At the ‘English and TOEFL ITP Training’ activity held on 24-26 June 2024 via online yesterday, Adiba Qonita Zahroh, S.S., M.Litt., who is an Expert Assistant at the Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, introduced a TOEFL Pocket Book. This book is specifically designed to help students, educators, and institutions in understanding and preparing for the TOEFL Institutional Testing Programme (ITP) exam.

The book, titled ‘Handbook of TOEFL ITP’, is a comprehensive guide that provides detailed information on the structure of the TOEFL ITP exam, question types, preparation strategies, as well as additional resources to ensure examinee success. ‘The purpose of this book is to provide a useful tool for those who want to better prepare for the TOEFL ITP. We hope that this book can be the main reference that facilitates the learning process and prepares test takers for the TOEFL challenge,’ said Adiba Qonita Zahroh.

This project has the support and co-operation of Bappenas NTB, demonstrating their commitment to educational development and exam quality improvement at the local level. This handbook is expected to be a valuable resource for various groups involved in TOEFL ITP preparation. With the launch of this book, Adiba Qonita Zahroh hopes to make a significant contribution towards improving TOEFL ITP exam results as well as supporting broader education efforts in the area.

Medan, 4 July 2024 – Dr. Suhandano, M.A., Head Lecturer of the Department of Language and Literature, was one of the prominent speakers at the 2nd National Virtual Seminar on Mother Language organised by the Linguistics Doctoral Study Programme of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of North Sumatra University (USU). The seminar, held on 4 July 2024, was attended by students, lecturers, and language researchers from various regions in Indonesia.

On the occasion, Dr Suhandano presented a talk entitled ‘Voice Systems of Indonesian and Javanese Imperative Clauses’. The talk explored the uniqueness and complexity of voice systems in Indonesian and Javanese, hoping to increase participants’ understanding of this distinctive linguistic phenomenon.

The voice system is an important aspect of linguistics, especially in Austronesian languages, involving theories of syntax, language typology, and comparative historical linguistics. Dr Suhandano emphasised that the study of the voice systems of Indonesian languages, which number around 700, offers a real picture of language diversity and contributes significantly to the understanding of Austronesian voice systems.

The event is also part of an effort to advance research and development in linguistics in Indonesia, with collaborative partners from the Linguistics Doctoral Study Programme at FIB USU. This seminar is expected to encourage further interest and research on voice systems and Austronesian linguistics in general.

Yogyakarta, August 26, 2024 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a meeting with the Linguistics Master Program of Nusa Cendana University (Undana) on Monday, August 26, 2024. The meeting took place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1, Poerbatjarakan Building 1st Floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

This event aims to provide input to the Undana Linguistics Master Program regarding strategies and best practices in building and managing a quality Linguistics Master Program. Present at this meeting were representatives from FIB UGM consisting of: Dr. Nur Saktingrum, M.Hum., Dr. Suhandano, M.A., Dr. Sailal Arimi, M.Hum., Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum., and Dr. Ramayda Akmal, M.A. Meanwhile, from Undana, there were also representatives who came all the way from Kupang, NTT: Dr. Sebastianus Fernandez, M.Pd., Dr. Jermy Balukh.

In this meeting, the representatives of FIB UGM shared their experiences and insights on how to develop an excellent Master of Linguistics program, including tips and tricks to attract more enthusiasts. The discussion covered various aspects such as curriculum development, innovative teaching methods, and effective promotion strategies.

The meeting is expected to provide valuable guidance and strengthen cooperation between the two institutions for the development of linguistics education in Indonesia. Thank you to all participants for attending and contributing to this constructive discussion.

On August 7, 2024, a significant educational event took place in the hall of Kalurahan Kelapa, located in Kalurahan Kelapa, North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Thousand Islands Regency, DKI Jakarta. This initiative aimed to improve the understanding of tourism and tourist characteristics among the local community, particularly the members of the Tourism Awareness Group (POKDARWIS) from both Kalurahan, namely Kalurahan Kelapa and Kalurahan Harapan. The event was organized in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation, basic education, ecosystem protection and ocean conservation.

The event began with remarks from local government representatives, who highlighted the important role of tourism in the local economy. Speakers emphasized that sustainable tourism practices are essential to maintaining the natural beauty and ecological balance of the islands. This is in line with the SDG goal to protect the environment and promote sustainable tourism.

After the opening remarks, a presentation on Tourism and Traveler Characteristics was delivered, which focused on various aspects of tourism, mainly marine tourism in accordance with the location of the venue, namely the sea and beaches of Harapan Island and Kelapa Island. Experts in the field shared insights on tourism and the characteristics of modern travelers, including their preference for green travel options and their growing awareness of environmental issues. This information is vital for local communities, as it helps them tailor their services to the expectations of eco-conscious travelers.

One of the key topics discussed was the importance of ecosystem protection. Participants learned about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impact of tourism on these environments. The event emphasized the need for responsible tourism practices that minimize damage to local wildlife and habitats. This education is crucial to ensure that the natural resources of the islands are preserved for future generations.

In addition to ecosystem protection, the event also addressed the importance of ocean conservation. Speakers highlighted the threats posed by pollution and overfishing, urging communities to adopt practices that protect their marine environment. Local fishermen and tour operators were encouraged to participate in ocean conservation efforts, reinforcing the idea that healthy oceans are essential for sustainable tourism.

Educational sessions also included discussions on basic education of the ocean and its resources, as well as its role in promoting sustainable tourism. Participants are encouraged to engage in continuous learning and share their knowledge with others in the Pokdarwis community. This approach not only empowers individuals but also builds a culture of sustainability, particularly in the two aforementioned kalurahan.

In subsequent sessions, participants engaged in interactive activities designed to reinforce the concepts learned during the presentation. These activities included discussions and Q&As, role-play scenarios, and demonstrations of sustainable tourism practices. The enthusiasm among participants was palpable, reflecting their commitment to becoming responsible stewards of the environment.

The event closed with a commitment from POKDARWIS members to apply the knowledge gained in their daily practices. They pledged to promote green tourism initiatives and educate visitors on the importance of protecting the local environment. This collective effort is a significant step towards achieving the SDGs related to environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Overall, the educational event held at Kalurahan Kelapa Hall was an encouraging success. The event not only provided valuable information on tourism and its impact on the environment, but also built a sense of community responsibility towards ecosystem protection and ocean conservation. Local communities are now better equipped to welcome tourists while ensuring the preservation of their natural heritage.

On August 8, 2024, Kelapa Island Village Hall hosted an exciting event aimed at introducing basic Japanese language skills and Japanese cultural insights to POKDARWIS members from Kelapa Island Village and Harapan Island Village, located in North Thousand Islands Sub-district, Kepulauan Seribu Regency.

This initiative is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focusing on income, basic education, local cultural diversity, education for sustainability, and foreign cultures.

The event began with a warm welcome from local government officials, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and education in building understanding and cooperation among diverse communities. They highlighted that learning a new language not only improves communication but also opens up new economic opportunities, thus contributing to increased income levels for participants.

Participants were introduced to basic Japanese phrases and vocabulary commonly used in daily conversation. The language instructor, a teacher of Japanese language and culture, uses interactive methods to engage the audience, making the learning process fun and effective. This approach not only facilitates language acquisition but also encourages participants to appreciate the nuances of Japanese culture.

In addition to language lessons, the event featured presentations on various aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional customs, characteristics of Japanese people, and others. Participants were fascinated by the rich cultural diversity that Japan has to offer, which was shown through videos and live demonstrations. This segment of the program aimed to foster a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and its significance in promoting global harmony.

Presenters emphasized the importance of education for sustainability, noting that understanding different cultures can lead to more sustainable practices in local communities. By learning about Japan’s approach to environmental conservation and sustainable living, participants were encouraged to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can integrate similar values into their daily lives.

During the presentations, participants engage in group activities that allow them to practice their newly acquired language skills. These activities not only reinforce their learning but also promote cooperation and collaboration among community members. The sense of community that developed during these exercises highlighted the success of the event in building community bonds.

The introduction of Japanese language and culture is seen as a stepping stone to improving the educational landscape in the area. By providing access to basic education in a foreign language, the initiative aims to empower individuals and equip them with skills that are increasingly valuable in an increasingly globalized world.

Furthermore, the event serves as a platform to discuss the potential economic benefits of learning Japanese. With Japan becoming an important player in the global economy, language proficiency can open up job opportunities in various sectors, including tourism, trade, and international relations. This aspect of the program was very appealing to participants, many of whom expressed interest in pursuing further language studies.

In conclusion, the introduction of Japanese language and culture at Kelapa Island Village Hall was a great success. The event not only provided valuable educational content but also presented cultural diversity and encouraged community engagement. As participants left the hall, they took with them not only new language skills, but also a greater appreciation of the richness of Japanese culture and its relevance to their own lives.

The event reflects the local authority’s commitment to promoting education for sustainability and cultural understanding, paving the way for future initiatives that will continue to enrich the community and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.