On Saturday (29/10/2026), the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a meeting with students who are recipients of the Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo (YAD) scholarship. The event, conducted online via Google Meet, was attended by the Head of the Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum.

The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, serving as both a space for sharing and reflection for the students. Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., expressed her appreciation to the YAD scholarship recipients who have maintained strong academic performance, with a current cumulative grade point average (GPA) above 3.5. Appreciation was also given for the students’ active involvement in various non-academic activities, particularly those related to the preservation and development of Javanese culture.

In addition, she extended her congratulations to two YAD scholarship recipients who have completed their studies and participated in the Undergraduate and Applied Bachelor graduation ceremony (Period III, Academic Year 2025/2026) on May 21, 2026, namely Endar Sasmito Aji and Haryo Untoro. This achievement is expected to serve as motivation for other students to complete their studies successfully.

In her remarks, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., emphasized the importance of sustaining students’ contributions, especially those related to Javanese culture. She reminded them that their achievements should not stop at personal accomplishments but should also bring benefits to society. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of documenting every activity undertaken, not only as a form of accountability, but also as part of a portfolio that can be utilized in the future.

The meeting also served to strengthen the resolve of YAD scholarship recipients in navigating both their academic journey and extracurricular activities. Beyond being a form of appreciation and encouragement, the meeting opened space for students to continue developing their roles within society, particularly in relation to the preservation of Javanese culture.

Author : Haryo Untoro

For most humanities students, the question “What will you do after graduation?” often weighs heavily on their minds throughout their college years. The outdated assumption that Arabic literature graduates will end up only as translators or educators is still commonly heard. However, Desthy Umayah has clearly shattered that old paradigm. This 2011 graduate of the Arabic Literature program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at UGM has successfully demonstrated that a career path for literature graduates can reach the highest echelons of international diplomacy by becoming a diplomat at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait City for the 2023–2026 assignment period.

Desthy’s interest in the Arabic language actually began back in school. However, she never imagined that her decision to pursue a degree in Arabic Literature at UGM would lead her to the global stage. UGM not only offers a high-quality curriculum but also provides an academic ecosystem that is attuned to the times.

As the Arab Spring (a wave of revolutions across the Arab world) was unfolding, the Arabic Literature program at UGM actively responded by organizing academic discussions featuring alumni who were working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This moment marked a turning point for Desthy. It was in those small classrooms that she realized the knowledge she was acquiring was vital to analyzing global geopolitical issues.

For Desthy, university is a mental laboratory. While on campus, she actively developed herself through the Arabic Language Student Association (IMABA), the Marching Band, and the Rampoe UGM arts community. It was through these non-academic activities that the soft skills crucial to a diplomat—such as negotiation, public speaking, leadership, and teamwork—developed organically. Recognizing the importance of these non-academic skills, Desthy urged students not to become “butterfly students” (class-home-class-home). According to her, the professional world isn’t just looking for those who excel on paper, but for individuals who are ready to grow and are resilient in the field through organizational experience.

The combination of classroom theory and practical experience in campus organizations proved to be Desthy’s strongest asset when she entered the global arena. One of the academic skills she gained at UGM that became her main tool in the field was her proficiency in the official language required for bureaucratic matters.

“Although the Arabic used in everyday conversation is Ammiya (colloquial Arabic), which varies by country, the Fusha (standard Arabic) taught by our professors during our studies at UGM has actually become a crucial foundation that is extremely useful in a professional diplomatic career,” he explained.

Desthy’s journey conveys a valuable message that will always be relevant to generations of FIB UGM students year after year: success on the global stage does not come overnight, but is the result of making the most of the campus ecosystem. A degree in the field of culture has proven to provide a competitive edge that other academic disciplines lack.

“For me, studying Arabic Literature isn’t just about learning the language; it’s also a foundation that makes us more attuned to culture, helps us understand other people’s perspectives, and ultimately helps me grow as a diplomat,” said Desthy.

In closing, she offered words of encouragement worth pondering for every student currently in college who is uncertain about their future.

“If you love languages, are interested in international issues, and enjoy encountering new perspectives, don’t hesitate. The world of diplomacy can be a really exciting career path to pursue,” she concluded.

Photo: Dhesti Umayah
Author: Zaidan Abdurrahman
Editor: Candra Solihin

Yogyakarta, June 2026 —  The American Studies Program was honored to welcome Professor of English from Brigham Young University and also a Fulbright Senior Scholar, Brian Russel Roberts, for a guest lecture titled “Huck Finn’s Back Pages: or, Bob Dylan and Major Problems in American Literature”, on Friday, June 5th, 2026 at Ruang Sidang 1, Poerbatjaraka building.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, Bob Dylan has left a mark not only on music but also on literature and American culture. In this lecture, Professor Brian invited participants to explore Dylan’s relationship with American literature and examined why his work continues to spark discussions about the boundaries of literature itself. 

The lecture focused on Dylan’s connection to Mark Twain’s classic novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. At first glance, a folk singer and a fictional boy traveling down the Mississippi River may seem unrelated. However, Professor Brian showed how both Dylan and Huck Finn not only share the same style of hat but also share themes of freedom, questioning authority, and challenging social norms. 

Participants also learned how Dylan’s songs often deal with issues such as justice, truth, and personal growth. These themes closely reflect the struggles faced by Huck and Jim in Twain’s novel. Professor Brian stated that Bob Dylan’s songs are most of them, if not, all of them are protest songs. Through his music, Dylan encourages listeners to think critically about society and the world around them. 

Another interesting discussion centered on Dylan’s place in American literary studies. Although he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, his work has not always been widely discussed in traditional literature classrooms and journals. This raises important questions about what we consider “literature” and whether songs can be studied alongside novels and poetry.

Overall, the session offered a fresh perspective on the relationship between music and literature. It encouraged us to see Bob Dylan not just as a musician, but as a storyteller whose work continues to shape conversations about American culture, identity, and history. It was an insightful discussion that reminded us that literature can be found in many forms, not only in books, but also in the songs that help define a generation. The session also served as a sneak peek into Professor Roberts’ upcoming book, a project that contributes new insights into the study of Dylan and American literature and is already highly anticipated by scholars and students. 

Author: American Studies Program

Students of the Undergraduate Archaeology Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a field visit on iconography at Plaosan Temple, Klaten, on Sunday (June 7, 2026). Led by Sir Aditya Revianur, M.Hum., the activity introduced students to Buddhist iconography through direct observation of statues and reliefs found within the temple complex. During the visit, students learned to identify various visual attributes, postures, and symbolic elements that play an important role in recognizing Buddhist figures in archaeological remains.

In addition to learning the fundamentals of Buddhist iconography, students were assigned to describe selected statues and reliefs observed during the visit. This exercise provided an opportunity to develop observation and documentation skills while engaging directly with archaeological remains. By studying the monuments firsthand, students were able to connect classroom knowledge with practical field experience and gain a deeper understanding of iconographic studies in archaeology.

Nama Penulis: Muhammad Irsyad

Pemilik Foto: Aditya Revianur, M.Hum.

Two students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Michelle Anastasia Budiman (Class of 2022) and Listu Prajna Anggana (Class of 2023), have been selected to participate in the Ferris University Exchange Program in Japan. The one-year exchange program commenced in March 2026 and is scheduled to continue until February 2027, providing students with the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture through direct experience.

Through the program, Michelle and Listu will receive various forms of support, including a tuition waiver and scholarship assistance from Ferris University throughout their period of study in Japan. The program is designed to support students’ academic development while encouraging cultural exchange and international engagement.

Ferris University also offers a range of support services for international students, including a mentorship program with Japanese students, academic tutors, and dormitory facilities. Through these opportunities, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, strengthen their Japanese language proficiency, and gain valuable intercultural experiences.

The participation of Michelle and Listu in this program reflects the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to encouraging students to take advantage of international opportunities and develop their academic competencies in a global environment.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]