Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 – Efforts to strengthen the Korean Studies ecosystem in Indonesia have entered a new phase with the hosting of the INAKOS Seminar titled The Role of INAKOS in Reinforcing Korean Studies in Indonesia on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM. Organized by The International Association for Korean Studies in Indonesia (INAKOS) in collaboration with the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM and the Korea Foundation, the event marked an important milestone in revitalizing INAKOS as a center for academic collaboration and research development in Korean Studies in Indonesia.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Setiadi, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to strengthening the East Asian studies ecosystem.
“We are preparing proper infrastructure to support East Asian studies. The building next to this one is fully dedicated to academic study centers, one of which is Inakos. We aim for all research centers at FIB to be integrated within a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary environment,” he stated.

Support was also expressed by the Director of the Korea Foundation, Lee Sanghoon, who highlighted the strategic role of INAKOS as an academic bridge between Indonesia and Korea.
“The Korea Foundation fully supports Inakos in revitalizing academic spaces and dialogue for scholars with deep interests in Korea. We believe Inakos will play an important role as a bridge in strengthening Korean Studies in Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Ambassador of Korea to Indonesia, Park Soo-deok, emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-national collaboration through research and academic dialogue.
“Indonesia and Korea have a long history of cooperation in culture and education. Through research, academic exchange, and scholarly dialogue such as today, both countries continue to build stronger bridges of mutual understanding,” he noted.

On the same occasion, the 2025 President of INAKOS, Suray Agung Nugroho, presented the strategic direction of the newly reactivated organization. He emphasized that INAKOS serves as a home, space, and academic umbrella to unite scholars and observers of Korean Studies in Indonesia, as well as to enhance collaborative and sustainable research.

Following the opening remarks, the audience was treated to a performance of the Korean Fan Dance, presented through a collaboration by students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM. The program continued with academic presentations by speakers from UGM, UI, UPI, and Universitas Nasional.

The first presentation was delivered by Rostinue from the University of Indonesia, who explained the role of Korean Studies scholars as academic and cultural bridges that strengthen bilateral interactions between Indonesia and Korea. The next speaker, Ashanti Widyana from the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), presented research trends in UPI’s Korean Language Education Program from 2020 to 2025, focusing on strengthening applied linguistics research, cultural studies, and integrating research outcomes into educational practice.

The session continued with Desitha Dwi Asriani from FISIPOL UGM, who discussed body modification and gender performativity among young Asian men and women from a comparative Indonesia–Korea perspective. The next presentation, by Rurani Adinda from Universitas Nasional, explored differences in the meanings of idioms related to the head in Korean and Indonesian. The final speaker, Achmad Rio, Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM, delivered a talk on analyzing translation patterns of the adnominal ending deon-eass-does using a Korean–Indonesian parallel corpus.

This seminar is expected to serve as an initial step in expanding academic networks in Korean Studies in Indonesia, while strengthening academic contributions to cultural, social, and educational cooperation between Indonesia and Korea. Continued collaboration will open broader spaces for dialogue and encourage innovative scholarly work that benefits society and advances knowledge.

In the long term, this initiative is expected to enhance access to knowledge and opportunities for academic exchange, contributing to human development and a more inclusive and sustainable future for both countries.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, November 14, 2025 — The Arabic Study Program Student Association (IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a Government Tour as part of the 2025 External Relations Department’s flagship program. The visit, held from 13:30 to 15:00 WIB, involved 40 students from the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cohorts. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Language Center of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (BBY), reflecting the institution’s appreciation for student-led educational initiatives.

The event opened with remarks from Candra Solihin, the 2025 President of IKMASA, who emphasized the importance of institutional visits in broadening academic insight and fostering early professional networking. The agenda continued under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Rusydatu Nibras Salamah, ensuring the program ran smoothly and in order. The atmosphere grew more engaging when participants were invited to enjoy refreshments prepared by BBY.

During the main session, Mulyanto, M.Hum., Senior Expert Linguist at the institution, delivered an informative presentation outlining the history of the Language Center, its institutional roles, and various strategic programs carried out to support language development and literacy initiatives across the Yogyakarta region. He also highlighted internship opportunities available for students interested in pursuing linguistic research and institutional language work.

Throughout the visit, students demonstrated strong enthusiasm, actively engaging in discussions about language programs, research opportunities, and potential pathways for student involvement in BBY’s activities. This Government Tour is expected to serve as a meaningful platform for UGM Arabic Study Program students to expand their professional network, gain firsthand exposure to applied language work, and explore future collaborative possibilities with the Language Center.

Author: Aisyah Mutmainnah

Semarang, 25 October 2025 — Twenty-eight students from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in the UNDIP Muslim Festival held on Saturday, 25 October 2025 at Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java. The delegation competed across three categories: Cerdas Cermat Islam (CCI), Musabaqah Hifdzil Qur’an (MHQ), and Musabaqah Tilawatil Qur’an (MTQ). The group departed Yogyakarta at 04:00 WIB and arrived at Diponegoro University at 08:00 WIB. Upon arrival, delegates shared a breakfast together before the festival program began. 

After attending the grand opening ceremony, participants proceeded to their respective competition venues. In the CCI category, the Arabic Study Program team advanced to the semifinal round, a notable achievement that demonstrated the students’ knowledge and preparedness. The festival ran smoothly and in high spirits, reflecting both the discipline and enthusiasm of the UGM delegation. UGM’s participation in UNDIP Muslim Festival 2025 aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The Arabic Study Program hopes the competition experience will inspire continued academic achievement and community engagement among its students as they prepare for future national and regional events.

Author: Azka Dihya Khaliffa

The relevance of the Javanese language and literature amid contemporary challenges was the main topic in the Javanese Literature History course in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The lecture, which took place on Monday, November 10, 2025, featured an alumnus, practitioner, and observer of Javanese culture, Paksi Raras Alit, S.S., M.A., as a guest speaker.

The course, taught by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, M.A., was attended by all students from the class of 2024. The presence of Paksi Raras Alit aimed to provide a practical perspective on the sustainability of literary heritage in the modern era.

In his presentation, Paksi Raras Alit emphasized that the teachings and knowledge contained in Javanese culture are still very relevant to current social conditions. He cited his latest work, a book entitled Ajaran Bahagia dari Jawa: Filosofi untuk Hidup Tenang dan Legawa (Teachings of Happiness from Java: Philosophy for a Peaceful and Contented Life). The book was written in order to explore the Javanese philosophy of life to achieve happiness. According to him, the wisdom contained in Javanese literature can offer guidance or knowledge towards inner peace.

This activity was very well received by the students. Their enthusiasm was evident from the variety of questions they asked, despite the limited discussion time. Shabrina Fitra Azzahra, one of the course participants, shared her views in an online interview on November 21, 2025. She stated that she discovered various other perspectives on Javanese literature.

This activity not only increased knowledge, but also boosted the enthusiasm of students in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. This enthusiasm was manifested in their determination to nguri-uri ‘preserve’ and ngurip-urip ‘revitalize’ Javanese culture. Through a strong commitment to preservation and cooperation with various parties, it is hoped that the valuable messages and information contained in Javanese literary works can be “reintroduced” and bring tangible benefits to the wider community.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, November 19, 2025 – The Muslim Family of Cultural Sciences (Keluarga Muslim Ilmu Budaya – KMIB) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held a Blood Donation Drive on Wednesday, December 19, 2025. This humanitarian activity was held in Room 202 of the Poerbatjaraka Building, FIB UGM, in collaboration with the Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia – PMI) of Sleman Regency. This drive is one of the social work programs of the Department of Community Service Relations (Hubungan Pelayanan Umat – HPU), serving as a real manifestation of the students’ commitment to contributing directly to humanitarian and social issues.

The blood donation event, which took place from 08.00 to 11.00 a.m, received a very positive reception from various parties. Enthusiasm came not only from students but also from lecturers, educational staff, and the general public. The success of this drive, fully supported by the KMIB committee, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and the Sleman Regency PMI, managed to collect a significant amount of blood donations. This extraordinary achievement underscores the strong spirit of solidarity within the FIB UGM environment, and this contribution greatly helps the PMI in maintaining its blood supply.

The initiative, spearheaded by the HPU department, did not only focus on blood collection but also served as a means of health education. Every prospective donor had the opportunity to undergo a basic health check, such as blood pressure and hemoglobin level checks. KMIB hopes that this positive initiative can continue to have an impact, becoming an implementation of the values of care highly upheld by FIB UGM students, and can be a sustainable agenda in the future.

The success of this event reinforces KMIB FIB UGM’s position as an active student organization moving across various lines, from spirituality and culture to humanitarian social action. KMIB FIB UGM expresses its highest appreciation to the Sleman Regency PMI for their cooperation and to all donors who have sincerely contributed their time and blood. The presence and active participation of all campus elements were the key to the successful execution of this Blood Donation Drive.

This blood donation drive tangibly supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by providing a safe and critical blood supply for public health services; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring that blood is accessible to all who need it, regardless of socio-economic status; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through strengthening community health resilience by guaranteeing the availability of emergency medical resources; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals) through effective collaboration between FIB UGM students (KMIB), the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and the Sleman Regency PMI.

Author: Hilmi Anugerah Alghani