi, S.S., M.A., a lecturer of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at UGM who also teaches the Shuuji (Japanese Calligraphy) course during the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The judging criteria included stroke order, the proper use of tomaru, haneru, and harau techniques, the aesthetic quality of the characters, and character proportion.

This achievement reflects the continuous development of BKJ UGM students’ competencies in Japanese language and culture. Through the Shuuji (Japanese Calligraphy) course, students not only learn the techniques of Japanese character writing but also develop an appreciation for the aesthetics, precision, and discipline that form an integral part of Japanese cultural traditions.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]

The Japanese Language and Culture Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (HIMAJE UGM) held a Study Visit Program with the Japanese Language and Culture Student Association of Universitas Diponegoro (HIMAWARI UNDIP) on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Organized by HIMAJE’s Public Relations Division, the program aimed to strengthen relationships among students while providing a platform for exchanging organizational experiences and insights.

The event began with presentations introducing the profiles and grand designs of both student associations, followed by a discussion session on organizational programs and student organization dynamics. In addition to the discussion, participants took part in student performances, interactive games, a plaque exchange ceremony, and a tour of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Through this activity, HIMAJE UGM and HIMAWARI UNDIP are expected to further strengthen their relationship and foster future collaborations that will benefit both organizations.

Author: Barra Taura Nursaid

Yogyakarta, May 18, 2026 – The Arabic Language Education Program of Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) and the Arabic Literature Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a study visit at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The activity served as a platform for students from both universities to exchange experiences, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen academic relationships. The event began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an, followed by the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the UGM Hymn, and the Universitas Negeri Jakarta March. A warm atmosphere was created through welcoming remarks delivered by student representatives and program leaders from both institutions.

During the main session, students from UNJ presented an overview of their study program, student activities, and various initiatives that have been implemented within their organization. The presentation was enthusiastically received by UGM students, who then shared insights into the academic environment and organizational activities within the Arabic Literature Program at UGM. This session provided an engaging forum for participants to gain a deeper understanding of each institution’s organizational culture and campus life. The event became even more interactive through a question-and-answer session conducted in a relaxed yet productive atmosphere. Various topics were discussed, ranging from the implementation of student programs to strategies for increasing student participation in both academic and non-academic activities. The exchange of ideas and experiences allowed participants to learn from one another and gain new perspectives on student organization management.

More than just an academic visit, this study visit served as an opportunity to strengthen friendships and foster closer ties between the Arabic Language Education Program of UNJ and the Arabic Literature Program of UGM. It is hoped that this activity will become the starting point for broader and more sustainable collaboration in the future, particularly in the areas of academics, student organizations, and student development.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida

“A research team from the Department of Anthropology UGM, led by Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., during a visit to Airlangga University as part of the ‘EQUITY by Subject’ research project.”

Since February 2026, the research team from the Department of Anthropology, led by Prof. Dr. Setiadi and Dr. Sita Hidayah, assisted by Sekar Alifah Ramadhanti and Muhammad Syukur Shidiq as student assistants participating in the ‘EQUITY by Subject’ research project, visited three universities offering anthropology programs, including Airlangga University, Brawijaya University, and Udayana University. This research focuses on three main topics: the role of anthropology in addressing global crises, graduate career readiness, and institutional evaluation to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration.

The purpose of these visits was to explore best practices, institutional development strategies, academic governance, curriculum enhancement, research networks, and the contribution of anthropology to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Each visit included academic discussions, exchanges of experiences regarding the management of academic programs, research, and community service, and discussions on the challenges and opportunities for the development of anthropology in the global and digital era.

The implementation of these visits serves as a concrete manifestation of support for strengthening inter-institutional collaboration networks in the fields of education, research, and community development, and for documenting innovative practices that advance the implementation of the SDGs through an anthropological approach. The series of visits and comparative studies to the three institutions marks the first step toward initiating discussions on the future of anthropology through the framework of Future Studies and its contribution to achieving sustainable development. The future studies approach aims to shift from linear predictions to an exploratory approach to respond to changes in both the teaching and application of anthropology moving forward.

This research aims to formulate new possibilities (preferable futures) in which anthropology education becomes more adaptive, interdisciplinary, and capable of making tangible contributions to humanizing the future. The long-term hope for the field of anthropology is that it will transform from a passive observer into a decision-maker offering sustainable solutions.

As part of Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to elevating higher education quality to international standards, this strategic initiative receives financial support from the EQUITY scheme. This step reflects the commitment of State Universities with Legal Entity Status (PTN-BH) to formulate policies that are more inclusive and resilient.

Author: Sekar Alifah Ramadhanti
Photo: Muhammad Syukur Shidiq
Editor: Okky Chandra Baskoro