Yogyakarta, October 15, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed students and teachers from SMA Nasima Semarang and SMAN 9 Surabaya in an educational visit aimed at broadening students’ understanding of cultural studies and introducing them to the academic environment at FIB UGM.

The event began with an opening speech delivered by the Public Relations representative of FIB UGM, followed by remarks from teachers of both visiting schools. During the session, the teachers expressed their appreciation and enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn directly within a university renowned for its excellence in culture and the humanities.

Following the opening, the Public Relations team of FIB UGM presented an overview of various aspects of academic life at the faculty. The presentation included introductions to the study programs, autonomous arts organizations (BSO), the International Center for Cultural Studies (INCULS), faculty facilities and infrastructure, as well as various admission pathways to UGM. Through this session, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available to explore their interests in language and cultural studies.

The event continued with a faculty tour that included visits to the Mandala Majapahit Archaeological Museum and the UGM Javanese Heritage Collection. During the tour, students had the opportunity to directly observe cultural artifacts and heritage collections that play a vital role in the learning and research process at the faculty.

After the faculty tour, the delegation from SMA Nasima Semarang and SMAN 9 Surabaya proceeded with the UGM Campus Tour, guided by the university’s official campus team. This provided the students with an immersive experience of the academic atmosphere and student life at UGM.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing broader access and understanding of higher education for young learners. It also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the collaboration between secondary schools and higher education institutions in enhancing learning quality and cross-cultural understanding.

Through this visit, it is hoped that students will gain new inspiration to pursue higher education and develop a deeper interest in cultural studies as part of the effort to preserve and promote national values.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Banjarmasin, October 5, 2025 — Three students from the Arabic Literature Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, proudly represented UGM as delegates in the 18th National University Qur’an Recitation Competition (MTQMN XVIII), held at Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

The delegates were Muhammad Candra Solihin (Arabic Literature, Class of 2023, Contemporary Calligraphy Male category), Pandhita Hapsari (Arabic Literature, Class of 2023, Qur’anic Debate in Arabic), and Hasifa Zara (Arabic Literature, Class of 2024, Qur’anic Debate in Arabic). In addition, Muhammad Shofyyulloh (Cultural Anthropology 2023) as an official, also accompanied the group from UGM.

Before advancing to the national stage, the three students had to undergo a series of rigorous selection processes. These included internal selection at UGM, followed by an online pre-national selection involving hundreds of students from various universities across Indonesia, before finally being chosen as UGM’s official representatives.

The 18th MTQMN brought together around 1,500 students from universities throughout Indonesia, with the competition running over five days. The event featured an opening ceremony, preliminary rounds, final rounds, and a closing ceremony.

This prestigious competition aims to strengthen students’ Qur’anic character, nurturing a generation with noble character, academic excellence, and the ability to contribute to the nation.

UGM provided full support for its delegates, including regular training, academic guidance, and full facilitation of competition needs. Such support reflects the university’s commitment to fostering achievements while upholding UGM’s reputation on the national stage.

The participation of Arabic Literature students in categories such as Qur’anic debate in Arabic highlights the strong relevance between academic learning and competition. It not only sharpens language mastery but also broadens networks and strengthens the tradition of Islamic scholarship on campus.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, October 13, 2025 — The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the improvement of educational quality through the KAGAMA Korea Scholarship Awarding Ceremony for the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The event was held in Room 305, Building F, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, from 08.30 to 09.00 WIB, and was attended by all scholarship recipients as well as students enrolled in the course Cross-Cultural Understanding Between Korea and Indonesia.

The program began with an opening by the master of ceremonies, followed by a welcoming speech from Achmad Rio Dessiar, S.S., M.A., Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. In his remarks, he expressed his appreciation and congratulations to the scholarship recipients for their hard work and academic achievements. He also gave a brief introduction about KAGAMA Korea and provided information about the scholarship programs offered by the study program.

The event continued with the presentation of scholarship certificates to ten outstanding students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, namely:

1. Naufal Java Fakhriansyah (GPA 3.88)

2. Vira Ardiana Puspaningrum (GPA 3.87)

3. Rohadatul ‘Aisy Hamdaini (GPA 3.85)

4. Safrina Kurnia Dewi (GPA 3.78)

5. Nayla Nur Shadrina (GPA 3.85)

6. Lian Lina Purnama (GPA 3.85)

7. Sofia Rahma Ismulyanti (GPA 3.82)

8. Tamara Nasrina Prameswari (GPA 3.94)

9. Irene Xaviera Lovryna (GPA 3.90)

10. Theresia Chindyawati (GPA 3.87)

The awarding of this scholarship not only served as a form of recognition for students’ academic excellence but also as an encouragement to foster continuous learning and active contribution in the field of Korean language and culture. Through this support, students are expected to further develop their personal and academic capacities in a holistic manner.

In addition to providing direct benefits for the recipients, this event also strengthened the collaboration between the Korean Language and Culture Study Program and KAGAMA Korea. The partnership stands as a tangible example of shared commitment to creating equal and sustainable educational opportunities, while fostering the improvement of human resource quality.

The event concluded with a group photo session involving the scholarship recipients, lecturers, and representatives from the study program.

Through this initiative, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program reaffirms its dedication to creating an inspiring and collaborative learning environment, while contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals through the enhancement of educational quality and the strengthening of academic partnerships.

Author: Aura Adiba WIjaya

Yogyakarta, October 6, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, continued its Entrepreneurship course in the sixth session by once again inviting Sofian Munawar, S.S., M.A., Founder of Ruang Baca Komunitas, as the guest lecturer. In this session, students were guided to design a business plan under the theme “Developing Social Entrepreneurship Based on Literature and Language”, as a practical application of the materials discussed in previous meetings.

During the lecture, Sofian Munawar emphasized the importance of understanding the literacy ecosystem within schools and communities as the foundation for developing literature- and language-based social enterprises. Students were encouraged to identify existing literacy issues—such as low reading interest, limited access to books, and weak writing culture among students. From these challenges, they learned how to conduct research, develop innovative concepts, and formulate sustainable business plans that take social and educational aspects into account.

Sofian Munawar also highlighted the significance of building cross-institutional networks involving schools, government bodies, and literacy communities. He introduced students to various literacy-based initiatives such as IKMASA Goes to School (a literacy outreach to Islamic boarding schools), collaborations with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and BAZNAS, and publishing opportunities through IKMASA Press. In this context, books are seen not merely as reading materials, but as tools of inspiration and instruments for community empowerment.

As a form of applied learning, Arabic Study Program students were assigned to create a group business plan titled “Social Entrepreneurship Design Based on Linguistic Literacy”, which included components such as background, problem identification, business opportunities, and implementation strategies. These business plans will later be presented in the following session as a tangible reflection of their ability to develop literacy-based social enterprise ideas.

Through this session, UGM Arabic Study Program students not only learned to be critical and creative academics but also changemakers capable of generating social impact through literacy innovation. This program also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening literacy movements, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by encouraging the creation of competitive social enterprises, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through inclusive education and language-based community empowerment.

[Sastra Arab, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences welcomed a study visit from SMA Daarut Tauhid and SMA Thursina IIBS. The event took place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM with the aim of providing students an insight into higher education and the various programs offered at FIB UGM. This visit aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education.

The visit began in the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, where students and teachers from both schools gathered. The event was opened by the Public Relations team of FIB UGM and continued with a welcoming speech from representatives of each participating school. Subsequently, a profile video of UGM and FIB UGM was presented. This introduction aimed to familiarize attendees with Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which is committed to academic excellence.

To further engage the students, an interactive quiz was conducted by the FIB UGM Public Relations team. This enjoyable activity encouraged students to answer questions related to the faculty and university, making the learning experience more fun. Participants who answered correctly were given merchandise as souvenirs of their visit.

Following the quiz, the FIB UGM Public Relations team explained various aspects of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This session included information on the faculty’s history, academic programs, publications, and other relevant details. This segment was crucial in helping students understand the range of opportunities available at FIB UGM.

After the informational session, a question-and-answer session was held, allowing students to clarify any doubts they had regarding the faculty and its programs. This interactive dialogue encouraged deeper understanding and motivated students to think critically about their future study plans.

The event closed with a group photo, capturing the smiles and enthusiasm of all participants. This photo will serve as a cherished memory of their visit to FIB UGM, strengthening the bonds formed during the day.

To conclude the visit, a guided tour of the faculty was conducted, starting from the Poerbatjaraka Building, passing several buildings within FIB, and ending at the Mandala Majapahit Museum. The tour continued to the Javanese Heritage Museum.

[Public Relation FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]