The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (JLCSP UGM) held a meeting to explore potential collaboration with the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. The meeting was opened by the Head of JLCSP UGM and continued with presentations by Ono Sensei and Kitagawa Sensei. The event was also attended by five students from the University of Tsukuba, consisting of four Japanese students and one student from Argentina, as well as 45 JLCSP UGM students from the Class of 2023.

The meeting continued with a sharing and discussion session between JLCSP UGM and University of Tsukuba students on various topics related to arts and culture, both in the context of teaching and research. Through this interaction, JLCSP UGM students had the opportunity to gain insights into Japanese arts and culture from the perspectives of international students. The information and experiences shared during the discussion also served as inspiration for students in completing their academic assignments, particularly those related to Indonesian arts and culture.

In addition to providing a space for exchanging knowledge and experiences among students, the meeting marked an initial step toward exploring collaboration between JLCSP UGM and the Faculty of Art and Design at the University of Tsukuba in the fields of research and community engagement. Potential areas of collaboration included the development of a book chapter and future joint research initiatives. Through this meeting, both institutions are expected to strengthen their academic relationship and open opportunities for sustainable collaboration.

Author: Japanese Language and Culture Study Program

Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the First Lecture for the Postgraduate Program for the 2026/2027 Academic Year on Wednesday (26/8). The event, held at the Auditorium of R. Soegondo Building, FIB UGM, was attended by around 250 new master’s and doctoral students under the theme “Research Methods and Ethics in the Humanities”. The event was officially opened with warm remarks from Mrs. Ningrum, who emphasized the importance of academic adaptation and high integrity for young researchers.

Present as the keynote speaker was Professor and Lecturer of the Department of Languages and Literature at FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Drs. Sajarwa, M.Hum. In his presentation, Prof. Sajarwa highlighted that no reputable research begins without a research gap. He thoroughly examined research originality through three main areas (quantity, quality, and limitation) as well as four types of literature gaps, including conceptual, temporal, population group, and methodological aspects. Students are required to expand their literacy and read references deeply before formulating research ideas.

To identify these gaps, students are directed to actively map literature through globally reputable scientific databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. Beyond reviewing scientific articles, students are also encouraged to remain sensitive to empirical reasons in the field—such as threats to humanity, problem-solving needs, historical facts, topicality, extreme conditions, and social deviations—as primary catalysts for research.

At the end of the session, Prof. Sajarwa shared crucial advice regarding scientific writing methodology at the postgraduate level. He urged students to set aside individual egos and build a solid academic tradition. “Do not write alone; write in groups,” he concluded, stressing the importance of collaboration and peer group discussions to produce comprehensive and high-impact research outputs.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

Yogyakarta, August 6, 2026 — As part of the PIONIR Kampung Budaya program, new students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a study program orientation session on August 6, 2026. The session provided an opportunity for new students to become more familiar with the academic environment that will be part of their educational journey in the Korean Language and Culture Study Program.

During the session, students were introduced to the study program’s profile, various academic and non-academic activities within the study program, as well as the faculty members who will support them throughout their studies. Students were also introduced to the new curriculum, which will be implemented for the 2026 cohort.

The curriculum revision is part of the study program’s ongoing evaluation and development, taking into consideration various inputs, including feedback from students and alumni. Through this revision, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program seeks to provide more diverse learning opportunities while giving students greater flexibility to develop competencies according to their interests and areas of specialization.

One of the major changes in the 2026 curriculum is the addition of courses and the introduction of three areas of specialization: Linguistics, Literature, and Culture. Students have the opportunity to select two areas of specialization according to the curriculum track they pursue. This structure allows students to develop a more focused academic interest while broadening their understanding of Korean Studies from different perspectives.

In addition to changes in the course structure, the 2026 curriculum also implements the Transdisciplinary Development Curriculum Type 3 and Type 7, in accordance with Article 13D of UGM Rector’s Regulation Number 19 of 2025. Unlike the previous curriculum, which only implemented Type 7, the new curriculum provides alternative pathways for specialization, allowing students greater flexibility in determining their academic direction.

Under the Transdisciplinary Development Curriculum Type 7, students may pursue one area of specialization, with the following structure:

1. University curriculum courses: 23 credits;
2. Faculty curriculum courses: 4 credits;
3. Core study program curriculum courses: 90 credits;
4. Study program specialization courses: 15 credits; and
5. Elective courses: 15 credits.

Meanwhile, the Transdisciplinary Development Curriculum Type 3 allows students to pursue two areas of specialization. This curriculum consists of:

1. University curriculum courses: 23 credits;
2. Faculty curriculum courses: 4 credits;
3. Core study program curriculum courses: 90 credits; and
4. Two groups of study program specialization courses, each consisting of 15 credits.

The introduction of the new curriculum during the study program orientation is expected to help new students understand the academic options available to them from the beginning of their studies. With a more diverse and flexible learning structure, students will not only gain a strong foundation in the Korean language and culture but will also have opportunities to develop expertise according to their individual interests.

Through the 2026 curriculum, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program continues to develop an adaptive learning environment that responds to students’ needs and developments in the field, while strengthening connections with academic partners at the international level. This curriculum enhancement is expected to provide a strong foundation for students to develop academic competencies, intercultural perspectives, and readiness to pursue diverse opportunities at both national and global levels.

Author: (Aura Adiba W.L/Eunike Serafia N.S)

The Community Service Program (PkM) entitled “Social Media Etiquette Among Teenagers”, organized by the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), has continued into its second phase. The activity was held at SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, as part of an educational series aimed at raising students’ awareness of the importance of practicing politeness in digital communication.

Following the first phase, during which students received instruction on social media etiquette and participated in group activities, the second phase focused on group presentations showcasing the students’ creative projects. This stage provided an opportunity for participants to apply the knowledge they had gained by producing works related to the theme of respectful communication on social media.

During the presentations, each group presented the projects they had prepared in advance. These works took various forms, including flyers and video content conveying messages about the importance of using social media wisely, respectfully, and responsibly. Through their projects, the students illustrated situations commonly encountered by teenagers on social media and demonstrated how polite language and respectful behavior can be applied in digital interactions.

The presentations served not only as a platform for students to demonstrate their creativity but also as an opportunity to engage in discussion and reflect on their own communication habits on social media. The activity encouraged students to recognize that effective social media use extends beyond creating and sharing content; it also involves carefully considering language choices, attitudes, and the potential impact of communication on others.

In addition to the project presentations, students also completed a post-test as part of the overall evaluation of the Community Service Program. The post-test was administered after the completion of all instructional sessions and activities to assess students’ understanding of social media etiquette following both theoretical learning and hands-on experience throughout the program.

The “Social Media Etiquette Among Teenagers” Community Service Program is expected to provide meaningful and contextual learning experiences for students of SMA Negeri 1 Depok, particularly in fostering awareness of the importance of using polite language and demonstrating respectful behavior in digital spaces. By integrating lectures, collaborative activities, creative projects, and evaluation, the program aims not only to deepen students’ understanding of social media etiquette but also to encourage them to apply these principles in their daily lives.

The students’ enthusiasm and creativity in producing and presenting their projects became one of the key indicators of the program’s success. Furthermore, the collaboration between the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and SMA Negeri 1 Depok is expected to continue contributing positively to the enhancement of language literacy and responsible social media awareness among teenagers.

With the completion of its second phase, the “Social Media Etiquette Among Teenagers” Community Service Program has become a shared learning space for both academics and students, highlighting that politeness is essential not only in face-to-face communication but also in every interaction within the digital environment.

Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held the First-Year Lecture for the Undergraduate Program for the 2026/2027 Academic Year on Tuesday (18/8). The event, which took place in the main hall of the Soegondo Auditorium at FIB UGM, was attended by approximately 800 new students from the class of 2026.

For this year’s lecture, FIB UGM invited a speaker from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) UGM, dr. Bagas Suryo Bintoro, Ph.D. He is a lecturer from the Department of Health Behavior, Environment, and Social Medicine. On this occasion, dr. Bagas presented an important topic titled “Be Kind: Because ‘Just Kidding’ Isn’t Always Kind”.

In his presentation, dr. Bagas highlighted the prevalence of mental health issues affecting adolescents in Indonesia. These issues are often triggered by feelings of loneliness, a lack of someone to talk to, and past trauma. One trigger that often goes unnoticed in social environments is jokes that cross the line. He reminded the audience that in many cases, people intend to joke, but unknowingly end up hurting others’ feelings.

To prevent this, dr. Bagas emphasized the importance of applying basic interpersonal attitudes, such as the habit of saying thank you, apologizing, and building genuine empathy toward others.

The atmosphere of the lecture was warm and interactive. Dr. Bagas occasionally incorporated fresh, relatable humor that resonated with the younger generation, sparking laughter among the attending FIB UGM freshmen.

Through this lecture, the faculty hopes that the core values and materials presented will serve as a valuable foundation for the new students. Consequently, they will be able to navigate their university life well, ethically, and contribute to creating an inclusive and mutually respectful campus environment.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]