YOGYAKARTA – An alumnus of Arabic Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Ahmad Fauzi Qosim, S.S., M.A., delivered a Entrepreneurship lecture titled “Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities” attended by students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada. In the lecture, he explained that entrepreneurship is essentially not merely an economic activity aimed at pursuing financial profit, but rather a strategic path to build an independent, empowered society capable of solving various socio-economic issues sustainably. According to him, the philosophical meaning of the word wira signifies independence, which should serve as the primary foundation for every business actor so that the community does not remain continuously dependent on government assistance schemes.

To implement this philosophy, Ahmad Fauzi introduced the PROPHETIC – Socio-Technopreneurship concept, a business model that integrates business practice and social welfare based on the utilization of modern technology while upholding the values and business system exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Through this approach, business activities are no longer focused solely on personal gain or worldly profit, but are also directed toward having spiritual value, blessings, and delivering a tangible positive social impact on the surrounding environment. This idea originated from Ahmad Fauzi’s personal concern upon completing his university studies, a post-graduation anxiety increasingly felt by many students today, given data showing that approximately 500,000 university graduates in Indonesia have not been absorbed into the workforce over the last five years.

The challenge of job availability becomes even more complex when confronted with the rate of global population growth and massive shifts in demographic structures. Citing the UN World Population Prospects report, the growing global population also triggers multidimensional crises across various sectors, ranging from food limitations, energy crises, healthcare service crises, and housing crises, to access to education and employment. In Indonesia, this condition is further exacerbated by a relatively high rate of urbanization, where statistical data shows a sharp increase in the urban population proportion from just 20% in 1980 to 53% in 2010, while the rural population declined from 80% to 47%. This demographic shift has had a significant impact on the emergence of various social and economic crises in both urban and rural areas.

The impact of these public economic problems has even reached remote areas, reflected in the proliferation of destructive habits such as online gambling and illegal online lending (pinjol). The prevalence of these phenomena indicates that public economic problems are not only triggered by a lack of daily income, but are also closely tied to low financial literacy and an inability to manage needs and make wise financial decisions. Therefore, the presence of professionally managed, transparent, and sustainable social enterprises serves as a strategic solution to empower communities through optimizing various funding instruments such as grant funds, waqf funds, and independent business profits thereby realizing long-term economic independence rather than merely offering instant fixes.

Author : Ahmad Ghifari

Yogyakarta, September 2026 — Sri Wahyuningsih, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), presented her research on the development of a Korean–Indonesian bilingual dictionary for EPS-TOPIK learners at the ASIALEX 2026 international conference. The event was held from September 9–11, 2026, at The Jogja Hotel and Convention in Yogyakarta.

Organized by the Agency for Language Development and Cultivation in collaboration with the Asian Association for Lexicography (ASIALEX), the conference brought together lexicography researchers, academics, and practitioners from around the globe.

During the event on September 11, Sri Wahyuningsih presented a paper titled “An Analysis of Nouns in EPS-TOPIK Textbooks: Toward the Development of a Korean–Indonesian Bilingual EPS-TOPIK Dictionary.” Conducted in collaboration with Prof. Kilim Nam of Yonsei University, the study focuses on analyzing nouns in EPS-TOPIK textbooks to serve as a foundation for a Korean–Indonesian bilingual dictionary tailored specifically for prospective Indonesian migrant workers (CPMI) heading to South Korea. Based on the analysis, a total of 3,122 noun types were identified following the data extraction and filtering process.

The findings indicate that the vocabulary in EPS-TOPIK textbooks extends beyond the workplace environment, encompassing everyday life and cultural terminology as well. This suggests that prospective migrant workers require a broad range of vocabulary competence to effectively communicate and adapt while living and working in South Korea.

By analyzing 60 units from the New Standard Korean Textbook for EPS-TOPIK Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 published by HRD Korea, this study marks the initial phase in developing the Korean–Indonesian EPS-TOPIK bilingual dictionary. Beyond providing Indonesian equivalents, the planned dictionary will feature contextual usage examples, collocations, domain labels, vocabulary relevance information, and visual aids for specific lemmas. The development of this dictionary is expected to not only help learners grasp the meaning of words but also understand how this vocabulary is practically applied in everyday life and workplace contexts in South Korea.

Participation in ASIALEX 2026 is anticipated to open avenues for further discussion and collaboration in lexicography, teaching Korean for specific purposes, and the development of learning resources that better meet the needs of prospective Indonesian migrant workers.

Author: Sri Wahyuningsih

YOGYAKARTA – The growing demand for Hajj and Umrah services in Indonesia continues to create career opportunities for students of Arabic Literature, particularly for those who combine Arabic language proficiency with professional skills. This was one of the topics discussed in the Entrepreneurship and Self-Development course attended by students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada on September 21, 2026. Under the theme “Hajj and Umrah Management,” the course featured Kuwat Prasetya, S.S., Founder of Nur Ramadhan Hajj and Umrah Agency, as the guest speaker.

The session began with a discussion on the strategic role of Arabic language skills in the professional world. Kuwat explained that graduates of Arabic Literature have career opportunities not only in education and diplomacy but also in Hajj and Umrah management and Saudi handling services. A strong understanding of Hajj and Umrah management systems is an important foundation for those seeking to build a career in the field.

Kuwat explained that Hajj services are divided into three categories: regular Hajj, special Hajj, and Hajj Mujamalah, each of which has different procedures, costs, and departure requirements. Meanwhile, Umrah services generally consist of regular and premium packages. Understanding visa regulations is also crucial for professionals working in the travel and Hajj and Umrah service industry. Kuwat highlighted that Saudi Arabian visas vary in type and purpose. A visa valid during the Hajj season does not automatically permit its holder to perform Hajj.

Kuwat also introduced various career opportunities in the industry, including hotel specialist, ticketing officer, Umrah visa specialist, tour planner, handling specialist, marketing, customer service, finance, social media specialist, tour guide, mutawif, tour leader, and IT support. According to him, each position requires specific competencies, which can be strengthened through relevant professional certifications. 

“Arabic opens the door. Competence gets you hired. Integrity earns your trust. Professionalism keeps you going.” In closing, Kuwat encouraged students of Arabic Literature to begin developing their career strategies and preparing the relevant competencies for their chosen career paths. These efforts should be accompanied by integrity, responsibility, adaptability, and professionalism in providing services to pilgrims. Such efforts are also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

Author : Hashifa Zara Ahfiyani

Yogyakarta — Representing the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), PKM-PM Litera-Wayang team has secured funding for the 2026 Student Creativity Program. The grant was officially announced by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs (Belmawa) on May 23, 2026.

The project, titled “PKM-PM Litera-Wayang: Peningkatan Kreativitas Siswa Pedalangan Melalui Transformasi Literasi Manuskrip Kuno Pakem Grĕntĕng di SMK Negeri 1 Kasihan”, focuses on boosting creative skills among vocational students through media adaptation. It aims to revitalize Pakĕm Grĕntĕng, an ancient puppetry (pedalangan) manuscript native to Kulon Progo that is rich in local wisdom but currently facing extinction.

To achieve these goals, the Litera-Wayang team launched a series of structured activities for puppetry arts majors at SMKN 1 Kasihan. Program phases include workshops on ancient manuscript adaptation, script-dissection discussions, leather puppet crafting training, and a culminating student-led shadow puppet performance. To ensure effectiveness, quality assurance is maintained through regular evaluations and progress tracking to monitor student skill development.

Beyond field activities, the team developed a comprehensive guidebook to ensure project sustainability. This module enables the school to independently continue transmitting knowledge of Pakem Grenteng and can be integrated into the school’s curriculum as complementary learning material.

Securing this grant marks a strategic milestone for UGM students to deliver a tangible impact to the community. By leveraging manuscript literacy transformation, this initiative boosts youth creativity while preserving local cultural heritage to keep it relevant in the modern era.

Author: Tim PKM-PM Litera-Wayang

The inter-staff (tendik) volleyball competition among the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Psychology, and Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) was held once again. The event took place at the FEB South Volleyball Court on August 14, 2026, from 07:30 to 09:30 WIB. Around 45 female staff members enthusiastically participated in the competition, with 10 players per team.

This inter-faculty sports event was specially organized to celebrate the 71st Anniversary (Dies Natalis) of FEB.

From the first round, the competition ran smoothly and was full of excitement leading up to the final round, which brought together the staff teams from FIB and FEB. The final match featured several intense rallies. Continuous cheering from FIB staff on the sidelines created a thrilling and vibrant atmosphere.

In the end, the FEB staff team emerged victorious with a clean 3-0 score over FIB. Despite falling short in the final, the FIB staff remained cheerful and proud of their team’s improved performance. “Second place is okay; we have come a long way compared to before,” said Vivin, one of the FIB staff members, after the match.

Sports as Part of Work-Life Balance

This friendly volleyball match carries broader meaning beyond a simple sports competition. Joint activities between faculties serve as an effort to build work-life balance—achieving equilibrium between work responsibilities, physical health, social relationships, and individual well-being. Exercising together offers lecturers and administrative staff an opportunity to engage in physical activity, relieve routine work stress, and build positive interpersonal relationships. A healthy and supportive work environment is expected to boost enthusiasm, happiness, productivity, and overall work quality among the academic community.

For FIB UGM, this event aligns with its commitment to creating a healthy, inclusive, collaborative work and academic environment oriented toward community well-being.

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The execution of the Humanities Cluster Friendly Volleyball Tournament contributes to achieving several relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Joint sports activities promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activity while providing space for recreation and relaxation.
• SDG 4 – Quality Education: Although a non-academic event, sports activities and cross-faculty interactions support the creation of a holistic educational environment.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Sports activities offer an equal participation space for the academic community regardless of gender, promoting an inclusive campus environment with equal opportunities in social and sports events.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Efforts to build work-life balance, health, fitness, and overall well-being for lecturers and administrative staff foster a healthy and productive work environment.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Friendly matches serve as an interactive space that brings together members from various faculties on an equal footing.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Sportsmanship, respect for rules, teamwork, and positive communication are key values in building harmonious inter-faculty relationships.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: The friendly volleyball match is a concrete example of strengthening partnerships and collaboration across faculties within the Humanities Cluster.

Thus, this activity not only yields athletic achievements but also contributes to building a healthy, prosperous, inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable campus.

Moving forward, inter-faculty sports and community activities are expected to continue sustainably. In addition to strengthening friendships and partnerships, these events serve as a means to maintain fitness, enhance happiness, and support work-life balance for the UGM academic community.

[Author: FIB Public Relations, Zaidan Abdurrahman]