PIONIR Kampung Budaya 2026 is back as a much-anticipated event for new students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Gadjah Mada University. Around 800 students took part in the series of events, which took place from the 5th to the 6th. The activities were held in the central courtyard of FIB, specifically in front of the Margono Building, from 06.30 to 16.00 WIB.

PIONIR Kampung Budaya was organised to give new students a closer insight into their faculties. The programme on the first day began with a screening of a PIONIR 2025 retrospective video, followed by the opening address by the Master of Ceremonies (MC).

The next session featured a series of welcoming speeches, beginning with the General Coordinator of PIONIR Kampung Budaya, Rayhan Arva Pradipa. He offered words of encouragement to the new students to help them adapt and thrive within the FIB community. The speeches continued with the Chair of the FIB Student Executive Board (LEM), who took centre stage thanks to his impassioned address. In his speech, the LEM Chair emphasised how important it is for FIB students to maximise their potential on campus, whether through the available Semi-Autonomous Bodies (BSO) or other development opportunities.

Following the opening address, a series of symbolic rituals began to mark the official opening of PIONIR Kampung Budaya. A seven-language narration, Oebah dancers, and a procession of the deans were the main highlights of this ceremony. Moving on to the next session, participants took part in introductory activities, including a cultural lecture, a meet-and-greet with alumni, and an introduction to the Administrative Office (TU) to familiarise themselves with the various standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place at the Faculty of Humanities, UGM.

The series of events on the main field officially concluded when the call to Zuhr prayer rang out, after which interactive activities with facilitators continued in their respective hamlets. Overall, all the activities on this first day proceeded in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

The Student Association of Japanese Language and Culture (HIMAJE) of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized Kagami, or Kazoku to Eiga wo Miyou (“Let’s Watch Movies with Family”), as one of the regular programs of HIMAJE’s Kazoku Division during the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The program serves as a platform for students from different cohorts and classes to strengthen their relationships through movie screenings in a warm and family-like atmosphere. Throughout the semester, Kagami was held four times, on April 2, April 30, May 29, and June 19, 2026.

Each Kagami session featured a different film genre selected through discussions and voting among Kazoku members. The films screened during the semester included Godzilla Minus One (apocalypse), Once Upon a Crime (comedy), and Little Love Song together with Have a Song on Your Lips (music). Each session began with a brief introduction to the film, followed by a movie screening and concluded with a discussion, participants’ reflections, and the selection of genre suggestions for the following month’s program.

Through Kagami, HIMAJE seeks to cultivate a sense of togetherness inspired by family values, providing students with an opportunity to spend quality time together outside academic activities. The program is expected not only to strengthen relationships among Kazoku members but also to create a space for students to get to know one another, exchange perspectives, and foster a stronger sense of belonging to the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at UGM.

Author: Japanese Languge and Culture Program

Michelle Anastasia Budiman, a Class of 2022 student from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is currently participating in a student exchange program in Japan. As part of her cultural immersion experience, she learned how to make okonomiyaki, one of Japan’s most iconic savory pancakes. This activity became part of her learning experience beyond the classroom, offering a firsthand introduction to everyday Japanese life through its culinary traditions.

During the cooking process, Michelle not only learned the techniques of preparing okonomiyaki but also experienced selecting and purchasing ingredients at a local Japanese supermarket before cooking the dish independently. This hands-on experience provided her with a deeper understanding of local ingredients, Japanese shopping habits, and the culinary practices that form an integral part of everyday life in Japan.

This experience demonstrates that a student exchange program offers opportunities to learn far beyond the academic setting. By actively engaging in the daily lives of local communities, students can develop a deeper understanding of the Japanese language and culture while strengthening their intercultural awareness and adaptability in an international environment.

Author: Japanese Literature Study Program

YOGYAKARTA – To prepare competitive graduates ready to enter the professional world, the Undergraduate Program in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully organized the Career Path & Career Readiness Series 2026. Spanning two comprehensive sessions in late July, this series of events was specifically designed to broaden perspectives on career opportunities while equipping students with practical skills to navigate the job recruitment process.

The preparatory program commenced with an online session titled Archaeo Connect: Alumni Career Talks on Saturday (25/7). This inspiring session featured three distinguished alumni of the UGM Archaeology Undergraduate Program: Cindi Shandoval, S.Ark., Candrika Ilham, S.Ark., and Dimas Luthfi, S.Ark. Guided by UGM Archaeology student Insqa Visia Spiritualita Holistica as the moderator, the three guest speakers shared captivating insights into their diverse career journeys.

Various professional pathways for archaeology graduates were thoroughly explored during this session, ranging from cultural heritage-based entrepreneurship and heritage consultancy to corporate museum management. Through their success stories, the alumni advised students to continuously enrich their experiences, expand their professional networks, and hone their competencies as early as possible during their university years.

The series then continued on Monday (27/7) with an offline Career Readiness Session. Hosted by Sheba Nur Majjid as the Master of Ceremonies and moderated by Khariza Erfani, this tactical session featured Tita Anwar, M.Psi. as the guest speaker.

In this second session, students did not merely listen to theoretical presentations; they acquired technical knowledge on drafting competitive curriculum vitae (CVs), strategies for building personal branding, and effective tips for conquering various stages of job interviews. To provide a comprehensive and realistic overview, students were also actively engaged in recruitment simulations and various case studies.

Through the Career Path & Career Readiness Series 2026 initiative, the UGM Undergraduate Program in Archaeology hopes that students will have a more directed career roadmap upon graduation. The synergy between cross-professional alumni and career development practitioners is expected to serve as a learning space that not only broadens horizons but also boosts the confidence of UGM Archaeology students in taking decisive steps toward their future careers.

Author: Muhammad Irsyad

 Three female students from NCCU Taiwan went on a trip to Surabaya: Lina, Juleha and Bela. They set off from Yogyakarta on Friday, 31 July 2026, travelling on the Sancaka train. The journey took four hours, and what caught their attention most was the bustling station. They were amazed by the sheer number of food stalls inside the station.

During their train journey, they ordered packed lunches containing chicken, eggs and sweetcorn. “It tasted good, but it was a bit expensive,” said Lina. They also noticed how spotlessly clean the train carriages were.

When they arrived in Surabaya, Mrs Ani, their teacher who had previously taught at NCCU, came to collect them. She then took them on a tour of the city of Surabaya.

The first place they visited was the university, where Mrs Ani works. On the way, they noticed that the roads in Surabaya were wider than those in Yogyakarta, and there were fewer motorbikes. During the journey, they also saw a great many high-rise buildings and luxurious houses. When they arrived at Airlangga University, they were amazed by the beautiful scenery there. There was a large lake and trees, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

After wandering around for a few minutes, they went on to have lunch at Weby Heritage. They ordered nasi weby, the special mixed rice dish, and soto Betawi. The food at this restaurant was absolutely delicious and tended to be saltier than the food in Yogyakarta.

After that, they went to the zoo. There were lots of unique animals there, such as Komodo dragons, orangutans and Sumatran tigers. However, they only saw the Komodo dragons, which looked lazy and listless.

Author: Lina
Editor: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman