Yogyakarta — Alumni of the Master’s Program in Linguistics at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have shared a number of aspirations for developing the alumni network so that it can play a more active role in supporting academic activities, professional development, and social engagement.

The aspirations were gathered through the “Linguistics Alumni Survey,” distributed via Google Forms through the UGM Linguistics Master’s Program Cross-Cohort WhatsApp Group from 12 to 20 September 2026.

In general, alumni expressed their appreciation for the relationships and connections that have been maintained among graduates, including through the WhatsApp group and the Kalingga student and alumni community. At the same time, they expressed hopes that these relationships would extend beyond social ties and develop into a network that can support alumni, students, the university, and the wider community.

The feedback covered a range of areas, from strengthening alumni governance and data management to developing career networks, academic and research activities, the use of technology, and social initiatives. Broadly, the aspirations can be grouped into six key areas for development.

1. Strengthening Alumni Governance and Data Management

Alumni proposed regular data collection covering professional backgrounds, areas of expertise, locations, and the distribution of alumni, including those living overseas. Such data is expected to support communication and collaboration among alumni based on their respective expertise and professional backgrounds.

Other suggestions included strengthening communication infrastructure through an official website, appointing representatives for each cohort, and establishing communication guidelines for alumni groups. Alumni also proposed developing a shared identity through alumni uniforms or corsa, establishing an alumni association name, and forming a national association of linguistics scholars and alumni.

2. Developing Career Networks and Mentoring

The alumni network is expected to serve as a platform for sharing information on job opportunities, particularly for lecturers and researchers, as well as scholarships and further study opportunities. Alumni also proposed Alumni Sharing sessions and mentoring programs to facilitate the exchange of professional experiences and introduce current students to a range of career opportunities.

3. Strengthening Academic Engagement and Research Collaboration

Alumni proposed regular online academic discussions, held monthly or every three months, which could be organized based on geographic areas or specific fields of linguistics. These forums are expected to provide opportunities for alumni to remain engaged with developments in the field and exchange ideas.

Other proposals include collaborative academic writing, research consortia and groups, the publication of the Jurnal Kajian Linguistik, as well as national and international webinars, workshops, and linguistics conferences.

4. Responding to Developments in Digital Linguistics and AI

Alumni proposed strengthening learning opportunities related to Digital Linguistics, artificial intelligence (AI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and large-scale text data analysis, including through the provision of relevant elective courses. These efforts are expected to broaden students’ and graduates’ competencies in responding to technological developments in language studies.

5. Expanding Alumni Access and Engagement

Online activities are considered important to enable alumni living outside Yogyakarta and overseas to continue participating. At the same time, alumni proposed annual gatherings or reunions, which could be held alongside linguistics conferences or community activities such as syawalan and buka bersama.

Alumni also emphasized the importance of inclusive participation, with the network open to all graduates regardless of their previous involvement in student organizations.

6. Encouraging Community Engagement through Social Initiatives

Alumni proposed that the network support community service and social initiatives through knowledge-based programs that benefit the wider community. Graduates, particularly scholarship recipients, are also expected to have opportunities to contribute to society through their knowledge, experience, and professional competencies.

The six areas identified—governance and data management, careers and mentoring, academic engagement and research, digital linguistics and AI, alumni access and engagement, and community service—can serve as considerations for the future development of alumni activities and organizational structures.

The survey findings provide a basis for understanding alumni aspirations and identifying activities that can be developed collaboratively. Through a well-maintained alumni network, connections among the university, students, alumni, and the wider community can continue to be strengthened.

The Information and Media Division (Medinfo) of HIMAJE held a Photography Workshop on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Poerbatjaraka Room 201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Running from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB), the workshop provided students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program (BKJ UGM) with an opportunity to develop their photography skills and explore their visual creativity.

During the workshop, students used their own photography devices, including cameras and mobile phones. The activity offered an opportunity to develop their skills in creating visual content that can be used for various purposes, including event documentation.

Through this Photography Workshop, Medinfo HIMAJE provided a space for students to enhance their creativity and visual skills. These skills are expected to support students in documenting various activities and presenting information through engaging visual media.

Author: Japanese Language and Culture Program

The Information and Media Division (Medinfo) of HIMAJE held a Design Workshop titled Figma 101 on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Poerbatjaraka Room 201, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. WIB, the workshop provided students of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program with an opportunity to explore digital design through Figma.

Through the workshop, students had the opportunity to become familiar with a digital design tool that can be used to create various types of visual content. The use of Figma also provided a space for students to explore their creativity and develop their design skills.

The Figma 101 Design Workshop is expected to broaden students’ knowledge and equip them with digital skills that can support various academic and organizational activities, particularly in communicating information through visual media.

Author: Japanese Language and Literature Program

Yogyakarta, September 22, 2026 – The Undergraduate Program in Korean Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has officially entered into a partnership with Silla Korean Tablehouse. This collaboration aims to provide special offers and facilities to support the welfare of the academic community, particularly students and faculty members within the department.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a ceremonial handshake between the Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM, Achmad Rio Dessiar, Ph.D., and representatives from the management of Silla Korean Tablehouse. This partnership is expected to create a positive synergy between an educational institution and Yogyakarta’s culinary and tourism sector.

Under this agreement, Silla Korean Tablehouse offers a special 20% discount on all à la carte menu items. This benefit is valid for one year during happy hours (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM WIB) from Monday to Thursday.

This exclusive offer is available to active students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program (batches 2023–2026) as well as active faculty members. To claim the discount, members of the academic community must present valid identification at the cashier upon transaction. Students are required to show their active Student ID profile via the SIMASTER application, while faculty members must present their active Faculty ID through the official university application.

Furthermore, this collaboration offers long-term benefits for the study program’s academic community. Students and faculty members who make their first transaction by showing their active ID will automatically be registered as Silla Korean Tablehouse Customer Members at no additional cost or registration fee.

Through this partnership, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM hopes to continue building mutually beneficial relationships with external partners while delivering tangible benefits to enrich the off-campus experience and convenience for its students and faculty.

Author: Salwa Aulia

The series of events for the 2nd American Studies International Conference at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) continues. Organized by the American Studies Study Program on September 10–11, 2024, the conference carries the overarching theme “Global America: Exploring Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges” to examine America through cross-border dynamics and global exchanges.

As previously discussed, this multidisciplinary conference does not merely explore the English language or American popular culture. Instead, it encompasses politics, technology, literature, and environmental issues. This scope is demonstrated through various subthemes—such as American Literature, American Transnational Culture, Film and Media Studies, and Digital Lives—including a primary focus on the political ecology and physical infrastructure of the global digital landscape presented by Anna M. Gade (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

American Influence in Urban Governance and Spatial Politics

Continuing the focus on the connection between global paradigms and local conditions, the conference also highlighted the concept of Transnational “American” Paradigms. This discussion invites participants to shift their perspective on America: moving from seeing it as a mere producer of cultural goods to a source of development paradigms that operate behind the scenes of daily life, including urban planning, public space regulation, and economic activities.

This idea is illustrated in a study titled “Street Vending and Urban Spatial Politics in Solo City, Indonesia: American Paradigms, Urban Landscapes, and the Politics of Informality.” The research demonstrates how the issue of street vendors and urban spatial dynamics in Solo can be read through the lens of American Studies. In this context, the city is positioned as a space where regulations, spatial design, and local economic interests interact.

Through this entire series of discussions, the conference underscores that America can be understood as part of transnational systems moving across national borders. It proves the role of American Studies as an academic space to analyze the relationship between America and various social changes around the world.

[Author: FIB Public Relations, Zaidan Abdurrahman]