Yogyakarta — Alumni of the Master’s Program in Linguistics at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have shared a number of aspirations for developing the alumni network so that it can play a more active role in supporting academic activities, professional development, and social engagement.

The aspirations were gathered through the “Linguistics Alumni Survey,” distributed via Google Forms through the UGM Linguistics Master’s Program Cross-Cohort WhatsApp Group from 12 to 20 September 2026.

In general, alumni expressed their appreciation for the relationships and connections that have been maintained among graduates, including through the WhatsApp group and the Kalingga student and alumni community. At the same time, they expressed hopes that these relationships would extend beyond social ties and develop into a network that can support alumni, students, the university, and the wider community.

The feedback covered a range of areas, from strengthening alumni governance and data management to developing career networks, academic and research activities, the use of technology, and social initiatives. Broadly, the aspirations can be grouped into six key areas for development.

1. Strengthening Alumni Governance and Data Management

Alumni proposed regular data collection covering professional backgrounds, areas of expertise, locations, and the distribution of alumni, including those living overseas. Such data is expected to support communication and collaboration among alumni based on their respective expertise and professional backgrounds.

Other suggestions included strengthening communication infrastructure through an official website, appointing representatives for each cohort, and establishing communication guidelines for alumni groups. Alumni also proposed developing a shared identity through alumni uniforms or corsa, establishing an alumni association name, and forming a national association of linguistics scholars and alumni.

2. Developing Career Networks and Mentoring

The alumni network is expected to serve as a platform for sharing information on job opportunities, particularly for lecturers and researchers, as well as scholarships and further study opportunities. Alumni also proposed Alumni Sharing sessions and mentoring programs to facilitate the exchange of professional experiences and introduce current students to a range of career opportunities.

3. Strengthening Academic Engagement and Research Collaboration

Alumni proposed regular online academic discussions, held monthly or every three months, which could be organized based on geographic areas or specific fields of linguistics. These forums are expected to provide opportunities for alumni to remain engaged with developments in the field and exchange ideas.

Other proposals include collaborative academic writing, research consortia and groups, the publication of the Jurnal Kajian Linguistik, as well as national and international webinars, workshops, and linguistics conferences.

4. Responding to Developments in Digital Linguistics and AI

Alumni proposed strengthening learning opportunities related to Digital Linguistics, artificial intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and large-scale text data analysis, including through the provision of relevant elective courses. These efforts are expected to broaden students’ and graduates’ competencies in responding to technological developments in language studies.

5. Expanding Alumni Access and Engagement

Online activities are considered important to enable alumni living outside Yogyakarta and overseas to continue participating. At the same time, alumni proposed annual gatherings or reunions, which could be held alongside linguistics conferences or community activities such as syawalan and buka bersama.

Alumni also emphasized the importance of inclusive participation, with the network open to all graduates regardless of their previous involvement in student organizations.

6. Encouraging Community Engagement through Social Initiatives

Alumni proposed that the network support community service and social initiatives through knowledge-based programs that benefit the wider community. Graduates, particularly scholarship recipients, are also expected to have opportunities to contribute to society through their knowledge, experience, and professional competencies.

The six areas identified—governance and data management, careers and mentoring, academic engagement and research, digital linguistics and AI, alumni access and engagement, and community service—can serve as considerations for the future development of alumni activities and organizational structures.

The survey findings provide a basis for understanding alumni aspirations and identifying activities that can be developed collaboratively. Through a well-maintained alumni network, connections among the university, students, alumni, and the wider community can continue to be strengthened.

Seven delegations from Iwate University, Japan, accompanied by Professor Anders Carlqvist, visited Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, on Monday, September 21, 2026. The visit was part of the Iwate University delegation’s academic activities to explore the cultural heritage of Yogyakarta. During the visit, Dr. Dwi Pradnyawan, S.S., M.A., delivered a lecture entitled “Preservation and Maintenance of Historical Sites in and around Yogyakarta.” The lecture was held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. WIB and was also attended by several 2nd year Archaeology students at UGM. The lecture discussed efforts to preserve and maintain historical sites in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. The activity provided the delegation with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects of historical heritage preservation while broadening their perspectives through an academic approach. The visit not only strengthened academic relations between UGM and Iwate University but also provided an opportunity for students and delegates to communicate and broaden their cross-cultural perspectives in the field of archaeology.

Author: Josephine Kirana Nareswari

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2026 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM once again held the Korindo Foundation Scholarship Handover Ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year. The event took place at the Soegondo Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, from 09:00 to 10:00 WIB, and was attended by all scholarship recipients as well as the class of 2026 students.

The series of events was opened by the MC and immediately enlivened by a traditional Korean art performance, Talchum. Following the captivating cultural performance, the agenda proceeded with opening remarks. The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., delivered the opening speech, which was then followed by remarks from Mr. Sunghoon Lee, Secretary General of the KORINDO Foundation.

Moving on to the main agenda, the scholarship certificate handover procession was carried out directly by Mr. Sunghoon Lee. A total of six students with exceptional academic achievements were called to the front to receive this award. Below is the list of the Korindo Foundation Scholarship recipients for the 2026/2027 academic year:

1. Frida Astikasari (GPA 3.74)
2. Gabriela Putri Ratnaningtyas (GPA 3.76)
3. Khalilla Harum Kencana (GPA 3.91)
4. Raja Rizky Firdaus (GPA 3.89)
5. Mulya Ghefira Azzahra (GPA 3.71)
6. Nabila Citra Tiara Putri Wiharjo (GPA 3.74)

The event then continued with a group photo session involving KORINDO Foundation representatives, faculty leaders, and the scholarship recipients. This moment also featured speeches and reflections from the awardees. They expressed their profound gratitude for the support from the KORINDO Foundation and affirmed their commitment to maintaining their enthusiasm for learning in the future.

The scholarship handover ceremony ran smoothly until it was officially closed by the MC. It is hoped that the synergy between UGM and the Korindo Foundation through this program will continue. Moreover, the remarkable achievements of these six awardees are expected to inspire and motivate other UGM Korean Language and Culture students to enthusiastically pursue brilliant accomplishments.

(Salwa Aulia)

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2026—A thesis proposal seminar for graduate students in the Cultural Anthropology program was held at the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Six students presented their proposals, grouped under the theme “Capturing Lives,” with Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi, S.Ant., M.A., Ph.D., serving as the faculty coordinator for this seminar cluster.

The theses presented by the students covered a wide range of regions across the archipelago, starting with those located closest to Yogyakarta: “Walking Ethnography on the Temporality of Smell at Giwangan Central Market,” “The Transformation of the Makaryo Adi Ngayogyakarta Waste Pickers’ Community into the Makaryo Adi Katon Waste Processing Cooperative: A Case Study of the Community Support Group of the Muhammadiyah PP Community Empowerment Council in the Piyungan TPST Area,” and “Evaluation of Community Capacity in Tourism Village Management through an Empowerment Evaluation Approach: A Study in Padukuhan Nganggring, Sleman.” Moving on to the island of Kalimantan, there are studies titled “A Long and Windy Road: The Sensory Verite Approach in the Production of a Documentary Film on Former Political Prisoners on Buru Island” and “Encountering the Invisible: Spirits and Besiak Rituals through Sensory Verite Documentary,” followed by a study set on Lombok Island titled “The Institutionalization of Customary Law: The Role of the Majelis Emban Adat (MANDAT) in Ecological Compromise in Bayan Village, North Lombok.”

Since the thesis proposal seminar is the first step in the research process, the students still have a long journey ahead of them to complete their projects. Following the thesis proposal seminar, the students will conduct a more in-depth analysis of their research materials and receive guidance from their assigned advisors.

Author: Syafina Kamilya

In a significant development for cultural diversity and education, Achmad Munjid, Ph.D., has been awarded a travel grant to conduct research on the Indonesian diaspora in the United States. The grant, amounting to $2,000, will support his project titled “A Shade for Shadow Citizens: Religious Communities, Belonging, and Immigrant Resilience among the Indonesian Diaspora in the United States under the Trump Era.” This research is set to take place from August 13 to 31, 2026.

The project aims to explore the experiences of Indonesian immigrants, particularly focusing on their religious communities and the sense of belonging they cultivate in a foreign land. This research is particularly relevant in the context of the Trump administration, which has been marked by significant immigration policy changes and heightened scrutiny of immigrant communities. By examining these dynamics, Dr. Munjid hopes to shed light on the resilience of these communities amidst challenges. Dr. Munjid’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting cultural diversity and fostering global partnerships. By understanding the experiences of Indonesian immigrants, the research aims to contribute to a broader dialogue on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in developing countries and beyond. The findings could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and educators alike.

The travel grant will enable Dr. Munjid to engage directly with the Indonesian diaspora, conducting interviews and gathering qualitative data that will enrich his research. This hands-on approach is essential for understanding the nuanced experiences of individuals who often find themselves in the shadows of society. The insights gained will not only benefit academic discourse but also provide practical recommendations for enhancing community support systems. In addition to the academic implications, Dr. Munjid’s research underscores the importance of education in fostering understanding and empathy among diverse cultural groups. By highlighting the stories of Indonesian immigrants, he aims to educate a wider audience about the challenges they face and the contributions they make to American society. This aligns with the SDGs’ emphasis on quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The support from the travel grant reflects a growing recognition of the need for global partnerships in addressing the complexities of migration and cultural integration. As developing countries continue to grapple with the effects of globalization, research like Dr. Munjid’s is crucial for informing policies that promote social cohesion and cultural understanding. Moreover, the project will also explore the role of religious communities in providing support and fostering resilience among immigrants. These communities often serve as vital networks that help individuals navigate the challenges of living in a new country. By examining these dynamics, Dr. Munjid hopes to highlight the positive impact of faith-based organizations in promoting social integration.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of understanding cultural diversity cannot be overstated. Dr. Munjid’s research will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how immigrant communities adapt and thrive in their new environments. This is particularly important in the context of rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments in various parts of the world.

In conclusion, the travel grant awarded to Achmad Munjid, Ph.D., represents a significant step towards advancing research on the Indonesian diaspora in the United States. His project promises to provide valuable insights into the experiences of immigrant communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, education, and global partnerships in fostering a more inclusive society.