The Story of Devi Ayu Lidyana, the Champion of Kickboxing Match in PON XXI Aceh-Sumatra Utara 2024, Representing Both the Alma Mater and Yogyakarta

 

Yogyakarta, 16 October 2024. It has almost been a month since the National Sports Week (PON) XXI Aceh-Sumatra Utara 2024 closed. In spite of that, this event, however, has brought a major impact on our national athletes as it gave them many precious memories. Between all of these athletes, there is one specific person in these event from the Female Kickboxing category who is also representing Yogyakarta, named Devi Ayu Lidyana. Usually called by her peers as Devi, she is an English Department UGM student batch 2020 who won the bronze medal from the Kickboxing competition in the female category. 

Before being the champion, Devi was a model student in the Faculty of Cultural Science UGM 2024. This of course can be seen from many achievements she had gained in the last four years from pencak silat and kickboxing championships. PON XXI was Devi’s first Kickboxing competition, a martial arts competition where it involves kicking and punching. Even though this is her first competition, the selection process was very strict to which she had to go through various stages of selection like in the provincial selection and the pre-PON selection for first and second place winners. 

“This journey is filled with challenges since I have to manage my time for my studies and my training. PON has given me a great opportunity for me to test my limits against other amazing athletes of Indonesia,” said Devi telling her journey during the selection process as she had to manage her time between her studies and her training. 

It was such an amazing opportunity for Devi by enrolling herself to PON XXI Aceh-Sumatra 2024. Not only that, she had also got an opportunity to get to know each other with other athletes from different backgrounds from all over Indonesia. “The most memorable experience in PON 2024 for me is the fact that I could meet many friends from many different backgrounds. Aside from expanding my relations, I also learned a lot from their determination. I also got a lot of support from the coach and the team. They have always helped me from before and after the competition. The solidarity between the athletes, coaches, and the team was really the most touching moment from this event and it also motivates me to give the best to the field.”

Devi’s achievement in winning the kickboxing competition started when she had already been active in another martial art, pencak silat. At that time, Devi was still trying to manage her training activities between pencak silat and kickboxing to which she practised pencak silat in the afternoon and kickboxing in the evening. Besides pencak silat and kickboxing, she also practises Muay Thai, a martial art that is also focused on punching and kicking. The opportunity of joining kickboxing came to her when she enrolled herself in a selection process for an exhibition in Sports Week (PO) event in the kickboxing category to which managed to take first place in the competition. This achievement would then push her to pursue kickboxing to which she would then win various kickboxing championships. 

As Devi is a student that got into UGM through her martial arts achievements (PBUB), she was dictated by the university to pursue martial arts competitions in her first two years of college. She tells prospective students that wanted to or have passed this path to make the most of this opportunity. “Don’t hesitate to dream big, be passionate, and keep being disciplined to take every step,” she said.

As American universities increasingly prioritize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, humanities and language programs, especially those focusing on less commonly taught languages, face a significant funding decline. This trend poses a serious threat to the continued existence of Southeast Asian language instruction in U.S. institutions. In this challenging landscape, the question arises: how can these programs not only survive but thrive?

This critical issue was at the heart of a recent roundtable discussion held as part of the AAS-in-Asia Conference 2024 events at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, from July 9-11. Chaired by Juliana Wijaya from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the discussion brought together leading figures in Southeast Asian language education to share insights and best practices for adapting to the changing educational landscape.

Panelists included Pia C. Arboleda from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, representing the Filipino language program; Sakti Suryani from Harvard University, representing the Indonesian language program; Jenjit Gasigitamrong from the University of California, representing the Thai language program; and Thúy Tranviet from Cornell University, representing the Vietnamese language program.

One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the importance of proactive marketing and outreach. Pia C. Arboleda emphasized the need to effectively “sell” language programs, akin to marketing a product. Strategies such as showcasing student success stories through testimonials and engaging with high schools through presentations and workshops were identified as crucial for countering declining enrollment often seen in humanities programs.

However, attracting students is just the first step. Sakti Suryani highlighted the importance of adapting lesson plans and content to meet students’ interests and current proficiency levels. She emphasized engaging students by asking what they want to learn, which fosters greater involvement and caters to specific needs. Suryani also suggested collaborating with Indonesian student associations and the broader Indonesian community to create real-world connections for students and provide opportunities for cultural exchange.

 

The discussion also highlighted the significance of heritage learners—students with a family background in a particular language. Jenjit Gasigitamrong shared experiences from the Thai language program, which primarily attracts Thai-American students pursuing STEM fields. Recognizing their cultural heritage, Gasigitamrong stressed the importance of incorporating elements like food, art, and cultural practices into the curriculum. Additionally, encouraging students to use the language to discuss their STEM studies helps them connect more deeply with their heritage and highlights the value of Southeast Asian languages in broader academic contexts.

The transformative power of project-based learning was another focal point. Thúy Tranviet championed this approach, emphasizing its role in allowing students to immerse themselves in the language through practical application, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture. Tranviet shared a unique example where Vietnamese students visited Thailand, demonstrating the potential of language learning to bridge cultural divides and foster regional understanding. This approach transcends traditional language learning, offering enriching experiences across academic disciplines and fostering meaningful connections.

The roundtable concluded with a renewed sense of optimism for the future of Southeast Asian language programs. By embracing adaptability, fostering a culture of collaboration, and utilizing innovative teaching methods like project-based learning, these programs can not only survive but thrive. The concept of “border crossing” was highlighted, extending beyond geographical boundaries to encompass collaboration with STEM fields and other disciplines. By demonstrating the versatility and relevance of Southeast Asian languages in today’s world, these programs empower students to navigate a globalized landscape and bridge cultural divides. This holistic approach positions Southeast Asian languages as valuable tools for future generations, enabling meaningful engagement with the world.

Writer: Hasyim Kurniawan, S.S., M.App.Ling.

 

SGDs 4: Quality Education| SGDs 5: Gender Equality| SGDs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

On Saturday (15/6/2024), students of English Literature Study Program batch 2023 held a theater performance and exhibition with the theme “Ru(me)nation” which was held at Soegondo Building 7th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. The theater performance entitled Carol ad Caroline and the exhibition entitled 1001: One Frame, A Thousand Pictures is a part of their final project that must be fulfilled in the Language and Literature Production course. The event was organized by all students of English Literature UGM class of 2023 and attended by lecturers, students, parents of students of English Literature UGM, and also by the public.

This event aims to improve students’ ability to work in the use of English, increase students’ appreciation of art and literature, and develop students’ talents, potential, and soft skills. The benefits of this activity are no other than equipping students with non-technical skills in terms of organizing and running events, improving their ability to use English in oral and written form in academic and non-academic environments, and enriching students’ knowledge in their artwork appreciation and self-confidence through artwork production.

The event was opened with much enthusiasm by the host, followed by a warm welcome by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum. and Alvanita, S.S., M.Ed. as the lecturer of the course. In the welcome speech, Mrs. Alvanita mentioned that the students have been practicing for months in order to present this theater performance to the whole audience. 

 

The theme of the theater performance was a topic related to mental health and self-acceptance, which is no longer out of place, especially among fellow students. This performance is expected to open a broader perspective to the audience, the committee, and the actors on the issue of mental health. This performance is also a picture and a reminder to be fully accepting of ourselves and loving it by being gentle to our own selves and hearts. 

The event ended with a standing ovation as the audience stood up in appreciation of the spectacular performance. After this point, all the committee and performers danced together with lively music while the host read out the names of the committee and performers involved. Not to forget, all 2023 students of the UGM English Literature Study Program expressed their gratitude for the enthusiasm and participation of the audience in the success of the event.

SGDs 4: Quality Education | SGDs 4: Literacy skill | SGDs 17: Global partnership | SGDs 17: Partnerships for the Goals

On Wednesday, 18 July 2024, english Department UGM received a  visit from Prof. Angus James Nicholls, Ph.D, professor of Comparative Literature and German Language of  Queen Mary University of London and Dr. Soe Tjen Marching, a lecturer in South East Asian studies in School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London. The purpose of Prof. Angus James Nicholls, Ph.D and Dr. Soe Tjen Marching’s visit was to discuss a possibility of partnership between the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, especially the English Literature Program and Department of Language and Literature, with Queen Mary University of London and SOAS University of London to fulfil IKU 6. The discussion was conducted at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, led by Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, M.Hum., Vice Dean of Academic and Student Affairs and a lecturer in the English Department UGM. 

The topic regarding the challenges of teaching literature in the era of technological development was discussed in the meeting. One of the challenges is how to anticipate the use of AI in literary studies. AI’s ability to automatically generate text can be an obstacle in the learning process if being abused by students. Another example of the challenges is how to teach literature to Gen Z, through digital media and social media.

Apart from the discussion about challenges in teaching literature in the current era, there was also a discussion about the forms of collaboration that can be implemented between the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, especially the English Literature Program and Department of Language and Literature, with Queen Mary University of London and SOAS University of London. The potential collaborations can be done through some courses (such as World Literature and Comparative Literature) and a collaborative class in the form of team teaching. These collaborations have many possibilities to be developed in the future.

SGDs 4: Quality Education| SGDs 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Last Sunday (17/3/2024), the English Literature student activity, namely the English Literature Pradangga or often known as Prasasti Club received a visit from Dr. Antonio Guerra Arias, a research professor and creator with a specialist field of ethnodrama studies from the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua. The visit took place at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada, accompanied by the Head of the English Literature Program, Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A. and a retired English Literature lecturer who is also an arts activist, Dr. Eddy Pursubaryanto, Dip.TESL, M.Hum.

The purpose of Dr. Antonio Guerra Arias’ visit was to explore and understand the art of drama performance, especially Javanese Puppetry. Dr. Antonio Guerra Arias believes that the art of drama performance in Indonesia and in Mexico has similarities, namely the stories presented in drama performances are still strongly related to rituals and mystical things. In his research entitled “Shadows of Little Mexico”, Dr. Antonio intends to collaborate the story in his homeland with the Mahabharata story in Indonesia in a puppetry show.

During the visit, Dr. Adi Sutrisno, M.A. and Dr. Eddy Pursubaryanto, Dip.TESL, M.Hum. invited Dr. Antonio to watch the weekly practice of Prasasti which was held at the Margono building of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. While listening to the music, Dr. Antonio had a conversation with the teacher and composer of the songs performed by the club, Nanang Karbito, M. Sn. The conversation was about the art of Javanese puppetry and the stories behind it. 

Currently, Dr. Antonio still needs the help of experts in the field of Javanese art, especially Javanese puppetry. For colleagues who are experts in this field, you can contact him via email address tony_war@hotmail.com and WhatsApp number +62 823-3383-6437.

SGDs 4: Quality Education| SGDs 5: Gender Equality | SGDs 5: Empowerment of Women|  SGDs 10: Reduced Inequalities | SGDs 17: Fostering Innovation

Bulan Churniati, an English Department student batch 2021, achieved the Penghargaan Favorit Pemilihan Mahasiswa Berprestasi UGM 2024 awards on Pemilihan Mahasiswa Berprestasi UGM 2024 event. Before receiving this award, Bulan accomplished many achievements, for example, the winner of Digital Entrepreneurship Hackathon 2023 by held UNESCO UNITWIN in South Korea, the third place in the national competition Publicly Digital Legal Innovation 2023 held by Oleco, dan became the ambassador of Millennial KAMI Foundation x Tjorak Sorai 2023.

Bulan is committed to give her best efforts in everything she does. This strong determination stems from her will to partake in women empowerment. 

“Wong wedok ora usah melu-melu, which means: women are not supposed to intervene. That saying is embedded in my heart and mind. This is the reason I participate in prestigious awards and build a branding around this issue. I just want other women to realize that new opportunities are available to us, and I hope those women will use those chances. I do not want to be the only woman who fights for this, I want to join forces with other women as well.” Said Bulan about her motivation to participate in Pemilihan Mahasiswa Berprestasi UGM 2024. 

Bulan went through a long process to prepare herself for participating in this event. The first step she had to undergo was the administration selection. She had to prepare three things on this stage. First, an English proficiency certificate. If the participant does not have an English proficiency certificate yet, they will be facilitated to take the AcEPT test if they pass to the next stage. Second, list of achievements. The limited number of achievements to be included in the list is ten, so the participant should select the best achievements they have. Third, an innovation proposal. In this event, Bulan wrote a proposal titled “In-Eksklusif: Program Peningkatan Kesempatan Eksklusif untuk Pelaku Ekonomi Inklusif”, a program to increase exclusive opportunities for inclusive businesses. This proposal correlates with Bulan’s IT background and humanistic perspective. 

In the faculty selection, the participant will present their ideas and answer questions from the juries in a 30-minute session. One student will be granted the award of Mahasiswa Berprestasi Utama and represent the faculty in the Supercamp event, where they will present their list of achievements and innovation proposals. In this event, the committee will select three winners for three categories: bachelor program, diploma program, and favorite.

Bulan gained valuable insights after participating in Pemilihan Mahasiswa Berprestasi UGM 2024, “We have to prepare ourselves to be let down by the results if we are participating in competition. We also have to make sure that we have adequate experiences.”

After winning the Penghargaan Favorit Pemilihan Mahasiswa Berprestasi UGM 2024 award, Bulan went back to her daily routine. She is currently working on her thesis, while also still participating in many competitions and positive activities. Bulan said she still wants to try competing in this event, if she has not graduated next year. She also encouraged other students to participate in the Pemilihan Mahasiswa Berprestasi UGM event, “For other students in the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, don’t be afraid to send your application! There are not many students in our faculty who are willing to participate in this event. Don’t forget to prepare all the documents early because of the short period of the submission. Always be humble, because being a Mahasiswa Berprestasi doesn’t transform you into the student with the highest position; you are just a representative.”

 

Waking up in a room with a view of yellowing and reddening trees would have been my wildest dream until a year ago. Every new thing that I have experienced from last year’s September until December is the result of sleepless nights and staring at my laptop for four months. IISMA truly gave me the chance to taste my childhood wish, and I could never be more grateful than I am today. As this is one of my biggest milestones, I cherish every second that I spend in Dublin, Ireland, and make sure to engrave all passing moments in my mind–probably in my phone’s gallery as well. I am Konan, and here is a glimpse of my life as an IISMA awardee in University College Dublin.

A brief introduction is a must before I start. Born by the name Qonita Risqi Setya Ananda, I am currently a third year student in the English Department of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta. Not a very fun fact, I can’t drive, so no wonder I enjoy my time in Dublin too much because of the pedestrian-friendly public facilities. During my four-month stay in Dublin, I am taking four courses under Arts and Humanities. Along with nine other students from different home universities, I began my study abroad journey on September 2 as we flew from Indonesia to Ireland. Now, here is the real thing, I promise you.

The academic year in Ireland starts in autumn, which takes place in September. Just like what we commonly have in universities in Indonesia, here they provide two weeks of various orientation events, such as welcoming ceremony, freshers week where you can sign up for clubs and societies, info sessions for various purposes, for instance the immigration session held for non-EU international students, and many more. In the following week, the classes start for level two or intermediate courses, while beginner courses have to wait for another week. Classes are divided into two types, lecture and tutorial or seminar, which is a new thing for me as we don’t have them back in my home major. Lecture is a big class dedicated to delivering materials, while the tutorial only consists of 15-20 students solely for group discussion and in-depth review on the materials from the lecture. 

Being an international student in UCD certainly has its own perks, and one of them being the eligible participants of the Cultural Programme. The said programme is dedicated for us to enjoy the most of our stay here by holding events and offering trips for free. We have gone to some stunning places in Ireland, such as Kilkenny with its castle and mediaeval town, surfing in Sligo, cycling on a 32-kilometre track in Westport, and enjoying the majestic Dún Aonghasa in Inishmore, Galway. I am really grateful for the opportunities given by UCD for such a short stay, and here I say it, it is all worth it!

Even though living abroad gets you really excited, you are lying if you say you don’t miss those little things from home. Of course I miss seblak, nasi Padang, and the convenient online transportation. I’d love to give an honourable mention to my friends from PPI Irlandia who kindly hold various Indonesian-themed events for Indonesian students in Ireland, which feels like bringing us back home. We got the precious chance to have a warm gathering with other IISMA awardees in Ireland and master’s and doctoral students on October 21, and even met the Ambassador of Indonesia for the United Kingdom, Dr. Desra Percaya. Fun fact, he is a remarkable saxophone player, and we were lucky to be able to watch his performance of Terima Kasih Cinta by Afgan on that sunny afternoon.

That particular gathering event was very memorable for me. The previous president of PPI Irlandia, Zain, shared a bit how Ireland feels merrier when the IISMA awardees are there. The number of Indonesian students in Ireland is significantly lower than in the United Kingdom, our nearest neighbour, and events like these almost feel like a family reunion. Compared to the students, there are more Indonesian diaspora than what I had imagined. They are also the people who continue to help us during our stay, and I’d really love to reciprocate the gesture someday, fingers crossed, when I get the opportunity to travel to Ireland again.

Aside from the fellow Indonesians we met here, I have always dreamt about having friends from across the globe who will actually keep in touch, not as a one-time thing only. Solely for this reason, I would like to thank my international friends that have introduced me to new celebrations that definitely made me feel so at home. One of these celebrations is Friendsgiving, that is celebrating Thanksgiving but with your friends instead. Jette, the event planner, suggested that we all bring a dish from our respective country to enjoy together, and that way, we actually exchange new culture in a fun way. Since the feeling is mutual, I didn’t hesitate to give them heartfelt souvenirs from home–one of them being a tote bag I designed myself–as a memento for the moment I have shared with them.

Ireland has been a place for me to try out many things for the first time for the last four months. My dream of walking along meadows, looking at sheep and cows like what I read in my childhood stories, strolling down the city, and taking a breather at city parks–all of them have been achieved here. Last but not least, the network and memories I have made here are priceless and could never be traded with anything in this world. Shall I have the chance to visit for a longer period of time here, I won’t hesitate to fly right away. Thank you to my support system back home–my family and friends–and my new family here, you are a part of my life now. Of course to the IISMA program, my deepest gratitude would never cease.

 

 

Two representatives of English Department UGM: Alvanita, M. Ed. and Paris Mercurio visited MA Al Ikhlas Berbah on Saturday, 11 March 2024. This event is a part of community services conducted by English Department UGM. Headmistress of MA Al Ikhlas Berbah, Ika Bude Lestari, S.Pd., gave a warm welcoming speech in the beginning of the event. Afterwards, the presentation and Q&A sessions began.

In the presentation session, Alvanita, M.Ed. motivated the students to learn English. She highlighted how important it is to be proficient in English, especially if one wants to pursue higher education or professional careers. She also gave the students tips on learning English outside the class. The second presenter, Paris Mercurio told the students about her experiences living in the United States. She gave the students tips to overcome their nervousness when using English in conversations. The students, who were shy to respond at the presentation session, gradually became more engaged throughout the Q&A session. 

Students and teachers of MA Al-Ikhlas Berbah responded positively towards the event, sharing their opinions that other programs to increase students’ interest in learning English should be conducted again in the future. The urgency of conducting those programs is due to low frequency of English learning in rural areas like Berbah, which is affected by the existing presumption of the lack of urgency to be proficient in English.

Alvanita, M.Ed. discussed the continuation of this program with the English teacher of MA Al-Ikhlas Berbah (Ervina Juli Aryani) after the event. One of the proposed activities is increasing English literacy through reading literature works. Every week, the students will read English short stories and write their reviews. Afterwards, an offline discussion monitored by Alvanita, M.Ed. and Ms. Ervina will be conducted every one or two months in order to track the students’ progress in learning English.

On Thursday, 29th of February 2024, English Department UGM accepted a visit from the representative of Oberlin Shansi, Mr. Gavin Tritt, to discuss new collaboration programs between two universities that have undergone seventy-years of partnership. One of the programs discussed is Oberlin Shansi’s Visiting Scholar Program, once participated in by Mr. Adi Sutrisno, the Head of the English Department. The Oberlin Shansi’s Visiting Scholar Program is a fully funded program by Oberlin Shansi which allows the English Department lecturers to improve their scholarly growth. 

During the stay at Oberlin, the lecturers will do various activities: auditing courses to observe undergraduate teaching, learning new research methodologies, developing their academic writing, utilizing college resources and faculty mentorship to develop research projects and proposals, and many more. Upon their return from this program, the participating lecturers are expected to share their experiences during their stay at Oberlin, mentor other faculty members who are searching for international opportunities, and continue the collaboration with Oberlin Shansi. The program typically lasts for a semester, but Oberlin Shansi welcomes lecturers who proposed shorter visits as well. 

 

This program will provide opportunities for English Department lecturers to gain new insight and experiences for their professional development. Along with other forms of collaboration, Oberlin Shansi’s Visiting Scholar Program will help to strengthen the partnership between the English Department and Oberlin Shansi. 

SGDs 4: Quality Education | SGDs 17: Partnerships For The Goals

 

RWS Indonesian translation team is planning to conduct an online presentation with the topic about translation and localization industry & its career as well as promoting its internship program.

This Program is belonging to English Department student batch 2022 and 2021.

Please find the overview of information below

Presentation

Purpose of presentation:

• To educate and share direct experience which is related to translation and localization industry.
• To promote an internship opportunity.

Target audiences: Students who are interested in translation and localization industry and its career. It can be students in English major, or students who are studying in translation & relevant subjects.

Presentation content: Related to translation and localization industry & its career as well as internship program.

Presentation period: 1.5 – 2 hours

Presentation method: Online (via Microsoft Team)

How to attend presentation: Register via QR and/or link (RWS will provide information to you for promoting to your students after we finalized the date and time of presentation).

Presenters from RWS:

1. Language office’s ling manager for Indonesian language projects. (Present by Indonesian language)
2. Translator for Indonesian language projects. (Present by Indonesian language).
3. Principal talent manager for Taiwan office (Present by English language)

 

Internship

Position: English – Indonesian translation intern

Purpose: To bridge the gap between university education and the professional localization industry through developing and applying a designated program according to local requirements, which complements and enhances current local education, prepare students for a career in the industry.

Duration: 1 July 2024 – 30 December 2024

Working hours: Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 17:00 GMT+7

Program type: Paid Internship

Workplace: Anywhere you can access internet

Candidate qualification:

• Being able to fully attend internship program based on the above information.
• Having laptop or computer which is a key device that you need to use during internship program.

Benefits:

• Key CAT Tools
• Closely working with professional translator
• Working for global well-known clients
• Certificate of internship

Advantages: Interns with excellent performance will be converted to be a freelance translator.

How to apply and application timeline: The information will be provided in the presentation.

 

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IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PROGRAM, PLEASE FILL THE LINK BELOW

https://bit.ly/InternshipRWS2024

Do not hesitate to contact +447460070516 (Adiba) if you need more information!