The Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM held an Open Doctoral Defense for linguistics candidate Intan Pradita on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). The event took place at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM, from 09.00 to 11.00 WIB, attended by academics and invited guests.

During the defense, Intan Pradita presented her doctoral dissertation entitled “Acceptability of Lexical Collocations in English Research Articles by Indonesian and Anglo-American Academics: A Corpus-Based Comparative Study.”

The research highlights the growing importance of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) in international academic publishing. The use of lexical collocations—combinations of words that naturally co-occur—serves as a crucial aspect of academic writing. This study specifically focuses on the acceptability of collocations written by non-Anglophone academics, acknowledging that while certain word combinations may meet grammatical criteria, they are not necessarily perceived as natural or conventional within global academic discourse.

The study employed a comparative corpus-based approach, analyzing more than 250,000 word tokens from research articles in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). Data were collected from two primary sources:

PRAYA Corpus: Comprising 32 research articles written by Indonesian academics.
PRANA Corpus: Comprising 31 research articles written by Anglo-American academics.

The analytical focus was directed toward four dominant collocation patterns in academic writing: Adverb + Verb, Adverb + Adjective, Verb + Noun, and Adjective + Noun.

Through her findings, Intan elaborated on the patterns, functions, and meanings of lexical collocations utilized by both groups of academics. The research affirms that collocation variations used by Indonesian academics maintain functional acceptability within international academic discourse. The outcomes of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of linguistic studies, scientific article writing, and the understanding of diversity in academic English.

The open defense proceeded smoothly under the supervision of Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A. as promoter and Dr. Tofan Dwi Hardjanto, M.A. as co-promoter, reflecting FIB UGM’s ongoing commitment to supporting high-quality academic achievements and research at the doctoral level.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the City Government of Subulussalam, held a National Seminar titled “Hamzah Fansuri and the Tradition of Archipelago Poetics.” The event, held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of the Poerbatjaraka Building, FIB UGM, featured prominent academics and literary experts, including Prof. Dr. Faruk, S.U., Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., and Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum.

In her opening address, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., representing FIB UGM, emphasized the importance of studying Malay literature within a modern context. According to her, Malay literature is not merely a record of the past, but an essential medium for preserving cultural memory.

“The study of Malay literature opens up a space for inheritance while addressing contemporary challenges. Through this study, we maintain continuity and cultural memory. We hope this seminar becomes a productive dialogue that opens new perspectives between literature and culture in building a cultured, ethical, and good nation,” she stated.

The panel discussion highlighted the vital role of Sheikh Hamzah Fansuri, who is regarded as the pioneer of Indonesian poetry. On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Faruk examined Hamzah Fansuri as an innovator of Malay verse (syair), while Prof. Dr. Sangidu elaborated on the Sufi aspects of Hamzah Fansuri’s literary works. Prof. Sangidu expressed deep appreciation for monumental works such as Syaraabul Asyiqin, which have been preserved to this day. He also noted that historical sites related to Hamzah Fansuri remain intact and continue to be alive within the community.

In addition to classical literary studies, the dimension of social theory and literary development was addressed by Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam through his presentation on the traces of Hamzah Fansuri in modern Indonesian poetry. In his session, he also explained the dynamics of social theories, such as Marxism, which was banned during the New Order era but subsequently opened new avenues for social analysis and critical thinking in the post-reform era.

Through this seminar, participants were invited to re-examine the roots of archipelago literature while drawing upon local cultural and ethical values to address the future challenges of national character building.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

Yogyakarta, September 22, 2026 – The Undergraduate Program in Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has officially entered into a partnership with Silla Korean Tablehouse. This collaboration aims to provide special offers and facilities to support the welfare of the academic community, particularly students and faculty members within the department.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a ceremonial handshake between the Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM, Achmad Rio Dessiar, Ph.D., and representatives from the management of Silla Korean Tablehouse. This partnership is expected to create a positive synergy between an educational institution and Yogyakarta’s culinary and tourism sector.

Under this agreement, Silla Korean Tablehouse offers a special 20% discount on all à la carte menu items. This benefit is valid for one year during happy hours (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM WIB) from Monday to Thursday.

This exclusive offer is available to active students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program (batches 2023–2026) as well as active faculty members. To claim the discount, members of the academic community must present valid identification at the cashier upon transaction. Students are required to show their active Student ID profile via the SIMASTER application, while faculty members must present their active Faculty ID through the official university application.

Furthermore, this collaboration offers long-term benefits for the study program’s academic community. Students and faculty members who make their first transaction by showing their active ID will automatically be registered as Silla Korean Tablehouse Customer Members at no additional cost or registration fee.

Through this partnership, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM hopes to continue building mutually beneficial relationships with external partners while delivering tangible benefits to enrich the off-campus experience and convenience for its students and faculty.

Author: Salwa Aulia

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), conducted a visit and held the first meeting of its community engagement program at SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman. The activity marked the beginning of a collaboration between the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at FIB UGM and SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, through the Pendidikan Khas Kejogjaan (PKJ) program.

The PKJ program is designed to introduce students to various aspects of Javanese language and culture, particularly the Javanese script, unggah-ungguh (Javanese etiquette and social conduct), Javanese character values, and cultural knowledge that can be applied in everyday life. The program provides a learning space that brings together academic knowledge and direct cultural experiences.

The first meeting began with opening remarks by the Head of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. The session was followed by an introduction to the team that will serve as facilitators throughout the program. The facilitator team consists of alumni and students of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture:

1. Faradilla Putri Margaretha
2. Endar Sasmito Aji
3. Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman
4. Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah
5. Wening Hidayati
6. Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay
7. Maysa Putri Fatihah
8. Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy
9. Pingky Putri Khairani
10. Meifira Arini Pitaloka
11. Lakshita Pradnya Dayinta
12. Dian Patmisari

In addition to introducing the facilitator team, the first meeting featured sessions delivered by two lecturers from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture. Dr. Yosephin Apriastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., presented an introduction to Nusantara scripts, including the Javanese script. Meanwhile, Dr. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., discussed the use of Javanese language and culture in everyday life. The sessions were delivered interactively, allowing students to explore aspects of Javanese culture through learning activities closely connected to their everyday experiences.

The first meeting marked the beginning of a series of seven scheduled sessions. Following the introductory meeting, the second through seventh sessions will be facilitated by the team through learning activities and practical sessions with Grade 10 students of SMA Negeri 1 Depok.

The program also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through Javanese language and cultural learning in a school setting; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through expanding access to cultural knowledge and learning opportunities; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through efforts to preserve and pass on Javanese culture to younger generations. In addition, the collaboration between the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at FIB UGM and SMA Negeri 1 Depok supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and schools.

Through this series of activities, the community engagement program serves not only as an application of academic knowledge but also as a collaborative space for introducing and strengthening young people’s understanding of Javanese language and culture.

Author: Haryo Untoro

The series of events for the 2nd American Studies International Conference at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) continues. Organized by the American Studies Study Program on September 10–11, 2024, the conference carries the overarching theme “Global America: Exploring Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges” to examine America through cross-border dynamics and global exchanges.

As previously discussed, this multidisciplinary conference does not merely explore the English language or American popular culture. Instead, it encompasses politics, technology, literature, and environmental issues. This scope is demonstrated through various subthemes—such as American Literature, American Transnational Culture, Film and Media Studies, and Digital Lives—including a primary focus on the political ecology and physical infrastructure of the global digital landscape presented by Anna M. Gade (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

American Influence in Urban Governance and Spatial Politics

Continuing the focus on the connection between global paradigms and local conditions, the conference also highlighted the concept of Transnational “American” Paradigms. This discussion invites participants to shift their perspective on America: moving from seeing it as a mere producer of cultural goods to a source of development paradigms that operate behind the scenes of daily life, including urban planning, public space regulation, and economic activities.

This idea is illustrated in a study titled “Street Vending and Urban Spatial Politics in Solo City, Indonesia: American Paradigms, Urban Landscapes, and the Politics of Informality.” The research demonstrates how the issue of street vendors and urban spatial dynamics in Solo can be read through the lens of American Studies. In this context, the city is positioned as a space where regulations, spatial design, and local economic interests interact.

Through this entire series of discussions, the conference underscores that America can be understood as part of transnational systems moving across national borders. It proves the role of American Studies as an academic space to analyze the relationship between America and various social changes around the world.

[Author: FIB Public Relations, Zaidan Abdurrahman]