SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On March 8, 2024, coinciding with the 48th Anniversary of the Indonesian Student Association (PPI) in Syria, Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. served as the sole speaker in the Academic Discussion with PPI Syria at the Hall of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Damascus. The discussion titled “American Dominance in the Middle East: Past, Present, Future” was attended by 86 Indonesian students in Damascus and several staff members of the KBRI. In his opening remarks, the Indonesian Ambassador to Syria, Dr. Wajid Fauzi, expressed his utmost gratitude to the delegation from the Department of Inter-Cultural Studies at UGM consisting of Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., Dr. Hindun Ichsan, M. Hum., Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., and Rudi Candra, L.C., M.A. for their willingness to share knowledge with Indonesian students in Syria.

Prof. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U. initiated the discussion by explaining why dominance is an interesting issue to examine. As an expert in American Studies, Prof. Ida explained Gramsci’s Theory of Hegemony as a basis for understanding American hegemony in the Middle East. Furthermore, American Dominance in the Middle East was discussed from a cultural studies perspective.

The discussion sparked many critical questions from students: What is the actual role of America in the Middle East; how to break free from the mindset that the West is superior to believe in equality; why Indonesia, which has tried to break free from American dominance, but invites the dominance of other powers (China); and why Indonesia, which actually has great ideas but has not been able to match the power of Iran, which is under American embargo.

During the session, Prof. Ida provided motivation to the students through the adage: “Squat to jump high.” This means that earnest preparation will lead someone to great achievements. Therefore, while studying in Syria, one should be diligent so that upon returning to the homeland, they can carve out various great achievements.

(Aris Munandar, March 8, 2024)

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

In the series of visits by the Department of Intercultural Studies, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada to Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia from March 3rd to March 15th, 2024, the Master’s Program in American Studies collaborated with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Beirut to provide a guest lecture for Indonesian students in Lebanon. The guest lecture was held on March 5th, 2024, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia’s Auditorium in Beirut. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Lebanon, Mr. Hajriyanto Y Tohari, conveyed information that the number of Indonesian students in Syria has decreased, with only 65 students currently enrolled. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, S.U., discussing the importance of multidisciplinary education and educational standardization to produce graduates with competence. One important aspect emphasized was education as a process of logic maturation.

During the dialogue session, students raised many questions related to academic linearity and the development of academic writing skills. Most Indonesian students in Lebanon are studying religious fields and feel they lack understanding of research methodology and academic writing skills. Therefore, they lack confidence in continuing their studies in Indonesia, especially considering the final assignments such as the thesis and dissertation.

Responding to students’ questions regarding academic linearity, Prof. Ida discussed the current development of science, which is moving towards interdisciplinarity and even multidisciplinarity. Regarding the lack of mastery of research methodology and academic writing skills, the advice given was to practice creating specific statements. The dialogue concluded with an emphasis on the fact that the success of studies is determined by the students’ contributions. Therefore, Indonesian students should condition themselves to become active learners who contribute to the learning process.

(Aris Munandar, March 5th, 2024)

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, two Professors of the Master’s Program in Middle Eastern Cultural Studies, Prof. Dr. Syamsul Hadi, S.U., and Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., received awards from the Rector of Canal Suez University at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Prof. Syamsul Hadi is a Full Professor (Emeritus) at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, specializing in Arabic language, while Prof. Sangidu is a Full Professor specializing in Arabic literature. The awards were given to both of them for their dedication to the advancement of Arabic language and literature scholarship. The awards were presented directly by Prof. Dr. Hassan Youssef, representing Canal Suez University, during his visit to Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Professors from Canal Suez University stated that Prof. Syamsul and Prof. Sangidu are outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves to the progress of research and the development of knowledge in the field of Arabic language and literature since a young age. Representing Egypt – and the Arab world as a whole – they are honored by their perseverance in preserving the Arabic language and literature, which are important identities of the Arab nation. Cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Canal Suez University in the future is expected to be even better and extend to other fields.

SDGs 4: Quality Education | SDGs 10: Reduced Inequalities

Familiarizing oneself with the facilities at UGM becomes an unforgettable experience for participants of the LPDP UGM 2024 Language Courses program. UGM provides equal opportunities for language courses participants, ensuring that they can immerse themselves in the campus atmosphere just like other UGM students. The Center for Language at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) UGM plays a crucial role by organizing a campus orientation on February 19, 2024, aiming to maximize the utilization of available facilities. During this activity, participants are accompanied by staff and members of the academic community from the Center for Language at FIB UGM, making them more acquainted with the campus environment.

This orientation not only introduces common facilities but also focuses on mobility awareness on campus for students with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments and wheelchair users. In an effort to enhance accessibility, Dr. Safirotu Khoir, the librarian of UGM’s Central Library, also provides information about the library. The introduction involves distributing activation cards for book borrowing at UGM’s Central Library, which is integrated with the FIB UGM library. Participants not only explore the campus but also express enthusiasm in utilizing the book borrowing facilities and study spaces in the library.

The opportunity to become acquainted with UGM’s facilities through the LPDP Language Courses orientation not only provides practical insights but also boosts the participants’ enthusiasm for learning and exploration. With facilities open to everyone, UGM remains committed to creating an inclusive environment that supports the development of every individual, including LPDP Language Enrichment participants.