A lecturer of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Achmad Rio Dessiar, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., received an official invitation to participate in a series of academic activities in South Korea from 26–30 January 2026. The invitation included participation in the Global Matching Lab program at Kyungpook National University (KNU), as well as meetings to explore academic collaboration with Yeungnam University in Daegu.

The visit began with participation in the Global Matching Lab at Kyungpook National University (KNU), which involved discussions with Prof. Ahn Mi-ae (Kyungpook National University) and Prof. Lee Mi-hyang (Yeungnam University). In addition to these discussions, the agenda included formulating joint research plans, organizing academic seminars, and exchanging perspectives on Korean language education in the Southeast Asian region. Through this program, sustainable research collaboration between researchers of both institutions is expected to be established, along with academic contributions relevant to each country’s local context.

On the same day, a public lecture was also delivered at Kyungpook National University under the theme The Development of Korean Studies Teaching in Indonesia. The lecture served as a platform for academic exchange while introducing the dynamics of Korean language and Korean Studies education in Indonesia to the international academic community.

As a follow-up to the academic collaboration initiative, a visit was also conducted to Yeungnam University. This visit continued the earlier meeting held on 27 December 2025, when several Yeungnam University faculty members visited the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, to explore potential cooperation.

During the visit to Yeungnam University, discussions were held with the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Noh Sang-rae, and Prof. Lee Eun-jung from the Department of Anthropology, focusing on opportunities for deeper academic and research collaboration. Several forms of cooperation were agreed upon, including a student exchange program that enables students to apply for scholarships and study at Yeungnam University, as well as academic support for those intending to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in the humanities. Yeungnam University also expressed its willingness to issue Letters of Acceptance (LoA) to support scholarship applications.

Participation in this international forum reflects the active role of UGM faculty in expanding global academic networks, strengthening educational and research collaboration, and promoting cross-border knowledge exchange. These efforts also contribute to advancing quality education, sustainable international cooperation, and increased academic mobility for both students and faculty at the global level.

Penulis: Eunike Serafia & Aura Adiba

Yogyakarta, 15 February 2026 – The Arabic Literature Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKMASA UGM) officially inaugurated its 2026/2027 executive board at Room 709, Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The inauguration formed part of the IKMASA General Assembly series, which took place from December 2025 to February 2026.

The event was attended by all active students and alumni of the Arabic Literature Program at UGM. The inauguration ceremony was led by Dr. Nur Kholid, M.Pd., advisor to the Arabic Literature Student Association at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, who formally installed the IKMASA executive board for the 2026/2027 term.

The IKMASA General Assembly is an annual agenda held at the end of each executive term. The forum reviews the accountability report, evaluates organizational performance over the past year, and formulates the vision and mission for the upcoming period. It also serves as a platform for organizational restructuring and the election of new leadership.

The inauguration marked the final stage of the entire general assembly series. Through this ceremony, the newly appointed board obtained formal organizational legitimacy to carry out its mandate and implement work programs over the next year. The event was conducted offline at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences as a demonstration of organizational transparency and accountability to the Arabic Literature academic community.

With the new executive board officially in place, IKMASA is expected to continue ongoing programs while introducing initiatives that respond to students’ needs. Structured regeneration through the general assembly remains a key foundation for sustaining the organization and strengthening students’ role in fostering a collaborative and responsible academic environment.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, February 13, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada held a screening of When The Water Horse Seeks A New Home at the 7th Floor Auditorium of Soegondo Building on Friday (13/2) at 2:00 p.m. WIB. The event was attended by Cultural Anthropology students of the Faculty and presented a cinematic work that traces the journey of Rohingya refugees through the story of a small object washed ashore on the coast of Aceh.

Written and directed by Andrianus Oetjoe Merdhi, the film is based on the discovery of a small plastic animal figurine left behind on an abandoned boat once used by Rohingya refugees. The vessel was found stranded on a remote beach in Aceh, nearly two thousand kilometers from the figurine’s place of origin. The small object serves as a silent marker of human movement, loss, and resilience amid displacement.

According to its synopsis, the film follows the object’s journey across oceans and borders in search of its owner. This search unfolds the human story behind the experiences of refuge and forced displacement endured by the Rohingya community.

The project was co-produced by Gerhard Hoffstaedter of the University of Brisbane. The production received support from the University of Bielefeld and Volkswagen Stiftung. The screening, attended by Cultural Anthropology students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, provided a space for discussion on migration, identity, and collective memory. Through a reflective visual approach, the film invites audiences to understand the human dimension of cross-border displacement.

By focusing on a simple object, the film underscores that every trace left behind holds a story. Revisiting such traces becomes an important step in fostering empathy, broadening perspectives, and sustaining humanitarian values amid ongoing global dynamics.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Korean Language and Culture Program Study, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with Chung-Ang University (CAU), South Korea, organized a cultural exchange program titled CAUGM 2026. The program was held from January 20–29, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

CAUGM 2026 served as a platform for cross-cultural and language learning, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge, practices, and cultural understanding between Indonesian and South Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series began with an Opening Ceremony held on January 21, 2026. On this occasion, delegations from Chung-Ang University and Universitas Gadjah Mada presented cultural performances from their respective countries as an introduction to the cultural exchange activities that would take place throughout the program.

During the Opening Ceremony, Indonesian culture presented by students of the Korean Language and Culture Program Study of UGM included Angklung musical performance, Indonesia Menari, Sajojo Dance, Limpapeh Dance, and the martial art Silat. Meanwhile, the Chung-Ang University delegation showcased various aspects of Korean culture, including Taekwondo, K-pop Dance, K-pop Singing, Pansori, 응원단 (cheerleading), and 풍물 (traditional Korean music).

In addition to cultural exchange, the CAUGM 2026 program also featured language exchange activities. Students from the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM taught Indonesian to Chung-Ang University students, and vice versa. Language learning was conducted based on class levels: 초급반 (Beginner Class), 중급반 (Intermediate Class), and 고급반 (Advanced Class). The lessons were delivered interactively through daily communication practice, peer mentoring, games, and other classroom activities. Through these interactive methods, participants were able to learn the language along with its cultural context in an engaging and enjoyable way.

CAUGM 2026 also provided an opportunity for the general public to experience the cultural exchange through the Korean Festival held on January 24, 2026. In this event, visitors could participate in various cultural activities, including tasting authentic Korean dishes prepared live by Chung-Ang University students. Through this festival, the public was invited to explore Korean culture through culinary experiences and direct interaction with Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series concluded with a Closing Ceremony held on January 29, 2026. During this session, the results of the cultural and language exchange were presented, where Indonesian students performed Korean cultural elements they had learned, while Chung-Ang University students presented Indonesian culture.

The performances took place in a warm and lively atmosphere, with students from both UGM and CAU enjoying each presentation, supporting one another, and showing great enthusiasm. This interaction reflected closeness, togetherness, and the success of the cultural and language exchange process experienced throughout CAUGM 2026.

Through the implementation of CAUGM 2026, the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM hopes that this program will enhance participants’ language competence, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and foster closer international cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University in the fields of education and cultural diplomacy.

Author: Eunike Serafia & Aura Adiba

Yogyakarta, February 10, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada welcomed an educational visit from groups of students and teachers from SMA Pembangunan Jaya 2 and MAN 1 Surakarta. The program aimed to introduce prospective students to the academic environment and campus facilities before they pursue higher education.

The two delegations were warmly received by the FIB UGM Public Relations team and campus tour guides. The visit began with a brief introduction to the faculty’s academic profile, including its history, vision and mission, as well as the range of study programs offered. The presentation was delivered in an interactive format, allowing participants to ask questions about campus life and learning activities.

Following the introductory session, the participants were invited to explore various learning facilities within FIB UGM. The tour started with classroom visits, where students could observe the teaching and learning atmosphere firsthand, and continued to the faculty library, which serves as a central resource for academic references and research.

In addition, the guests had the opportunity to visit other supporting facilities that enhance academic activities, including discussion rooms, learning resource centers, and student academic service offices. The visit provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the university’s academic environment and campus life, while also inspiring them to plan their future educational pathways.

Through initiatives such as school visits, FIB UGM hopes to encourage more young people to explore higher education opportunities and to understand the importance of academic facilities in supporting a quality learning experience.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]