Yogyakarta, 17/2/2025 – Studying and understanding ancient manuscripts may sound complicated to some people. However, in the Codicology course taught by Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M. Hum., we can understand it better from a fun side!

Codicology itself is a course that focuses on the science of dealing with the physical condition of manuscripts. So basically here, students will study the physical condition of manuscripts in terms of materials, size, paper and everything related to the physical nature of the manuscript, as well as the elements in the text, such as illumination, stamps, script, and others.

On Monday, February 17, 2025, Mrs. Sakti entered the Codicology class bringing a new learning method for students. In this second meeting, students conducted a case study. The case given was the analysis of a manuscript. However, what was different here was the object of study. The object that became the example of the manuscript was the student himself.

There were 5 students who were chosen to be the ‘objects of study’, while their friends formed groups to discuss and analyze each of the objects. The things that were asked to be described included manuscripts, texts, and history.

An example of the requested script analysis is a physical description of the object of study. For example, in that day’s meeting, according to the ‘script’, the object had curly hair, was 165 cm tall, had narrow eyes, had brown skin, and so on. Then in text, students could describe that the object was shy, kind, liked to show off, and so on. Finally, historically, students were asked to mention the life journey of ‘the script’ such as year of birth, parents, home address, age, and et cetera.

By imagining things like this, students can understand better how to analyze and describe scripts more concretely. And in the future, students are expected to be more enthusiastic about dissecting Javanese Literature scripts so that the essence of the script can be conveyed to the public.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 3/3/2025 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 79th Anniversary by holding a grand Open Senate Meeting at the 7th floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building. This year’s theme, ‘Menyongsong Delapan Dekade Berkarya Membangun Peradaban Dunia,’ reflects the faculty’s commitment to education and community development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event began with opening remarks by the Chair of the Faculty Senate followed by Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., Rector of UGM, giving an inspiring speech. Prof Emilia invited the entire academic community to continue to contribute to society through innovative research and community service.

In the main part, the Dean of FIB, Prof. Dr Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., delivered a comprehensive report showing the performance of the faculty over the past year. His report highlighted various educational programmes, community service initiatives, research projects, and achievements that have made a positive impact on the university and the surrounding community. He emphasised the faculty’s dedication in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

One of the highlights of the event was the scientific speech delivered by Dr Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, MA, titled ‘Art: Optimising UGM’s Identity.’ In his speech, Dr Lono emphasised that UGM has an identity as a national university; a university of struggle; a Pancasila university; a populist university; and a university of cultural centres in accordance with the values of FIB UGM.

The event also honoured outstanding individuals within the FIB community. Awards were given to three exemplary lecturers, two dedicated education staff, two distinguished alumni, and eleven outstanding students. These awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and support within the academic community. In a further exciting award announcement, FIB’s new mascots, Budi and Amulya, were introduced. These mascots are expected to promote the spirit of culture among faculty members.

The celebration closed with a mesmerising performance from the Paramadaya Choir, who sang ‘Bungong Joempa’ and ‘Viva La Vida,’ as well as an interactive singing session. The choir’s performance not only entertained the audience but also highlighted the role of music and arts in education, building a sense of community and shared experience.

The Faculty’s 79th Anniversary served as a reminder of the vital role that educational institutions play in shaping a better future for society, in line with the SDGs and inspired all participants to continue their journey of learning and contribution.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 24/2/2025 – In the series of anniversary of Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), a scientific oration and public lecture titled ‘Welcoming Eight Decades of Work to Build World Civilisation’ was held on 24 February 2025. The event took place at Soegondo Auditorium, gathering academics, students, and culture lovers to discuss the important role of education in building peace and resolving conflicts.

The event began with a speech from the Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Prof. Dr Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA. In her speech, she emphasised the importance of education as a tool for conflict resolution and cultural diplomacy as she did in her researches. After the speech, the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr Setiadi, M.Si., took the stage to explain the Faculty’s role in the humanities. He pointed out that the humanities play an important role in shaping a more peaceful society by promoting critical thinking and empathy among students.

The highlight of the event was a scientific oration delivered by Dr (H.C) Drs. H. Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, a leading figure in Indonesian politics and diplomacy. In his speech, he discussed the historical context of cultural diplomacy and its impact on peacebuilding efforts. He argued that understanding cultural differences is crucial in resolving conflicts and that education plays an important role in this process.

The session was followed by an engaging discussion involving participants from various backgrounds, including students, faculty members, and cultural practitioners. The audience asked questions about the practical application of cultural diplomacy in contemporary conflicts and the role of educational institutions in promoting peace. The discussion emphasised the need for collaborative efforts in facing global challenges through education.

As the event drew to a close, participants expressed their appreciation for the insights shared by the speakers. Many stressed the importance of continuing this kind of dialogue to foster a culture of peace and understanding. The event not only celebrated the Faculty’s achievements over the past eight decades but also affirmed its commitment to contribute to global civilisation through education and cultural diplomacy.

In the context of the SDGs, the event served as a reminder of the interconnections between education, peace and conflict resolution. It highlighted the role of educational institutions in shaping future leaders who are prepared to face the complexities of a diverse world. The discussions held during this event will surely inspire further initiatives aimed at promoting peace through education.

Overall, the scientific oration and public lecture at FIB UGM was a resounding success, gathering a community dedicated to the ideals of cultural diplomacy and peace. As the world faces increasing challenges, the role of education in fostering understanding and resolving conflict has never been more important.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 25/2/2025 – The Faculty of Humanities held an important workshop aimed at increasing collaboration between local governments and universities. The event was attended by the Regent of Siak Regency, Riau, as well as various stakeholders from the public and academic sectors. The workshop focused on the development of culture, tourism, and creative economy by utilising local potential to drive economic growth and development.

The workshop began with opening remarks from the Regent of Siak, who emphasised the importance of education in improving economic resources. He highlighted that universities have a crucial role in providing the knowledge and skills needed to empower local communities. By collaborating with local governments, educational institutions can help create a more sustainable and inclusive economic environment.

The participants engaged in discussions on the current state of cultural and tourism development in Siak. They explored how local resources can be optimised to increase the attractiveness of the area as a tourist destination. The Bupati emphasised that Siak is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, which if managed well, can contribute significantly to economic development.

One of the key topics discussed during the workshop was the integration of local culture into the education curriculum. Experts suggested that by incorporating local history and traditions into university programmes, students will be better equipped to promote and preserve their cultural identity. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a sense of pride among the younger generation.

In addition, the workshop also highlighted the potential of the creative economy in driving economic growth. The participants discussed various creative industries, such as handicrafts, performing arts, and culinary, that could be further developed. The Regent encouraged local entrepreneurs to collaborate with universities to innovate and create new products that reflect Siak’s unique cultural identity.

In addition to the cultural and creative industries, the workshop also focused on sustainable tourism practices. Experts shared insights on how to develop tourism that respects local communities and the environment. The Regent emphasised that sustainable tourism is essential for long-term economic development and should be a priority for local governments and educational institutions.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on all stakeholders to work together in implementing the strategies discussed. Such collaboration is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of economic resources, education, and economic growth.

As participants left the workshop, there was a real sense of optimism about the future of Siak. The collaboration between the local government and universities is expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that will boost the cultural, tourism and creative sectors in the area. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving sustainable economic development in Siak.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 25/2/2025 – The Senate Hall of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in Yogyakarta witnessed a significant academic event: the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Drs. Sajarwa, M.Hum. as Professor in Translation Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The event not only marked a personal achievement for Prof Sajarwa, but also highlighted UGM’s commitment to advancing education and research in linguistics.

The event was attended by distinguished members of the Board of Trustees, the Vice-Chancellor, the Board of Professors, and the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The presence of these dignitaries demonstrates the importance of this event within the academic community. The event was also broadcast live, allowing a wider audience to participate virtually, with recordings available on the UGM YouTube channel.

In his inaugural speech entitled ‘Transformation of Advance Management in the Translation of French to Indonesian Politeness,’ Prof Sajarwa discussed the complexities of translation management, particularly focusing on the nuances of politeness in translating from French to Indonesian. Her insights are expected to make a significant contribution to the field of translation studies, emphasising the importance of cultural context in effective communication.

Prof Sajarwa’s research is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. His work in linguistics and translation not only enhances academic knowledge but also promotes cross-cultural understanding, which is crucial in an increasingly globalised world.

The event also served as a platform to discuss the role of education in bridging the cultural divide. As globalisation continues to affect communication, the need for skilled translators who can navigate linguistic and cultural differences becomes increasingly important. Prof Sajarwa’s expertise in this field is expected to inspire future generations of linguists and translators especially in French.

In addition to her academic achievements, Prof. Sajarwa is also actively involved in various community service programmes aimed at improving language education in Indonesia. His commitment to education goes beyond the classroom, as he believes in the transformative power of language in building social cohesion and understanding.

For those who missed the live event, documentation is available to watch on UGM’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/live/Q38xG_XiaQs?feature=shared. This initiative reflects UGM’s commitment to making educational resources accessible to a wider audience, further supporting the SDGs.

As UGM continues to fulfil its mission to advance knowledge and education, Prof Sajarwa’s inauguration is a testament to the university’s role in shaping the future of linguistics and translation studies in Indonesia.

[Public Relations Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]