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.

Exploring the World of Art Deco in English Days 2024

On 29/12/2024, the English Department Students Association (IMAJI) held its annual event, English Days. This event promotes and celebrates the English Department at UGM. This year, English Days lasted three days, each offering different entertainment.

The first day of this event, held on October 29, had an exhibition and games. For the games, there were board game stations, which the committee provided for everyone, and there was also a murder mystery-solving game where the players who solved the mystery would get a prize from the committee. There was also an exhibition of arts and literary works about the theme of the 2024 English Days, which is about the Art Deco movement, which came to the surface in the 1920s.

On October 30, the second day of English Days, the committee arranged a costume party to celebrate Halloween on campus. Many cosplayers from all over UGM attended this event, which was open to everyone. The event also included a costume contest, where cosplayers could show their costumes in the fashion show to win the prize. Alongside the costume party, an exhibition with the same theme and accommodations was held on this day.

In the night, as for the closing for the second day of English Days, there was also a performance held by Kombantrin, one of Imaji’s clubs that clubs music bands. People were enjoying their moment at the time as they danced and sang during the closing party with the performance of Kombantrin. There was also a Karaoke and DJ after the concert that night.

The third and last day of English Days was November 1. On the seventh floor of Soegondo’s Auditorium, a theatre show with the theme of Art Deco was arranged. The show was set during the Jazz Age, in the 1920s, when the Art Deco artistic movement was rising in society. Many people attended the show, and it is safe to say that it went smoothly, as the audience was delighted.

On Monday, 07/08/2024, the English Department arranged a special course for a public speaking training, collaborating with the Swaragama Radio Station. The course will be held for 11 days with three different mentors, Gideon Surya, Cici Priskila, and Bara Zulfa. Each of the mentors will have their own materials, respective to their specialties.

The first part of this course, which was held for 4 days, was held by Gideon Surya. The main focus of the first part of this course was to teach the participants to improve their public speaking skills in general like for a class presentation or a thesis presentation. Mr. Gideon also taught the participants on what should and should not be done during a presentation so that it will improve their delivery during the presentation. The first session was then closed by each of the participants practicing a presentation.

As the first session was done, the course was then continued by Cici Priskila that was held for 3 days. The second session focuses mainly on how to be a good radio announcer. She also taught the participants regarding a good vocal technique, the divisions, and what should be prepared before airing. Just like the first session, the second session also closed by the participants practicing their radio announcing skill.

Finally, there came the third and final session which was handled by Bara Zulfa. The main topic for this session is regarding on how to be a got MC in an event. He taught the participants on how to adjust our atmosphere so that our style as an MC could match the atmosphere of the event. He also said that it is also important to have a self-branding as an MC so that people would know what are the MC’s style. Just like the previous sessions, this session also ended with the participants practicing the materials as an MC.

English Department UGM and Swaragama Training Center proudly present “Scholarship for Public Speaking and Communication Course” program for the students interested in enhancing their public speaking skills. To enroll, submit all of the requirements via bit.ly/EDPublicSpeaking 2024 by 23 September 2024.

We are opening a 10-meeting mentoring program exclusively for English Department students interested in enrolling in the IISMA student exchange.  For those who are interested, please enroll via bit.ly/MentoringIISMAED2024 before 11 September.

Career Talk Stepping into the Unknown: Exploring Diverse Countries and Managing Cultural Shock

On September 3, 2024, students from the English Department, batches 2022 and 2023, gathered for a career talk with Mrs. Swasti Pritandari Crain, an alumna of the department, and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lauren, who joined from the U.S. The event was packed with personal stories, advice, and meaningful insights.

Mrs. Swasti, originally from Yogyakarta, reflected on her journey studying abroad after graduating from the English Department. She opened up about the culture shock she experienced when she first moved to Switzerland, especially back when the internet and smartphones weren’t as widely available. “It was a different time,” she said, “you couldn’t just Google everything. Now, with technology, it’s so much easier to prepare and deal with these things.

 

Following Mrs. Swasti, Mrs. Lauren took the stage, sharing her personal experiences with learning new languages. She asked students about their motivation for studying languages, which sparked a lively conversation. Mrs. Lauren spoke about how learning Spanish helped her in her role as a nurse in a psychiatric hospital and also made traveling through Latin America much smoother. “It just opens doors,” she said, “whether in your career or when you’re out exploring the world.”

The session wrapped up with a Q&A, where students eagerly asked Mrs. Swasti about her life and career. The room buzzed with energy as students shared their thoughts and questions. The event ended on a high note, with everyone gathering for a group photo, and some students even stayed behind for selfies with the speakers. The talk left students feeling motivated and inspired by the relatable and down-to-earth stories.

 

 

POPSI Kicks Off with Academic Integrity Workshop

On August 12, the opening session of POPSI featured an engaging workshop on academic integrity led by Paris and Mia from the Oberlin Shansi Fellows. The first day focused on an anti-plagiarism workshop, where new students learned essential skills to avoid plagiarism, particularly through proper citation techniques.

The session included a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, fun interactive activities, and a discussion on AI’s role in academic integrity. Students participated in games, reviewed key terms, and explored various methods to prevent plagiarism. The atmosphere was lively, with students showing great enthusiasm and interest throughout the session, actively engaging in discussions and asking thoughtful questions.

By the end of the workshop, participants gained a solid understanding of how to uphold academic integrity in their work and felt confident in applying these practices in their studies.

POPSI Continues with Inspiring Alumni Talks

On August 14, the second day of POPSI featured an insightful alumni talk, focusing on career paths in academia. The event included two sessions, both held online via Zoom, and was led by two distinguished lecturers from the English Studies Program, Bu Mala Hernawati, and Mbak Ashika Prajnya Paramita, both currently pursuing their doctoral degrees abroad.

The first session started with Bu Mala Hernawati, who shared her journey to becoming a lecturer in English Literature. She candidly spoke about her experiences and challenges, offering valuable tips to new students on how to navigate their college life while staying passionate about their goals. Her advice was practical and encouraging, motivating students to make the most of their time at university and to pursue their ambitions with dedication.

Students eagerly engaged with her, asking questions and seeking further guidance on how to build their own academic and professional paths. Bu Mala’s words resonated deeply with many through an inspiring tone for the rest of the day’s sessions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second part of the alumni talk on August 14 was led by Mbak Ashika Prajnya Paramita, a lecturer at UGM, who created an interactive and engaging atmosphere with a two-way conversation between herself and the new students. Rather than just giving a presentation, Mba Ashika opened the floor to an open dialogue, encouraging students to share their thoughts and ask questions.

She shared her personal journey to becoming a lecturer by offering a candid look at the challenges and triumphs along the way. In addition to academic advice, Mba Ashika provided valuable guidance on navigating life beyond university. She shared some words of wisdom not just for surviving UGM but for handling the ups and downs of life in general.

The session was a refreshing change of pace, with students feeling comfortable enough to ask questions about both their academic paths and personal growth. Mba Ashika’s approachable style and relatable stories made the conversation feel more like a mentoring session, which left students inspired and reassured as they began their own journeys.

Mba Hesti Aryani Shares Global Career Journey in Business Development

The second session of the alumni talk on August 14 featured Mbak Hesti Aryani, who joined via Zoom all the way from Switzerland, where she works as a business development manager at janzz.technology. As a 2007 graduate of the English Literature program, Mba Hesti took the opportunity to share her career journey by offering a candid look at how she transitioned from a literature student to a successful professional in the tech industry.

Mba Hesti spoke about the challenges she faced and the steps she took to get where she is today, highlighting the twists and turns along her career path. She emphasized that her English Literature background played a key role in her success, from sharpening her communication skills to helping her navigate the international business world.

Her story resonated with students who are unsure about the career options available to them outside of academia. Mba Hesti’s experiences showed that there’s no one-size-fits-all path, and that with determination and a willingness to keep learning, English Literature graduates can find themselves thriving in unexpected fields—even halfway across the world. Her talk was a relatable, down-to-earth conversation that left students feeling inspired and optimistic about their own futures.

POPSI Day 3 Wraps Up with Alumni Insights and a Potluck Celebration

The third day of POPSI on August 15 kicked off with the continuation of the alumni talks, beginning with a session led by Indra “Andrew” Pradipa Yudha, S.S., M.A., CEO of Discovering English, an English learning institution. Before stepping into his current role, Mas Andrew had experience as a financial advisor and an English teacher. Now pursuing a career as an edupreneur and content creator, he shared practical advice with students on how to leverage their English Literature degree to break into the business world, particularly through content creation. His tips were especially valuable for those looking to explore non-traditional career paths in the digital age.

The second session featured Dr. Eddy Pursubaryanto, M. Hum., a former lecturer and cultural scientist from the English Studies Program. In his talk, Pak Eddy encouraged students to delve deeper into the concept of “culture,” emphasizing its relevance as they study within UGM’s Faculty of Cultural Sciences. He highlighted the importance of understanding cultural contexts, especially in an academic setting that bridges literature and broader cultural studies.

The final day of POPSI ended on a high note with a lively potluck party hosted by IMAJI and the English Studies Program. Dr. Adi Sutrisno, the head of the study program, officially welcomed the new students, with many other lecturers joining in to greet the newcomers. The event also covered important academic topics, such as the MBKM programs, and provided a more informal introduction to the study program.

The atmosphere was festive, with students and lecturers enjoying the food, conversations, and a sense of community. It was a fitting conclusion to the three-day orientation. All students were excited and well-prepared for their journey ahead in the English Studies Program.

New English Department students, join us as we kick off an exciting new chapter! POPSI will help you navigate your life as a university student and discover possible career paths after graduation.

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.