The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) senate hall has witnessed an important academic transition for Prof. Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum, as the professor of Translation and Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. This event not only marks a personal achievement for Prof. Sajarwa but also highlights UGM’s continuous endeavors to advance education and research in the linguistic field.

This inauguration was held on Tuesday, February 25^th, 2025. The honorable members of the Board of Trustees, Vice Chancellor, Council of Professors, and the Academic Senate of the Faculty of Cultural Science also attended and collectively participated in the inauguration celebration. The event also broadcast live, allowing a wider audience to participate virtually through UGM’s YouTube channel.

Prof. Sajarwa, in his speech, entitled “Transformasi Manajemen Muka dalam Penerjemahan Kesantunan Bahasa Prancis ke Bahasa Indonesia,” highlighted the complexity of translation management, notably in the field focusing on the nuance of politeness in French-Indonesian translation. His insights are projected to immensely contribute to translation studies, especially in advocating the crucial role of cultural context in effective communication.

Prof. Sajarwa’s research is congruent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4 which ensures quality and inclusive education for all people, regardless of gender, income, or background. Additionally, the goal promotes equal, life-long opportunities to access education. His significant contribution to linguistics and translation does not only ignite the continuous advancement in the academic field. It actively encourages people to learn cross-cultural communication and understanding that become pivotal in an increasingly globalized world.

This inauguration also posits as an important platform to discuss the education role in bridging cultural gaps. As the globalized world is developing rapidly, the need for competent translators is increasingly significant to navigate the linguistic and cultural differences shared among many countries. Therefore, Prof. Sajarwa’s expertise is hoped to inspire the next generation to take an important step in the world of language, especially in French translation.

In addition to his academic achievement, Prof. Sajarwa is actively involved in various community services that mainly focus on enhancing the quality of language education in Indonesia. His commitment to education has transcended beyond a class activity. He believes that language can be a powerful tool to unite people and help them achieve mutual understanding, providing a harmonious society where everyone respects each other.

As UGM continues to carry out its mission to advance science and education, the inauguration of Prof. Sajarwa is a testament to the university’s role in shaping the future of linguistics and translation studies in Indonesia.

The Senate Hall on Tuesday, February 11^th, 2025 was filled with excitement and applause as Dr. Suhandano, M.A. was officially inaugurated as a Professor of Anthropological Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Distinguished faculty members, students, and representatives from various academic institutions also attended and celebrated the inauguration.

Prof. Suhandano, in his speech, emphasized the urgency of positive discourse analysis in ecolinguistics. He explained how language is not a mere portrayal of a speaker’s view of the environment. Language, in fact, has become a powerful tool in shaping speakers’ perceptions and actions toward the environment. The interrelation between language and environmental awareness is very essential in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education.

Prof. Suhandano further continued that language may not directly be the key point to tackling environmental issues. However, it has a pivotal role in constructing public attitudes and behaviors. In the academic field, an individual is equipped with language as a tool to be engaged in a lively dialogue on environmental conservation and sustainability. He took the concept of “wit angker” or haunted trees in Indonesian society that function as cultural strategies in environmental conservation. This traditional phenomenon highlights how local wisdom and language significantly contribute to sustainable practices, allowing reciprocity between culture, language, and environmental management.

A positive discourse further is expected to arouse a sense of responsibility among people toward the environment. By advocating environmental-oriented narration and encouraging sustainable practices, educators can inspire students to actively participate in conservational efforts, following the SDGs’ focus on high-quality education and a sustainable community.

The celebration of Prof. Suhandono’s achievement is a constant reminder for educational institutions of their vital role in shaping a resilient and harmonious future. The power of language is exceptional to develop a deeper understanding of our surroundings and empower individuals to take an important step toward a life worth living.

Entering a new spring semester, the Master’s Program of Linguistics hosted an academic forum for its 2024 cohort on February 7^th, 2025. The event is mainly held to facilitate a thorough discussion on the study plan and course details following the start of the second semester. Before starting the main session, the head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A. expressed a warm welcome and opening remarks to lecturers and students. He mentioned that this gathering would not only provide academic insights for students but also a platform to discuss any suggestions for the future growth of the Master’s Program of Linguistics.

During this session, 15 questions are collected from students, concerning thesis topics, class administration and assignments, as well as research ethics. One of the 2024 cohort, Rafika, found that the discussion provides clear guidance for the student’s academic journey, “This event helps us navigate our second semester better, with an adequate explanation of each course and the study projection.”

The event continued with the inauguration of KALINGGA (Keluarga Linguistik Universitas Gadjah Mada) 2025. The newly elected chairperson, Reski Ramadhani S., emphasizes in her speech that Kalingga belongs to all students in the Linguistics program, not only to the members of the organization. It strives to pursue innovation and accommodates the aspirations of Linguistics students. The former chairperson of Kalingga 2024, Yuliana Kristianti, also expresses gratitude for the successful run of Kalingga 2024 and encourages the new Kalingga 2025 to joyfully embrace continuous learning and growth. The session further is concluded with motivational and encouraging messages from all lecturers to start the new term with fresh eagerness for learning. “Dedicate yourself to your studies and work, also remember to find joy in the process,” said Dr. Sailal Arimi, M.Hum.

The extended family of the Master of Linguistics extends its heartfelt condolence for the passing of our dear lecturer, Dr. H. M. Masruhi, M.Hum on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in Kediri, East Java. We pray that his good deeds will be rewarded and may God grant his family strength and courage during this difficult time.

Dedicated preparations and the completion of three-day FIBAA accreditation events have finally resulted in a positive outcome. The Master’s Program in Linguistics has been awarded by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) its Quality Seal on November 27, 2024, and the accreditation itself is valid until November 26, 2029.

The preparation started on June 13, 2024, when representatives of three study programs, notably the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Undergraduate Program in Philosophy, and Undergraduate Program in French Language and Literature, conducted an extensive coordination meeting. This initial preparation mainly discusses each program’s administration and valuable information for quality assessments of respective study programs.

The FIBAA international accreditation was further conducted within three consecutive assessment meetings. The first day involved extensive discussion on how the university responds to learning systems, including strategies, ranking, and research support. The dialog was also attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, as well as all vice deans, the Head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, the Head of the Bachelor’s Program in French Language and Literature, and the Head of Bachelor’s Program in Philosophy.

The second and third day involves lecturers, students, alumni, and staff reviewing how the learning system is applied to the study programs and how each program adapts to the ever-evolving academic and societal shifts. The representation of FIBAA further conducted a thorough review of those activities and discussions on the third day and marked the end of the whole visitation.

External assessment by reputable organizations, such as FIBAA, is essential for our study program to maintain and ensure high-quality curriculum, facilities, and learning practices. Aside from aligning with the recognized standards, accreditation is our continuous effort to stay current with the academic and professional demands, providing adequate and relevant support for students’ learning outcomes.

On December 3, 2024, lecturers of the Master’s Program in Linguistics gathered in a meeting room at the University Club to evaluate the learning process and design the next curriculum for batch 2025. The lecturers sized up the material and learning processes implemented over the past year, including students’ assignments, credit requirements, and the thesis advising process. These educational components were analyzed to serve as the foundation for following curriculum design.

The main discussion in this meeting delved into the new regulation regarding Quality Assurance of Higher Education composed in Permendikbudristek No. 53 Year 2023. One of the learning components that is highlighted is the credit total. It is stated that––in Article 19––the students are required to complete a minimum of fifty-four credit hours and a maximum of seventy-two credit hours within three to four semesters. In response, this meeting was arranged to develop a revised curriculum aligned with the requirements. The lecturers proposed a new framework for the thesis process as part of the discussion.

“We are initiating a formal assessment at each stage of the process in order to meet the credit requirements,” explained Suhandano, the head of the Master’s program in Linguistics. The outcome of the meeting was a proposal to further review by the university, rather than a final decision. 

On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Kalingga held a council meeting. It took place at S.209, Soegondo building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The meeting brought up the theme of creating and understanding the function of the University Student Organization, in which the Master’s program in Linguistics Students batch 2024 and 2023 as well as Kalingga officials participated in the meeting. 

The discussion explored the Articles of Association and Bylaws. The participants were reviewed the articles including its paragraphs. After examining the laws thoroughly and closely by considering the purpose, structure, and membership of the organization, including the roles and responsibilities, decision-making process, and disciplinary actions, there were some changes made. The participants suggested to modify and remove the clauses regarding the membership of the organization, and the rules for choosing the chairperson. 

The meeting also became the medium to showcase the organization’s accomplishments in line with the action plan and work program. Each division presented its program, allowing the participant to ask questions and offering suggestions for the next government. The last agenda was deciding the next chairperson of the organization. 

A few weeks prior, four students from batch 2024 registered to participate in the contest. They were Reski Ramadhani S., Lalu Ahmad Rofi’, Romi Lamusa, and Rizki Dwiki Reza Usman. During the meeting, they were challenged to answer some questions from the participants and deliver their program for future governance. After a discussion, a vote was held to elect the next chairperson. 52 participants voted for the chairperson, resulting Reski Ramadhani S. winning the election. Below is the summary of the vote. 

Reski Ramadhani S.: 63.5%

Lalu Ahmad Rofi’: 19.2%

Romi Lamusa: 11.5% 

Rizki Dwiki Reza Usman: 5.8%

Kalingga organized a book launch and discussion on the latest essay anthology written by twenty-nine Kalingga’s members. It took place in Soegondo Auditorium, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada on Tuesday, November 28, 2024. The head of the Master’s Program in Linguistics, Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A. opened the discussion. The discussion invited Dr. Tri Mastoyo Jati Kesuma, M.Hum as the keynote speaker, Yuliana Kristianti as the representation of the writer, and Deni Ferdiansyah moderated the discussion. 

The essay was written by twenty-nine Kalingga members exploring contemporary linguistic issues, future challenges for linguists, notable figures in the field, and advancements in language learning. To begin the discussion, Yuliana Kristianti as the speaker, representing the writers, tried to find out why the women should not swear compared to the men. “Well, we have to look at the situation and context to fully understand how swear words are used by genders. In addition, some factors such as social economy, educational background, and social-religious norms might be involved in the reason why women do not swear a lot or they are constructed not to swear a lot,” explained Yuliana. 

The discussion reached its peak as Dr. Tri Mastoyo Jati Kesuma, M.Hum conveyed his response and ideas regarding the book. He expressed his appreciation to the students––the writers––who had transferred their concerns into such an interesting article. “It is good to see the students are able to sense the issue and wrote it,” he said. He also mentioned that such activities can enhance student’s ability to use their intuition in seeing the issues from different perspectives as well as to strengthen their ability to write.

“I hope that we will never grow tired of practicing. Keep the fire within us burning to create and produce other remarkable works,” Hurrotul inspired the audience.

The Master’s program in Linguistics is delighted and deeply grateful to welcome three esteemed professors to our academic program. They are Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Sajarwa, M.Hum., and Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A., who are experts in linguistics and anthropological linguistics. We believe that their knowledge and dedication will undoubtedly enrich our program, inspire our students, and contribute to advancing research in the field of linguistics. 

“Congratulations to our respected lecturers, Prof. Hendro, Prof. Han, and Prof. Jarwa. They are the expert in their field and I am grateful to be their student and to be able to sit in a class listening to their lectures and be involved in the discussion with them,” Shela and Zalinda expressed their joyfulness. Shela asserted that they truly deserved the title since the experience and knowledge they shared always left her in awe and inspired her to delve deeper into the subject. 

“We do hope that Prof. Hendro, Prof. Han, and Prof. Jarwa may continue to create impactful knowledge and may always be beside us in digging the unseen––linguistically,” Shela added. Magister’s program in linguistics is excited to collaborate with our respected new professors and looks forward to discussing with them how to create impactful knowledge. “Stay healthy, Prof!” Zalinda cheered.

On Saturday, November 2, 2024, the second round of a thesis proposal seminar was held. Fifty linguistics students participated in the seminar. Unlike the previous round, the presentation started at eight in the morning and finished at one in the afternoon. On the other hand, technically it was similar to the previous seminar, the participants were given thirty minutes to present their topic and got feedback from the reviewer, not to mention the audience. 

Five rooms witnessed the discussion between the reviewer and the participants. The participants joined the room based on the student’s field of interest and the similarity of the research topics they are pursuing.  This time, Dr. Wiwik Retno Handayani, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Arief Ma`nawi, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Sailal Arimi, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., Dr. Aprillia Firmonasari, S.S., M.Hum., Dr. Merry Andriani, S.S., M.L.C.S., Dr. Ni Gusti Ayu Roselani, M.A., Dr. Rio Rini Diah Moehkardi, M.A., Prof. Dr. Suhandano, M.A., Drs. Tatang Hariri, M.A., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A. were the reviewers who read the proposal carefully to kindly suggested the students with valuable feedback.  

“Thank God everything went smoothly. I’d like to thank the reviewers for their constructive feedback and suggestions. It helped me to reshape and guide me to finish my research,” Zalfah, a translation student, gave her thoughts after participating in the seminar. In line with the Zalfah, Yuni, a sociolinguistic student, expressed that the discussion between the student and the reviewer contributed to making her research better through their insight and new perspectives. 

Zalfah and Yuni hoped that their research, not to mention the other students, would be conducted successfully, presenting a significant contribution and result academically and practically. “And I hope we will graduate in time, amin.” Zalfah’s wish ended the conversation.