The Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM held an Open Doctoral Defense for linguistics candidate Intan Pradita on Wednesday (September 23, 2026). The event took place at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM, from 09.00 to 11.00 WIB, attended by academics and invited guests.

During the defense, Intan Pradita presented her doctoral dissertation entitled “Acceptability of Lexical Collocations in English Research Articles by Indonesian and Anglo-American Academics: A Corpus-Based Comparative Study.”

The research highlights the growing importance of English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) in international academic publishing. The use of lexical collocations—combinations of words that naturally co-occur—serves as a crucial aspect of academic writing. This study specifically focuses on the acceptability of collocations written by non-Anglophone academics, acknowledging that while certain word combinations may meet grammatical criteria, they are not necessarily perceived as natural or conventional within global academic discourse.

The study employed a comparative corpus-based approach, analyzing more than 250,000 word tokens from research articles in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). Data were collected from two primary sources:

PRAYA Corpus: Comprising 32 research articles written by Indonesian academics.
PRANA Corpus: Comprising 31 research articles written by Anglo-American academics.

The analytical focus was directed toward four dominant collocation patterns in academic writing: Adverb + Verb, Adverb + Adjective, Verb + Noun, and Adjective + Noun.

Through her findings, Intan elaborated on the patterns, functions, and meanings of lexical collocations utilized by both groups of academics. The research affirms that collocation variations used by Indonesian academics maintain functional acceptability within international academic discourse. The outcomes of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of linguistic studies, scientific article writing, and the understanding of diversity in academic English.

The open defense proceeded smoothly under the supervision of Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A. as promoter and Dr. Tofan Dwi Hardjanto, M.A. as co-promoter, reflecting FIB UGM’s ongoing commitment to supporting high-quality academic achievements and research at the doctoral level.

 

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

The Master’s Program in Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the City Government of Subulussalam, held a National Seminar titled “Hamzah Fansuri and the Tradition of Archipelago Poetics.” The event, held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of the Poerbatjaraka Building, FIB UGM, featured prominent academics and literary experts, including Prof. Dr. Faruk, S.U., Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., and Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum.

In her opening address, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., representing FIB UGM, emphasized the importance of studying Malay literature within a modern context. According to her, Malay literature is not merely a record of the past, but an essential medium for preserving cultural memory.

“The study of Malay literature opens up a space for inheritance while addressing contemporary challenges. Through this study, we maintain continuity and cultural memory. We hope this seminar becomes a productive dialogue that opens new perspectives between literature and culture in building a cultured, ethical, and good nation,” she stated.

The panel discussion highlighted the vital role of Sheikh Hamzah Fansuri, who is regarded as the pioneer of Indonesian poetry. On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Faruk examined Hamzah Fansuri as an innovator of Malay verse (syair), while Prof. Dr. Sangidu elaborated on the Sufi aspects of Hamzah Fansuri’s literary works. Prof. Sangidu expressed deep appreciation for monumental works such as Syaraabul Asyiqin, which have been preserved to this day. He also noted that historical sites related to Hamzah Fansuri remain intact and continue to be alive within the community.

In addition to classical literary studies, the dimension of social theory and literary development was addressed by Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam through his presentation on the traces of Hamzah Fansuri in modern Indonesian poetry. In his session, he also explained the dynamics of social theories, such as Marxism, which was banned during the New Order era but subsequently opened new avenues for social analysis and critical thinking in the post-reform era.

Through this seminar, participants were invited to re-examine the roots of archipelago literature while drawing upon local cultural and ethical values to address the future challenges of national character building.

 

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), conducted a visit and held the first meeting of its community engagement program at SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman. The activity marked the beginning of a collaboration between the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at FIB UGM and SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, through the Pendidikan Khas Kejogjaan (PKJ) program.

The PKJ program is designed to introduce students to various aspects of Javanese language and culture, particularly the Javanese script, unggah-ungguh (Javanese etiquette and social conduct), Javanese character values, and cultural knowledge that can be applied in everyday life. The program provides a learning space that brings together academic knowledge and direct cultural experiences.

The first meeting began with opening remarks by the Head of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. The session was followed by an introduction to the team that will serve as facilitators throughout the program. The facilitator team consists of alumni and students of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture:

1. Faradilla Putri Margaretha
2. Endar Sasmito Aji
3. Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman
4. Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah
5. Wening Hidayati
6. Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay
7. Maysa Putri Fatihah
8. Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy
9. Pingky Putri Khairani
10. Meifira Arini Pitaloka
11. Lakshita Pradnya Dayinta
12. Dian Patmisari

In addition to introducing the facilitator team, the first meeting featured sessions delivered by two lecturers from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture. Dr. Yosephin Apriastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., presented an introduction to Nusantara scripts, including the Javanese script. Meanwhile, Dr. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., discussed the use of Javanese language and culture in everyday life. The sessions were delivered interactively, allowing students to explore aspects of Javanese culture through learning activities closely connected to their everyday experiences.

The first meeting marked the beginning of a series of seven scheduled sessions. Following the introductory meeting, the second through seventh sessions will be facilitated by the team through learning activities and practical sessions with Grade 10 students of SMA Negeri 1 Depok.

The program also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through Javanese language and cultural learning in a school setting; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through expanding access to cultural knowledge and learning opportunities; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through efforts to preserve and pass on Javanese culture to younger generations. In addition, the collaboration between the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at FIB UGM and SMA Negeri 1 Depok supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and schools.

Through this series of activities, the community engagement program serves not only as an application of academic knowledge but also as a collaborative space for introducing and strengthening young people’s understanding of Javanese language and culture.

 

Author: Haryo Untoro

The Student Association of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program (HMJ Kamastawa), through its Academic Affairs Division, held an orientation session on the Study Plan Card (Kartu Rencana Studi/KRS) and course registration for new students, or Mahadaya, of the 2026 cohort on Monday, 11 August 2026. The activity was organized to prepare new students for the KRS registration period, which took place from 11 to 14 August 2026.

During the session, the Academic Affairs Division of HMJ Kamastawa provided an overview of several matters related to students’ preparation for their university studies. The materials included an introduction to and guidance on using Simaster, an introduction to courses, and an explanation of the 2026 curriculum. In addition to academic matters, participants also received information about Abhiseka Kramasisya 2026 and a brief introduction to Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN) XXXII, an annual event organized by the Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Ikatan Mahasiswa Bahasa dan Sastra Daerah Se-Indonesia/Imbasadi).

The presentation on the 2026 curriculum also featured the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. Her participation gave new students an opportunity to receive a more detailed explanation of the structure and provisions of the curriculum they will follow. This explanation was particularly relevant as there are several differences between the 2026 curriculum and the curriculum applicable to students from previous cohorts.

The orientation was conducted in a serious yet interactive atmosphere. The new students not only listened to the materials presented but also actively raised questions about KRS registration, courses, the curriculum, and academic life throughout their studies in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The interaction reflected the new students’ enthusiasm for understanding various aspects of their upcoming academic journey.

Through this activity, the 2026 cohort of Mahadaya gained a clearer understanding of the KRS registration process, course structure, and curriculum they will undertake. In addition to providing academic preparation, the activity served as one of HMJ Kamastawa’s efforts to assist new students in adapting to the university environment and the dynamics of student life.

Through its Academic Affairs Division, HMJ Kamastawa remains committed to supporting students throughout their academic and student life. This support is intended to help new students build their readiness, both academically and through their involvement in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program community.

 

Author: Haryo Untoro

There is a question that initially sounds simple but is difficult to answer: who has the right to tell women’s stories?

That question led Sofiana Martha Rini and her two colleagues, Priyo Joko Purnomo and Mulya Atmana Dwiyana WNA, much deeper. What began as an assignment for a prose course eventually developed into a paper presented at The 2nd International Conference Bali Gender Studies Forum (BGSF) 2026.

The paper, titled Walking in Her Shoes: Gender and Ethics of Representing Women in Post-Reform Indonesian Novels (2000–2025), went on to receive the Best Paper award at the conference, organized by Yayasan Bali Sruti on August 28–29, 2026, online.

For Sofiana, the paper did not suddenly emerge from a research desk piled high with books and theories. It began with a sense of unease.

One of the things that prompted it was Sofiana’s reading and reconsideration of the works of Panji Sukma. From there came questions about representation: how women are written, who writes them, and whether women’s experiences can truly be represented in their entirety by someone else.

The questions did not disappear after a single reading.

“The point is that we have to recognize that representation is difficult to make completely free from bias,” Sofiana said.

She even carried this concern into other discussions, including during a summer school, where she discussed representation and the boundaries one encounters when attempting to tell an experience that does not belong to oneself with Ramayda Akmal, a lecturer and literary writer, as well as Prof. Arnez.

From there, a topic that initially stemmed from a single work expanded into a broader question: how are women represented in Indonesian literature after the Reformasi era?

Together with her two colleagues, Sofiana did not stop at one or two novels. They read 21 Indonesian novels published between 2002 and 2025, written by both male and female authors from different literary backgrounds and ideological orientations.

One of the theoretical frameworks informing their analysis was Stuart Hall’s concept of representation. Within this framework, representation is not merely about making something visible or presenting something so that it can be seen. Rather, it is a process through which meaning is produced.

The question therefore shifted: who constructs meaning about women? From whose perspective are women’s experiences told? And who has the authority to represent women?

To examine these questions, they employed several theoretical tools, including Laura Mulvey’s concept of the male gaze, as well as the concepts of focalization and non-narratorial commentary in Mieke Bal’s narratology.

Their reading of dozens of female characters across the 21 novels revealed an interesting pattern.

Women increasingly appear at the center of stories. But being at the center of a story does not automatically mean being at the center of power. Women may speak. But who determines what that voice means?

In a number of novels, Sofiana and her team found that women were still largely positioned around male characters.

There are women who speak, feel, love, and even make decisions. Yet their voices remain within narrative structures determined by male characters.

They found one example in Ayat-Ayat Cinta by Habiburrahman El Shirazy. Aisha has her own voice and emotional experiences. However, the way readers come to understand those experiences remains closely connected to Fahri’s position as the center of the story.

Another pattern emerges when women become the main characters.

Yet once again, being a protagonist does not necessarily mean possessing authority.

In their reading of several novels, women may become the focus of the narrative, while decisions about how their bodies, experiences, trauma, and lives are interpreted can still be controlled by a larger narrative structure.

At this point, Sofiana identified an important distinction between agency and authority.

Women may possess agency—the ability to choose, act, refuse, and even resist. But that does not necessarily mean they possess the authority to determine how their own stories are understood.

Then comes another question: what happens when women write about women?

This question brought their research to its next stage. Does representation automatically become more ethical when women are the ones writing it? Their answer turned out to be more complicated than that.

Sofiana and her team also examined works written by female authors. In these works, they found that women could indeed appear with more diverse voices, experiences, and concerns.

But for them, the author’s gender is not the only measure. The issue is not simply who holds the pen. More important is how the text produces meaning about women and the extent to which it recognizes the limits of its authority when speaking about someone else’s experience.

That is why the conclusion of their paper feels more like a question deliberately left without closure:

Can we ever fully walk in her shoes?

Perhaps not. And precisely because of that, Sofiana and her team argue, literature needs to recognize that no one can ever completely walk in another person’s shoes.

The ethical task is not to pretend that one has arrived at or fully understood that experience. It is to recognize the limits.

Interestingly, the paper that eventually brought Sofiana the award began with something very close to everyday student life: a course assignment.

The paper originated as an assignment for a prose course. After completing it and reading it again, Sofiana and her two colleagues realized that there was an idea within it that could still be developed.

They then revised the paper and submitted it to the BGSF call for papers.

Yayasan Bali Sruti has long worked to develop publications in the fields of academic literacy, social and cultural studies, women and children, language, and public policy. The organization also has publication lines for conference proceedings and book chapters. Sofiana and her team’s paper was eventually presented online on August 28.

Their presentation time was also limited—only about six minutes.

Six minutes to bring 21 novels, several theories, concerns about representation, and questions of authority before an international forum.

In the end, it was that paper that brought Sofiana and her team the Best Paper award. The recognition came not simply because of the number of novels they had read or the theories they had employed. There was a longer journey behind it: a course assignment that did not remain merely an assignment, a concern that continued to occupy their thoughts, and a question that they carried all the way into the conference room.

Who has the right to tell women’s stories?

Sofiana herself does not offer a simple answer. Perhaps there is none.

Because the further she reads, the clearer it becomes that the question of representation is not merely about who gets to speak. Whenever someone speaks about another person, there will always be a part of that experience that can never completely belong to them.

 

Author: Khotibul Umam