YOGYAKARTA – As they enter their third semester, students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took part in an orientation session to prepare for the upcoming semester while planning their academic and personal development. The session covered curriculum updates, academic planning, time management, and opportunities for students to develop their skills both inside and outside the classroom. The session began with a presentation by Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., who explained the transition between the 2021 and 2026 curricula. Students learned about course mapping and the points they need to consider when planning their studies, including courses from previous semesters that they may still need to complete.

The discussion then moved beyond academic matters through a sharing session with Pandhita Hapsari, an Arabic Literature student from the 2023 intake. She encouraged the 2025 students to be willing to try new things and take opportunities they may not have considered before. Drawing from her own experiences, Pandhita highlighted the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and being open to failure as part of the learning process. She also encouraged students to take part in organizations, competitions, and other activities that can help them develop their soft skills. These experiences, she explained, can become valuable preparation for entering the professional world. At the same time, students were reminded to manage their time well and maintain a balance between academic responsibilities and other activities.

The session continued with discussions between students and their respective Academic Advisors (DPA): Dr. Mahmudah, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Nur Kholid, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.I., and Dr. Muhammad Zakki Masykur, S.S., M.Pd.I. The discussion provided students with an opportunity to consult directly about their academic plans and prepare for the upcoming semester. It also allowed students to discuss their study progress and receive guidance based on their individual academic needs. Through the session, students gained not only a clearer understanding of their academic plans but also new perspectives on how to make the most of their university experience. Entering their third semester, the 2025 students are encouraged to take greater initiative, explore new opportunities, and develop experiences and skills that can support their academic journey and future careers.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

The inter-staff (tendik) volleyball competition among the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Psychology, and Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) was held once again. The event took place at the FEB South Volleyball Court on August 14, 2026, from 07:30 to 09:30 WIB. Around 45 female staff members enthusiastically participated in the competition, with 10 players per team.

This inter-faculty sports event was specially organized to celebrate the 71st Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of FEB.

From the first round, the competition ran smoothly and was full of excitement leading up to the final round, which brought together the staff teams from FIB and FEB. The final match featured several intense rallies. Continuous cheering from FIB staff on the sidelines created a thrilling and vibrant atmosphere.

In the end, the FEB staff team emerged victorious with a clean 3-0 score over FIB. Despite falling short in the final, the FIB staff remained cheerful and proud of their team’s improved performance. “Second place is okay; we have come a long way compared to before,” said Vivin, one of the FIB staff members, after the match.

Sports as Part of Work-Life Balance

This friendly volleyball match carries broader meaning beyond a simple sports competition. Joint activities between faculties serve as an effort to build work-life balance—achieving equilibrium between work responsibilities, physical health, social relationships, and individual well-being. Exercising together offers lecturers and administrative staff an opportunity to engage in physical activity, relieve routine work stress, and build positive interpersonal relationships. A healthy and supportive work environment is expected to boost enthusiasm, happiness, productivity, and overall work quality among the academic community.

For FIB UGM, this event aligns with its commitment to creating a healthy, inclusive, collaborative work and academic environment oriented toward community well-being.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The execution of the Humanities Cluster Friendly Volleyball Tournament contributes to achieving several relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Joint sports activities promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activity while providing space for recreation and relaxation.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Although a non-academic event, sports activities and cross-faculty interactions support the creation of a holistic educational environment.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Sports activities offer an equal participation space for the academic community regardless of gender, promoting an inclusive campus environment with equal opportunities in social and sports events.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Efforts to build work-life balance, health, fitness, and overall well-being for lecturers and administrative staff foster a healthy and productive work environment.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Friendly matches serve as an interactive space that brings together members from various faculties on an equal footing.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Sportsmanship, respect for rules, teamwork, and positive communication are key values in building harmonious inter-faculty relationships.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The friendly volleyball match is a concrete example of strengthening partnerships and collaboration across faculties within the Humanities Cluster.

Thus, this activity not only yields athletic achievements but also contributes to building a healthy, prosperous, inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable campus.

Moving forward, inter-faculty sports and community activities are expected to continue sustainably. In addition to strengthening friendships and partnerships, these events serve as a means to maintain fitness, enhance happiness, and support work-life balance for the UGM academic community.

[Author: FIB Public Relations, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

YOGYAKARTA, August 11, 2026 – The Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an orientation session for its 2026 new students as part of an introduction to the academic environment and university life. The event provided new students with an opportunity to learn more about the study program, understand the academic system, and gain an overview of the various opportunities for personal and academic development available during their studies in Arabic Literature at UGM. The session began with a presentation by Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Head of the Arabic Literature Study Program. During the session, new students were introduced to the academic environment and system of the study program, including an overview of the learning process, the completion of the Study Plan Card (KRS), and other important information they need to know at the beginning of their university journey. The session provided new students with an initial understanding of the academic process while helping them adjust to university life.

The orientation continued with an experience-sharing session featuring Garin Arivian, S.S., an alumnus of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM from the 2020 cohort who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sweden. Garin shared his experiences as a university student, including his involvement as a Student Achievement Award recipient (Mahasiswa Berprestasi/Mapres) and as the head of Kampung Budaya, a student-led cultural community. His experiences showed new students that university life can be an opportunity to develop themselves through a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities. During the session, Garin also encouraged new students to be willing to explore the opportunities that come their way during their studies. He emphasized that students do not have to wait until they feel completely ready before taking an opportunity. Participating in student organizations, competitions, campus activities, and experiences beyond the classroom can be valuable processes for discovering one’s abilities and interests. His experience of pursuing further studies abroad also demonstrated how the experiences and achievements built during university can become valuable preparation for taking the next step in one’s academic journey.

The series of activities continued with a meeting with the Academic Advisors (Dosen Pembimbing Akademik/DPA): Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Hamdan, S.S., M.A., Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., and Dr. Tohir Mustofa, S.S., M.A. During this session, new students met directly with the lecturers who will support and guide their academic journey throughout their studies in Arabic Literature at UGM. Beyond serving as an opportunity for introductions, the meeting allowed students to communicate more closely with their Academic Advisors and gain a better understanding of how academic guidance and support will be provided throughout their university years.

Through this orientation program, new students gained an initial understanding of the Arabic Literature Study Program at UGM from various perspectives. From learning about the academic system and hearing experiences from alumni to meeting their Academic Advisors, the series of activities is expected to help new students adapt to university life while encouraging them to remain open to the many opportunities to learn, grow, and develop throughout their studies.

Author : Indana Zulfa Maulida

On Friday, June 12, 2026, the Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Program received an accreditation visit from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT). This visit is part of the program’s efforts to improve academic quality standards, governance, and educational services in accordance with nationally established criteria. Through this accreditation process, the KBTT UGM Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program affirms its commitment to continuous improvement and quality enhancement as a leading and competitive center for Middle Eastern studies.

In a series of visitation activities, this activity began with remarks from Prof. Indra Wijaya Kusuma, M.B.A., Ph.D. as Chief of Satuan Penjaminan Mutu dan Reputasi Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPMRU). The activity was continued by the BAN-PT assessor team in reviewing various documents, ranging from curriculum, graduate profiles, research activities and publications, to track records of community service. In addition, the assessors also conducted interview sessions with faculty leaders, study program managers, lecturers, education staff, students, and alumni representatives. The constructive dialogue between the assessors and the academic community of the KBTT UGM Masters Program provided a space for shared reflection to see the achievements, challenges, and opportunities for future study program development.

The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies (MBTS) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) views this accreditation visit as a crucial opportunity to strengthen its superior quality, both in academic and non-academic aspects. Full support from all stakeholders is expected to help the study program achieve the highest accreditation ranking and strengthen its reputation as a reference for Middle Eastern cultural studies in Indonesia. With a spirit of collaboration and continuous improvement, the KBTT study program is committed to continuously providing quality education that is responsive to the social, cultural, and scientific dynamics of the Middle East region.

Author:  Jesisca Amanda Florantika

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]