Yogyakarta, 5 December 2025 — A workshop on IoT-based smart classroom systems was held in room S 709 on the seventh floor of the R. Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event featured Irawan Wko Prabowo, S.T., M.Eng., who delivered a session on the implementation of automation technology and room temperature monitoring through a Building Management System (BMS).

The workshop discussed how BMS functions as a centralized computer system that controls mechanical and electrical equipment within a building. Irawan explained that integrating building systems is essential for operational efficiency, especially in modern classrooms that require comfort and stable learning conditions. “BMS allows administrators to regulate temperature, lighting, and building security from a single control point, enabling real-time monitoring,” he said.

In his presentation, Irawan outlined the main functions of BMS, including HVAC control to maintain air quality and room temperature, lighting management that adjusts to energy needs, as well as monitoring electricity use and security systems. All functions are connected through an integrated platform, making facility management more streamlined.

Participants also received an explanation of how BMS works, starting from the collection of sensor data that measures temperature, humidity, and energy usage, to the processing of this data by digital controllers that determine automatic actions. The information is displayed through a user interface accessible via computers and mobile devices. With this technology, building managers can monitor rooms remotely and make decisions based on real-time data.

The workshop emphasized the importance of efficient building management in addressing rising energy demands. IoT-based smart classroom technology is expected to support a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsive learning process. This initiative represents a strategic step toward promoting sustainable space management and fostering smarter, more responsible learning environments.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 27 November 2025 – The Arabic Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada held an Academic Writing Workshop for students of the 2023 cohort who are entering the thesis preparation stage. The workshop featured Adwidya Yoga, M.A., publishing manager at the Bureau of Journals and Publications, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, as the guest speaker.

The workshop aimed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of effective academic writing techniques, covering both undergraduate thesis composition and the preparation of publishable journal articles. In his presentation, Adwidya Yoga emphasized that academic writing requires precision, a strong logical flow, and a well-structured research strategy. He also clarified the differences between an undergraduate thesis, a master’s thesis, and a doctoral dissertation, enabling students to recognize the analytical standards expected at the undergraduate level.

Adwidya further elaborated on the essential components of journal article writing, including topic selection, research storytelling, source exploration, the use of clear and effective academic language, and strategies for identifying credible journals. He highlighted the importance of building a coherent research narrative through a structured format consisting of introduction, methods, findings and discussion, conclusion, and abstract.

In addition, the speaker shared practical tips on avoiding predatory journals, identifying indicators of journal credibility, and understanding the peer-review process before article submission. Students were also introduced to various writing and reference management tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, DeepL, Grammarly, and VOSviewer to support more efficient and accurate academic work. He underscored that the use of technology and AI tools must be accompanied by ethical responsibility, including the inclusion of a Statement of Originality and AI Tools Fair Use in the publication process.

Through this workshop, the Arabic Study Program at UGM reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing students’ academic competencies in a practical, forward-looking manner. This initiative is expected to strengthen research literacy among the 2023 cohort as they enter the thesis-writing stage with greater confidence, and to encourage the production of scholarly work that is high-quality, credible, and relevant to the development of Arabic studies and the humanities.

Author: Muhammad Ardiansyah

Friday, November 21, 2025 – The Master of Middle Eastern Cultural Studies program at Gadjah Mada University held an Inspiring Alumni event as part of its efforts to provide insight and inspiration to students and alumni who are preparing to enter the professional world. M. Asykari Muslim (Owner and CEO of Hayfa Academy), an alumnus and speaker at this event, presented a theme titled “Middle Eastern Entrepreneurs: The Synergy of Science, Technology, and Creativity in the Digital Age.” The event, at 709 of the Soegondo building, aimed to connect the current generation of students with alumni who have had successful careers in various fields, while also strengthening the academic and professional networks between the two parties.

The inspiring Alumni event began with a speech from Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum., Secretary of the Middle Eastern Cultural Studies Master’s Department. In her speech, Dr. Mahmudah, M.Hum. emphasized the importance of building bridges between the academic world and the professional world through the firsthand experiences of successful alumni. “Through this event, we hope that students can gain a realistic picture of career opportunities in the professional world and understand how the skills they acquire in college can be applied in real life,” she said.

The alumni motivated the participants to continue developing themselves, to remain adaptable to the changing times, and to take advantage of every opportunity available. “As KBTT alumni, we must take advantage of all available opportunities, from our ability to speak Arabic or other languages. Look for opportunities to work, don’t be afraid to try, take advantage of available technology. If we want to build something, whatever it is, whether it’s a business or something else, we must use knowledge as a starting point, because without knowledge, no idea will last long,” said M. Asykari Muslim, M.A.

The question and answer session provided an opportunity for students to interact directly with alumni, deepen their understanding of the world of work, and build connections that will be useful for their future career development. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to alumni who shared their experiences and knowledge during the event. The event ended with a group photo and the hope that such activities will continue to be held in the future to strengthen the relationship between the study program and alumni and encourage students to be better prepared for the future.

[Jesica Amanda Florantika]

Yogyakarta, 22 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again achieved an impressive accomplishment at a national-level entrepreneurship event. In the competition organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), the FIB Mandira Heritage Team secured 1st Place in the Growing Business Category at the 2025 KMI Expo, the culminating event of the Indonesian Student Entrepreneurship Program (KMI).

This event brought together young entrepreneurs from universities across Indonesia in a collaborative atmosphere that encouraged innovation and sustainability. Mandira Heritage Group stood out with its ideas that combine cultural themes, creativity, and digital technology. Products such as Mandira Brick, Mandira Puzzle with Augmented Reality technology, Bimba Brush, and JAKI, an interactive 3D puzzle, captivated both visitors and judges. Strong product design, compelling visual creativity, and rich cultural narratives made UGM’s booth one of the most striking among the participants.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of Fahmi Prihantoro, M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, who supported the team from concept development to final execution. The accomplishment further strengthens FIB UGM’s position as a faculty that not only focuses on humanities studies but also encourages students to innovate within the cultural-based creative industry.

Mandira Heritage’s success aligns with the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to advancing quality education and strengthening culture-based creative economies. Through the use of digital technology in cultural preservation and education, this initiative supports the creation of inclusive and innovative learning experiences. Additionally, participation in a collaborative event that brings together universities nationwide reflects efforts to reinforce national partnerships as part of sustainable development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 25 November 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again marked an important achievement in strengthening the governance of scholarly publications. Through the official announcement of the UGM Journal Management Assistance Program for Scopus Indexing and Quartile Improvement (EQUITY WCU 2025/2026), two journals under FIB UGM Jurnal Humaniora and Poetika: Jurnal Ilmu Sastra were selected as recipients in the Towards Scopus Scheme.

A total of 26 journals from various faculties across UGM were announced as awardees. Within this list, Jurnal Humaniora and Poetika ranked 17th and 18th, representing FIB UGM as two humanities journals deemed to have strong potential to progress toward Scopus indexing.

Through this program, each selected journal is required to prepare a final proposal that incorporates reviewer recommendations, develop a sustainability plan through 2030, and outline achievable targets projected until May 2026. In addition, journal managers must complete administrative documents, including the Statement of Absolute Responsibility (SPTJM), and upload all required files through UGM’s official administrative system.

This achievement demonstrates FIB UGM’s commitment to improving the quality of scholarly publication governance and expanding its academic contribution at the global level. With the selection of these two journals, FIB UGM reinforces its capacity to strengthen the role of the humanities internationally through enhanced editorial standards, broadened academic networks, and the dissemination of research relevant to contemporary scholarly development.

This accomplishment aligns closely with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting quality education through strengthened credibility and accessibility of academic publications. Efforts to enhance journal quality also reflect the faculty’s commitment to building a sustainable research ecosystem, fostering a strong academic culture, and encouraging both national and international collaboration as part of developing inclusive and globally competitive knowledge.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]