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]

Khabib Anwar, widely known by his digital persona “Rektor Desa” (Village Rector), continues to promote village empowerment through a creative, digital-based approach. He is recognized as a village empowerment practitioner, creative mentor, and local economic mobilizer who focuses on content development and YouTube optimization.

Through the identity of “Rektor Desa,” Khabib carries a vision of bringing educational standards and professionalism to the village level. He believes that villages should not be left behind in the digital transformation, particularly in utilizing social media as a platform for education, promoting local potential, and strengthening community-based economies.

In various sharing sessions, Khabib emphasizes that becoming a beginner YouTuber is not about owning expensive cameras or sophisticated equipment. “It’s not about how expensive your camera is, but how strong your willingness is to start telling stories,” he said. He stressed that the most crucial step is having the courage to begin with whatever tools are available, because consistency in creating content is far more valuable than luxurious equipment.

According to him, digital platforms such as YouTube can serve as strategic spaces for rural communities to showcase local potential, promote MSME products, and share inspiring grassroots stories. With the right content strategy and sustained commitment, villages can build economic independence while expanding their market networks.

Khabib Anwar’s initiatives and ideas are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) by strengthening the creative capacity of rural communities. The use of digital technology to expand access to information and economic opportunities also supports reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and building sustainable communities (SDG 11). Furthermore, this effort reflects the importance of partnerships and collaboration within the digital ecosystem (SDG 17).

Through consistency and the courage to take the first step, “Rektor Desa” demonstrates that digital transformation can begin in villages, by villages, and for the advancement of villages themselves.

Yogyakarta, February 27, 2026 – Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama has brought a unique and vibrant Ramadan atmosphere to the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) area of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Initially held from February 18 to March 1, 2026, the event has attracted enthusiastic participation from students and the wider community.

Designed as a creative and collaborative ngabuburit (pre-iftar gathering) space, the festival features a diverse range of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) tenants offering various culinary delights and products. Among them are Nasi Goreng Berkah, Meowtcha, Bunaaca, and many other local businesses providing iftar meals and trendy snacks. The presence of these tenants not only enlivens the Ramadan atmosphere but also serves as a platform for promoting and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of visitors, the organizers have extended the event until March 8, 2026. This extension provides a wider opportunity for the academic community, including students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, to enjoy a warm and productive ngabuburit experience at GIK UGM.

The organization of Ramadan Fest is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting local MSMEs, the event contributes to SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the collaboration between GIK UGM and Swaragama reflects the spirit of partnership highlighted in SDG 17, strengthening the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university environment. By creating an inclusive and positive social space during Ramadan, the festival also supports SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Through Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama, UGM not only provides an enjoyable iftar gathering space but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and economic empowerment during the meaningful month of Ramadan.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, February 20, 2026 – The Campus Mosque of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a public lecture featuring Panut Mulyono, Rector of UGM for the 2017–2022 period, Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering UGM, and Chair of the Forum of Indonesian Rectors (2021–2022). In his lecture, Prof. Panut addressed the role of Natural Resources (SDA) and Human Resources (SDM) as fundamental capital for national development.

In his presentation, he emphasized that Indonesia is a nation blessed with a large population and abundant natural resources. However, these advantages must be managed properly through the development of high-quality human resources.

“With strong nationalism and a solid work ethic, we can achieve rapid progress,” he stated. He stressed that excellent human resources can only be produced through quality education.

Prof. Panut also highlighted the importance of learning from prominent national education figures such as Ki Hajar Dewantara, who laid the foundation of Indonesia’s educational philosophy. He further quoted Nelson Mandela, who once said that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.

According to him, education plays a strategic role in determining a nation’s progress and independence. A country with a weak education system will struggle to advance and may even decline. Conversely, quality education serves as a tool to accelerate national progress, particularly in mastering science and technology and enhancing global competitiveness.

From an Islamic perspective, Prof. Panut connected the importance of education with Qur’anic teachings, particularly Surah Al-‘Alaq (1–5), which emphasizes the command to read and seek knowledge as part of worship to Allah SWT. He also referred to Surah Al-Mujadilah verse 11, which highlights the virtue of those who pursue knowledge.

Furthermore, he underlined the crucial role of higher education institutions in continuously improving and innovating within the higher education sector to achieve national independence more swiftly. Universities are expected not only to serve as centers of learning but also to generate tangible impacts in addressing socio-economic challenges, fostering inclusive innovation, and contributing more significantly to sustainable development.

This study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), which promotes inclusive and equitable quality education; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), through the enhancement of human resource quality and work ethic; and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by strengthening the mastery of science and technology to drive national advancement.

Through this forum, the UGM Campus Mosque serves not only as a spiritual space but also as an intellectual platform that fosters strategic ideas for Indonesia’s progress toward becoming an independent and globally competitive nation.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]