Yogyakarta, 29/4/2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. as a Full Professor in the field of Literary Sociology. The inauguration ceremony took place at the UGM Senate Hall and was attended by family members, academic colleagues, and guests from various institutions.

In his inaugural speech titled “Literature, SARA, and the Politics of Misunderstanding”, Prof. Aprinus delivered a critical reflection on the role of literary works in Indonesia’s social and political dynamics. According to him, literature is one of the procedures through which truth is sought—whether by revealing it openly or by not revealing it at all. Literature, he argued, is not merely a work of art, but a human endeavour to explore and assert what is true and what remains questionable.

He further emphasised that the state should function to ensure a life that is more prosperous, just, secure, and peaceful for all its citizens. Therefore, society—including state institutions and civil society activists—must work together to foster intelligence and wisdom in nationhood and statehood.

Prof. Aprinus also criticised the limitations imposed on literary expression, especially regarding issues deemed sensitive such as ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup relations (SARA). “It is time we allow literature to explore freely, without being shackled by fear or excessive censorship. No theme should be considered ‘forbidden’ to write about. It is precisely in those spaces that literature performs its function: to trace truths that have yet to be uncovered,” he stated.

This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the career of Prof. Aprinus Salam, who is widely known as a scholar, writer, and artist committed to raising issues of culture, literature, and diversity in Indonesian society. The event concluded with congratulatory remarks and hopes that Prof. Aprinus will continue to contribute to the strengthening of critical intellectual traditions and freedom of expression in both academic and public spheres.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 17 April 2025 – Pusat Bahasa of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) partnered with the Indonesian International Education Foundation (IIEF) to successfully organize the TOEFL Digital On-Site test today. The test took place at FIB UGM, with ten participants arriving at the venue starting at 7:30 AM. The official test began at 8:00 AM.

The participants expressed enthusiasm for enhancing their English language skills, recognizing it as a crucial factor for thriving in the increasingly interconnected global landscape. The test employed digital methods, which not only ensured efficiency but also promoted eco-friendliness by significantly reducing paper use. This reflects UGM’s commitment to leveraging technology in providing high-quality education.

To guarantee a smooth execution of the test, the Language Center of FIB UGM and IIEF ensured that the facilities met international standards for TOEFL testing. The venue offered modern amenities and accessibility, while the organizers provided pre-test briefings to help participants perform confidently and without technical difficulties.

The event served as both an opportunity for individuals to evaluate their English proficiency and a strategic step toward realizing Indonesia’s vision of producing globally competitive human resources. Through its collaboration with IIEF, UGM demonstrated the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and related organizations in expanding access to quality education across the country.

This initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable quality education. By focusing on individual skill development, the program represents a tangible commitment by educational institutions to foster positive change on both local and global scales.

[Public Relation of Fellas FIB UGM, Sabik Hikami]

Yogyakarta, 28/4/2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) held a cultural webinar titled “Mencintai yang Dekat, Mengenal yang Jauh: Imbasadi Menjawab Tantangan AI dan Global lewat Kebudayaan Daerah” (Loving What is Near, Understanding What is Far: Imbasadi Responds to the Challenges of AI and Globalization through Regional Culture) on Sunday (April 13, 2025). The event was part of the series commemorating Imbasadi’s 32nd anniversary.

The webinar featured R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. Noviyanti Alfitri, a student from the same program and a member of Imbasadi’s Research and Community Service Division (P2M), served as the moderator.

In his presentation, R. Bima Slamet Raharja highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the preservation and expanding public access to the literary and cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. However, he emphasized that the use of such technologies must be carried out wisely, ensuring that cultural wealth remains respected, safeguarded as a national treasure, and continues to provide lasting benefits.

This cultural webinar demonstrated Imbasadi’s and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program’s strong commitment to preserving and advancing regional languages, literatures, and cultures amidst the pressures of globalization. The initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 22/04/2025 – As part of an effort to deepen understanding of the dynamics of Indonesian politics, Indonesian Culture and Language Study (INCULS) students visited the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) DPRD Building and the DIY Governor’s Office. The visit not only provided insight into the legislative and executive processes at the local level, but also implicitly touched on the principles of sustainable development, particularly in terms of inclusive, transparent and accountable governance.

During the visit to the DPRD DIY, INCULS students discussed with the lecturers the role of the legislature in public policy making. They highlighted the importance of community participation in the political process, which is in line with peace processes that emphasize effective, inclusive and transparent governance. At the Governor’s Office, INCULS students had the opportunity to tour and hear about the challenges and strategies of development in Yogyakarta. Topics such as cultural preservation, poverty alleviation, and improving access to education were discussed. The DIY government emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics, communities, and policy makers to achieve sustainable development. Youth and students play a key role in driving innovation and monitoring public policies.

The visit not only enriched students’ understanding of Indonesian politics, but also made them realize that good public policy is the foundation of achieving the SDGs. By understanding the democratic process and governance, INCULS students are expected to become agents of change who promote sustainable development, both locally and globally. Politics is not just about power, but a tool to realize sustainable social and environmental justice. This activity is proof that political education and awareness of sustainable development must go hand in hand to create a better future. 

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

Yogyakarta, 23/4/2025 – The Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada organized a public lecture entitled “Beyond Borders: Rethinking Homeland and Belonging in Diaspora and Francophone Studies” on Tuesday, April 23, 2025, in the Soegondo Hall of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event, attended by students from various departments, was officially opened by the Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum. In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Aprinus Salam emphasized that public lectures are a concrete manifestation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi. He underlined the importance of broadening international perspectives, “Although our focus is in literature from a particular country, global awareness remains an essential asset. Therefore, our program will continue to present lectures on cutting-edge literary topics from around the world.” he said. 

The main material was delivered by Dr. Arifah Arum Candra Hayuningsih, S.S., M.A., who invited students to reassess conventional understandings of homeland and belonging within the context of diaspora and Francophone studies. The lecture raised fundamental philosophical and political questions, What does “home” mean? And must identity always be rooted in a specific place?

Dr. Arifah Arum highlighted that the theories of homeland and belonging are often understood in rigid terms–in terms of citizenship, territory, or national identity–whereas diasporic experiences show that identities are fluid, negotiated, and shaped by memory, language, and the legacies of colonialism. This lecture dissects important thoughts in diaspora studies from various scholars such as Paul Gilroy to Stuart Hall. Furthermore, Dr. Arifah Arum presented an analysis of Francophone literary works such as those by Leïla Sebbar, Maryse Condé, and Mariama Ba, which showed how experiences of migration and colonialism gave birth to plural creole identities. Francophone diasporic literature, according to her, is an important medium to reveal experiences that are often excluded from the dominant national narrative.

In the Q&A session, students were actively involved  in raising personal and political issues around multiple identities, repatriation, and the meaning of ‘second home’. In responding to the issue of multiple identities, Dr. Arifah Arum argued that “what makes us who we are today is not a single thing. There are always broken fragments in shaping our identity. Our identities will continue to change and reproduce.” she explained. Then, she emphasized the importance of language, memory, and representation as a bridge to build an authentic sense of existence.

At the end of the session, participants were invited to reflect, could ‘homeland’ be plural, emotional, even imaginary? And how does literature play a role in shaping and re-questioning the meaning of home, identity and existence? This public lecture marks the importance of cross-cultural studies in understanding the dynamics of global identity. Not only did it enrich students’ academic insights, it also underscored the relevance of sustainable development values.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]