Graduating in 3.5 years is no longer impossible for students. This is proven by three students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at UGM, namely Yasmin Nabiha Sahda, Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay, and Hanundita Salma. The three students officially graduated on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after completing their education in only seven semesters.

During an interview on Friday, February 27, 2026, the three shared tips on how students can complete their thesis and graduate quickly. Yasmin Nabiha Sahda (Yasmin) advised students to finalize their research topic by the sixth semester. According to her, this strategy is very effective so that students can immediately focus on studying the literature and developing a research framework without wasting time during the thesis writing process.

In addition to early preparation, interest and time management also greatly influence the thesis writing process. Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay (Pesdhi) emphasized that choosing a research topic that suits one’s abilities and personal interests will make the research process run more smoothly. She also added that setting clear work targets and mastering relevant theories can help students stay focused during the research process.

Meanwhile, Hanundita Salma (Hanun) said that a thesis that seems difficult should be broken down into several small stages so that the work feels more focused. Hanundita also highlighted the importance of a supportive group of friends and active communication with lecturers as discussion partners to speed up the process of completing the final assignment.

In addition, these three graduates also shared messages for their fellow students who are still struggling. Yasmin encouraged them to truly use their time in college to enrich themselves with a deep understanding of Javanese literature. Meanwhile, Pesdhi and Hanun agreed that the key to completing a final project is not speed alone, but perseverance in tackling the thesis without losing the joy of the process.

Their experiences demonstrate that a thesis can be completed gradually with proper planning. Through these tips and experiences, it is hoped that they can serve as a reference and inspire students who are planning and completing their thesis projects. 

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro & Nanda Nursa Alya

Thumbnail Maker : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, 27 February 2026 – In welcoming the 80th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM held a cemetery pilgrimage at the UGM Family Cemetery located in Sawitsari on Thursday (27/2) at 07:30 AM. This activity is part of the faculty’s regular agenda carried out annually as a form of respect and remembrance for the predecessors who contributed significantly to the development of the faculty and the university.

The event began with a joint prayer led by Dr. Ahmad Athoillah, S.Pd., M.A., a lecturer from the Department of History at FIB UGM. In a solemn atmosphere, participants prayed for the departed figures and members of the academic community while remembering their contributions to the development of academic traditions within FIB UGM.

The program continued with remarks delivered by the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources of FIB UGM, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A. In his speech, he stated that the pilgrimage serves as a moment of reflection for the entire academic community to appreciate the struggles and dedication of the faculty’s predecessors, while also strengthening the commitment to continue the academic values and spirit of service they have passed down.
Following the remarks, the event proceeded with a symbolic procession around the cemetery and the scattering of flower petals on the graves of figures who had made significant contributions to the development of FIB UGM. This procession symbolized respect and gratitude for the dedication of the predecessors who played an important role in shaping the faculty’s growth.

This pilgrimage is not only part of the series of events commemorating the 80th Dies Natalis of FIB UGM, but also reflects the values of honoring history, maintaining academic traditions, and appreciating the legacy of past scholars. These values align with the efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, through the strengthening of educational and reflective academic values, as well as Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage for sustainable societies.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, March 6, 2026 – In commemoration of the 80th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM) presented awards to a number of outstanding students from various study programs. This recognition serves as the faculty’s appreciation for students’ dedication, academic achievements, and contributions to the advancement of humanities scholarship.

The Outstanding Student Awards were part of the series of events celebrating the 80th Dies Natalis of FIB UGM, which carries the spirit of reflecting on the faculty’s long journey in building civilization through knowledge and culture. Through this recognition, FIB UGM hopes to encourage students to continuously develop their academic potential, creativity, and leadership across various fields.

The recipients of the FIB UGM Outstanding Student Awards came from several study programs, namely:

1. Muhammad Lodhi Firmansyah – Cultural Anthropology Study Program
2. Stefanie Adelia Tiurma Mukti – Archaeology Study Program
3. Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula – Arabic Literature Study Program
4. Bening Christalica Damai Nugraha – Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program
5. Sabrina Cherryl Az-zahra – English Literature Study Program
6. Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’ – Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program
7. Betari Ardya Febbyaliza – Japanese Language and Culture Study Program
8. Ferdinanda Melinda Suryaningrum – Korean Language and Culture Study Program
9. Ferdian Dwi Saputra – Tourism Study Program
10. Nova Indah Navez – French Language and Literature Study Program
11. Muhammad Jaris Almazani – History Study Program

This award not only recognizes students’ achievements but also serves as motivation for all FIB UGM students to continue contributing to the development of knowledge, research, and community service. The initiative aligns with efforts to support the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the importance of quality education and the development of the younger generation’s potential.

Through the Outstanding Student Awards at the 80th Dies Natalis celebration, FIB UGM hopes to continue producing a new generation of academics and young intellectuals who can actively contribute to societal development and the advancement of humanities scholarship at both the national and global levels.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – Student creativity once again enlivened the celebration of the 80th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada. A student from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), Wanita Perkasa Bijaksana, presented an innovative work in the form of a pop-up book titled “8 Decades of Building Civilization,” which visually illustrates the historical journey of FIB UGM through an interactive format.

The pop-up book was created as an effort to present the history of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences in a more engaging and accessible way. Through a visual approach, the work portrays the long journey of FIB UGM from its early establishment to its present development. The pop-up format was chosen because it incorporates three-dimensional elements, allowing readers to experience the history in a more vivid and interactive manner.

In the book, Wanita Perkasa Bijaksana carefully selected several significant events and historical milestones that represent the dynamic development of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. These events are presented through creatively designed visual illustrations that depict the institutional transformation, academic achievements, and contributions of FIB UGM in advancing humanities scholarship.

The presence of this pop-up book is not only an artistic creation but also an educational medium that introduces the history of the faculty to students, members of the academic community, and the broader public. Through this innovative visual medium, historical narratives that were previously conveyed mainly through text can now be understood in a more communicative and engaging way.

This creative initiative also aligns with the spirit of developing inclusive and innovative education while supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, which promotes access to quality learning through creative methods, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through efforts to preserve and disseminate cultural knowledge and institutional history.

Through the pop-up book “8 Decades of Building Civilization,” students of FIB UGM demonstrate that the creativity of the younger generation can serve as an important medium for preserving institutional memory while conveying historical values to future generations in more innovative and inspiring ways.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Human migration and displacement are increasingly relevant issues in this era of global cross-regional relations. On Friday, February 13, 2026, the Department of Anthropology at Gadjah Mada University held a film screening and discussion on this topic. When The Water Horse Seeks a New Home is a short film by director Andrianus “Oetjoe” Merdhi, who has produced many films about various communities in Indonesia. The film was also produced with the assistance of Gerhard Hoffstaedter from the University of Brisbane and Prof. Dr. Antje Missbach (Mbak Antje) from the University of Bielefeld. Broadly speaking, this film tells the story of the experiences of Rohingya refugees who crossed the sea to seek asylum in Aceh, Indonesia. The screening was attended by Mbak Antje and facilitated by Dr. Realisa Darathea Masardi (Mbak Lisa) as the event organizer from the Department of Anthropology at UGM.

The film begins with an exposition from the perspective of a Rohingya migrant who fled to Aceh. During their journey, the group faced many challenges, such as engine failure that forced them to drift at sea for several days, unable to control their direction. They received assistance from several patrol officers in the waters they crossed, but no one gave them permission to dock. After a long journey, they finally arrive on the coast of Aceh.

Upon arrival, many local residents express their rejection of their presence. During negotiations with residents over where to live, the refugees wait on the coast, near their boat, not allowed to go far. After that, they settle in a crowded and squalid refugee camp. The residents’ rejection was actually justified, due to concerns about the behavior of the Rohingya refugees. However, there were also residents who empathized with these refugees. After the refugees moved to the camp, he found a hippopotamus toy belonging to one of the refugee children. Some time later, he tried to return the toy, but it turned out that the child and her family had left the camp and could not be contacted.

The empathy shown stems from a sense of shared destiny, because he himself was once a refugee. The Aceh war forced him to leave his home and family. So, he has experienced what the Rohingya refugees are experiencing today. This perspective shows the human side of this conflict, and reveals that many similar experiences have been endured by communities in Indonesia itself.

After the screening, Ms. Antje opened a discussion and QnA session with the audience. A lively discussion ensued, focusing on how civilians can respond and help these refugees. The discussion also touched on how the state can handle this crisis, balancing the interests of its citizens with providing humanitarian assistance to refugees. After the discussion, the event concluded with the Department of Anthropology presenting a memento to Ms. Antje.

Author: Amadeus Abhirama Paramanindita