Yogyakarta, 1 May 2025 — In a relaxed and warm atmosphere, the staff of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a recreational activity titled “FIB Mancing Mania” on Thursday (1/5). The event took place from 07.00 to 12.00 WIB at the fishing pond owned by Mr Suwanto, a retired FIB UGM staff member, located in Gondangan, Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman.

This inaugural fishing gathering served as a special moment for the staff to unwind and refresh, while also acting as a communal activity to strengthen collegial ties. The event was officially opened by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., who expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm and team spirit of the staff. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of kinship and teamwork beyond formal institutional settings.

The warm atmosphere was evident in the participants’ interactions—fishing, sharing stories, and enjoying leisure time together in a natural, open-air setting. More than just a source of entertainment, the event became an informal space to foster solidarity and togetherness in the workplace.

Through “FIB Mancing Mania”, it is hoped that the spirit of cooperation, camaraderie, and a positive work environment will continue to grow and thrive among the FIB UGM staff.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 25/04/2025 – The visit of INCULS students from the Indonesian Tourism Specialization Class to Ullen Sentalu Museum opened new horizons in understanding the Javanese cultural heritage that lives and breathes through every corner of the museum. Located in the cool air of Kaliurang, the museum not only presents a collection of historical objects, but also serves as a dialogue space between the past and the present, where students can dive into noble values that remain relevant in modern tourism development. Each exhibition room, from Gua Selo Giri that showcases the palace’s batik to Kampung Kambang that tells the story of the palace princesses’ lives, holds lessons about the balance between preserving tradition and adapting to changing times.

Through direct interaction with museum guides from the local community, students realized the importance of involving the community in cultural heritage management. The way the museum empowers local residents as active custodians of traditions provides a clear example of how cultural preservation can go hand in hand with improving welfare. This experience taught them that authentic cultural tourism should grow from the roots of the community, not just be a show to fulfill market tastes. The students also learned that every batik motif, building architecture, and room layout in this museum contains a deep philosophy of life about human relationships with nature and each other.

The next activity was a session to try the freshly made jadah tempe. Students experienced firsthand the harmony of the savory taste of fermented tempeh with the sweetness of jadah from sticky rice, all wrapped in the fragrant aroma of banana leaves. Through this culinary experience, they understand how traditional food is not just a matter of taste, but also a medium for cultural preservation and local wisdom in processing natural resources. The visit to the jadah tempe producers completed their understanding of the full ecosystem of Javanese culture – from the philosophical values displayed in the museum to the real practices in people’s daily lives.

This direct interaction with traditional food artisans also opened the students’ eyes to the potential of culinary tourism as part of a holistic cultural tourism experience. They saw opportunities to develop tour packages that not only showcase historical objects, but also bring culture to life through sensory experiences such as tasting and making traditional food. This learning further strengthened their understanding of the importance of involving local communities in any tourism destination development, as well as maintaining the sustainability of culinary traditions as a priceless intangible cultural heritage.

This visit was also a living laboratory for students to observe best practices in cultural destination management. They saw how museums are able to create educational tourism experiences without reducing the sacred value of their collections, as well as how technological adaptations are made while maintaining the essence of tradition. This kind of learning shapes the perspective that tourism development must always consider sustainability. Not only in the environmental sense, but also the sustainability of cultural values and economic benefits for local communities. This experience at Ullen Sentalu and the jadah tempe production site is an important foundation for future tourism professionals to build a more responsible and meaningful destination development model.

[INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]

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]

Yogyakarta, 25/3/2025 – Muhammad Wirai Suryajati, an alumnus of the Tourism Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) class of 2013, is one UGM Tourism alumni who has successfully built a career in the tourism industry. With his dedication and competence, Wira’i has obtained various achievements that contribute to the tourism industry in the country.

Wira’i now serves as CEO of PT Alodia Tour Indonesia, a company engaged in travel services with various superior packages, including private trips, company trips, honeymoons, MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions), visas, and flight tickets. In addition, Wira’i has obtained certification from the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP) as a Professional Certified Tour Leader and MICE Organizer. This career and certification confirm his competence in managing tours and organizing MICE.

Wira’i shared his experiences and insights in the agenda of the Inspiring Alumni Graduation Briefing Period II 2024/2025, taking place at the FIB Auditorium, 7th Floor, Soegondo Building, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. The event was attended by prospective graduates and final-year students who are preparing to enter the world of work.

The Tourism Study Program of FIB UGM is committed to producing agents of change, ready to contribute to the tourism industry. With a curriculum combining theory-based and project-based approaches, as well as the support of extensive networks with industry, UGM Tourism Study Program continues to equip its students with relevant and innovative insights.

This effort aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve Goals. Having alumni network in various tourism sectors and business, UGM Tourism Study Program continues to contribute to the development of a sustainable tourism industry.

Wira’i’s career journey reflects how the education and experience gained during his college year at UGM evidence a provision in pursuing a career in the tourism industry. His story serves as a reference for students and prospective students of the UGM Tourism Study Program to develop their potential and build a competitive future in the industry.

[Public Relations of Tourism  Department FIB UGM, Muhammad Alif]

Jakarta – Muhammad Ghazi Al Ghifari and Amalia Faradilla, students of The Arabic Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, are participating in an internship program at the Directorate of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment, Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta. Students are assigned to the administrative subdivision under the guidance of Fehmi Kurnia, S.E., M.Tr.A.P., and Iqbal Fadli Muhammad, S.E.I., M.Si. The internship program, which runs from August 26, 2024, to November 29, 2024, aims to provide practical experience in managing zakat and waqf as part of Islamic philanthropy.

During the internship, students are involved in various activities, including analyzing data from the National Zakat Management Report (LPZN) 2022–2024, processing data on zakat collection and distribution, creating an amil (zakat administrator) data matrix, compiling and editing books, editing videos, and preparing presentation slides on zakat, infaq, sadaqah, and other religious social funds (ZIS-DSKL). They also have the opportunity to participate in official external activities, visit the National Amil Zakat Agency and Amil Zakat Institutions, attend the World Zakat and Wakf Forum 2024, and the inauguration of Firdaus Memorial Park.

Through this internship program, students gain a deeper understanding of zakat and waqf management as well as the relevant regulations. With the knowledge and experience they acquire, they are expected to contribute to improving the welfare of the community through Islamic philanthropy.

[S1 Sastra Arab, Amalia Faradilla]