The third day of the Sibuya Program went smoothly. This program, which has become a regular feature of every semester, reflects the faculty’s commitment to ensuring that students can take their exams with focus and energy, as well as in good physical condition. Through the Sibuya Program, students receive a free breakfast to enjoy before taking their exams.

The Sibuya event received support from various food vendors at the Kantin Sastra (cafetaria) FIB UGM, who helped prepare services for the students. One of the vendors, Bakso dan Mie Ayam, said they had begun preparations early in the morning to ensure that the students’ needs were well met.

“I start getting ready at 6 a.m. By 6 a.m., everything is all set. It makes me happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment to see the students eating. I hope they’re happy and satisfied with our service,” said the tenant manager.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the manager of Nieta Kitchen, who adjusted production plans to ensure the smooth running of the Sibuya program.

“Start preparing earlier, arrive earlier, and cook more,” he said. He also offered words of encouragement to the students taking their final exams. “Those taking their finals today must succeed.”

The students’ enthusiasm for the Sibuya program demonstrates that a simple gesture of support such as providing breakfast can have a positive impact on students’ readiness for exams. This program not only helps maintain students’ health and concentration but also reflects the spirit of care that continues to be fostered within the FIB UGM community.

The Associate Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., emphasized that this program is one of the faculty’s efforts to provide moral support to students throughout their academic journey.

“Whatever the form, this is an effort by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences to encourage students. Hopefully, next year more parties will help make Sibuya a success. This is a small contribution from the faculty to embrace students as part of the larger Faculty of Cultural Sciences family. Enjoy Sibuya, and may everyone continue to support this event,” he concluded.

[Humas FIB, Putry Salsabila Septivanny]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), in collaboration with the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), organized a blood donation drive. Centered at the Soegondo Building, this humanitarian activity was part of the events celebrating the 80th anniversary of FIB UGM.

The blood donation drive took place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) in Room S107 on the first floor of the Soegondo Building. This social initiative successfully attracted participation from various members of the academic community. Participants who came to donate their blood included students, lecturers, professional staff, and alumni.

Before the blood donation began, the campus was already lively early in the morning with a group sports event titled “FIB Sehat” (Healthy FIB). Starting at 7:00 a.m. WIB, participants gathered to take part in a variety of weekend sports activities, such as volleyball, line dancing, a fun walk, and a fun bike ride. Meanwhile, tennis facilities were specially prepared at the Lembah Sports Hall. Through an official announcement, the organizing committee invited the entire FIB UGM community to get ready and join early in the morning to make the event a success.

The combination of physical activities and social initiatives added profound meaning to the FIB UGM anniversary celebration. This event served as a tangible step in maintaining physical fitness while fostering a sense of solidarity. The spirit of care generated through the blood donation and shared sports activities is expected to support a healthier, more balanced, and prosperous quality of life for the campus community and the wider public.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, May 16, 2026 – At Pondok A. Salam Kalimasada in Pakem, Sleman, Yogyakarta, a new chapter of Matragama became more than merely an organizational agenda. It transformed into a gathering space for people who believe that literature still needs to be nurtured collectively. Since 6:00 PM WIB, people arrived one by one, bringing voices, stories, laughter, and memories. They sat on woven mats in the cold night air, while the dim light in the corner of the lodge made every conversation feel more intimate. The event was attended by the extended Matragama family from various generations, doctoral students of Humanities Studies, and invited guests from Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, American Studies, Linguistics, History, Anthropology, and various circles within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM.

Since its establishment in 2022 under the leadership of Billy, Matragama has continued moving forward through a relay of generations. Leadership was then continued by Awan in the second generation, and now enters a new phase with Brian steering the third generation. That evening marked a sign that the relay had not stopped. Amid the cold air of Pakem and the warmth of conversations beginning to grow, Matragama seemed to be rediscovering its flame.

The head of Matragama, Giandra Febrian Haidar, opened the event in a calm yet confident tone. In his remarks, he expressed hope that literature would not remain confined to classrooms alone, but would also grow in gathering spaces, through long nights, and among people who still wish to listen to one another.

The Head of UGM’s Master’s Program in Literature, Aprinus Salam, was also present and delivered warm remarks. Before the students and invited guests, he emphasized the importance of organizing and building communities as part of intellectual and cultural processes. According to him, literature cannot live in isolation. It grows through encounters, conversations, and collective work. Aprinus also stated that Pondok A. Salam Kalimasada could serve as a venue for literary and artistic activities—an open house for anyone wishing to keep the pulse of culture alive.

After the opening session, warmly guided by Pute as the host, poem after poem began to be recited. Short stories were brought to life through voices. Under the theme Little Candles at the Foot of Merapi, moments of silence felt deeply meaningful, as though everyone was gathering something from within themselves. The readers appeared one after another: M. Iqbal Saputra, Romzul Falah, Awabeen Samsuding, Ella Manikam, Nuzul Ilmiawan, Islahudin Muhammad, Khatibul Umam, and several invited guests. They did not merely read poetry, but also shared anxieties and inner experiences with the audience.

At times, the sound of crickets slipped between the poetry readings. Some listeners bowed their heads in silence as the poems were recited. Then a light drizzle fell gently, as though helping preserve the calm and warmth of the night. As the rain grew heavier, some participants slowly moved to the terrace and inside the lodge while continuing to listen attentively. Words continued floating through the night air, mingling with the cold winds from the slopes of Mount Merapi and the aroma of coffee and boiled soybeans wafting from the lodge.

In between sessions, M. Iqbal Saputra, a committee member from the technical division, shared his reflections on the importance of literary appreciation nights such as this. According to him, events like the launch of Matragama are something that should exist amidst the turbulence of changing times. He said that poetry, storytelling, and even simple discussions are efforts to become whole human beings again—to see life from various perspectives and then determine one’s path, whether through writing, action, or perhaps simply through a smile.

One of the evening’s most captivating moments came through a dramatic reading by Luthfi, a doctoral student in Humanities at UGM. The dramatic performance transformed the text from mere writing into a moving body, a pulsating voice, and emotions vividly alive before the audience’s eyes. The invited guests were swept into the intimate yet energetic atmosphere.

In the middle of the appreciation night, Rini Febriani Hauri read her short story titled The Three Deaths of Dayang Temulun in a calm and rhythmic voice. The climax of the event came when Rini’s short story was discussed collectively. The discussion was moderated by Giandra, featuring Ricky Yudhistira Nasution, a doctoral student in Humanities at UGM, as the speaker. The short story, which won Second Place in the 2025 International HB Jassin Award, was explored through the lens of magical realism—a landscape where bodies, earth, trees, mist, and memories coexist without rigid boundaries between the real and the supernatural. The discussion unfolded warmly. It examined how literature operates within collective memory, myth, the body, and human history. Participants listened enthusiastically; some remained silent in contemplation, while others immersed themselves in endless interpretive possibilities.

The night grew later, yet no one truly wished to leave. After the entire series of events concluded, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Some people sang together, while others chatted freely, joked, and shared long laughter. Some sat in circles discussing books and literature, while others simply enjoyed the night while exchanging unfinished life stories beyond the formal forum. It was there that Matragama truly felt alive—not in banners, event schedules, or ceremonial formalities, but in encounters and conversations that continued glowing deep into the night.

Several invited guests from various departments and communities within UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences also shared reflections and hopes for Matragama. Representatives from Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, American Studies, Linguistics, History, and Anthropology expressed hopes that inter-organizational bonds would continue warmly. They also wished for Matragama to have a long life and remain consistent as a shared space for nurturing literature, art, and culture.

At the foot of Merapi that night, literature appeared like little candles—not grand, but enough to keep the warmth of encounters and conversations alive. The drizzle still fell softly as people slowly began leaving Pondok Kalimasada one by one.

Author: Rini Febriani Hauri

Yogyakarta, April 26, 2026 — Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati conducted a community service activity by delivering a lecture related to her field at Teladan State High School in Yogyakarta. The title of her lecture posed the question “Masuk Angin (Catching a Cold): A Blessing or a Curse?” and opened up a relevant discussion in the health and well-being sector. The term “masuk angin” has long been part of Indonesian society. The public’s understanding of “masuk angin” highlights the importance of an inclusive and culturally-based approach to health.

Many people still rely on traditional methods such as scraping therapy, herbal remedies, and rest as initial treatments. These practices reflect local wisdom that has the potential to support the healthcare system, provided they are balanced with appropriate medical education. “Masuk angin” is described as a Javanese concept of illness caused by an excess of wind elements within the body. Javanese cosmology forms the basis for health and illness; in medical anthropology, this is referred to as the hot-cold theory.

Prof. Atik explains that “masuk angin” is not a disease or sickness. However, she notes that “masuk angin” falls under magico-religious models—meaning this condition arises from spiritual or supernatural causes, so its treatment follows accordingly, such as scraping therapy (kerokan/pijat), consuming herbal remedies (jamu), and other practices. Additionally, it is referred to as holistic models, where health is viewed as the result of a balance among various aspects of life—not merely the physical. Physical conditions may be influenced by psychological, social, environmental, or spiritual factors, such as stress or an unhealthy lifestyle. She also explained that “wind entering the body” is categorized into several types: ordinary (mild) wind, severe wind, and “kasep” wind (sedentary wind). Her interpretations regarding “masuk angin” include health disorders (illness), failure to adapt, a reflection of low bodily resilience, a signal to rest, and “angin duduk” as a result of magical influences.

Prof. Atik focuses on the field of health from an anthropological perspective. This is because health literacy is key to building a community that is aware of its physical condition. Appropriate education can help the public distinguish between mild symptoms and serious illnesses requiring medical intervention. Additionally, a culture-based approach helps reach communities with limited access to formal healthcare services. By integrating local knowledge into the healthcare system, it is hoped that no group will be left behind.

This discussion underscores that traditional practices such as “catching a chill” are not always an obstacle to health development; rather, they can serve as a bridge toward a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, academics, and the community is key to achieving this goal.

Author: Dewi Widyastuti
Photo: Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A.

Yogyakarta, April 18, 2026 – Amid the demands of academic life, IKMASA, through its Department of Interests and Talents under the Dur Mufassal Cabinet, organized Fun-Minton as a refreshing activity for students. Held at the Sendowo Sports Hall from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, the event created a warm atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of togetherness.

Fun-Minton was open to all Arabic Literature students, regardless of their badminton skills, including those who simply wished to participate in a casual and enjoyable manner. Participants were welcome to attend directly at the venue in sports attire. Beyond promoting physical activity, this event also served as a platform to strengthen relationships among members and to foster a supportive environment within the Arabic Literature community. The interactions that took place throughout the event contributed to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Through Fun-Minton, students are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between academic and non-academic activities while also reinforcing a sense of solidarity. This initiative reflects IKMASA’s commitment to providing a productive, healthy, and collaborative space for all its members.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida