The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM welcomed Hesti Aryani, S.S., M.A., an alumna of the English Literature Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, who is now the Senior Business Development Manager at JANZZ Technology Switzerland and Director of PT JANZZ Technology Indonesia, a BIPA instructor at the Indonesian Embassy in Bern, Switzerland, and a member of the APPBIPA Germany executive board for the promotion of the Indonesian language in Europe. Before returning to Switzerland that afternoon, Hesti took the time to visit the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM, where she received a warm welcome from the faculty leadership. Hopefully, Hesti’s visit to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences will help expand international networks and enhance the soft skills of UGM Faculty of Cultural Sciences alumni.

Hesti Aryani, S.S., M.A.’s Journey to Success:

After graduating from high school in 2007, Hesti Aryani went on to study at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Yogyakarta, majoring in English Literature. While a student at UGM, Hesti was active in student organizations and participated in youth exchange programs to Russia (2010) and Thailand (2011). Shortly after earning her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Hesti began her professional career as an instructor of English and BIPA (Indonesian for Foreign Speakers) at Chiang Mai University, Thailand, in 2012. At the same time, Hesti pursued her graduate studies and earned a Master of Arts degree from the English Language and Communication program at the Faculty of Humanities, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Hesti’s career journey has taken her to study, work, and live in various countries for over 15 years, spanning from Asia to Europe. Her teaching experience later expanded to the international level, including serving as a lecturer at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, where she taught the course “Sprachkurs Indonesisch.” Since moving to Switzerland in 2019, Hesti has continued the mission of the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture to globalize the Indonesian language and culture through various language and cultural training programs at the Embassies of the Republic of Indonesia in Bern and Warsaw.

Armed with an academic background in language and literature, education, international communication, business development, and technology, Hesti joined a Swiss IT company in 2022 as an Ontologist (an expert in Artificial Intelligence) to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the field of human resources. Currently, Hesti has been entrusted with the role of Managing Director for the company’s representative office in Indonesia. In carrying out her current role, Hesti not only leads the company but is also involved in the development and training of AI systems to provide solutions that benefit the modern workplace—one example being her active advocacy for the importance of human intelligence in AI technology development and regulation at the United Nations (UN) in Geneva.

Hesti Aryani’s Journey in Teaching Indonesian to Foreign Speakers (BIPA):

For Hesti Aryani, teaching Indonesian to foreign speakers (BIPA) is not merely a profession, but a calling to introduce Indonesia to the world. A journey that began more than a decade ago has taken her to teach in various countries, build an international network, and earn awards for her dedication to Indonesian language education.

This journey began in 2011 when Hesti visited Thailand as part of the ASEAN Youth Friendship Network program. Recognizing market demand amid preparations for the ASEAN Economic Community, Hesti seized the opportunity to open the first BIPA class in Northern Thailand. In collaboration with the Language Institute at Chiang Mai University, she also initiated the establishment of the Indonesian Corner—a space serving as a hub for language learning, culture, and information about Indonesia, supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Bangkok. This initiative became a key milestone in the development of Indonesian language education in Northern Thailand.

This experience further strengthened her resolve to develop BIPA professionally by participating in a BIPA teacher certification training program with APBIPA Bali. After returning from Thailand, Hesti joined INCULS (Indonesian Culture and Language Learning Service) and the Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies (PSSAT) at Gadjah Mada University as a BIPA instructor. These experiences enriched her understanding of cross-cultural teaching strategies and the needs of adult learners from various parts of the world.

In 2019, Hesti continued her international career when she was given the opportunity to teach Indonesian as a Foreign Language (BIPA) at the University of Zurich (UZH) in Switzerland. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully adapted her teaching methods to an online format that was interactive, creative, and still focused on real-world communication.

This dedication earned her national recognition when Hesti received the Best Online BIPA Teaching Award from APPBIPA Pusat, an acknowledgment of her innovation and the quality of her online Indonesian language instruction. This award serves as proof that digital transformation can be an effective means of expanding access to Indonesian language learning worldwide.

Outside the classroom, Hesti actively contributes to the international BIPA professional community. She is a member of APPBIPA Germany, collaborating with Indonesian language teachers across Europe to share best practices, develop academic networks, and strengthen the presence of BIPA on the international stage.

His commitment to language diplomacy is also reflected in his official appointment as a BIPA instructor by the Language Development and Guidance Agency of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. In this capacity, she was entrusted to teach at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Bern, Switzerland, and later at the KBRI in Warsaw, Poland, introducing the Indonesian language to diplomats, students, professionals, and the international community as part of Indonesia’s cultural diplomacy.

Now, after more than a decade of dedicating herself to the world of BIPA, Hesti’s journey has expanded beyond teaching. With a background as an educator, linguist, and artificial intelligence (AI) practitioner, she is actively developing innovations in language learning, the digitization of education, and the use of technology to expand access to the Indonesian language on a global scale.

For Hesti Aryani, every BIPA class is a space for diplomacy. Every word learned becomes a bridge between nations. And every student who successfully speaks Indonesian is a new ambassador who carries stories about Indonesia to all corners of the world.

Author: Unit PkM, Alumni, dan CDC Fakultas Ilmu Budaya UGM

Yogyakarta – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the Mangayubagya Ceremony for Postgraduate Graduates, Period IV of the 2025/2026 Academic Year on Wednesday (July 22) at the Auditorium of the Poerbatjaraka Building, FIB UGM. The event served as an occasion to honor graduates for completing their studies while highlighting inspiring stories from among the graduating class. Among them were Nabillah Faisal Azzahra, the first graduate of the Master of Arts Program to complete her studies through the Fast Track scheme, and Wanda Andres Saputra, one of the program’s fastest graduates.

For Nabillah, pursuing a master’s degree through the Fast Track Program stemmed from her passion for Japanese literature. A 2021 graduate of the Japanese Language and Culture undergraduate program at FIB UGM, she continued her studies in the Master of Arts Program in 2024 after learning about the Fast Track scheme from her academic advisor.

“I enjoy reading and analyzing Japanese literary works, especially to understand the social and cultural phenomena and issues they present through various theoretical approaches. When my academic advisor introduced the Fast Track Program, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to deepen my interest while continuing my studies more efficiently,” she said.

Entering graduate school, Nabillah experienced a significant shift in the pace of learning, requiring greater independence. She had to engage more extensively with academic literature, think more critically, and develop stronger scholarly arguments. Rather than seeing these demands as obstacles, she viewed them as exciting opportunities to broaden her perspective on literary studies.

“At first, I was surprised by how much more in-depth the theories and research methodologies were. But that was also what made the experience so fascinating. Every course introduced a new way of thinking and made me enjoy the learning process even more,” she explained.

As part of the first cohort of the Fast Track Master’s Program in Literature, Nabillah also had to develop her own academic strategy without the guidance of senior students who had previously gone through the same program. Nevertheless, she believes the Fast Track Program offers numerous advantages, from saving time and costs to allowing students to maintain the academic momentum they built during their undergraduate studies.

“The Fast Track Program certainly has its challenges because the pace is fast and intensive. However, it also offers many benefits for students who already know they want to pursue graduate studies. It has also strengthened my aspiration to become an academic, given the opportunity,” she added.

Another inspiring story came from Wanda Andres Saputra, a graduate of the Master of Arts Program with a concentration in English Literature, who completed his studies as one of the program’s fastest graduates. Wanda began his master’s studies in February 2025 with the goal of deepening his expertise in English literary studies while preparing for a career in academia.

Despite earning recognition as one of the fastest graduates, Wanda admitted that completing his studies quickly had never been his primary goal.

“At the beginning of my studies, I never aimed to become the fastest graduate or even the best student. My focus was simply on conducting research that was relevant and needed to be completed. That’s why I was both happy and surprised to be recognized as one of the fastest graduates,” he said.

During his studies, Wanda completed all of his coursework within his first two semesters. By the third semester, he devoted his full attention to writing his thesis. While balancing his responsibilities as an English academic staff member and a TOEFL ITP tutor, he consistently set aside time each day to work on his thesis.

According to Wanda, graduating on time is not the result of extraordinary strategies but of consistency and a clear commitment to one’s academic interests.

“There was no special strategy. I simply stayed focused on the field of knowledge I wanted to master. I worked on my thesis every day before work, during lunch breaks, and again at night. The most important thing is to maintain your momentum and stay consistent,” he explained.

His academic journey was not without challenges. Wanda revealed that he revised his research title several times and refined his theoretical framework before ultimately producing a thesis that met rigorous academic standards.

He also encouraged current master’s students not to focus solely on graduating quickly but to develop a clear academic direction.

“Focus on the field you truly want to explore. Once you know what kind of expert you want to become, your learning process becomes much more focused, and you can complete your studies effectively without compromising academic quality,” he advised.

Both Nabillah and Wanda agreed that their academic achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of their supervisors and families. They expressed their gratitude to the lecturers and the entire academic community of FIB UGM for guiding them throughout their studies, as well as to their families for their constant encouragement and prayers.

Through the stories of these two graduates, FIB UGM reaffirms its commitment to fostering an academic environment that enables students to reach their full potential. The Fast Track Program provides students with the opportunity to accelerate their academic journey without compromising educational quality, while the achievement of graduating on time demonstrates that focus, consistency, and a passion for learning are essential to success in higher education. The experiences of Nabillah Faisal Azzahra and Wanda Andres Saputra are expected to inspire other students to pursue academic excellence, produce meaningful research, and contribute to both academia and society.

Author: Khotibul Umam

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University hosted a visit from Pandaan Pasuruan State High School No. 1 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium, FIB UGM. The event was attended by 150 students, accompanied by their teachers, as part of a series of campus tours designed to introduce students to the world of higher education firsthand.

This educational visit aims to provide students with a broad overview and insight into their educational options after graduating from high school, particularly regarding the various majors offered at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) at UGM. During the informational session, participants received comprehensive information on the faculty’s profile, the strengths of its learning process, the application process for new students, and future career opportunities for its graduates.

The atmosphere became interactive as the Q&A session began. The students discussed daily life in Yogyakarta, ranging from estimated living costs and affordable food and housing to how out-of-town students can adapt to the environment and culture of Yogyakarta.

Through this visit, students from SMAN 1 Pandaan Pasuruan are expected to gain a realistic understanding of the learning environment and extracurricular activities at the university level. This activity also serves as a valuable opportunity for students to prepare themselves and solidify their choices before pursuing higher education.

[Author: Humas FIB Zaidan Abdurrahman]

Yogyakarta, June 22, 2026 – Three students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) are participating in the 2026 Period II Community Service–Community Empowerment Learning Program (KKN-PPM) organized by Universitas Gadjah Mada. They have been assigned to Indonesia’s 3T (Disadvantaged, Frontier, and Outermost) region, specifically on Parang Island and Nyamuk Island in Karimunjawa District.

The three students are Alma Syahwalani (Class of 2023, Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program), Keysha Almira Putri (Class of 2023, Tourism Study Program), and Ancelmus Lugas Jejeg Pideksa (Class of 2023, English Literature Study Program). They are members of the KKN Kanvas Paramu 2026 Team, which carries out community empowerment initiatives based on the local potential of the island communities.

The KKN Kanvas Paramu Team is assigned to two islands and divided into four subunits: Parang 1, Parang 2, Nyamuk 1, and Nyamuk 2. Alma and Keysha are assigned to Nyamuk 2 Subunit, while Lugas serves in Parang 1 Subunit.

As villages categorized as part of Indonesia’s 3T regions, Parang Village and Nyamuk Village face various challenges while also possessing significant development potential. Based on a community needs assessment, the KKN Kanvas Paramu Team has designed several programs that focus on community empowerment and sustainable development.

These programs include strengthening community empowerment through education, healthcare, the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and children’s creativity. In addition, the team is committed to promoting sustainable marine ecotourism management and environmental conservation to support Karimunjawa’s tourism potential.

In the environmental sector, the students will implement programs to strengthen coastal environmental management and improve basic village infrastructure. Meanwhile, in the economic sector, their initiatives focus on developing local food resources, promoting the sustainable utilization of coastal resources, and enhancing MSME products through improved distribution networks and sustainable marketing strategies.

Through the implementation of the 2026 KKN-PPM Period II, FIB UGM students are expected to apply the knowledge they have gained throughout their studies to make meaningful contributions to local communities. The program also provides valuable experiential learning opportunities, enabling students to better understand the social, cultural, and economic conditions of island communities while fostering collaboration between the university and society in achieving sustainable development.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

For most humanities students, the question “What will you do after graduation?” often weighs heavily on their minds throughout their college years. The outdated assumption that Arabic literature graduates will end up only as translators or educators is still commonly heard. However, Desthy Umayah has clearly shattered that old paradigm. This 2011 graduate of the Arabic Literature program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at UGM has successfully demonstrated that a career path for literature graduates can reach the highest echelons of international diplomacy by becoming a diplomat at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait City for the 2023–2026 assignment period.

Desthy’s interest in the Arabic language actually began back in school. However, she never imagined that her decision to pursue a degree in Arabic Literature at UGM would lead her to the global stage. UGM not only offers a high-quality curriculum but also provides an academic ecosystem that is attuned to the times.

As the Arab Spring (a wave of revolutions across the Arab world) was unfolding, the Arabic Literature program at UGM actively responded by organizing academic discussions featuring alumni who were working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This moment marked a turning point for Desthy. It was in those small classrooms that she realized the knowledge she was acquiring was vital to analyzing global geopolitical issues.

For Desthy, university is a mental laboratory. While on campus, she actively developed herself through the Arabic Language Student Association (IMABA), the Marching Band, and the Rampoe UGM arts community. It was through these non-academic activities that the soft skills crucial to a diplomat—such as negotiation, public speaking, leadership, and teamwork—developed organically. Recognizing the importance of these non-academic skills, Desthy urged students not to become “butterfly students” (class-home-class-home). According to her, the professional world isn’t just looking for those who excel on paper, but for individuals who are ready to grow and are resilient in the field through organizational experience.

The combination of classroom theory and practical experience in campus organizations proved to be Desthy’s strongest asset when she entered the global arena. One of the academic skills she gained at UGM that became her main tool in the field was her proficiency in the official language required for bureaucratic matters.

“Although the Arabic used in everyday conversation is Ammiya (colloquial Arabic), which varies by country, the Fusha (standard Arabic) taught by our professors during our studies at UGM has actually become a crucial foundation that is extremely useful in a professional diplomatic career,” he explained.

Desthy’s journey conveys a valuable message that will always be relevant to generations of FIB UGM students year after year: success on the global stage does not come overnight, but is the result of making the most of the campus ecosystem. A degree in the field of culture has proven to provide a competitive edge that other academic disciplines lack.

“For me, studying Arabic Literature isn’t just about learning the language; it’s also a foundation that makes us more attuned to culture, helps us understand other people’s perspectives, and ultimately helps me grow as a diplomat,” said Desthy.

In closing, she offered words of encouragement worth pondering for every student currently in college who is uncertain about their future.

“If you love languages, are interested in international issues, and enjoy encountering new perspectives, don’t hesitate. The world of diplomacy can be a really exciting career path to pursue,” she concluded.

Photo: Dhesti Umayah
Author: Zaidan Abdurrahman
Editor: Candra Solihin