Yogyakarta, 18 November 2025 — As part of its ongoing effort to expand creative dialogue within the academic community, the Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a public lecture titled “Tracing Self-Identity Through Fiction” on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in Room 204 of the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. The event featured California-based writer of Vietnamese–Indonesian descent, Mazdo, as the keynote speaker, with Naria Nur Iftitah serving as moderator. Her presence drew enthusiastic attention from students, alumni, and literary researchers eager to explore how fiction can serve as a medium for reflecting identity, personal experience, and socio-cultural dynamics.

In her presentation, Mazdo explained that writing, for her, is a deep dialogue between personal experience, imagination, and the internal questions that continually shape her creative process. She introduced three of her short stories as examples of how she navigates identity through fiction. The first piece she discussed, When the Moths Came (2023), stems from her personal experience. “This story began from my experience living in an apartment where moths were flying everywhere— in the kitchen, around the living room, everywhere. I felt disturbed, but I thought it would be interesting to turn it into a short story,” she explained. From this simple experience, Mazdo crafted a narrative about a married couple dealing with the constant presence of moths, which disrupt their daily life and create emotional distance between them.

Her second story, The Collector (2024), is rooted in her time studying at the Southeast Asia Program building at Cornell University, which was filled with cultural artifacts. She invited the audience to examine how such objects hold long historical traces, including power relations between the United States and Southeast Asian nations. Through the perspective of two curious and innocent children, she demonstrates how Orientalism and colonial traces can be reimagined in fictional space.

Meanwhile, her story Cut Blooms (2025) highlights the relationship between two sisters—shaped by affection, misunderstanding, and an unbreakable emotional bond. Mazdo shared that the inspiration for this work came from her closeness to her own sisters. “When I write, inspiration can come from anywhere, even from my own life experiences. For example, Cut Blooms comes from my personal experience, but I do not write it literally as it happened. Since I write fiction, only small details that truly happened in my life are adapted into the story,” she explained. This statement helped the audience understand that fiction does not require literal adherence to real events, but instead transforms lived experience into a broader emotional structure.

The public lecture also aligned with values of social and cultural sustainability. Through her stories, Mazdo demonstrated that literature can serve as a tool for cultivating empathy, honoring diverse identities, and encouraging reflection on one’s place within larger historical contexts.

The question-and-answer session unfolded warmly and thoughtfully. The first question came from Marisa Santi (Kagama UGM), who asked about the narrative approach Mazdo most frequently uses, whether she prefers the author as an omniscient narrator or allows the characters full autonomy. Responding to this, Mazdo said, “I tend to use the first approach, where the writer serves as the narrator.” She added that this position allows her to guide the fictional world while still giving her characters space to move freely.

The next question was posed by Marsya Kamila, a student of UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature, who asked whether Mazdo plans to write fiction that explicitly addresses migration or identity exploration in the United States, given that her parents migrated there. Mazdo responded enthusiastically: “Yes, because both of my parents come from Vietnam and Indonesia, I think it would be interesting to write fiction that gives voice to our origins and experiences.” Her answer indicates that family history and migration remain enduring sources of inspiration in her creative journey.

The event concluded with great appreciation from participants, who felt they gained new insights into how fiction operates as a tool for self-exploration, historical reading, and reinterpreting lived experience. The Master’s Program in Literature hopes that similar public lectures will continue to provide creative spaces that strengthen literary literacy while fostering cultural awareness and sustainability in society.

[Master’s Program in Literature, Marsya Kamila]

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 21, 2025 — Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Anis Matta, Lc., emphasized that the roadmap for Indonesia’s integration with the Islamic world must be built upon the strength of cultural values that define the nation’s civilization. He delivered this material during a National Lecture titled “Indonesia’s Integration Roadmap with the Islamic World: Exploring Cultural Values in Indonesian Foreign Policy” held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The event was organized through the collaboration of LEM FIB UGM, MADARA UGM, IWDN, and KMIB UGM.

The program opened with a series of remarks highlighting the importance of students and academic spaces in shaping Indonesia’s diplomatic orientation toward the Islamic world. Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Chair of LEM FIB UGM, underlined the contributions students can make through intellectual engagement, research, and critical discussion. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. JM. Muslimin, M.A., advisor to IWDN, expressed his appreciation for the forum and hoped that such cross-cultural dialogues would continue as part of efforts to prepare Indonesia’s future diplomatic direction.

The final remarks were delivered by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., who reiterated the faculty’s commitment to fostering strategic academic forums that connect humanities scholarship with global geopolitical dynamics, ensuring that students are not only observers of reality but also active contributors in shaping it.

The main session began with Nafesya Amrina Rosada, S.S., serving as moderator and guiding the discussion effectively and inclusively. In his keynote presentation, Vice Minister Muhammad Anis Matta stressed that Indonesia’s integration with the Islamic world must be grounded in the strength of the nation’s cultural values. He argued that Indonesia’s diplomacy cannot rely solely on political and economic cooperation; it must also draw from the country’s contributions in values, identity, and civilization—elements that form Indonesia’s unique global presence.

Following the presentation, the discussion grew increasingly interactive and substantive. The topic of the Israel–Palestine conflict became the central catalyst that intensified the forum’s dynamics. Participants critically examined how Israeli colonialism has transformed over time—from ethnically driven settlement colonization to an ideologically based colonial project anchored in religious legitimacy, security narratives, and nationalism. Systematic acts of genocide and human rights violations have, they argued, pushed Israel into deeper isolation in the eyes of the international community while gradually eroding what was once strong Western support.

The Vice Minister reaffirmed that Indonesia’s stance on Palestine remains firmly rooted in the principle of a two-state solution, with the moral imperative of protecting human life as the top priority before discussing any political options. He also noted that Indonesia’s support has expanded beyond humanitarian diplomacy and now includes readiness for defense-related support if necessary, while still maintaining Indonesia’s independence from global ideological blocs and geopolitical polarization.

The discussion then shifted to the planned development of an Indonesian “Hajj Village” in Makkah. The forum explored how the rising number of Indonesian pilgrims—exceeding two hundred thousand people each year—necessitates integrated facilities capable of providing structured accommodation and community activity centers. The proposed area is designed not only for convenience but also to strengthen the presence and networks of Indonesian communities in the Holy Land. Danantara is projected to serve as the developer and manager to ensure that the area is operated professionally, modernly, and sustainably.

The session grew even richer as the forum turned to cultural diplomacy as a pillar of foreign policy. The Vice Minister underscored that Indonesia possesses a distinctive civilizational identity—one that harmoniously synthesizes religion, democracy, and culture. This identity, he argued, represents a strategic asset with significant potential to contribute to the Islamic world. However, he also highlighted an internal challenge: Indonesians are often not accustomed to promoting their nation’s strengths on the global stage. Thus, there is a pressing need to translate Indonesia’s religious, social, and national concepts into Arabic to communicate them more effectively to Middle Eastern audiences. By doing so, intellectual diplomacy and cultural diplomacy can operate in harmony with political diplomacy.

A warm and appreciative atmosphere concluded the National Lecture, which broadened perspectives on Indonesia’s diplomatic dynamics within the Islamic world while reaffirming the academic community’s role in advancing global development agendas. By emphasizing cultural diplomacy, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to Palestinian peace, and connecting Indonesia’s religious and national ideas to the international sphere, the event aligns closely with several SDGs—particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Author: Achmad Chozinatul Assror
Editor: Candra Solihin

Yogyakarta, November 13, 2025 – The Middle Eastern Studies Program (KBTT) and the Arabic Literature Program at Gadjah Mada University held an inspirational discussion session with Visiting Lecturer Prof. Ayman Shihadeh from SOAS University of London. This activity was held after the International Public Lecture, which was part of the event series, and took place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the KBTT Study Program meeting room. The discussion was attended by several enthusiastic students from the KBTT and Arabic Literature Study Programs at UGM who were eager to learn about Prof. Ayman Shihadeh’s academic experiences and international insights.

During the session, Prof. Ayman shared his experiences and views on teaching, research, and academic development at SOAS, as well as the importance of fostering collaborative relationships between universities worldwide, particularly in the fields of cultural studies and tolerance. He also presented the new MA Islamic Humanities program launched by SOAS in 2025. He gave a detailed presentation on the new study program, which offers several concentrations, including social studies, history, literature, religion, and others. This further increased the enthusiasm of the participants because the study program is very relevant to the fields of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies and Arabic Literature.

In addition, this discussion also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and share their views on the development of study programs and the potential for international cooperation that can be optimized in the future. Prof. Ayman emphasized the importance of openness in thinking and developing insights in facing global challenges. The event concluded with a group photo session and informal discussions that strengthened the academic relationship between UGM and SOAS and opened up opportunities for further collaboration. This event was an important step in introducing UGM’s Middle Eastern Cultural Studies students to a global perspective and strengthening academic ties with renowned institutions around the world, such as SOAS University of London. The discussion is expected to have a positive impact on academic development and international cooperation in the future.

Author: Jesisca Amanda