Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — The fate of a culture, including its language and literature, ultimately rests in the hands of its people. Acknowledging this, the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a special event on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, featuring Drs. Suhartoyo, a passionate advocate and observer of Javanese literature and culture. Drs. Suhartoyo, himself an alumnus of the program, actively manages Majalah Belik, a Javanese-language magazine, and is involved in the Javanese Literature and Culture Association (Paguyuban Sastra dan Budaya Jawa, Pasbuja) Kawi Merapi.

On this occasion, Drs. Suhartoyo encouraged students to boldly explore ideas and create literary works. He shared several practical writing tips, including writing down ideas immediately without waiting for perfection, reading more literary works or similar writings as references, daring to experiment, and, importantly, refraining from being overly critical of one’s own work. “Please, write anything you wish. Do not worry about whether the work is good or bad, because it can always be revised later. Most importantly, do not become the harshest critic of your own creations,” he advised.

As part of the Creative Javanese Writing course, students were given time to produce written works, whether in Indonesian or Javanese. Moreover, they were provided the opportunity to present their creations publicly. The students’ enthusiasm was evident, as shown by the large number of participants eager to read their works aloud.

As a gesture of appreciation, Drs. Suhartoyo presented the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture with souvenirs in the form of the latest edition of Majalah Belik and an anthology of short stories (cerkak). The event concluded warmly with a group photo session, capturing a moment hoped to ignite continued enthusiasm for literary creation.

Through this activity, it is expected that students and the younger generation will be increasingly motivated to dare to create, particularly in the realms of local language, literature, and culture. The works they produce are not merely forms of self-expression but also play a crucial role in preserving (nguri-uri), enlivening (ngurip-urip), and developing the nation’s cultural heritage. It is time for the next generation to understand that the courage to create is a tangible expression of national responsibility. By continuing to create, we collectively strengthen the nation’s identity and contribute positively to society. So, let us Dare to Create!

[Public Relation of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 2/5/2025 – English Studies Program UGM has received a remarkable achievement by being ranked globally in the 151-200 position for QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 in English Literature and Linguistics. This puts the English Studies Program UGM as the first-ranked program in Indonesia for this subject. This achievement reflects the dedication of faculty members, students, and alumni of the English Studies Program UGM who have contributed in the study of English Literature and Linguistics. 

The curriculum in the English Studies Program UGM is established to strengthen the students’ national and local values, while also preparing them to gain global experiences. This program has organized initiatives such as orientation events, cultural exchange opportunities, and collaboration with international institutions. The purpose of these initiatives is to aid the students developing their talents and gaining international exposure.

This recognition sparks civitas academica at English Studies Program UGM to continue their dedication in strengthening the global presence of the program. English Studies Program UGM is committed to expand its collaboration and update the curriculum in order to create the most optimal learning environment for the students.

[Public Relation of English Literature, Sekar Ajiningsih]

Yogyakarta, 30 April 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a book discussion on Trilogi Kartini on Wednesday (30/4), from 08.30 to 11.20 WIB in Room 709, Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. The event featured Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wardiman Djojonegoro, former Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia (1993–1998) and author of Trilogi Kartini, as the main speaker. The discussion was initiated by Prof. Dr. Bambang Purwanto, M.A., and moderated by Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A.

The programme opened with welcoming remarks from the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., followed by a video greeting from the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Ph.D. In a reflective and solemn atmosphere, two students from FIB UGM—Bulan Churniati (English Literature) and Febi Setiyawati (Cultural Anthropology)—read excerpts from R.A. Kartini’s letters to E.H. Zeehandelaar and R.M. Abendanon-Mandri, reaffirming Kartini’s enduring spirit of emancipation and her forward-thinking ideas.

Bulan Churniati (English Literature) read Excerpt 6 from Kartini’s letter to R.M. Abendanon-Mandri.

In his presentation, Prof. Wardiman emphasised that Trilogi Kartini was compiled to open broader understanding of Kartini’s thoughts—not merely as a symbol of Indonesian womanhood, but as a critical and progressive thinker whose vision surpassed her time. Prof. Bambang added that it is essential to position Kartini as an active historical subject who helped shape Indonesia’s cultural and educational discourse.

The discussion proceeded interactively, with active participation from members of the academic community—students, senior lecturers, and the general public. Three participants posed critical questions, ranging from Kartini’s religious views to the ways in which her commemoration could be reimagined. The event concluded with a Q&A session and the presentation of a token of appreciation by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D.

Through this event, FIB UGM reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual vitality, diversity of thought, and respect for national cultural figures through inclusive and transformative discourse.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 2 May 2025 — Lecturers, educational staff, and several students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) took part in the National Education Day (Hardiknas) ceremony held on Friday, 2 May 2025, from 07:00 to 08:00 WIB at the UGM Central Office Courtyard, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta.

The solemn ceremony is an annual event organised by Universitas Gadjah Mada to commemorate and reaffirm the spirit of Ki Hadjar Dewantara in advancing national education. As part of the event, members of the UGM academic community give their spirits to strengthen national education.

The presence of lecturers, educational staff, and students from FIB UGM reflected the faculty’s commitment to inclusive, humanistic, and culture-based educational values. This spirit aligns with FIB UGM’s role as an institution that not only develops knowledge but also nurtures the cultural values of the nation.

Through their participation, the FIB UGM community reaffirms its dedication to contributing to the creation of a critical, transformative educational ecosystem rooted in humanistic values.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Amid the shifting focus of American Studies, which is no longer confined to the geographical boundaries of the United States, the Master’s Program in American Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada demonstrates how a transnational approach opens up a broader and more relevant scope of study. Students not only study America as a nation but also explore how American values, culture, and ideologies move across borders, infiltrate local spaces, and interact with the social realities in Indonesia. From street music to beauty pageant stages, this transnational approach places American Studies as a critical space to understand the intersection of global and local cultures, while also uncovering the power relations that accompany it.

One clear example of how American culture transforms into a local form can be found in the heart of Yogyakarta, specifically in the Wijilan area. A. Fahmi Dahlan, S.S., M.A., examines the hip-hop community in Wijilan, Yogyakarta. With a transnational approach in American Studies and Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, Fahmi explores how the hip-hop culture, originating from America, is not merely imitated but reinterpreted and adapted to the local context. In the hands of the youth in Wijilan, hip-hop becomes more than just music or fashion—it becomes a medium for social criticism, identity expression, and community empowerment. Through activities like Kidz on the Beat, the Soringin festival, and distinctive fashion styles, it is evident how global culture is negotiated into a form that is both contextual and meaningful locally. This research shows that popular culture can create participatory spaces that are inclusive and promote social transformation from the grassroots.

Fahmi Dahlan, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Meanwhile, Aprilia Nilham, S.Pd., M.A., in her study of the Puteri Indonesia pageant, uncovers another side of American cultural hegemony, this time through international beauty contests, which often influence local cultural values in Indonesia. This study reveals how American culture, through the influence of Miss Universe, shapes the Puteri Indonesia pageant and reflects the evolving global cultural hegemony. Using Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, the research shows that while Puteri Indonesia is supposed to reflect Indonesian cultural identity, American culture has subtly integrated into various aspects, from lifestyle to language. Controversies surrounding issues such as bikinis, transgender participants, and cooperation with Israel highlight the tensions between local and global values. On the other hand, this hegemony also underscores the importance of critical understanding of the media and global culture, so that society can balance external influences while maintaining local values in the effort to create an inclusive, just, and competitive society.

Aprilia Nilham, S.Pd., M.A., with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Through a transnational approach in American Studies, both studies encourage us not to passively accept the influence of global culture but to critically reexamine, question, and transform it into something more relevant and meaningful within the local context. American Studies, in this regard, serves not only as a study of America but also as a tool to understand and respond to global forces critically, opening spaces for more just and sovereign discourses. Thus, the contribution of American Studies in responding to global cultural dynamics is significant, both in understanding the influence of America in Indonesia and enriching global discourse with empowered local perspectives.