Yogyakarta, 15/5/2025 – Rina Dwi Astuti, a 2021 student from the Bachelor of Japanese Language and Culture who had the opportunity to study at Ferris University, shared her meaningful experiences during her time in Yokohama, Japan.

As part of the Spring Semester exchange program, Ferris University organized a study tour called the Japan Study Tour. This three-day, two-night trip to Hiroshima aimed to strengthen the bonds between exchange students and local Ferris University students, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of peace.

During the trip, Rina and other participating students visited several iconic locations, including the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima and Hiroshima Castle. They also visited significant sites such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Honkawa Elementary School—which served as an evacuation site for survivors of the atomic bombing—and the former site of an Indonesian student dormitory in Hiroshima. Additionally, the students had the rare opportunity to listen to a firsthand account from Mr. Yamada, who was just two years old at the time of the bombing.

As a history enthusiast, Rina mentioned that visiting Itsukushima Shrine, known for its famous torii gate standing in the sea, and Hiroshima Castle left the deepest impression on her. Her visit to the castle allowed her to imagine how people once lived and thrived in the area, which is now preserved as a historical site. Although the tour did not directly relate to her academic courses or specific field of study, Rina appreciated the chance to learn new vocabulary that she might not encounter in class.

Rina also expressed her gratitude to Ferris University for the thorough support provided to international students during the preparation for the Japan Study Tour. The university shared a clear and well-structured itinerary, helping prevent confusion and patiently assisting students who faced difficulties in getting ready for the trip.

The Japan Study Tour had a profound impact on Rina’s perspective of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. Through learning about the event in depth—without justifying the actions of any party—she came to a greater understanding of the value of global peace. Rina also expressed her desire to spread the message of peace by sharing the knowledge she gained with those who are willing to listen.

[Valentina Pramahita Iswari through Public Relation of Japanese Literature, Yulia Agustiani]

Yogyakarta, 13 May 2025 — The Indonesian Language and Literature Programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), welcomed a visit on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, from 15 students and two faculty members from Warren Wilson College, North Carolina, United States. This student meeting was held as part of the Indonesian Friends Program (TESIA – Teman Indonesia). The programme was initiated in 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as an adaptation to cross-cultural learning through online platforms. This gathering marked a special moment within the collaborative efforts of the Indonesian Friends Program.

The meeting was attended by the Head and Secretary of the Indonesian Language and Literature Programme, Dr. Pujiharto, M.Hum., and Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, M.Hum., who personally welcomed the Warren Wilson College delegation. Representing the guests were Prof. Kevin Kehrberg and Prof. Siti Kusujiarti, M.A., Ph.D., who served as faculty supervisors and key figures in fostering this inter-institutional partnership. The event brought together 15 students from Warren Wilson College and 30 students from the Indonesian Language and Literature Programme at FIB UGM for active and meaningful interaction.

The event opened with a classical Yogyakarta-style dance performance entitled “Sesanti Mangayu-Hayu”, performed by FIB UGM students. In her welcome speech, Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, Coordinator of the Indonesian Friends Program, remarked that the gathering was a particularly meaningful moment, as it allowed both parties to finally meet face-to-face after months of online interaction. “Our students have been teaching the basics of the Indonesian language and culture to students at Warren Wilson College, and through that process, a very meaningful cross-cultural communication has emerged,” she noted.

In addition to the welcome ceremony and introductions, students from both universities participated in discussion sessions and shared experiences related to cross-cultural learning. During their stay in Indonesia, the Warren Wilson students are scheduled to visit several historical and cultural sites in Yogyakarta, including the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton), Taman Sari, Malioboro, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple.

Throughout their time in Yogyakarta, the Warren Wilson students are staying in the Bulaksumur area, near the Universitas Gadjah Mada campus. UGM students have been assigned to accompany and support them during their visit to Indonesia. Through this programme, UGM reaffirms its commitment to international collaboration based on cultural exchange and the strengthening of educational diplomacy.

[Dr. Novi Siti Kussuji Indrastuti, M.Hum.]

Yogyakarta, 30/04/2025 – As part of a comprehensive intercultural learning experience, students of the Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) program in advanced class 2 from the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in educational visits to two special locations in Yogyakarta: Diorama Arsip Jogja and Space Roastery 1890. This activity was designed not only to enrich students’ understanding of local history and culture, but also to instill important values related to heritage preservation, social responsibility, and community-based creative entrepreneurship.

The journey began at Diorama Arsip Jogja, a visual documentation space located in the complex of the Yogyakarta Regional Library and Archives Agency. More than just a document repository, the Diorama is a visual-based interactive space that displays the key phases of Yogyakarta’s history chronologically from the heyday of Islamic Mataram, the Dutch colonial era, the struggle for independence, to the development of the city in the present. With an array of informative panels, artifact replicas, and well-curated narratives, students are invited to immersively trace the city’s history. For those who come from different countries with different cultural backgrounds, this space opens new insights into the importance of archives and collective memory in the formation of a nation’s identity. Diorama Arsip Jogja does not only present history as something static, but as a living heritage that continues to shape society today.

After exploring the history room, the group continued their journey to Space Roastery 1890, a coffee shop that occupies a heritage building, a former doctor’s house from the colonial era. Here, the old architectural heritage blends harmoniously with contemporary lifestyles. The interior of the building still retains high ceilings, wide windows, and old wooden elements that create a warm and characterful atmosphere. Students enjoy relaxing while sipping quality local coffee, chatting, and enjoying the historical atmosphere that this place has to offer. But this visit was not just a moment of respite; they were also introduced to the coffee roasting process first-hand and the story behind the transformation of this old building into a vibrant and sustainable creative enterprise space. This story shows that preserving architectural heritage does not have to mean freezing the past, but can be the foundation for innovation and local economic growth that is contextual to the times.

Both the archive and the coffee shop represent a connection across time, between a past that needs to be preserved and a future that must be faced with responsibility and creativity. The visit not only enriched the students’ understanding of Indonesian history and culture, but also raised their awareness of the importance of active participation in the preservation of local values, while encouraging the creation of inclusive spaces that accommodate cross-cultural interactions. Through this experience, the students not only learned the Indonesian language, but also absorbed the values that live in the local narrative, becoming a subtle yet impactful form of cultural diplomacy, rooted in a concern for the history and lives of the people of Yogyakarta.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 14/5/2025 – Dr. Fuad Hasyim, S.S., M.A., the sole doctoral graduate in American Studies from the April 2025 Commencement (Academic Year 2024/2025, Period III), brings a fresh perspective to the discourse of intercultural and global spirituality through his insightful and timely dissertation. Titled “The Construction of Carl W. Ernst’s Sufi Thought and Its Relevance to American Cultural Values: A Study in the Sociology of Knowledge,” his research explores the thought of Carl W. Ernst, a prominent American scholar who has devoted over three decades to the study of Sufism, as a bridge between the Islamic world and Western society.

In his work, Dr. Fuad traces how Ernst offers a unique approach to Sufism, one that diverges from traditional Orientalist frameworks. Ernst not only engages with classical Sufi texts and key figures in various Muslim-majority countries, but also articulates a fresh intellectual paradigm—one that fosters dialogue between Islamic spirituality and American cultural values. Within a society that highly regards individuality, diversity, and modernity, Ernst positions Sufism as a deep spiritual resource that resonates meaningfully with those very values.

This dissertation employs the sociology of knowledge and cultural value frameworks to examine Ernst’s thought within its broader socio-historical context. The findings reveal not only the complexity of the themes Ernst engages with—including the relationship between Sufism and modernism, its tensions with fundamentalism, and its artistic and organizational expressions—but also highlight the centrality of spirituality within public discourse. Dr. Fuad emphasizes that Ernst’s conception of Sufism offers a timely ethical and cultural proposition for a world in search of direction—a world that calls for more inclusive, reflective, and open-minded perspectives. In this spirit, the dissertation contributes meaningfully to the shaping of a more peaceful, just, and spiritually aware global society.

Through this academic achievement, Dr. Fuad not only strengthens the standing of American Studies as a flexible and responsive discipline in addressing contemporary global challenges, but also brings forth a refreshing narrative of how Islam—particularly through the lens of Sufism—can serve as a partner in building a more humanistic civilization. This dissertation not only enriches academic scholarship, but also supports the global pursuit of a more peaceful, equitable, and dignified world—echoing the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals.

[Postgraduate Program in American Studies, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 9/5/2025 – On Friday morning, 9 May 2025, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a tumpeng cutting ceremony to celebrate their victory in the Nitilaku 2024 Cultural Parade Competition. The event took place at the Margono Djojohadikusumo Building and was attended by lecturers, administrative staff, and students who participated in Nitilaku 2024.

The celebration began with opening remarks by the Dean of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., expressing gratitude for the hard work and dedication of all those involved in Nitilaku 2024. The speech emphasised the importance of capacity building in fostering a strong cultural identity and a spirit of togetherness among students and staff. This message aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable education.

The highlight of the event was the symbolic cutting of tumpeng, a traditional Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish. The dean cut the tumpeng then presented it to Erika Purnawati, S.Kom., M.Cs., the head of the Nitilaku team, as a token of appreciation. The act of cutting the tumpeng symbolised gratitude and celebration, marking a significant achievement for the faculty.

The Nitilaku 2024 Cultural Parade Competition is a major event that showcases the richness of Indonesia’s cultural heritage. FIB UGM’s participation demonstrated the faculty’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural diversity. Winning first place in the parade served as a reminder of the vital role cultural education plays in achieving the SDGs, especially in building peaceful and inclusive societies. During the parade, FIB UGM’s contingent—led by a Jathilan dance performance by Sastra Oebah, a semi-autonomous student organisation—successfully earned first place in the Nitilaku 2024 Cultural Parade Competition.

Beyond celebration, the event also served as a platform for capacity building among students and staff. Workshops and discussions were held to reflect on the experiences gained during Nitilaku 2024, with a focus on skill development and cultural awareness. This initiative aimed to empower participants and strengthen their capacity for future cultural engagements.

The celebration concluded with a communal meal where participants enjoyed traditional Indonesian dishes, reinforcing a sense of unity and togetherness. The atmosphere was filled with joy and pride as attendees shared stories and experiences from Nitilaku 2024. This event not only celebrated a victory but also deepened the bonds within the FIB community.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]