Yogyakarta, September 29, 2026 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM once again held the Korindo Foundation Scholarship Handover Ceremony for the 2026/2027 academic year. The event took place at the Soegondo Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, from 09:00 to 10:00 WIB, and was attended by all scholarship recipients as well as the class of 2026 students.

The series of events was opened by the MC and immediately enlivened by a traditional Korean art performance, Talchum. Following the captivating cultural performance, the agenda proceeded with opening remarks. The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., delivered the opening speech, which was then followed by remarks from Mr. Sunghoon Lee, Secretary General of the KORINDO Foundation.

Moving on to the main agenda, the scholarship certificate handover procession was carried out directly by Mr. Sunghoon Lee. A total of six students with exceptional academic achievements were called to the front to receive this award. Below is the list of the Korindo Foundation Scholarship recipients for the 2026/2027 academic year:

1. Frida Astikasari (GPA 3.74)
2. Gabriela Putri Ratnaningtyas (GPA 3.76)
3. Khalilla Harum Kencana (GPA 3.91)
4. Raja Rizky Firdaus (GPA 3.89)
5. Mulya Ghefira Azzahra (GPA 3.71)
6. Nabila Citra Tiara Putri Wiharjo (GPA 3.74)

The event then continued with a group photo session involving KORINDO Foundation representatives, faculty leaders, and the scholarship recipients. This moment also featured speeches and reflections from the awardees. They expressed their profound gratitude for the support from the KORINDO Foundation and affirmed their commitment to maintaining their enthusiasm for learning in the future.

The scholarship handover ceremony ran smoothly until it was officially closed by the MC. It is hoped that the synergy between UGM and the Korindo Foundation through this program will continue. Moreover, the remarkable achievements of these six awardees are expected to inspire and motivate other UGM Korean Language and Culture students to enthusiastically pursue brilliant accomplishments.

(Salwa Aulia)

Yogyakarta, September 29, 2026—A thesis proposal seminar for graduate students in the Cultural Anthropology program was held at the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Six students presented their proposals, grouped under the theme “Capturing Lives,” with Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi, S.Ant., M.A., Ph.D., serving as the faculty coordinator for this seminar cluster.

The theses presented by the students covered a wide range of regions across the archipelago, starting with those located closest to Yogyakarta: “Walking Ethnography on the Temporality of Smell at Giwangan Central Market,” “The Transformation of the Makaryo Adi Ngayogyakarta Waste Pickers’ Community into the Makaryo Adi Katon Waste Processing Cooperative: A Case Study of the Community Support Group of the Muhammadiyah PP Community Empowerment Council in the Piyungan TPST Area,” and “Evaluation of Community Capacity in Tourism Village Management through an Empowerment Evaluation Approach: A Study in Padukuhan Nganggring, Sleman.” Moving on to the island of Kalimantan, there are studies titled “A Long and Windy Road: The Sensory Verite Approach in the Production of a Documentary Film on Former Political Prisoners on Buru Island” and “Encountering the Invisible: Spirits and Besiak Rituals through Sensory Verite Documentary,” followed by a study set on Lombok Island titled “The Institutionalization of Customary Law: The Role of the Majelis Emban Adat (MANDAT) in Ecological Compromise in Bayan Village, North Lombok.”

Since the thesis proposal seminar is the first step in the research process, the students still have a long journey ahead of them to complete their projects. Following the thesis proposal seminar, the students will conduct a more in-depth analysis of their research materials and receive guidance from their assigned advisors.

Author: Syafina Kamilya

In a significant development for cultural diversity and education, Achmad Munjid, Ph.D., has been awarded a travel grant to conduct research on the Indonesian diaspora in the United States. The grant, amounting to $2,000, will support his project titled “A Shade for Shadow Citizens: Religious Communities, Belonging, and Immigrant Resilience among the Indonesian Diaspora in the United States under the Trump Era.” This research is set to take place from August 13 to 31, 2026.

The project aims to explore the experiences of Indonesian immigrants, particularly focusing on their religious communities and the sense of belonging they cultivate in a foreign land. This research is particularly relevant in the context of the Trump administration, which has been marked by significant immigration policy changes and heightened scrutiny of immigrant communities. By examining these dynamics, Dr. Munjid hopes to shed light on the resilience of these communities amidst challenges. Dr. Munjid’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting cultural diversity and fostering global partnerships. By understanding the experiences of Indonesian immigrants, the research aims to contribute to a broader dialogue on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in developing countries and beyond. The findings could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and educators alike.

The travel grant will enable Dr. Munjid to engage directly with the Indonesian diaspora, conducting interviews and gathering qualitative data that will enrich his research. This hands-on approach is essential for understanding the nuanced experiences of individuals who often find themselves in the shadows of society. The insights gained will not only benefit academic discourse but also provide practical recommendations for enhancing community support systems. In addition to the academic implications, Dr. Munjid’s research underscores the importance of education in fostering understanding and empathy among diverse cultural groups. By highlighting the stories of Indonesian immigrants, he aims to educate a wider audience about the challenges they face and the contributions they make to American society. This aligns with the SDGs’ emphasis on quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

The support from the travel grant reflects a growing recognition of the need for global partnerships in addressing the complexities of migration and cultural integration. As developing countries continue to grapple with the effects of globalization, research like Dr. Munjid’s is crucial for informing policies that promote social cohesion and cultural understanding. Moreover, the project will also explore the role of religious communities in providing support and fostering resilience among immigrants. These communities often serve as vital networks that help individuals navigate the challenges of living in a new country. By examining these dynamics, Dr. Munjid hopes to highlight the positive impact of faith-based organizations in promoting social integration.

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of understanding cultural diversity cannot be overstated. Dr. Munjid’s research will contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how immigrant communities adapt and thrive in their new environments. This is particularly important in the context of rising nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiments in various parts of the world.

In conclusion, the travel grant awarded to Achmad Munjid, Ph.D., represents a significant step towards advancing research on the Indonesian diaspora in the United States. His project promises to provide valuable insights into the experiences of immigrant communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity, education, and global partnerships in fostering a more inclusive society.

The Information and Media Division (Medinfo) of HIMAJE held a Photography Workshop on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Poerbatjaraka Room 201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Running from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), the workshop provided students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program (BKJ UGM) with an opportunity to develop their photography skills and explore their visual creativity.

During the workshop, students used their own photography devices, including cameras and mobile phones. The activity offered an opportunity to develop their skills in creating visual content that can be used for various purposes, including event documentation.

Through this Photography Workshop, Medinfo HIMAJE provided a space for students to enhance their creativity and visual skills. These skills are expected to support students in documenting various activities and presenting information through engaging visual media.

Author: Japanese Language and Culture Program

The Information and Media Division (Medinfo) of HIMAJE held a Design Workshop titled Figma 101 on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Poerbatjaraka Room 201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. WIB, the workshop provided students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program with an opportunity to explore digital design through Figma.

Through the workshop, students had the opportunity to become familiar with a digital design tool that can be used to create various types of visual content. The use of Figma also provided a space for students to explore their creativity and develop their design skills.

The Figma 101 Design Workshop is expected to broaden students’ knowledge and equip them with digital skills that can support various academic and organizational activities, particularly in communicating information through visual media.

Author: Japanese Language and Literature Program