K-Lit UGM, supported by the Literature Translation Institute of Korea (LTI Korea), organized a Korean literary translation workshop for 16 students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This year, the workshop focused on translating the novel “아주 희미한 빛으로도 (A Very Faint Light Though)” by Choi Eunyoung, a South Korean novelist known for her poetic and meaningful works.

Each participant received a complimentary copy of the novel as the main translation material. Following last year’s online format, this year’s workshop was held offline at the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. Sessions were conducted twice a week, each lasting one hour, and were facilitated by lecturer Ms. Feby.

In a separate interview, Hada, one of the workshop participants, shared her impression: “This was a very valuable experience. Thank you for organizing this workshop.” Another participant, Eunike, added, “At first, I was hesitant to join the workshop because I had no experience in translation. But it turned out to be more enjoyable than I expected.”

To conclude the series of activities, K-Lit UGM plans to invite the author herself, Choi Eunyoung, for a meet-the-author session and official closing of the workshop in August. The event will be open to the public. Don’t miss this special opportunity to meet one of Korea’s most prominent contemporary writers!

[Author: Sherina Azmi]

Yogyakarta, 28/5/2025 — Thirteen students from the Arabic Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in the Period III Undergraduate Graduation Ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic year. Among them, Muhammad Ghazi Al Ghifari earned the distinction of being the fastest graduate in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), completing his degree in just 3 years, 6 months, and 12 days.

The announcement was made by the Dean of FIB, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, M.Si., during the Mangayubagya Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Soegondo Auditorium. In the heartfelt event, Al Ghifari also delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who had supported the graduating students and encouraged his peers to uphold integrity and apply the knowledge gained during their time at university.

Originally from Petaling Banjar Village, Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Province, Al Ghifari was admitted to the Arabic Study Program on May 25, 2021, through the Penelusuran Bibit Unggul Berprestasi Seni (Special Admission for Artistic Talent). After completing seven semesters, he defended his undergraduate thesis on February 12, 2025, titled “The Quality of DeepL Translations in Translating Fictional Texts from Arabic to Indonesian”. He officially graduated with a GPA of 3.93 and earned his Bachelor of Arts (S.S.) degree on February 28, 2025, at the age of 21 years and 6 months.

Al Ghifari noted that there was no special formula behind his academic achievement. “I simply committed to writing my thesis every day—even if it was just a paragraph—and consulted with my advisor weekly,” he said. The consistent support of his parents was also a major motivation for completing his studies swiftly and preparing to pursue a master’s degree.

He also praised the Arabic Study Program at UGM as an ideal environment to study the Arabic language, literature, and culture. The program holds national and international accreditation and is supported by a team of highly qualified and professional lecturers. Al Ghifari hopes the program will continue to grow in quality and reputation on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Al Ghifari is determined to pursue a master’s degree with a focus on Middle Eastern political, economic, and cultural issues.

Author: Muhammad Ghazi Al Ghifari

“As a child, I always wondered: why is it that when I can think of something, others may not? And vice versa, others can come up with ideas that have never crossed my mind. Over time, I realized that every person possesses a unique way of thinking and their own kind of intelligence.”

This simple yet profound reflection has become the foundation for the inspiring journey of Noveza Prima Prasta, a second-semester student of Arabic Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Her path has led her into the heart of education—not merely as someone who teaches, but as someone who learns from life and the children she meets along the way.

Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes

At a young age, Noveza has actively immersed herself in various educational volunteer programs. Her firm belief that understanding a child’s reality and mindset is the first step toward change has shaped her journey. She has been involved in communities such as Rumah Mengajar UGM, Elbom, Arabic Camp, and TPA Al Akhdor. These experiences have taught her more than just how to instruct; they’ve revealed the beauty of character diversity, hope, and the limitless ways children perceive the world.

“Every time I engage with children from different environments, I learn one thing: no intelligence is greater than another. There are simply different brain functions and different life experiences,” she shared.

Education Beyond the Classroom

Noveza’s commitment to education goes far beyond academic content. She actively participates in inclusive educational initiatives like Sekolah Rakyat Serdadu Kumbang, where she emphasizes empathy and inclusivity in every learning session. She recognizes that education is not just about delivering materials—it’s about taking a stand, being present, and showing genuine care.

“Many children just need to be heard, appreciated, and assured that they are capable,” she said.

Her approach is not limited to being a teacher; she chooses to be a learning companion—one who listens to each whisper from a child’s heart, one who validates their silent hopes.

The Right to Learn, the Right to Be Understood

Throughout her journey, Noveza has often encountered a touching reality: many Indonesian children still lack access to learning spaces that honor their individual thinking styles and intelligence. She sees firsthand that every child has unique strengths. Some shine in logic, others in art; some blossom in discussion, while others thrive on emotional connection.

Unfortunately, a rigid, results-oriented education system often fails to embrace this diversity. Many students are left behind—not because they are incapable, but because their learning needs are unmet.

“Sometimes, I meet children who are labeled ‘slow’ at school. But when I engage them through play-based learning, they absorb information rapidly,” she explained. “The problem isn’t with the children—it lies in the approach that doesn’t yet accommodate all kinds of learners.”

A Life Devoted to Empowerment

For Noveza, volunteering is not a hobby—it’s a calling. She dreams of one day building a community learning center for marginalized children—a safe, joyful space where learning feels natural, stress-free, and full of warmth. In her view, consistent small actions, no matter how modest, can become beacons of hope in a world full of challenges.

One quote she holds dear encapsulates her mission: “العلم نور”—knowledge is light.

Her story reminds us that education should never be confined to walls, tests, or rigid systems. Instead, it must grow into a dynamic force that meets children where they are. For Noveza, every child—regardless of background—deserves an equitable, understanding space to grow. And in that space, the spark of learning becomes a light that never fades.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students have made another proud achievement. The Basabuja team consisting of students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), won a bronze medal in the national essay competition at the Andalas 2025 Scientific Week. The competition was organized by the Political Science Student Association (HIMAPOL) of Andalas University, West Sumatra.

The Basabuja team, which is an acronym for Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, consists of four students namely Muhammad Siswoyo, Yudha Adistira, Dwi Mei Saroh, and Dian Nitami. In the competition that was held offline, the Basabuja team carried the subtheme of Law and Culture with the essay title Kuṭāramanawa: Ancient and Present Ramanawa.

The essay raised the customary law during the Majapahit Kingdom, which was recorded in Kuṭāramanawa. “What is applied from Kuṭāramanawa is in the form of Smart QR Code and Internet of Things (IoT). As a law that contains very complete social rules, with 275 articles and 19 chapters, we realize that Kuṭāramanawa has values that are relevant to today’s social and environmental conditions,” said Yudha Adistira in an online interview (28/05/2025).

According to Dwi Mei Saroh, in an online interview (24/05/2025), their team had to go through an elimination stage before entering the final round. The final round was held on May 10-13, 2025, with a presentation session on the 11th and the announcement of the winner on May 12. “The only one who represented our team to go and present at Andalas was Siswoyo,” he said.

The process of composing the essays that the team went through was not easy. Dian Nitami said that their long journey began in January 2025. “From the process, of course, many dynamics occurred and the toughest lies in the cost constraints. However, this was overcome with the commitment and solidarity of the team and the help of many other parties. Therefore, we would like to thank you for all the help that has been given,” he explained in an online interview (24/05/2025).

This achievement is expected to be a spark of enthusiasm for students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program to continue to work and innovate. In addition, Muhammad Siswoyo invited the younger generation to keep trying to preserve, explore knowledge, and innovate from Javanese literary works. “Javanese literature has many innovative opportunities that can be developed with an interdisciplinary approach. Many branches of science are connected to the laws, customs, culture, and habits of the Javanese people. Friends can utilize this into new innovations. For that, let’s preserve Javanese culture,” he said in an online interview (24/05/2025).

In line with this, Yudha Adistira emphasized the importance of accessibility to classic manuscripts as an effort to preserve and utilize the noble values of the nation. “Customary law is often considered ancient and left behind, but in fact it contains values that are very relevant to the present. However, access to manuscripts such as Kuṭāramanawa is still very limited. Therefore, we feel it is important to digitize this manuscript so that it can be more widely accessed, studied, and reapplied, especially in the context of legal education, cultural preservation, and national character building. We believe that technology can be a bridge between the past and the future,” he concluded.

Author: Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

The implementation of the Productive Javanese Writing Course in the even semester of the 2024/2025 academic year at the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), presents a different learning atmosphere from previous years. Batch 2024 students get direct assistance from Wikimedia members in learning article writing, especially in Javanese.

The collaboration between the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and Wikimedia took place from Tuesday, May 6, 2025 to Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Through this collaboration, students not only learn the basics of article writing, but also get an in-depth understanding of the world of Wikipedia, including the structure and language style of article writing, things that are not allowed in writing on Wikimedia, and an introduction to the Wikimedia organization in Indonesia. The students even had the opportunity to write articles directly in Javanese.

During the program, two Wikimedia members, Mbak Ana and Mbak Hanifah, accompanied the students in learning activities. Based on an online interview on June 12, 2025, one of the course participants, Wreksi Awinanggya Pinandhita, said that this activity was considered very useful because it provided concrete provisions in writing, especially writing articles in Javanese.

Overall, this collaboration is considered to provide valuable experience for students. In addition to enriching writing skills, this activity also broadens students’ insights into the world of article writing in the context of local culture. Through the ability to write articles in Javanese, students actively contribute to reintroducing regional culture to a wider audience.

Author: Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro