Dili, Timor-Leste, February 12, 2026 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a cooperation meeting with Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) on Thursday (12/2) at 11:00 a.m. local time. The meeting marked an initial step in exploring strategic collaboration in the fields of culture, language, literature, history, and tourism.

The UGM delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Celine, a 1992 Biology alumna of UGM, and Prof. Armindo Maia, the first Rector of the former Universitas Timor Timur, now UNTL. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, highlighted by an exchange of experiences from their time studying in Yogyakarta, reflecting the long-standing historical ties between the two institutions.

In the opening session, UNTL presented the history of its institutional relationship with UGM, including the establishment of the Indonesian Cultural Studies Center, which holds significant potential to be further developed as a platform for collaboration in the tridharma of higher education—education, research, and community service. The meeting was attended by UNTL’s leadership, including the Rector, Vice Rector for Cooperation, university founders, Head of the Cultural Studies Program, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, and representatives from other faculties.

UNTL Rector, Prof. Dr. Eng. Joviano António da Costa, M.Eng., expressed the institution’s commitment to strengthening university-to-university (U2U) partnerships, particularly in the areas of culture, language, tourism, and related disciplines that offer mutual benefits.

As Head of the UGM Delegation, Prof. Dr. Muti’ah Amini presented the profiles of academic programs within UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences, along with several ongoing academic initiatives. She also highlighted UNTL’s strategic plan to develop its History Study Program through collaboration with UNESCO and UGM’s History Study Program. This collaboration is considered strategically important for strengthening academic capacity, curriculum development, and research quality enhancement.

Beyond the field of history, UNTL emphasized the need to strengthen human resources in the tourism sector, including human resource management, attraction management, and destination development. The Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at UNTL noted that opportunities for joint research and collaborative publications are widely open and have the potential to provide substantial contributions to both institutions. The Dean of the Faculty of Education also expressed hope that the faculty would be integrated into the cooperation framework currently being formulated. Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Culture, Ms. Celine, underscored the urgency of cross-regional research collaboration in arts and culture to enrich academic perspectives and strengthen international networks.

Both parties agreed that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would serve as an essential initial step to ensure that the implementation of collaborative programs proceeds legally, systematically, and sustainably across the agreed fields. This collaboration aligns with the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through academic capacity building and knowledge exchange, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through competency-based tourism sector development, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened international cooperation networks.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue in order to further strengthen the historical, academic, and programmatic ties between UGM and UNTL, while expanding both institutions’ contributions to the advancement of knowledge and culture in Southeast Asia.

The visit conducted by Universitas Gadjah Mada received support and sponsorship from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) as the main sponsor of the organization Cultivating the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Under-Represented Scholars of Asia (CHSS). CHSS itself is a transnational inclusivity initiative established by the Association for Asian Studies (AAS).

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Korean Language and Culture Program Study, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with Chung-Ang University (CAU), South Korea, organized a cultural exchange program titled CAUGM 2026. The program was held from January 20–29, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

CAUGM 2026 served as a platform for cross-cultural and language learning, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge, practices, and cultural understanding between Indonesian and South Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series began with an Opening Ceremony held on January 21, 2026. On this occasion, delegations from Chung-Ang University and Universitas Gadjah Mada presented cultural performances from their respective countries as an introduction to the cultural exchange activities that would take place throughout the program.

During the Opening Ceremony, Indonesian culture presented by students of the Korean Language and Culture Program Study of UGM included Angklung musical performance, Indonesia Menari, Sajojo Dance, Limpapeh Dance, and the martial art Silat. Meanwhile, the Chung-Ang University delegation showcased various aspects of Korean culture, including Taekwondo, K-pop Dance, K-pop Singing, Pansori, 응원단 (cheerleading), and 풍물 (traditional Korean music).

In addition to cultural exchange, the CAUGM 2026 program also featured language exchange activities. Students from the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM taught Indonesian to Chung-Ang University students, and vice versa. Language learning was conducted based on class levels: 초급반 (Beginner Class), 중급반 (Intermediate Class), and 고급반 (Advanced Class). The lessons were delivered interactively through daily communication practice, peer mentoring, games, and other classroom activities. Through these interactive methods, participants were able to learn the language along with its cultural context in an engaging and enjoyable way.

CAUGM 2026 also provided an opportunity for the general public to experience the cultural exchange through the Korean Festival held on January 24, 2026. In this event, visitors could participate in various cultural activities, including tasting authentic Korean dishes prepared live by Chung-Ang University students. Through this festival, the public was invited to explore Korean culture through culinary experiences and direct interaction with Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series concluded with a Closing Ceremony held on January 29, 2026. During this session, the results of the cultural and language exchange were presented, where Indonesian students performed Korean cultural elements they had learned, while Chung-Ang University students presented Indonesian culture.

The performances took place in a warm and lively atmosphere, with students from both UGM and CAU enjoying each presentation, supporting one another, and showing great enthusiasm. This interaction reflected closeness, togetherness, and the success of the cultural and language exchange process experienced throughout CAUGM 2026.

Through the implementation of CAUGM 2026, the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM hopes that this program will enhance participants’ language competence, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and foster closer international cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University in the fields of education and cultural diplomacy.

Author: Eunike Serafia & Aura Adiba

Another international achievement has been secured by a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. M Deni Maulana, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, won First Place at the Korean Culture International Poetry Contest Jeonbuk 3 held in Jeonju, South Korea, on November 28–29, 2025.

The international Korean poetry recitation competition brought together 48 participants from 16 countries, representing diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. The event was organized by the Jeonbuk Foreign Language Support Volunteer Association in collaboration with the Jeonju Jeonbuk City Government and the Department of Culture and Tourism. It aimed to introduce Korean literature to a global audience while strengthening cultural exchange through poetry.

Deni Maulana’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it was accomplished while he was participating in a Student Exchange Double Major program at Jeonbuk National University under the Global Korean Scholarship Outstanding Student scheme. In the competition, Deni performed the Korean poem 빈방 (Empty Room) by Kim Jae-jin, a reflective work that demands emotional sensitivity and strong proficiency in the Korean language.

The competition consisted of rigorous selection and evaluation stages conducted by a panel of professional judges. Assessment criteria included accuracy of Korean pronunciation, mastery of intonation, expressive delivery, and depth of understanding of the poem’s meaning. Through an expressive yet controlled performance, Deni was considered successful in conveying the poem’s message to a cross-cultural audience.

Based on the judges’ final evaluation, First Place was awarded to M Deni Maulana from Indonesia. Second Place went to Sanya Koirala from Nepal, while Third Place was earned by Kato Minenhle from South Africa. The organizers stated that the finalists’ performances reflected a strong appreciation among the younger international generation for Korean literature.

This accomplishment represents not only a personal milestone for Deni but also highlights the active role of Indonesian students in fostering cultural dialogue at the global level. Through literature as a medium of expression, student participation in international forums such as this reinforces the values of mutual understanding, diversity, and international cooperation, which are essential to building an inclusive and sustainable future.

Source: M. Deni Maulana
[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), recorded a notable academic achievement at the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony for Period II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, held in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (January 21, 2026). One of its graduates, Iftinan Rose Putri Safana, earned the distinction of fastest graduate, completing her studies in 1 year, 8 months, and 8 days.

The postgraduate graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences this period conferred degrees upon 46 graduates, consisting of 38 master’s graduates and 8 doctoral graduates. Of the total master’s graduates, 21 received the cum laude distinction, with an average Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.77.

Iftinan’s achievement as the fastest graduate reflects academic consistency, careful study planning, and the effectiveness of the learning process and academic supervision within the Master’s Program in Literature. Completing a master’s degree in less than two years demonstrates that postgraduate education can be pursued optimally without compromising academic quality.

In her remarks at the Mangayubagya (farewell and appreciation) ceremony for graduates of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Vice Dean of FIB UGM, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., emphasized the vital role of education in shaping individuals who are critical and socially responsible. She cited Paulo Freire’s thought that the task of education is to form people who will later become agents of change.

“Education does not change the world. Education changes people. People change the world. Education at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, including in the Master’s Program in Literature, is directed toward shaping graduates who possess intellectual sensitivity and a commitment to humanitarian values,” she said.

Academic excellence at the master’s level was also demonstrated by the highest GPA achievement, attained by Hanina Naura Fadila, a graduate of the Anthropology Study Program, with a GPA of 3.93. In her address as the representative of master’s students, Hanina invited graduates to view their academic work as a form of intellectual responsibility.

The achievements of the Master’s Program in Literature graduates at this graduation ceremony align with UGM’s commitment to supporting quality education, through the provision of excellent, reflective postgraduate education oriented toward holistic human development.

Author: Khotibul Umam

Thursday, February 29, 2026 – ICESCO has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening linguistic and educational policies by hosting an international forum titled “التخطيط اللغوي والتخطيط التربوية” (Language and Educational Planning). The event was held virtually via Zoom, drawing participants from across the globe.

The forum brought together a diverse group of academics, educators, researchers, and students from Indonesia, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and several other nations. It served as a collaborative platform to explore the nuances of language and educational strategy. During the session, keynote speaker Dr. Ahmed Al-Rahban shared profound insights into the symbiotic relationship between linguistic policy and formal education systems.

Language planning was highlighted not merely as a tool for preserving national and native languages, but as a cornerstone of sustainable educational strategies. The discussion underscored how linguistic policies directly influence curriculum development, teaching quality, and the formation of cultural identity in an increasingly globalized world. Through interactive dialogues, participants exchanged experiences and best practices tailored to the unique educational landscapes of their respective countries.

The virtual nature of the event facilitated a broad and inclusive cross-border exchange. Despite the digital format, the enthusiasm of the attendees was evident through the dynamic Q&A sessions and active discussions that took place throughout the program.

Through this initiative, ICESCO aims to spark strategic ideas and insights that contribute to the refinement of language and education policies worldwide. This forum is part of ICESCO’s ongoing efforts to bolster international cooperation in the fields of education, linguistics, and culture.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida