The Kazoku Division of the Japanese Language and Culture Student Association (HIMAJE), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held its Undoukai program on 27–28 September 2025. This event was organized as a series of sports competitions within the Japanese Language and Culture Program (BKJ) to strengthen connections among students from different cohorts and to foster closer interaction between students and faculty members. In addition, Undoukai served as a space to promote sportsmanship and create a healthy, fun, and exciting competitive atmosphere.

The first day of activities, held on Saturday, 27 September 2025, focused on a badminton tournament involving students from all cohorts as well as lecturers. The matches were conducted with high enthusiasm and provided an opportunity for students and faculty to interact more closely in a supportive setting. Through this sport, participants not only competed but also reinforced a sense of togetherness within the BKJ UGM community.

The event continued on Sunday, 28 September 2025, featuring competitions based on games and strategy, including Mobile Legends, chess, and FIFA. This variety of events encouraged participation from students with diverse interests. The competitions were lively and demonstrated that strong bonds can be built through different forms of activities—whether physical sports or games that rely on teamwork, focus, and strategic thinking.

Undoukai became one of the activities that strengthened the family-like atmosphere within the BKJ UGM community. Through this program, the Kazoku Division of HIMAJE BKJ UGM hopes that the spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity will continue to grow, while also fostering warmer interaction between students across cohorts and faculty members.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

The Japanese Language and Culture Program (BKJ) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, through its student association HIMAJE, held Bunkasai 2025 under the theme “Natsu no Bunkasai.” Inspired by Japanese school culture festivals, the two-day event offered an immersive cultural experience through stage performances, competitions, interactive booths, karaoke, and a lively bazaar, allowing visitors to enjoy a festive and engaging atmosphere.

Bunkasai took place on Friday and Saturday, 14–15 November 2025, across several key venues at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, including Plaza Margono, the Auditorium, and Greenland. On the first day, activities began as the gates opened at Greenland, followed by an opening session and welcoming remarks. The day concluded with stage performances that set the festive tone of the event. One of the highlights was a performance by HIKARI, which energized the audience and marked the beginning of the entertainment program leading up to the opening of the bazaar.

On the second day, the event started with the opening of competitions at the Soegondo Building, followed by contests such as a quiz competition, Mobile Legends, and chess. Visitors were also invited to participate in other competitions, including speech, dokkai (Japanese reading), and presentations, emphasizing that the festival served not only as a space for entertainment but also as a platform for showcasing Japanese language skills.

In the afternoon and evening, the festival returned to Greenland with an even more vibrant atmosphere. The bazaar reopened alongside the announcement of competition results, followed by performances from internal BKJ communities such as HIGAKU and DAIJI. After an exhibition session and mini games, the event continued with a highly anticipated group karaoke session, reinforcing the spirit of expression and togetherness that Bunkasai aimed to create.

Overall, Bunkasai 2025 demonstrated how BKJ UGM students do not only study Japanese language and culture in the classroom, but also bring it to life through an open, interactive, and collaborative cultural festival. Through a combination of performances, competitions, bazaar activities, and creative programs, Bunkasai became one of the events that reflects the strong and dynamic student community within BKJ UGM, while also serving as an enjoyable medium for introducing Japanese culture to a broader audience.

[Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada recorded an impressive achievement at the 2025 Gadjah Mada Sports and Arts Week (PORSENIGAMA). Based on the official recap, the FIB contingent secured victories across various sports and arts categories, in both individual and team competitions, highlighting the strong competitiveness of its students beyond academic fields.

In the athletics division, FIB earned three achievements through I Putu Arya Ananda Adi Nugraha Santosa, who won third place in the Men’s 1500 m, Yustisia Raka Saputra who claimed first place in the Men’s Long Jump, and Ahmad Mikail who took third place in the Men’s 200 m. In orienteering, Rangga Rayhan Paristyo and Shang Narendra Paramarthadewa Suryaputra secured second place in the General Team category.

Outstanding results also came from the FIB Men’s Hockey Team, which won first place. The team members included Alif Yoga Pratama, Arjuna, Fadly Bayu Laksono, Jonathan Ephram Purnomo, Reihan Mandiri Wangsa, Rasendriya Evan Muhammad Walia, Ferdika Dwi Cahya, Firlan Maulana Sayogya, Ibrahim, Jonathan Kefas, Muhammad Farhan, and Muhammad Thoriq Aziz. In addition, Rasendriya Evan Muhammad Walia received the Top Scorer award.

In judo, Wanita Perkasa Bijaksana earned third place in the Women’s +57 kg category and second place in the Women’s +57 kg Tachiwaza category, while Dewan Gusti Dinantaka took third place in the Men’s +90 kg Tachiwaza. In karate, Muhammad Faiz Darmawan won second place in the Men’s Individual Kata, followed by Human Irsyad Sabil in third place for the same category. Kevin Naufal Bagaskara secured third place in Men’s Kumite +60 kg, and Sarah Jasmine Kahiking earned third place in Women’s Kumite +55 kg.

In archery, Affa Arif Hukmana Rahayu won second place in the Men’s Barebow Individual Qualification and third place in the Individual Elimination in the same division. FIB also excelled in pencak silat, with Labibah Haya Nurmaulidza taking first place in Women’s Class C and Lakshita Pradnya Dayinta claiming first place in the Women’s Artistic Single category.

Achievements in the arts category also strengthened FIB’s position. Alna Hafifah won first place in Poetry Reading, Najmah ‘Ulya Syahidah secured first place in Comic Strip, and the monologue category received the Best Directing title. In scriptwriting, Berekhya Kiri Grace Syandana earned third place. In modern dance, FIB won first place through the team consisting of Azra Khansa Ahista Melody Putri Wijayanto, Fransisca Cindy Putri Tet Hun, Justin Liepangi, Kyla Ajizah Rahardhi, Nadia Nasywa Naila Pentha Calista, Nadira Renata Nur Setyaningrum, Nicola Shevarelia Bima Putri, Oryza Sativa Rosyadi, Salsabila Rizky Alifa Zul’am, and Syaira Radhwa Aqila. For traditional dance, Alexandra Gendhis Danurdara, Arba’Athun Nisa Adhya Nur Baity, Audrey Gizella Islamey, Ermin Dhiva Nurhaliza, and Hapsari Inez Kinasih secured third place in the group category.

In the keroncong vocal category, Muhammad Isa Dafa Hakam won first place in the Men’s Solo performance, and Dian Patmisari earned second place in the Women’s Solo category.

These achievements reflect the commitment of FIB students to developing their full potential through healthy, collaborative, and quality-oriented competition. The accomplishments not only bring pride to the faculty, but also emphasize the importance of support and facilities for interest and talent development within higher education environments, contributing positively to the growth of character and the competitive capacity of the younger generation.

Photo: pixabay.com
[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 19 November 2025 — The Muslim Cultural Studies Community (KMIB) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized a Blood Donation event on the 2nd floor of the Poerbatjaraka Building. This initiative is part of KMIB’s ongoing efforts to foster social awareness and enhance the health of the campus community through humanitarian action.

Before donating blood, participants were advised to ensure they were in good physical condition, including getting at least four hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining overall health. These reminders were provided to ensure the donation process could proceed safely and smoothly.

Upon arrival, participants were required to fill out their personal data. They then underwent a health validation process, including blood pressure checks, blood type identification, and other medical examinations. Only participants who met the established health standards were allowed to proceed with the donation.

Through this activity, KMIB contributes to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to improving health and well-being. The spirit of blood donation aligns with efforts to cultivate a health-conscious campus environment, strengthen humanitarian initiatives, and encourage collaboration in helping others. This event reflects the campus community’s concrete commitment to supporting a better quality of life for the wider society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, May 24, 2025 – In the spirit of promoting fitness, team spirit, and athletic potential among students, the Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) of Universitas Gadjah Mada launched its first basketball training session called Basket Asik IKMASA on Saturday morning, May 24, 2025, at the Faculty of Psychology Basketball Court, UGM.

Starting at 7:00 AM, the session was free of charge and open to all Arabic Study Program students from any year. Participants didn’t come alone—friends, family members, and partners were also welcome, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere on the court.

While the activity was held in a casual and cheerful tone, it also served as an initial step toward discovering promising basketball talent who could represent IKMASA in future sports competitions. 

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDGs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by encouraging physical activity and fostering healthy social networks through sports.

Basket Asik IKMASA is a testament to how a culture of health, camaraderie, and positive competition can thrive in a lighthearted and joyful environment—one basketball game at a time.

[Author, Muhammad Ardiansyah]