Yogyakarta, 21 November 2025 – The Archaeology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has once again achieved global recognition. In the QS World University Rankings (WUR) by Subject 2025, the program secured a position within the 151–200 global range — a significant rise compared to the previous year. This improvement is primarily reflected in the indicators of academic reputation, H-index citation, and employer reputation. Among the 261 universities listed under the Archaeology category, UGM is the only institution from Indonesia included in this year’s ranking.

The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that UGM’s Archaeology Study Program is the only archaeology program in Indonesia included in the QS WUR by Subject 2025. He explained that the academic reputation indicator represents a global assessment that measures academic quality and excellence in archaeological research through international surveys. “This year, the Archaeology Program achieved a score of 68.8 for academic reputation, and this is a remarkable accomplishment,” he said.

To strengthen academic reputation, the Department of Archaeology has implemented various collaborative strategies. These initiatives include encouraging lecturers and students to participate in international research funding competitions, engaging in joint research with global partners, and publishing research findings in reputable international journals and conferences. The faculty also provides in-kind support and co-funding to ensure balanced contributions in cross-country research collaborations.

In terms of employer reputation, the Archaeology Study Program earned a score of 57.7, reflecting strong trust from institutions and organizations that employ UGM archaeology graduates. This indicator also evaluates the extent to which graduates can contribute as researchers, professionals, or postgraduate students in global institutions. To strengthen alumni reputation, the department conducts benchmarking with archaeology programs both domestically and internationally to ensure that the curriculum and academic activities remain relevant to evolving disciplinary trends.

Guest lecturer exchange activities, conducted both online and offline, continue to expand opportunities for knowledge exchange regarding recent research developments. Students are also supported through opportunities to serve as international research assistants, participate in global seminars, and receive training in language and public speaking. These efforts aim to enhance students’ confidence when engaging in international academic forums.

Meanwhile, the Archaeology Program’s H-index score reached 50.4 this year, which, according to Setiadi, still requires further improvement. To enhance this indicator, lecturers and students are encouraged to publish their research in reputable national and international journals and to be active in global research networks and professional associations to increase the visibility and citations of their work.

These development efforts align with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in improving the quality of higher education, strengthening research, and expanding sustainable global partnerships. Through these strategic initiatives, the Archaeology Study Program of FIB UGM is committed to enhancing academic contributions and broadening the impact of archaeological research for society and the international community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 21 November 2025 — The Anthropology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has once again achieved international recognition. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the program secured a position within the 101–170 global range, making it the highest-ranked anthropology program in Indonesia and surpassing various other institutions in the same field.

This accomplishment marks the third consecutive year that UGM’s Anthropology Study Program has been listed among the world’s top 100, demonstrating consistent academic quality and the scholarly contributions of its academic community.

In the previous year, the program ranked within the 51–110 range globally. A comprehensive evaluation is currently underway to identify ranking indicators that have not yet performed optimally. The academic environment in the Anthropology Study Program is characterized by strong solidarity, enabling all members to contribute to improving academic performance.

One of the indicators receiving particular attention is publication citation, which has not been fully recorded. Several faculty publications were not captured in the citation tracking system. Despite this, the collaboration indicator shows positive development, with 15 international partnerships and 10 domestic collaborations successfully established. In addition, the program is committed to strengthening alumni tracking, increasing scholarly publications in the form of books and articles, and supporting faculty career development toward professorship.

As part of its contribution to global sustainability, this achievement aligns with efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing the quality of education, strengthening research and scientific publication, and fostering international collaboration that contributes to a sustainable academic ecosystem. The Anthropology Study Program of UGM remains committed to advancing the quality of education and research to generate positive impacts for society, scientific development, and the global academic community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 17 November 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada once again welcomed a visit from SMA Plus Pembangunan Tangerang Selatan and MAN 2 Ponorogo, with a total of 128 participating students and accompanying teachers. This activity aimed to introduce the academic environment, cultural atmosphere, and student activities at FIB UGM, as well as to provide insights for students regarding the campus life at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The visit was guided by the UGM Campus Tour team in collaboration with the Public Relations Office of FIB UGM. The program began with the screening of profile videos of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, followed by a presentation from the FIB Public Relations team on various admission pathways to UGM, the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) system, and an introduction to Autonomous Arts Bodies (BSO) and the student organizations within FIB.

After the presentation session, participants were taken on a tour to get a closer look at the facilities and learning environment at FIB UGM, followed by a campus tour of the Central Building (GSP), one of the main landmarks of Universitas Gadjah Mada. The visit proceeded interactively and enthusiastically, both from the participants and the guides.

This school visit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Through this activity, FIB UGM actively contributes to expanding access to information on higher education and strengthening collaboration between universities and secondary schools to support the development of excellent and competitive human resources.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November 14th, 2025 –  The Ethnography of Maluku and Nusa Tenggara class held by the Department of Anthropology featured a guest lecturer. Danishwara Nathaniel (Mas Dan) is a PhD candidate from the Geneva Graduate Institute, currently doing research on Ternate, Northern Maluku. During the first session of the class, Mas Dan presented part of his research, titled Visual Activism and Maritime Identity in Indonesia’s Extraction Frontier. In this research, Mas Dan highlights the importance of visual media for the activist movement that is going on in Maluku, which historically has always been an important frontier for natural resources. During the colonial era, the resources being fought over were mainly spices; nowadays, minerals and mines are the resources being extracted from Northern Maluku. Mas Dan explained that Ternate is a sacrifice zone: a specific area that is being ‘sacrificed’ to better the lives of people in other parts of the world. In this context, Maluku’s nature is being destroyed by nickel mines, used for lithium batteries to power electrical vehicles.

Mas Dan further explains the importance of visual and digital media to help put the situation in Northern Maluku on a spotlight. In the past, maps were the visual media being used by colonial forces to plan the conquest of Ternate. This topdown, unspecified view makes the location seem static and controllable, void of any living elements that have their own agencies. Now, visual media helps the people of Ternate to voice their resentment towards the extraction project that they are facing. News and articles are being published all throughout the internet by international journalists and NGOs, spreading awareness about the impacts of green energy development. Mas Dan also mentions that visual and digital media can also be used to dampen the work that the activists have put in. This is mainly done by the government or stakeholders in the mining industry, through the launching of counter-narratives and censorship of the news.

In the second session of the class, Mas Dan brought in his friend as well as his interlocutor (through Zoom Meetings) to share more about the Ternate situation to the class. Adlun Fiqri is an activist from Halmahera who has been vocal in the struggle against the mining industry going on in his hometown. Mas Adlun is also a bachelor of anthropology from Universitas Airlangga, and even did an exchange semester here in UGM. Mas Adlun shared his experience of documenting and actively fighting the mining industry, even being captured a couple of times. He also explains the difference that the mines have brought to local communities: people are becoming more wary and less friendly, after facing countless encounters with the generally aggressive agents from the mines. The main point that is being projected through this class by Mas Dan and Mas Adlun is that Northern Maluku is currently a victim of the growing green energy movement. Visual and digital media can serve as loudspeakers to the world that Northern Maluku is not okay, and spread the word about the impacts of industries on local communities.

Author: Amadeus Abhirama Paramanindita

Yogyakarta, 8 November 2025 — The Student Association of Arabic Study Program (IKMASA), Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Arab World Youth Summit with the theme “Determining Direction: Grand Narratives and Indonesia’s Strategic Steps in the Arab World” on Saturday (8/11) at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM. This biennial summit featured a series of programs including a campus tour, Sahara panel discussion, focus group discussion (FGD), group presentation, personal speech sessions, and an awarding ceremony.

The event welcomed invited guests and 45 youth delegates consisting of students from Indonesia and several other countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Palestine, and Kenya.

Before the official opening, delegates joined a campus tour guided by eight co-facilitators representing each firqah: Syria, Palestine, Libya, Morocco, Iraq, Qatar, Tunisia, and Egypt. The route began at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and continued through several UGM faculties, including the Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Forestry, and finally the Main Building (GSP) and Balairung UGM. This activity served not only as an introduction to UGM’s academic environment but also as an opportunity to strengthen communication and build collaborative enthusiasm among participants. 

After returning to FIB, delegates enjoyed a coffee break before moving into the main agenda. The event officially opened with remarks from the emcee, followed by the Sahara panel discussion featuring two keynote speakers: Mohammed Adil Salim Algoul, S.T., M.T., M.Ag., Imam and Khatib of Al-Ikhlas Mosque, Nuseirat, Gaza; and Prof. Dr. Siti Muti’ah Setiawati, M.A., Professor of Middle Eastern Geopolitics, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences UGM. This session was moderated by Azky Zidane Qoimul Haq, Project Director of Madara UGM, the session explored the dynamics of the Palestine–Israel conflict and Indonesia’s diplomatic role.

Prof. Siti Muti’ah highlighted Indonesia’s early commitment to human rights, having signed the UN Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. She emphasized that the rights of the Palestinian people have been violated, while Israel continues to breach international law, human rights conventions, and humanitarian principles.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Adil offered a critical geopolitical reflection:

“It is wrong to say America controls Israel. Even political leaders—including the U.S. President—have stated that Israel controls America because of the Zionist lobby. The term Zionist is bigger than Israel.”

He also noted Zionism’s skill in crafting terminology to shape social narratives, drawing parallels with historical divide-and-rule strategies in Indonesia, such as the santri–priyayi–abangan classification. He argued that Palestine must counter these narratives by producing alternative terminology.

The summit continued with a 45-minute Focus Group Discussion (FGD) involving all delegates. This session became a space for dialogue, collaborative thinking, and drafting strategic narratives concerning Indonesia’s role in the Arab world. Delegates then presented their group outcomes, followed by personal speeches designed to enhance public speaking skills.

As the event neared its conclusion, the committee announced the winners of IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Madara Essay Presentation Competition), a national essay competition with student and university categories. The awards included: Best Group Presentation: Syria Firqah and The Most Outstanding Delegate at the Arab World Youth Summit 2025: As’ad Najmuddin, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII)

The Arab World Youth Summit reflects Madara UGM’s vision as more than just a media platform or discussion forum—rather, it embodies the spirit of dialogue, critical thinking, and cross-border collaboration. The initiative aligns strongly with SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

The future belongs to those who open spaces for dialogue—not those who build barriers. Today, Indonesia’s youth stand at the threshold of shaping diplomatic direction, constructing grand narratives, and formulating strategic pathways for engagement with the Arab world.

[Arabic Literature, Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani ]