On April 2, 2026, several undergraduate and master’s graduates of Archaeology from Universitas Gadjah Mada were officially inaugurated by the Minister of Culture as government officials in the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. This event shows the real contribution of archaeology graduates in the professional world, especially in managing, preserving, and developing cultural heritage. The following are the names of the alumni and their positions:

1. Pahadi, S.S. as Head of Section for Follow-up of Supervision Reports
2. Anggoro Cahyadi, S.S., M.Kesos. as Head of Administration Subdivision, Directorate of Cultural Heritage
3. Sukronedi, S.Si., M.A. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of North Sumatra
4. Yanto H. M. Manurung, S.S., M.Hum. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Jambi
5. Sri Sugiharta, S.S., M.P.A. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of South Sumatra
6. Ni Ketut Wardani P. Dewi, M.Hum. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Bangka Belitung
7. Kuswanto, S.S., M.Hum. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Lampung
8. Swedhi Hananta, S.S., M.A. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Banten
9. Desse Yussubrasta, S.S., M.Hum. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Jakarta
10. Riris Purbasari, S.S., M.A. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Yogyakarta
11. Endah Budi Heryani, S.S., M.M. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of East Java
12. Iwan Setiawan Bimas, S.S., M.M. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Central Kalimantan
13. Manggar Sari Ayuati, S.S., M.A. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of South Kalimantan
14. Ahmad Hariri, S.S., M.Hum. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of West Nusa Tenggara
15. Sinatrio Danuhadiningrat, S.S. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of South Sulawesi
    Gatut Eko Nurcahyo, S.S. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Southeast Sulawesi
16. Dody Wiranto, S.S., M.Hum. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Maluku
17. Winarto, S.S. as Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Southwest Papua
18. Azwar Sutihat, S.S., M.Hum. as Head of General Affairs Subdivision, Cultural Heritage
19. Preservation Office of Riau Islands
20. Agus Sudaryadi, S.S. as Head of General Affairs Subdivision, Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Jambi
21. Marlia Yuliyanti Rosyidah, S.Si., M.A. as Head of General Affairs Subdivision, Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Central Java
22. Romi Hidayat, S.S. as Head of General Affairs Subdivision, Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Jakarta
23. Iswadi A. M., S.S., M.Hum. as Head of General Affairs Subdivision, Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of South Sulawesi

Through this inauguration, the alumni are expected to apply the knowledge and skills they gained during their studies in making policies within the Ministry. This is important to support better and more sustainable cultural management.

Author: Jovinka Aldinova Kiranamurti

Jakarta, February 27, 2026 – Four students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in the K-Newscasting Competition 2026. This Korean-language news reading competition was organized by the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI) as a platform to improve language skills and train the participants’ public speaking skills. In this competition, our two students achieved outstanding accomplishments, Matilda Kinasih Dewi winning 2nd place and Mulya Ghefira Azzahra securing the 3rd place.

The K-Newscasting Competition is an annual event that challenges participants to deliver news in Korean with precise pronunciation, accurate intonation, and professional expression similar to the real news anchor. Through this competition, participants not only refine their linguistic competence but also develop communication skills, confidence, and professionalism relevant to the demands of the modern workforce.

The event started with the drawing of participants’ numbers, followed by a rehearsal session where contestants practiced reading the news using a prompter. In this rehearsal session, the participants were trained to adjust the tempo and intonation to deliver the news. After the rehearsal session was finished, the participants were given time to rest and did re-registration. The main competition began and was divided into two sessions: participants numbered 1–10 and 11–21. Upon the completion of all performances, the panel of judges calculated the scores before proceeding to the awarding session.

During the awarding ceremony, the winners of the K-Newscasting Competition 2026 were officially announced. Matilda Kinasih Dewi secured 2nd place, followed by Mulya Ghefira Azzahra in 3rd place. This achievement is a source of pride for the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM and reflects the quality of education that equips students with excellent competencies and professional career readiness.

Matilda Kinasih Dewi, the 2nd place winner, expressed her gratitude for the achievement. “I am very happy and grateful to gain new experiences through this competition. I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me from beginning to end.”

Mulya Ghefira Azzahra, the 3rd place winner, shared that the competition provided a valuable experience. “I participated in this competition for the second time to confirm my career interests. Although I performed first and encountered challenges with the prompter speed, I remained calm and was grateful to receive positive evaluations from the judges. I was delighted to attend with my friends and meet many familiar faces. My heartfelt thanks go to my family and our Study Program for their unwavering support.”

This participation and achievement are expected to inspire other students to continue developing their academic and non-academic potential while strengthening cultural ties between Indonesia and South Korea.

[Korean Language & Literature, Aura Adiba W.L]

Yogyakarta, March 30, 2026 – Another proud achievement has been attained by a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Muhammad Deni Maulana, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Study Program, has successfully earned the title of Outstanding Student (Mapres) at the faculty level in 2026.

The prestigious award was announced online through a Zoom Meeting organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada. The decision was based on the results of a recapitulation process and a formal selection meeting for the 2026 faculty-level Outstanding Student competition within UGM.

During the selection process, participants were evaluated through various comprehensive aspects. These included a creative idea proposal, English proficiency, and a portfolio consisting of eight main indicators: achievements or competitions, recognitions, awards, organizational experience, creative works, community service, and entrepreneurial activities. All these aspects served as benchmarks in assessing both academic and non-academic excellence.

In the 2026 Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres), Muhammad Deni Maulana presented a topic on inclusivity in literary education. He proposed an idea titled “Transformative-Inclusive: Reconstruction of a Poetry-Based Language and Literature Curriculum to Strengthen Literacy Education for Deaf Students in Special Schools.” This idea was inspired by the reality that conventional curricula in special schools (SLB) tend to be textual-linear and phonemic-oriented, thus not fully accommodating the learning needs of Deaf students, who rely more on visual-kinesthetic approaches and Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO). Through the optimization of poetry as a learning medium, he offers a more inclusive and adaptive approach to improving literacy among persons with disabilities.

In addition to his innovative idea, Deni also shared motivational messages for fellow students. He emphasized that every opportunity is a valuable door that does not always come twice, and therefore must be utilized as best as possible. He encouraged students not to wait until they feel fully ready to start, but instead to keep trying, stay consistent, and believe that every small effort today contributes to something greater in the future. According to him, any field of study holds significant potential for meaningful contribution when pursued with dedication.

Muhammad Deni Maulana’s achievement not only reflects his personal dedication and hard work, but also highlights the quality of education at FIB UGM in producing outstanding, creative, and competitive graduates. This accomplishment is expected to inspire other students to continue excelling and contributing across various fields.

This achievement also aligns with the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, it supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through the development of students’ competencies in entrepreneurship and career readiness.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada presented awards to five outstanding members of its academic community during the 80th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration at the FIB UGM Poerbatjaraka Auditorium. This initiative serves as an institutional appreciation for the dedication and achievements of both lecturers and educational staff in advancing science, education, and community development.

In the outstanding lecturer category, FIB UGM presented an award to Dr. Elan Ardri Lazuardi, S.Ant., M.A., from the Anthropology Study Program. Dr. Lazuardi possesses specialized expertise in medical anthropology and public health services. Throughout his career, he has received various prestigious academic recognitions. These include the High-Quality Scientific Article Award in Health and Medicine from the Ministry of Research and Technology in 2020, as well as the Dean’s Award for Outstanding PhD Theses from the University of New South Wales in the same year. Previously, he earned the Early Career Research Award for the best oral presentation category from the Australian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine in 2018.

The next recipient of the outstanding lecturer award is Dr. Raden Rucitarahma Ristiawan, S.Par., M.Sc., from the Tourism Study Program. This tourism and cultural landscape expert earned a doctorate in Cultural Geography from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, in 2024. His dissertation discusses the commodification of landscapes in the development of geopark tourism in Indonesia. Dr. Ristiawan has consistently researched community-based tourism practices from his undergraduate studies at UGM to his master’s program at the University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, in 2017.

The third lecturer to receive a similar award is Wildan Sena Utama, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., from the History Study Program. This historian focuses on modern international and transnational relations between Indonesia and the Afro-Asian world in the 20th century. Dr. Utama completed his doctoral education at the University of Bristol in 2023. His dissertation highlights the role of Indonesian figures in the Afro-Asian movement during the 1950s and 1960s to demonstrate the importance of South-South solidarity in the history of national independence, anti-imperialist movements, and efforts to build a more decolonial world order.

From the educational staff ranks, FIB UGM appreciated the performance of two staff members who are considered to have made major contributions to the smooth operation of the faculty. Dyah Ayu Retnowati, A.Md., received the outstanding award in the Academic and Student Affairs division. Meanwhile, Tri Iswanto received an award in the General Affairs division for his crucial dedication in supporting the smooth running of administrative services and activities within the faculty.

This appreciation is expected to boost the motivation of the entire academic community to continue innovating and providing the best service in the future. This step aligns with the higher education institution’s commitment to continuously building a high-quality, inclusive, and resilient learning ecosystem to produce human resources capable of bringing a positive impact to the advancement of civilization.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, February 24, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a Soft Skills Training titled “Briefing for Graduating Students and Undergraduates” from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. WIB at the 3rd Floor Auditorium of the Poerbatjaraka Building. The event featured an alumna of the Indonesian Literature Program at FIB UGM and Chair of IWAPI, as well as founder of Bundaco, Erwina Kusmarini, S.S., who shared her experience in identifying business opportunities and building independence after graduation.

In her remarks, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of FIB UGM, Dr. Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of providing students with preparation prior to graduation. “This activity certainly offers valuable preparation and insights for all of you after graduating from FIB UGM,” she said.

The Coordinator for Academic and Student Affairs, Yusuf Sulistiyo, A.Md., S.Psi., M.M., delivered academic announcements before the main session began. The moderator, Dr. phil. Ramayda Akmal, S.S., M.A., then introduced the speaker and presented her brief profile.

In her presentation, Erwina Kusmarini highlighted the theme “The Story of Bundaco and the Spirit of Seizing Opportunities.” She recounted how she started her business in 2004 from her home in Klaten with a single household sewing machine. She began her entrepreneurial journey without a family background in business and without formal education in engineering or economics. Limited capital, networks, and technical skills were among the challenges she faced in the early stages. She learned directly from local tailors, fabric vendors, and the surrounding community to develop her enterprise.

Bundaco, short for Bunda Collection, has grown into a garment manufacturing business producing school uniforms, community apparel, Muslim fashion, and custom orders for institutions and organizations. She emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and service as the foundation for business growth.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, production shifted to personal protective equipment and cloth masks to respond to community needs. This innovation sustained the business while expanding its market reach. In the following years, she was entrusted to lead IWAPI Klaten and initiated garment production and digital marketing training programs for hundreds of women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises.

During the question-and-answer session, Erwina encouraged students to be courageous in taking the first step and to continue learning. She stressed that a background in cultural studies is not a barrier to entrepreneurship. Social awareness and the ability to recognize opportunities, she noted, are essential assets in building a business.

The training concluded with the presentation of a token of appreciation from the faculty to the speaker, followed by a group photo session. Through this initiative, FIB UGM seeks to prepare graduates who are adaptive, competitive, and capable of making meaningful contributions to society. Such programs are expected to foster a generation that is not only ready to enter the workforce, but also able to create opportunities and empower their communities in a sustainable manner.

[Humas FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]