Yogyakarta, September 11, 2025 – The Center for Language and Literature Development, under the Agency for Language Development and Cultivation of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, through the Language Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, held the UKBI Adaptive Trial on Thursday (9/11/2025). The event took place at Riss Hotel Malioboro, Yogyakarta, from 07.30 to 16.00 WIB.

The program aimed to test the Indonesian Language Proficiency Test (UKBI) questions that had previously been validated in the standardization process. UKBI is a national standardized test designed to measure Indonesian language proficiency, both spoken and written.

The event opened with remarks from the Head of the Center for Language and Literature Development or the Head of the Language Office, followed by technical guidance delivered by the UKBI team. Throughout the day, participants took part in two trial sessions: the first in the morning and the second in the afternoon.

This activity was attended by a wide range of participants, including lecturers and university students, high school and junior high school teachers and students, researchers, journalists, hotel staff, education office employees, translators, and legal practitioners. From Universitas Gadjah Mada, two Arabic Literature students from the 2023 cohort, Muhammad Candra Solihin and Pandhita Hapsari, also took part in the event. Their participation highlights the important role of young generations in maintaining and enhancing the quality of the Indonesian language.

It is expected that the results of this trial will provide valuable input for improving UKBI questions in the future, making them more adaptive and reflective of comprehensive standards of Indonesian language proficiency.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

On 23-24 September 2025, the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Programme, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, held a Scopus-indexed scientific article writing class with the theme ‘Urban Spirituality and the Reformulation of Sufi Rituals’, led by Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina binti Sa’ari, a leading expert from the University of Malaya in the study of Islamic creed and thought. This class aims to provide practical insights on how to write quality scientific articles for Scopus-indexed international journals, with a focus on the topics of urban spirituality and the reformulation of Sufi rituals.

Prof. Dr. Che Zarrina explained the importance of choosing relevant and contemporary topics in the academic world, as well as how urban spirituality and Sufi rituals can be used as interesting subjects of study. She shared strategies on how to write a good scientific article, from topic selection to effective writing techniques, with an emphasis on the importance of clear methodology and valid references.

Participants were also provided with guidance on selecting the appropriate journal and structuring an article systematically, as well as tips for crafting an engaging and persuasive abstract. Prof. Zarrina also discussed common challenges in writing articles, such as dealing with criticism from journal reviewers and how to respond to feedback constructively.

The class concluded with a question-and-answer session that offered participants the opportunity to learn more about the process of writing scientific articles. It is hoped that this class will enrich participants’ skills in writing articles ready for publication in Scopus-indexed international journals, while also deepening their understanding of the importance of urban spirituality and Sufism studies within an academic context.

Author: Amanda Jesisca

September 26, 2025 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada held the Korindo Foundation Scholarship Awarding Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic year. The event was opened by the MC and the Talchum performance, followed by welcoming remarks from Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and Setiyono, General Manager of the Korindo Foundation.

The ceremony continued with the announcement of the names of Korean Language and Culture students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who were selected as recipients of the Korindo Foundation Scholarship for the 2025/2026 academic year. The following students were awarded the scholarship:

1. Alma Naya Kamila
2. Anisa Setya Utami
3. Febryani Dhea Khusnulia
4. Mulya Ghefira Azzahra
5. Oryza Sativa Rosyadi
6. Raissa Aneswari

In addition to the announcement, the scholarship recipients also shared their gratitude and reflections:

“I am deeply grateful to the Korindo Foundation for its support. This scholarship is not only a financial aid but also a reminder and motivation to always study diligently. I hope the Korindo Foundation will continue to provide this valuable opportunity to other outstanding students in the future.” – Alma

“I sincerely thank the Korindo Foundation for this meaningful scholarship. This support motivates me to complete my studies with the best results, pursue my dreams, and make my parents proud. The scholarship will truly benefit my education and future career.” – Anisa Setya

“I feel very grateful and proud to be chosen as one of the Korindo Scholarship recipients. This support is a great motivation for me to study harder, develop my potential, and gain valuable experiences. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Korindo for the trust and support given. May this program continue and bring greater benefits to more students in the future.” – Febryani

“My deepest thanks to the Study Program and the Korindo Foundation for this precious opportunity. For me, this scholarship is a form of trust as well as a reminder that every small step I take matters. Although my journey is currently a bit slowed down due to health conditions, I want to keep moving forward with gratitude and responsibility, so that greater dreams can be achieved.” – Mulya

“I am very grateful to be selected as one of the scholarship recipients, and I truly appreciate the Korindo Foundation for providing this award. For me, the scholarship is not only financial support but also a form of encouragement and trust. This opportunity motivates me to keep learning and achieving. I hope this scholarship program will continue and inspire more students in pursuing their education.” – Oryza

“I feel proud and thankful to be chosen as one of the Korindo Foundation scholarship recipients. For me, this scholarship is not just financial support, but also a form of motivation and trust that drives me to study harder. I hope that in the future more students will benefit from Korindo’s scholarship program.” – Raissa

The event concluded with a group photo session featuring all scholarship recipients, representatives from the Korindo Foundation, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’ leadership, and the Talchum performers. Through this event, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program hopes to continue strengthening its partnership with the Korindo Foundation in the years ahead.

(Aura Adiba // Sherina Azmi A.)

Yogyakarta, 19/9/2025– The Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada officially opened its Summer School program in collaboration with Iwate University, Japan, at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM. The opening session featured Dwi Pratnyawan, S.S., M.A., who delivered a lecture titled Protecting Archaeological Site (Cultural Heritage).

The event brought together Archaeology students from UGM and international students from Iwate University. This academic forum highlighted the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage as both an identity marker and a collective memory of society.

In his presentation, Dwi explained that cultural heritage preservation, based on Indonesia’s Cultural Heritage Law, rests on three pillars: Protection, Development, and Utilization. He provided concrete examples, including rescue excavations at the Morangan Temple site near Prambanan, regular maintenance at Prambanan’s Siwa Temple, and zoning efforts to establish protective boundaries.

Development, he emphasized, involves research, revitalization, and adaptation, while utilization aims to maximize public benefit without compromising sustainability. However, he also addressed critical challenges such as weak enforcement—citing the use of Borobudur for a Red Bull commercial and damage to Majapahit sites due to illegal brick excavations—and uncoordinated developments, such as the destruction of parts of Trowulan to build a new museum.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A discussion, where both Indonesian and Japanese students raised questions on how best to preserve cultural heritage amid rapid modernization and urban development.

This initiative strongly aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which stresses the importance of protecting the world’s cultural heritage, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as reflected in the international collaboration between UGM and Iwate University.

Yoigyakarta, 19/9/2025 – A warm and meaningful atmosphere filled the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, on Friday evening (Sept 19). Hundreds of attendees gathered for “Gugur Gunung 14: Anniversary of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as well as the Retirement Celebration of Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum.” The event was not merely a birthday celebration, but also a tribute, a gathering of kinship, and a cultural encounter across generations and nations.

Carrying the theme “Tataning Ucap Sirnaning Dhêsti” which means “Arranging Words to Avoid Misfortune,” the program opened solemnly with the Indonesian national anthem, Gadjah Mada Hymn, and Sastra March. A series of keynote remarks followed, delivered by Head of Study Program Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Osaka University’s representative Dr. Yumi Sugahara, Dean of FIB UGM Prof. Dr. Setiadi, and Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro. The presence of cultural leaders from Kadipaten Pakualaman, government representatives of Yogyakarta, and international students from Osaka University enriched the evening with diverse cultural resonance.

A touching and symbolic moment took place in the Ambal Warsa procession, when the Head of Study Program, together with the Head of the Student Association Kamastawa, received a ceremonial tumpeng—a symbol of continuity for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The loud applause that followed embodied the spirit of togetherness, the very soul of Gugur Gunung.

The stage came alive with cultural performances, starting with the graceful Sekar Pudyastuti welcoming dance, symbolizing safety and blessing. A performance by Osaka University students added an international touch, before the audience was captivated by Tari Andhira from Sanggar Sigrak Delimo, which retold the heroic story of Nyi Ageng Sérang—a courageous Javanese heroine who fought against Dutch colonial forces.

The highlight of the night was the retirement tribute to Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., fondly known as “Doktor Sakti.” Renowned as an academic, researcher, and cultural advocate, she has contributed greatly through her research, publications, and community service, and has been awarded the prestigious Satyalancana Karyasatya. As her parting gift, she presented “Adisari: The Light of Love Behind Conquest”, a performance art adaptation of an ancient manuscript, creatively transformed into a stage production.

The 14th Gugur Gunung was more than just a commemoration of the Study Program’s journey—it was also a reflection on the importance of preserving and celebrating culture. From students and lecturers to international collaborations, all came together on one stage, proving that Javanese language and culture continue to live, endure, and inspire.