Yogyakarta, June 2025 — Two students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, have successfully been accepted into the Fast Track Bachelor’s–Master’s (S1–S2) Program at UGM. They are Fadisya Zata Amany and Raissa Aneswari, both from the 2022 batch.

The Fast Track program offers an opportunity for undergraduate students to continue to the master’s level and complete both degrees in a shorter period of time. Below are the reflections and messages shared by the selected students:

Fadisya Zata Amany
“Alhamdulillah, saya sangat bersyukur bisa diterima dalam program fast track S1–S2 di Universitas Gadjah Mada. Kesempatan ini menjadi awal baru lagi untuk terus belajar, memperluas wawasan, dan memperdalam keilmuan di bidang yang saya tekuni. Proses seleksi yang cukup menantang membuat saya banyak belajar tentang ketekunan, konsistensi, dan pentingnya persiapan yang matang. Saya berterima kasih kepada dosen-dosen, teman-teman dan khususnya kepada orang tua saya yang selalu memberikan dukungan serta semangat selama proses ini. Buat teman-teman yang lagi berjuang, jangan takut ambil kesempatan ya!”

Raissa Aneswari
“Jujur, awalnya nggak nyangka bisa lolos Fast Track. Waktu daftar, sempat ragu juga, jadi ya semangatnya nothing to lose aja. Tapi Alhamdulillah, bersyukur banget bisa dapet kesempatan ikut seleksi dan akhirnya lolos. Terima kasih buat dosen-dosen dan pihak prodi yang udah mendukung proses seleksi dan pengembangan kami. Juga makasih banyak buat teman-teman atas dukungan dan doanya. Semoga ke depannya makin banyak mahasiswa yang termotivasi buat terus belajar dan berani ambil tantangan baru.”

This achievement highlights the strong academic spirit and dedication of Korean Language and Culture students at UGM in pursuing continuous education toward postgraduate study.

Penulis: Nisa Khairuna Sabilla

Yogyakarta, 23 Juli 2025 – A proud achievement has once again been made by a student of the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Ihsania Salma, a 2023 cohort student known for her active and inspiring spirit, has successfully earned the 2024 Beasiswa Unggulan from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This prestigious scholarship is awarded to outstanding youth committed to making real contributions to society.

In an exclusive interview with the IKMASA Media Team, Ihsania—affectionately called Sania—shared her journey as a passionate student, literacy activist, and campus leader. She has taken on numerous roles with dedication, including as Mentor Coordinator for La-Tansa, Co-Facilitator for PPSMB PIONIR, and Chairperson of the 2024 Festival Anak Gadjah Mada Menginspirasi. She is also actively involved in teaching communities and women’s advocacy through Srikandi UGM.

“Becoming an awardee isn’t just about academic scores, but about who we are and what we stand for,” said Sania.

She emphasized that consistency, strong intent, and the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone were the keys to securing the scholarship. Through writing, podcasting, and meaningful daily contributions, Sania shows that every step—no matter how small—can carry great impact.

Through this achievement, Sania hopes to continue creating a meaningful impact and serve as an inspiration to her fellow Arabic Literature students. She encourages peers to start from small things, stay consistent, and dare to dream big.

“We don’t have to be perfect to be useful. Just start with small, sincere steps,” Sania concluded enthusiastically.

For students inspired by Sania’s story, a golden opportunity is now available. The registration for Beasiswa Unggulan 2025 is officially open until July 27, 2025. This program offers financial support to high-achieving students who are committed to using their knowledge and talents in service of society. Don’t miss it out! Prepare your documents and apply through the official portal at beasiswaunggulan.kemdikbud.go.id 

[ Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Who says Arabic Literature students only deal with texts and Middle Eastern culture? Faris Zaky, an active student from the Arabic Literature program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proves otherwise. He has successfully demonstrated that a background in the humanities is not a barrier to making a real contribution in the professional world.

Starting with a desire to fill his semester break with productive activities, Faris discovered an internship opportunity. Upon reading that one of the positions available was in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), he immediately felt intrigued, even though he initially hesitated, thinking his major was not directly related. With the courage to try, he decided to seize the opportunity. This decision turned out to be fruitful. He was accepted and began an internship experience that introduced him to various community dynamics.

Faris’s interest in social issues is not new. Since the beginning of his studies, he has been active in various community activities such as Ikmasa Mengabdi, Gemilang Desa, Ramadhan di Kampus, and being part of the organizing team for PIONIR Gadjah Mada 2024. From these experiences, his sensitivity to social issues and planning skills have grown, which are now essential assets in his role in CSR.

Despite coming from an Arabic Literature background, Faris found that many skills he acquired during his studies are highly useful in the workplace. The writing and communication skills he honed during his studies became his main assets in conveying information to the community in a clear and understandable manner. Additionally, his experience in managing organizational programs equipped him with the ability to accept criticism, respond to problems with solutions, and prepare public communication materials with appealing visuals—such as graphic design and video editing—all of which support CSR work in the field.

During his internship, Faris was involved in various community development programs covering agriculture, livestock, health, tourism, and the economy. One of the programs he is most proud of is the development of the Bina Mandiri Farmer Group in Pulosari Village through the innovation of biodigester technology that produces bio slurry. This product was then developed into Bio Slurry Plus, an original innovation from PLTP Gunung Salak that has not been implemented elsewhere. This program has proven to increase productivity in the agricultural and livestock sectors and is one of the reasons why the CSR program of PLTP Gunung Salak received the Gold award—the highest level in the national CSR program assessment.

In carrying out his role, Faris also faced challenges, especially in changing the habits of the community that were not entirely appropriate, particularly in agriculture and livestock. He and his team chose to educate gradually, consistently, and with a persuasive approach so that the messages of change could be accepted without offending deeply rooted habits. Throughout this process, Faris upheld local values and culture. He believes that the principle of “where the earth is stepped, there the sky is upheld” is key to building community trust, especially when working in an environment rich in cultural values, such as the area around the Halimun Gunung Salak National Park, even though the program’s target area is outside the conservation zone.

This internship experience has transformed Faris’s perspective on the relationship between literature, social issues, and the professional world. He realized that the knowledge he studied, which he initially thought was only relevant in academic or cultural studies, actually has a close connection to practical needs in the field. Literature is not just about texts; it is also about understanding social contexts, building empathy, and effectively conveying ideas—elements that are crucial in community development. For him, the worlds of literature and work do not oppose each other; rather, they support and strengthen one another.

After completing his internship program, Faris is determined to continue engaging in social activities and deepen his knowledge in community development. He also wants to explore the skills he has honed, such as event planning, design, video editing, and writing, which he believes are highly needed in the social work sector. Faris Zaky’s story is a testament that the courage to step forward, consistent interest, and adaptability can lead students from any discipline to make a real impact on society—even within state-owned enterprises.

At the recent K-Speech Eloquence Competition held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Alfiana Amrin Rosyadi, S.S., M.A., a lecturer in the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), received a Dedication Award from Mr. Woo Young Taek, President of the K-Speech Eloquence Association Indonesia.

This award was presented in recognition of her consistent dedication over the past three years in mentoring UGM students for the competition in Jakarta, and even accompanying last year’s winner to the international contest in Vientiane, Laos.

The plaque also acknowledged Ms. Alfi’s initiative in transforming the final speaking exam into a K-Speech-style oratory performance, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of Korean language education. Additionally, she has facilitated opportunities for Mr. Woo Young Taek to visit UGM and deliver a special lecture on effective speech techniques.

Surprised and honored to receive the award, Ms. Alfi expressed her gratitude. She mentioned that the recognition serves as new motivation to further integrate Korean oratory training into practical speaking classes. Currently, beyond converting the final exam into oratory-style presentations, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM has also established a speaking club to prepare future competition participants. Over the past year, the club has been mentored by students, but moving forward, it will be supervised by faculty members to ensure UGM’s representatives are well-prepared both technically and mentally for the K-Speech stage.

Written by: Alfiana Amrin
Edited by: Sherina Azmi

Yogyakarta, 17/5/2025 – A proud achievement has once again been recorded by a student from Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula, a student of the Arabic Literature Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, successfully secured 2nd place in the prestigious International Arabic Speech Competition (Khiṭābah ‘Arabiyyah) held as part of the GEKA 7 International event.

The competition took place from May 14 to 17, 2025, at Muhammadiyah University of Yogyakarta (UMY) and served as an international stage featuring 26 participants from various renowned institutions, both domestic and abroad. Countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey sent their best delegates. Notable foreign universities participating included Universiti Malaya, USIM, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Fatoni University from Thailand.

In a competitive atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, Haris stood out as the sole delegate from UGM’s Arabic Literature program, showcasing his proficiency in Arabic while delivering a speech in front of an international jury and audience. With sharp rhetorical skills, a strong command of the language, and high confidence, Haris managed to impress the judges and secured the second position, just one point behind the first-place winner from Darussalam Gontor University.

“I feel very grateful. All of this is thanks to the guidance of my lecturers, the support of my friends, and the prayers from my parents who have always accompanied my journey.” Haris expressed emotion after the announcement of the winners.

The International Arabic Speech Competition is a significant event that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting access to education and enhancing educational opportunities in developing countries. By participating in such international competitions, students like Haris not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to the global dialogue on education and cultural exchange.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of education in developing countries cannot be overstated. Events like the International Arabic Speech Competition provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and foster a sense of community among diverse cultures. Haris’s achievement is a testament to the potential that lies within students when given access to quality education and opportunities.

This achievement is tangible proof that Indonesian students, especially in the humanities field like Arabic Literature, can compete and excel on the international stage. Haris’s victory also reflects the quality of education and the collaborative spirit within the UGM academic environment, which continuously encourages its students to excel and contribute in global forums.

Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula’s story is not just about competition; it embodies the spirit of learning, dedication, and the belief that language is a bridge to the world. This achievement serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to dare to dream and take steps further.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]