Yogyakarta, October 26, 2025 – The Muslim Family of Cultural Sciences (Keluarga Muslim Ilmu Budaya – KMIB) from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully held a social service event titled “Rabita: Raih Berkah, Bagikan Cinta” (Gain Blessings, Share Love) at the Lembaga Kesejahteraan Sosial Anak (LKSA – Child Social Welfare Institution) Omah Ngaji Jogja. This year, the Rabita activity adopted the theme of “Environmental Hygiene” as a form of student concern for the importance of cleanliness and environmental sustainability, while also realizing the spirit of community service.

The event was attended by KMIB members, administrators and fostered children of LKSA Omah Ngaji, as well as students participating in the KMIB Soft Skills class. Their presence added to the spirit of togetherness and strengthened the value of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) throughout the series of activities. The event proceeded with great enthusiasm and cheerfulness, reflecting the collaborative spirit between the students, administrators, and the fostered children of LKSA Omah Ngaji in carrying out social activities.

The series of activities included education on waste sorting, tree planting, and an interactive activity of painting trash bins. Through these activities, KMIB FIB UGM aimed to cultivate awareness of the importance of cleanliness and environmental sustainability from an early age, while creating a fun and memorable learning experience for the children.

Dian Patmisari, the Chief Executive of Rabita, explained that the program not only focused on environmental cleanliness but also instilled humanitarian values, gratitude, and social concern. She stated that Rabita: Gain Blessings, Share Love is a manifestation of gratitude and care from the KMIB extended family towards others, as well as a means to strengthen kinship (silaturahmi) and foster the spirit of Islamic brotherhood (ukhuwah Islamiyah) among students.

More than just a social activity, Rabita served as a platform for FIB UGM students to channel positive energy and strengthen the spirit of community service (one of the Three Pillars of Higher Education – tri dharma perguruan tinggi). Through the theme of “environmental hygiene,” this initiative instilled the awareness that maintaining cleanliness is part of worship and a shared responsibility as the nation’s next generation.

The administrators of LKSA Omah Ngaji Jogja welcomed the implementation of Rabita and appreciated the attention and concern of KMIB FIB UGM for their fostered children. Events like this can provide emotional and educational benefits for the children, as besides fostering environmental awareness, they also instill the value of togetherness and cheerfulness through direct interaction with the students.

The Rabita: Gain Blessings, Share Love activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through efforts to create a clean environment, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing environmental education to the fostered children, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through concrete action to maintain cleanliness and green the environment, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through tree planting and natural preservation education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals) through collaboration between FIB UGM students and LKSA Omah Ngaji Jogja.

(KMIB FIB UGM, Hilmi Anugerah Alghani)

Yogyakarta, October 31, 2025 — The American Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a Public Lecture titled “Trauma and Cultural Awareness” at the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM.

The event featured Dr. Jack Leslie Redfern, Jr. from Goshen College, Indiana, United States, an affiliate professor renowned for his expertise in cross-cultural studies and trauma psychology.

In his presentation, Dr. Leslie explained that trauma is an intense emotional, psychological, or physical response to an event or series of events that exceed an individual’s capacity to cope. According to him, trauma can leave lasting effects on one’s functioning and overall well-being.

Furthermore, Dr. Leslie emphasized that trauma is not only defined by the objective event but also by the subjective experience of the person who undergoes it. He added that repeated minor stressors (chronic adversity) can have an impact as severe as a single catastrophic event.

In addition, cultural context plays a crucial role in shaping how trauma is recognized, expressed, and addressed within a society. Dr. Leslie illustrated this by referring to conditions in several rural Javanese villages, where values such as saving face and preserving family honor (rasa malu) often discourage individuals from disclosing experiences of domestic violence. Instead of seeking professional help, such cases are typically resolved internally through community elders or neighborhood meetings (RT/RW).

Through this public lecture, students were encouraged to understand that trauma management cannot be separated from the social and cultural contexts of a community. Cultural awareness, he explained, is essential for fostering empathy and developing more humane approaches toward trauma survivors.

This activity also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Through academic programs like this, FIB UGM reaffirms its commitment to deepening students’ understanding of mental health and cultural diversity while fostering awareness of the importance of inclusive, human-centered social support.

[Public Relations Office, FIB UGM – Alma Syahwalani]

On Sunday (August 24, 2025), HMJ Kamastawa conducted social service and teaching activities at the Darun Najah Orphanage and Shelter for the Poor in Maguwoharjo Village, Depok, Sleman. This initiative, organized by the Social Community Division and the Academic Division, reflects the students’ social responsibility and dedication to the community as part of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The target audience for the activity was orphaned and underprivileged children, with a focus on educational support for female high school students.

Prior to the social service activity, the Social Community Division opened donations of money and goods, including reading books, stationery, and cleaning supplies. These donations were then distributed to meet the needs of the Darun Najah Orphanage.

The series of events began with a teaching activity guided by the Academic Division with the theme of Javanese script and how to write it. In this session, students presented interactive group games. Participants were asked to answer questions competitively, and each correct and quick answer would earn points. After the game ended, the group with the most points was entitled to a prize.

The event continued with a social service activity by the Social Community Division, which donated snacks and necessities for the orphanage, such as brooms, boxes, and so on. The funds for these necessities were obtained from an open donation that had been opened previously. 

The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of commemorative plaques and the handover of donations from the chairman of HMJ Kamastawa to representatives of the Darun Najah Orphanage management. Students and orphanage children also took part in a group photo session to commemorate the occasion and share stories.

Kamastawa’s community service activities are not merely about carrying out work programs, but also provide a shared learning space that offers valuable experiences for both students and children at the orphanage. In addition, these activities support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of health, education, equality, and sustainable communities and partnerships.

Author : Maysa Putri Fatihah & Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, August 6, 2025 – As a tangible form of community service, the Master’s Program in American Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) collaborated with BP3MI (Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency), Yayasan Taman Cipta Karya Nusantara (TCKN), and Medical Outreachers Hong Kong to organize free health check-ups for returned Indonesian migrant workers. The event took place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the TCKN Foundation in Yogyakarta.

This activity is part of an annual collaboration that has been running since 2023 between TCKN and Medical Outreachers, a charitable organization of medical students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU). This year, the American Studies Student and Alumni Association (ASSAA) of UGM’s Master’s Program in American Studies served as the main academic partner as well as the primary organizer of the event. ASSAA members and several volunteer master’s and doctoral students in American Studies also acted as interpreters, bridging communication between the medical students and the returned migrant workers in attendance.

Carrying the spirit of collaboration and public service, this program aimed to provide basic health screenings to raise health awareness, particularly regarding degenerative diseases that are common among older adults. In addition, the event also included a public education session and training on first aid skills in emergency situations, equipping participants with practical knowledge and abilities to respond effectively and promptly before professional medical help arrives.

Remarks by Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum.

The event began with welcoming remarks by Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum., Head of the Master’s Program in American Studies. This was followed by the public education and training session, and concluded with basic health screenings conducted by the medical students from Medical Outreachers Hong Kong, assisted by American Studies students serving as interpreters. The medical services provided included blood pressure checks, blood glucose level tests, body mass index (BMI) measurement, basic nutrition consultation, and general medical consultation. All services were offered free of charge to around 20 participants, who were returned migrant workers from Yogyakarta and surrounding areas.

Basic Health Screening Process

The involvement of UGM postgraduate students as interpreters and organizing committee members was expected to be a meaningful learning experience, enhancing their social awareness and intercultural communication skills. With the program’s objectives achieved and strong participant enthusiasm, the event is also expected to serve as a momentum to strengthen cross-border and cross-sector collaboration in creating tangible social impact.

[Pengkajian Amerika, Nariza Ayu Pasha]

Yogyakarta, 19/8/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a special inaugural lecture for the new undergraduate students of the 2025 academic year. The event featured the keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., who presented on the theme “Healthy Relationships, Strong Minds, Enthusiastic Learning.”

In her presentation, Prof. Wening introduced her book titled “Healthy Relationships,” which is based on the principles of positive thinking, collaboration, and inclusivity. She emphasized that collaboration is the key to mutual progress, while inclusivity means involving all parties without exception, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, remote areas, and friends with disabilities. She asserted that healthy relationships should not only be applied among students but also between lecturers and in external collaborations such as community service and internships.

Furthermore, Prof. Wening highlighted that diverse backgrounds could lead to conflicts or violence, making awareness of justice, equality, and democracy crucial for creating a safe and comfortable academic environment. She elaborated on various forms of violence that need to be watched out for, ranging from verbal, psychological, sexual, symbolic, to intellectual violence.

During this occasion, Prof. Wening reminded the new FIB students that their selection from a large pool of applicants is a significant achievement, but it must be accompanied by humility and respect for others. She emphasized that UGM should no longer be known for the term “killer lecturers,” but rather as a University that upholds healthy relationships.

The event was interactive, featuring a question-and-answer session between the new students and Prof. Wening. The discussion was lively, with questions coming from various majors within FIB. The critical inquiries from students enriched the collective understanding of the importance of building healthy relationships in both academic and social life.

The inaugural lecture concluded with a collective call to build awareness in creating security, comfort, and a positive learning spirit. It is hoped that all new FIB UGM students can embark on their academic journey with strong minds, healthy relationships, and a sustainable enthusiasm for learning.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this event underscores the importance of access to education and the establishment of basic living standards. By fostering an inclusive academic environment, UGM aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have access to quality education and the necessary support to thrive.

Prof. Wening’s emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity resonates with the SDG goal of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, as well as the need for development assistance in underprivileged areas. By addressing these issues, UGM is not only contributing to the academic growth of its students but also to the broader societal development.

As the new academic year begins, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM is committed to nurturing a culture of respect, understanding, and collaboration among its students and faculty. This commitment is essential for creating a conducive learning environment that promotes personal and academic growth.