Yogyakarta, 21/4/2025 – Warung Sastra once again served as a warm and critical space for literary dialogue during teh “Malam Buku” (Book Night) event held on Sunday, April 21, 2025. The event featured Dari Dalam Kubur autor Soe Tjen Marching, alongside Ramayda Akmal, a lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada, as a guest speaker. This dialogue offered an in-depth discussion on how the novel constructs a historical narrative through the intergenerational experiences of its characters.

In the discussion, Ramayda stated that the novel does not merely present a personal story but also serves as a space to articulate the collective wounds of the nation. “The stories of Carla, her mother, and her grandmother are not just individual experiences. They carry the weight of history and give voice to those who have long been silenced, “she said. Ramayda further emphasized that the novel positions the female body as a historical site that reveals systemic violence rooted in the state, race, and dominant patriarchy.

Dari Dalam Kubur specifically highlights the issue of intergenerational trauma within families affected by the political violence of 1965 in Indonesia. The novel is also marked by a retrospective narrative approach. “Ms. Marching writes from the present, with an awareness of past events, for the sake of our understanding today,” Ramayda explained. She underlined that the function of historical fiction is not merely to revive the past but to critique ongoing inequalities. When past narratives continue to echo in the present, it signifies unresolved issues that require collective attention.

During the session, Soe Tjen Marching revealed that the writing process of this novel was hindered by emotional blocks caused by trauma. “When something is too painful, our bodies block it. We think we have forgotten, but the trauma becomes even more real,” she said. She stressed that dari Dalam Kubur is not just a work of fiction, but rather a reflective space that invites readers to engage in a dialogue with the inherited wounds passed down through generations.

This discussion highlighted the importance of historical literacy, gender awareness and freedom of expression–values that serve as the foundation for sustainable development. Dari Dalam Kubur offers a space for contemplation for anyone seeking to understand how historical trauma continues to resonate in the pulse of today’s life.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 24/4/2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. Agus Suwignyo, M.A. as a Professor in the field of History. The inauguration ceremony was held at the UGM Senate Hall and attended by members of the academic community, family, and guests from various institutions.

In his inaugural speech entitled “Has Political Independence Transformed the Concepts of Colonisation and Decolonisation of Knowledge in Higher Education?”, Prof. Agus Suwignyo asserted that Indonesia’s political independence has indeed transformed these concepts, although the changes have not unfolded in a linear or progressive manner.

“Eight decades after the Proclamation of Independence, we have yet to witness a thorough and systematic decolonisation of knowledge within our universities,” said Prof. Agus. He stressed that while Indonesia is politically independent, the domain of knowledge and its production continues to be overshadowed by unresolved colonial legacies.

In his speech, Prof. Agus also drew attention to how criticisms of academic institutions have emerged as early as the era of President Soekarno. He quoted Soekarno’s statement: “I detest all this juridical formalism; I detest all this intellectualism,” which reflects the tension between politics and intellectualism. A similar tension, according to Prof. Agus, resurfaced six decades later in President Prabowo Subianto’s remark: “There are these professors who are so smart, yet they disagree. I’m puzzled. Are they clever or foolish? I don’t know. Maybe their minds are sharp, but their hearts can’t feel.”

These two statements, though separated by 64 years, reveal an enduring scepticism toward the role of intellectuals in the political power structure. Prof. Agus argued that such scepticism hampers genuine efforts at decolonising knowledge, as academic independence is often constrained by ideological interests.

The ceremony concluded with congratulations and best wishes for Prof. Agus, in the hope that he will continue to contribute to the development of critical and timely historical scholarship, especially in advancing a more substantial decolonisation of knowledge in Indonesian academia.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, September 22, 2024 – Putri Azkia Nisfiatul Laili, a student of Arabic Literature at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has achieved her first major milestone at the university level. Competing in the 2024 Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ) League organized by the UGM MTQ Community, Azkia secured second place in the Musabaqah Hifdzil Qur’an (MHQ) category.

The competition was held as a preparatory event to select UGM’s delegation for the 17th National Student MTQ (MTQMN XVII) in 2025. It featured various branches of Qur’anic competitions and attracted hundreds of participants from different faculties across UGM.

The MHQ branch was divided into three categories: 10 juz, 20 juz, and 30 juz. Azkia competed in the 20-juz category, where participants were tested on their memorization from Juz 1 to Juz 20 using murattal recitation. During the competition, she confidently answered all questions posed by the judges in front of a live audience. Despite initial doubts due to limited preparation time and tight competition, her dedication and effort led her to secure second place, surpassing many other contestants. As a first-year student, Azkia admitted she did not expect to compete successfully against more senior participants.

Expressing her gratitude for the award, Azkia highlighted the importance of confidence and personal growth. “This competition not only challenged my skills but also taught me the importance of self-confidence and quality in facing challenges,” she stated.

Azkia’s achievement not only brought pride to the Arabic Literature Program but also aligned with the values of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. Her success is expected to inspire other students to continue contributing in the field of Qur’anic studies and beyond. This milestone marks the beginning of what promises to be a bright journey for Azkia in promoting the values of the Qur’an and uplifting the university’s reputation on both national and international stages.

Yogyakarta, April 16, 2025 – The Arabic Literature Student Association (IKMASA) held a post-Ramadan gathering event titled Ikmasa Balalan 2025 at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Taking place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB, the event acted as a valuable opportunity for spiritual reflection and strengthening bonds between students and lecturers of the Arabic Literature Department after the holy month of Ramadan 1446 H.

The event opened with remarks from the Master of Ceremony, followed by the reading of Syawalan pledges delivered by representatives from each academic year, starting from the 2021 to 2024 cohorts. A solemn atmosphere filled the room as Muhammad Ardiansyah (2021), Shang Narendra (2022), Faris Zaky Ramadhan (2023), and Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula Harapan (2024) took turns to deliver the pledges. The Syawalan pledge continued with a heartfelt delivery by Mr. Abdul Jawat Nur, S.S., M.Hum., representing the lecturers of the department.

The Syawalan pledge was more than just a ceremonial act—it served as a sacred moment of mutual forgiveness for any past wrongdoings, whether between fellow students or between students and lecturers. The essence of sincerity, unity, and familial bonds was deeply felt throughout the session.

The main event was the tausiyah delivered by Dr. Nur Kholid, M.Pd.I., who shared post-Ramadan insights and emphasized the importance of maintaining spiritual growth during the month of Syawal. He discussed the deeper meaning of the commonly heard phrase “Minal Aidin wal Faidzin”, the significance of Syawal as a month of personal elevation, and the noble pursuit of becoming a pious individual.

The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Mr. Abdul Jawat Nur, S.S., M.Hum., followed by a group photo session and mushofahah—the traditional greeting and expression of forgiveness among participants. Warmth and camaraderie were evident in the interactions between students and lecturers.

Through Ikmasa Balalan 2025, IKMASA successfully fostered deeper spiritual understanding and reinforced the spirit of togetherness during this blessed Syawal moment.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, February 19, 2025 – The Arabic Literature Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a public lecture titled Weaving Hopes, Achieving Dreams at the Soegondo Auditorium, 7th floor. The event aimed to ignite the spirit and motivation of students, particularly first-year students.

The lecture featured three inspiring and accomplished speakers: Dian Kinayung, S.Psi., M.Psi., Nuri Anjani, S.S. (UGM Arabic Literature Class of 2019), and Garin Arivian Muhammad, S.S. (Class of 2020). Each speaker shared their experiences, insights, and practical tips related to future planning and personal development.

The event opened with a welcoming speech and motivational message from the Head of the Arabic Literature Program, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum. The main session followed with a talk show moderated by Nur Kumalatuz Zahroh, a 2022 Arabic Literature student.

The first speaker, Nuri Anjani, S.S., delivered a presentation titled “Youth Contribution to Humanity and Community Empowerment through NGOs.” She shared her professional journey in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the preparations, challenges, and lessons learned throughout her career.

The second speaker, Garin Arivian Muhammad, S.S., presented “Self Exertion to Realize the Plans and Goals,” emphasizing the importance of present-day readiness to face future challenges, along with the steps to becoming a recipient of prestigious scholarships like LPDP.

The third speaker, Dian Kinayung, S.Psi., M.Psi., delivered a talk titled “My Dreams, My Future,” highlighting the significance of having dreams and outlining the essential steps to turn those dreams into reality.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion session, presentation of souvenirs to the speakers, documentation, and a prized quiz session enthusiastically participated in by the students. Through this public lecture, the Arabic Literature Program at UGM hopes to equip students with better preparation and direction as they plan for their futures.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature FIB UGM, Muhammad Ardiansyah]