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]

Monday, October 6, 2025 – SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II held an educational visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB). The event aimed to introduce the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and promote the importance of education in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The visit started at 9:00 AM and ended at 12:00 PM, featuring a series of informative sessions and engaging activities.

The event took place in the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium and was officially opened by the Public Relations Officer of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, who welcomed students and teachers from SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II. The welcome speech emphasized the importance of education in fostering cultural awareness and understanding among the younger generation. The Public Relations Officer also highlighted the role of FIB UGM in promoting cultural studies and its commitment to supporting educational initiatives.

After the opening, a representative from SMA Al Azhar Syifa Budi Pekanbaru II delivered a speech expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the esteemed faculty. The representative emphasized the importance of such visits in broadening students’ horizons and inspiring them to pursue higher education. The speech uplifted the audience’s spirit and strengthened the value of educational collaboration between the institutions.

Public Relations of FIB UGM presented information about various programs and research initiatives offered by the faculty. The presentation covered topics such as cultural heritage, literature, and the significance of interdisciplinary studies in understanding cultural dynamics. Students were encouraged to ask questions, leading to an interactive session that fostered curiosity and engagement.

A question and answer session followed the presentation, allowing students to delve deeper into the discussed topics. Students asked about the faculty’s programs, career opportunities in cultural studies, and the impact of education on cultural preservation. Faculty representatives responded in ways that further increased students’ interest in pursuing education in the field of cultural sciences.

After the informative session in the auditorium, students were invited to tour the faculty. The tour included visits to the Mandala Majapahit Archaeological Museum and the Javanese Heritage collection. Students showed great enthusiasm for the rich cultural artifacts and historical exhibits, which provided a tangible connection to the subjects they had learned about during the presentation. The tour concluded with a group photo session in the GSP (Grha Sabha Pramana) area, where students gathered to capture the memorable moment.

This visit not only enriched students’ knowledge but also inspired them to consider further studies in cultural sciences. The event affirmed the commitment of both institutions to advancing education and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage among the younger generation.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]

Yogyakarta, September 27, 2025 – The collaboration between the Arabic Literature Student Association (Ikmasa) UGM and the Department of Village Community Development of BEM KM UGM brought forth an inspiring event titled the SEDASA Educational Talkshow (Suara Pemuda untuk Kemajuan Desa / Youth Voices for Village Advancement), as part of the Gemilang Desa 2025 series. Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, the event was lively and full of enthusiasm, attended by high school students as well as university students from across Indonesia.

The talk show featured distinguished speakers, including Joko Susilo, Founder of Gunungkidul Menginspirasi and Head of Training and Consultancy at the Nalar Institute; Prof. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM; and keynote speaker KPH H. Yudanegara, Ph.D., Head of the Office of Village Community Empowerment, Population, and Civil Registration of Yogyakarta Special Region. The session was moderated by Antonia Elena Listya Araminta, Environmental Ambassador of DIY 2025, who guided the discussion warmly and interactively.

This activity served as a vital dialogue space to address modern challenges faced by villages, ranging from limited access to information, insufficient utilization of technology, to the lack of open dialogue between young people and community leaders. Through the talk show, participants gained direct insights from real-life case studies and practical strategies to optimize village potential. This aligns with the spirit of the Kongres Abdi Desa 2025, carrying the theme “Light from the Village, Weaving Hopes for Indonesia.”

General coordinator of the event, Faris Zakiy Ramadhan, highlighted the remarkable enthusiasm of the participants from the very beginning. “Today we will hold the second and third activities, namely the Gemilang Desa Competition and the SEDASA Talkshow. The Gemilang Desa Competition successfully carried out its series of contests, with the final day being held today. Thank you to the 377 registrants of the Gemilang Desa Competition, which consists of 12 teams in the Business Plan Competition, 101 teams in the Essay Competition, and 26 participants in the Poster Competition. Today we will hold the final round featuring the top 10 individuals and 10 teams from each branch, representing their institutions from all over Indonesia,” he explained.

Through this talk show, young people were encouraged not only to understand village issues but also to foster awareness of realizing village potential and addressing the challenges villages face in the modern era. Moreover, the event created an inclusive and interactive platform to share perspectives, innovative ideas, and cross-regional experiences.

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing inequality (SDG 10), improving the quality of education (SDG 4), and strengthening sustainable communities (SDG 11). Villages are positioned not merely as objects of development but as sources of inspiration and drivers of national progress without losing their cultural identity.

The festive atmosphere peaked when the session concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Gemilang Desa competitions. The participants responded with great enthusiasm, taking home new inspiration on how the real contributions of young people can be the key to advancing villages. With the spirit of collaboration, Gemilang Desa 2025 proved that Indonesian students and youth can play an active role in building villages that are both competitive and sustainable.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Candra Solihin]

Monday, September 29, 2025 – The American Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Focused Writing Workshop on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM (WIB) via Zoom Meeting. The workshop was led by Dr. Ashika Prajnya Paramita, M.A. and attended by undergraduate, master’s, doctoral students, as well as staff members of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The workshop was designed to provide a supportive writing community where participants could focus on completing various academic projects, ranging from theses, articles, assignments, to research papers. Through this shared writing space, participants were encouraged to set clear writing goals, stay motivated, and engage in productive writing through structured sprints.

The workshop format consisted of two writing sessions, each lasting 40 minutes with a 10-minute break in between. In addition to the writing sessions, Dr. Ashika also facilitated discussions on the challenges faced by participants in their writing process and offered reviews of their works.

This activity is planned to be held regularly every month, serving as a sustainable platform to foster productive writing habits within the academic community of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]