Central Java, 4 December 2025 — Students of the Arabic Study Program, class of 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada carried out a field study in the cities of Kudus and Demak as part of the course Arabic Literature and Culture in Indonesia. The program was designed to provide empirical learning experiences on the dynamics of Indonesian culture and the historical connections between Arab–Islamic heritage and the development of local civilization.

Kudus and Demak were selected as the field study destinations due to their significant roles in the spread of Islam in Java. Through this field activity, students were expected to observe and analyze cultural heritage on-site and relate their findings to the theories studied in class.

The first destination visited was the Menara Kudus Mosque, also known as the Al-Aqsha Mosque, located in Kauman Village, Kudus, Central Java. Students examined firsthand how the mosque’s architecture, particularly its red-brick tower resembling a Majapahit-style temple, stands as strong evidence of acculturation between Islam and Hindu–Javanese culture. At the Menara Kudus Mosque, students observed Sunan Kudus’ cultural approach to da’wah, from preserving local traditions to utilizing Javanese arts and architectural forms that enabled Islam to be accepted peacefully by the local community. Traditions such as the prohibition of slaughtering cows, as well as Javanese songs and performing arts developed by Sunan Kudus, became part of the learning experience.

The field study continued at the Mubarok Jenang Museum, the first jenang museum in Indonesia, which highlights the history of Kudus’ jenang industry since 1930. Here, UGM Arabic Study Program students learned local wisdoms, particularly the values of Gusjigang (being morally good, mastering religious knowledge, and being skilled in trade) which shaped Kudus’ economic culture and intertwined with the Islamic teachings of Sunan Kudus. The museum offered a distinct experience, enabling students to observe how tradition, family-run industry, and regional identity are presented as public education and developed into creative economic potential.

The students then deepened their understanding of early Islamic da’wah in Java through a visit to the Great Mosque of Demak, a historical Wali Songo site and a central landmark of the Demak Sultanate. They examined the mosque’s traditional Javanese architectural form featuring a three-tiered pyramidal roof and the iconic saka guru pillars, including the legendary saka tatal. This visit provided richer insight into a model of da’wah rooted in local culture, dialogue, and gentle persuasion, reflected in the mosque’s architecture, traditions, and the social life of the surrounding community.

Through this series of field visits, students gained firsthand experience that history is not merely textual, but a living narrative present in buildings, traditions, and societal practices. The field study underscored the importance of understanding acculturation as a key element in the development of Islam in the archipelago which is visible in mosque architecture, local economies, and enduring cultural values.

This field study is expected to broaden the perspectives of Arabic Literature students and strengthen their analytical abilities in interpreting Indonesian cultural phenomena in a more comprehensive and applied manner.

Author: Jihan Pertiwi

“Ethnography is a skill that should become a strength for you, anthropology students, in addressing challenges in the professional world.”

Friday, November 28, 2025, marked the third installment of Ngumbar (Ngulik Materi Bareng), an event organized by the Samhita Social Research Institute. Raising the topic Reexamining the Relationship between Anthropology and Ethnography: Reflections on Knowledge, Methods, and Interpretation in Anthropological Research, the discussion not only explored foundational theories, but also encouraged anthropology students to reflect on their positionality in the process of learning. In collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, the session featured Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi and Dr. Sita Hidayah as speakers who discussed current dynamics in the field of anthropology. Held in the Multimedia Room, 2nd floor of the Margono Building, the event was attended enthusiastically by students, faculty, and alumni both onsite and online via Zoom.

The discussion began by revisiting long-held assumptions about anthropology as a discipline and ethnography as a method, examined through a reflective lens. The topic was inspired by Tim Ingold’s essay Anthropology is not Ethnography, which sparked significant debate among academics and anthropology students. The relationship and distinctions between anthropology and ethnography were viewed through idiographic (descriptive) and nomothetic (theoretical) approaches in studying socio-cultural phenomena, rather than as fixed and definitive knowledge. This led to conversations about ethical dilemmas, an important aspect for contemporary generations of anthropology students and scholars to recognize. The use of the term “learning” during fieldwork carries ethical consequences, particularly in mitigating power imbalances between researcher and researched.

Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi added that amid debates over the ideological direction of Indonesian anthropology, the Anthropology Department at UGM has become a space where differing academic influences meet and shape curriculum development. “We are fortunate that new lecturers at that time brought diverse perspectives from their studies, and particularly Prof. Laksono and Prof. Heddy have significantly shaped our academic orientation,” he noted.

Continuing the discussion on contemporary dynamics within anthropology, Dr. Sita Hidayah highlighted reflectivity as a strength and distinctive characteristic of Anthropology at UGM. Awareness of positionality has become an integral aspect of anthropological learning. “Developing a reflective and position-conscious curriculum is crucial for facing future challenges, especially in the professional world,” she added. Building student confidence in their ethnographic abilities is essential and needs to be strengthened as a key competence for addressing real-world problems.

Writer: Okky Chandra Baskoro
Photo: Nandito Jodi Syaifulloh

Friday, November 21, 2025 – The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program at Gadjah Mada University held an Inspiring Alumni event as part of its efforts to provide insight and inspiration to students and alumni who are preparing to enter the professional world. M. Asykari Muslim (Owner and CEO of Hayfa Academy), an alumnus and speaker at this event, presented a theme titled “Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs: The Synergy of Science, Technology, and Creativity in the Digital Age.” The event, at 709 of the Soegondo building, aimed to connect the current generation of students with alumni who have had successful careers in various fields, while also strengthening the academic and professional networks between the two parties.

The inspiring Alumni event began with a speech from Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Secretary of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Department. In her speech, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. emphasized the importance of building bridges between the academic world and the professional world through the firsthand experiences of successful alumni. “Through this event, we hope that students can gain a realistic picture of career opportunities in the professional world and understand how the skills they acquire in college can be applied in real life,” she said.

The alumni motivated the participants to continue developing themselves, to remain adaptable to the changing times, and to take advantage of every opportunity available. “As KBTT alumni, we must take advantage of all available opportunities, from our ability to speak Arabic or other languages. Look for opportunities to work, don’t be afraid to try, take advantage of available technology. If we want to build something, whatever it is, whether it’s a business or something else, we must use knowledge as a starting point, because without knowledge, no idea will last long,” said M. Asykari Muslim, M.A.

The question and answer session provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with alumni, deepen their understanding of the world of work, and build connections that will be useful for their future career development. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to alumni who shared their experiences and knowledge during the event. The event ended with a group photo and the hope that such activities will continue to be held in the future to strengthen the relationship between the study program and alumni and encourage students to be better prepared for the future.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, 22 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again achieved an impressive accomplishment at a national-level entrepreneurship event. In the competition organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the FIB Mandira Heritage Team secured 1st Place in the Growing Business Category at the 2025 KMI Expo, the culminating event of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Program (KMI).

This event brought together young entrepreneurs from universities across Indonesia in a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovation and sustainability. Mandira Heritage Group stood out with its ideas that combine cultural themes, creativity, and digital technology. Products such as Mandira Brick, Mandira Puzzle with Augmented Reality technology, Bimba Brush, and JAKI, an interactive 3D puzzle, captivated both visitors and judges. Strong product design, compelling visual creativity, and rich cultural narratives made UGM’s booth one of the most striking among the participants.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of Fahmi Prihantoro, M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, who supported the team from concept development to final execution. The accomplishment further strengthens FIB UGM’s position as a faculty that not only focuses on humanities studies but also encourages students to innovate within the cultural-based creative industry.

Mandira Heritage’s success aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to advancing quality education and strengthening culture-based creative economies. Through the use of digital technology in cultural preservation and education, this initiative supports the creation of inclusive and innovative learning experiences. Additionally, participation in a collaborative event that brings together universities nationwide reflects efforts to reinforce national partnerships as part of sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, October 30, 2025 — The Arabic Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed an academic delegation from the Arabic Language and Literature Study Program (BSA), Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Sunan Ampel Surabaya, for a collaborative meeting on institutional partnership development and faculty cooperation in research and publication.

The meeting brought together heads of study programs and lecturers from both study programs. Representatives from UGM included Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma’nawi, S.S., M.Hum., and several other lecturers. Meanwhile, UIN Sunan Ampel was represented by Dr. Abdulloh Ubet, M.Ag. (Head of BSA), Sodikin, M.Pd.I (Secretary of the Study Program), Dr. Mirwan Akhmad Taufiq, M.A. (Head of Department), along with other faculty members and teaching staff.

The meeting opened by Dr. Imam Wicaksono, Lc., M.A., followed by welcoming speech from Prof. Sangidu and from the UIN Sunan Ampel delegation. During the meeting, Dr. Zulfa Purnamawati emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in community service and research. She noted that community engagement initiatives at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences now require involvement across various fields to produce two outcomes: one from UGM and one from its collaborating partners.

In addition to discussing research and publication cooperation, the two study programs reviewed strategies for teaching Arabic at the university level. Dr. Zulfa highlighted several innovations at UGM’s Arabic Study Program, such as matriculation classes for beginners, peer-assisted tutorials, and entrepreneurship courses taught by alumni.

From UIN Sunan Ampel, Dr. Abdulloh Ubet explained that most BSA lecturers have backgrounds in Arabic Language Education (PBA), which shapes their research focus toward education. He also shared that UINSA continues to strengthen students’ language proficiency through intensive Arabic and English training sessions starting as early as 6 a.m. Since 2025, the BSA Program has implemented a new curriculum designed to meet industry needs, including an Edupreneur course to equip students with entrepreneurial competencies.

The meeting concluded with documentation and an exchange of souvenirs between the two study programs, symbolizing their commitment to sustained academic cooperation.

This collaborative forum not only expanded academic networking between universities but also aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—notably SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthened academic quality and partnership-based learning; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing students’ entrepreneurial skills; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the development of strategic institutional cooperation across higher education institutions in Indonesia.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah