As part of the Professional Japanese Language course, third-year students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted a field study at PT Bengawan Solo Garment Indonesia (PT BSGI) in Boyolali on October 8, 2025. The activity was attended by 36 students and three accompanying lecturers, who were warmly welcomed by PT BSGI President Director Mr. Hiroyuki Tsutsumi, along with PPIC Manager Ms. Shoko Nakata, HRD staff Ms. Yuni and Ms. Wahyu Indriani, and other company representatives.

This visit aimed to provide students with firsthand experience of how Japanese is used in professional environments while introducing them to the work ethic and corporate culture of Japanese companies operating in Indonesia. Established in January 2001, PT BSGI is a Japan-based Foreign Investment Company (PMA) specializing in garment production, with all its products exported to Japan. PT BSGI serves as an ideal learning site for students to observe authentic Japanese workplace settings and explore potential career paths within Japanese-affiliated companies.

The program began with a presentation session delivered in Japanese by Mr. Tsutsumi and Ms. Nakata, covering the company’s profile, work culture, and key principles of professionalism upheld by PT BSGI. This was followed by an interactive discussion session, where both lecturers and students engaged directly with company executives and staff to discuss career opportunities for Japanese Studies graduates and gain deeper insight into working in a Japanese company environment.

After the discussion, participants were given a guided factory tour to observe the garment production process and the daily operations across several divisions. During this session, students witnessed firsthand how values such as discipline, work ethic, and kaizen (continuous improvement) are implemented in practice—hallmarks of Japanese corporate culture.

This field study provided students with valuable, real-world exposure to the professional use of Japanese language and work practices. Beyond expanding students’ academic and cultural understanding, the visit also strengthened the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program’s partnership with the industrial sector, particularly Japanese enterprises operating in Indonesia.

Writer: Barra Taura Nursa’id

Editor: Stedi Wardoyo

Students from the Japanese Language and Culture (BKJ) Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, had the opportunity to participate in the 22nd Kanji Cup, organized by the Consulate-General of Japan in Surabaya on October 4, 2025, and held at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). This national-level competition was attended by hundreds of participants from various universities and schools across Indonesia, including UI, UNDIP, UNSOED, UNAIR, UNIBRAW, UNESA, as well as several high schools and vocational schools in East Java.

The BKJ UGM delegation departed for Surabaya on October 3, 2025, with full support from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which provided accommodation and logistical assistance throughout the event.

This year’s Kanji Cup was divided into two categories: shokyuu (beginner) and chuukyuu (intermediate). Each category consisted of three stages — preliminary, semifinal, and final rounds. In this competition, BKJ UGM sent six student representatives. Two students competed in the shokyuu category and reached the preliminary stage. Meanwhile, four other students took part in the chuukyuu category, divided into two teams. Team A reached the preliminary stage, while Team B advanced to the semifinals, gaining valuable experience throughout the competition process.

The participation of BKJ UGM students in the 22nd Kanji Cup reflects their enthusiasm and active engagement in improving their Japanese language skills. Through this competition, students not only honed their abilities but also learned about teamwork, healthy competition, and building broader connections and insights.

Author: Barra Taura Nursaid

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