Universitas Gadjah Mada continued its PIONEER (Program for International Orientation and New-student Empowerment to Enhance Readiness) on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with a full day of interactive cultural activities at Bumi Perkemahan Babarsari (Babarsari Camping Ground), Sleman, introducing international students to Indonesian traditions.

The second day began with opening remarks from the Head of the Sub-directorate of International Cooperation and a welcome speech from Kwarda DIY (Regional Scout Council of Yogyakarta), represented by Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo (KPH) Notonegoro.

“Hopefully, when you go back to your country, the culture of Yogyakarta would make its mark into your mind, making it an unforgettable impression and embrace the good image of the culture in Yogyakarta,” he remarked.

The highlight of the day was a series of cultural workshops designed to give students a first-hand experience of Indonesian traditions. Divided into five groups, the students rotated through different activity stations featuring gamelan, batik, jemparingan, dolanan anak, and traditional Indonesian Independence Day games.

At the gamelan workshop, students were introduced to traditional Javanese musical instruments, while the batik session offered an opportunity to experience one of Indonesia’s well-known cultural traditions. Students also took part in jemparingan, a traditional Javanese archery practice, and explored dolanan anak through traditional games such as dakon, lompat tali, engklek, and nekeran.

The cultural activities continued with traditional Independence Day games, bringing all groups together for activities including balap karung, makan kerupuk, kelereng, and bakiak. The sessions created a lively atmosphere, with students actively participating, interacting with one another, and sharing plenty of laughter throughout the activities.

Rumaizah, UGM international student from Malaysia who’s currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in the Graduate School, expressed her excitement on the event. “I would like to say thank you for the committee, they are doing a great job for this one,” she said. “Personally, I like this kind of event. There’s a lot of diversity, new friends, and hopefully we can hang out later outside of the events.”

Not only UGM, Pioneer Day 2 also invited international students from other universities in Yogyakarta. One of them, Wamer G. Samuel from Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY), shared his thoughts on this event.

“I feel really happy,” he said. “This event gives us opportunity to interact with each other, knowing that we come from different country, and I can interact with UGM student as well. It can make the international community bigger than before, and I hope this activity would continue.”

Compared with the first day, which focused primarily on orientation and practical information about life at UGM, Day 2 provided a more hands-on experience. Through cultural workshops and traditional games, international students had the opportunity to engage directly with Indonesian culture while building connections with fellow participants.

As PIONEER continues, the experience on its second day marked another step in introducing international students not only to UGM, but also to the cultural environment that surrounds their life in Yogyakarta.

The Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs (OIA) UGM recently organised the NGO Fair 2026 in the East Corridor of Grha Sabha Pramana (GSP) UGM, on August 26, 2026.

The NGO Fair 2026 opened with welcoming remarks by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si, M.S., Ph.D as the Head of OIA UGM and Dani Karuniawan as the Acicis Semester Programme Manager.

“I hope that the event would provide a platform for everyone, including international students, local students, and fresh graduates to learn about potential internship and volunteering opportunities by various NGOs in Yogyakarta,” remarked Mr. Tyas, in which Mr. Dani shared the same sentiment.

The NGO Fair 2026 featured 29 host organisations, comprising a variety of organisations such as NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), research centres and corporations. This year’s NGO Fair successfully brought together a diverse range of host organisations working in various fields such as gender, the environment, wildlife, law, education, health and so on. This diverse range also helps accommodate students’ preferences in choosing activity programmes that aligns with their educational background or interdisciplinary.

The enthusiasm for this event was clearly evident, not only from the creativity shown by the organising organisations in decorating their stands and offering active and participatory activities, but also from the constant stream of visitors (particularly students) who wandered around and took the time to visit each of the organising organisations’ stands. They were not only there to find out about the organisations’ programmes, but also because they were interested in the products on offer and the interactive games arranged by these organisations.

At the end of the event, Acicis held an awards ceremony for the host organisations as a form of appreciation for their participation. The award categories were ‘Most Creative Stand’, awarded to the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP); ‘Most Attractive Stand’, given to Edu Netra Indonesia; and the ‘NGO GASIK’ award for the NGO that arrived earliest, which went to Yakkum’s Emergency Unit.

Acicis is one of UGM’s long-term partners, specializing in providing study abroad experiences in Indonesia. Established in 1994 in Perth, Western Australia, Acicis play a pivotal role in enabling their students to gain invaluable insights and forge deeper connections with Indonesia.

Universitas Gadjah Mada and the University of Melbourne, Australia recently strengthen their academic partnership in launching three Double Degree Programs in part of the development of the Transnational Education (TNE).

Held in Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the launch became a new chapter in the long-lasting partnership between the two universities, which covers several fields of study, including Public Health, Health Policy and Management, Public Administration, and Sociology.

The first part of the launch event featured a panel discussion, highlighting the strategic collaboration between UGM and the University of Melbourne across research, teaching, and academic partnerships. After remarks from Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, UGM’s Vice Rector for Education and Teaching and Professor Frank Vetere, Pro-Vice Chancellor Global at the University of Melbourne, a panel discussion followed on developing successful multilayered partnerships. Representatives from the Faculties of Arts, Science, and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences from both universities discussed priority areas for collaboration, proposed initiatives, potential activities, funding opportunities, and future engagement.

This event also included an info session, introducing prospective students to double degree opportunities between UGM and the University of Melbourne, covering programme introductions, curriculum structures, admission processes, student mobility pathways, and opportunities for further discussion with prospective students.

Each programme was presented by academic representatives from both universities, providing prospective students with insights into the academic structure and international study opportunities available through the partnership. Depending on the programme, students may spend part of their study period at UGM and the remainder at the University of Melbourne, gaining academic experience in both Indonesian and international educational environments. The program is designed to strengthen students’ academic expertise, international exposure, professional networks, and career prospects through an integrated cross-institutional learning experience.

Prospective students showed strong interest in the Double Degree opportunities offered by UGM and the University of Melbourne, particularly during the programme presentations and discussions. The interactive atmosphere reflected their excitement and curiosity about the opportunity to study across both institutions, learn in an international academic environment, and explore potential academic and career pathways through the programmes.

Universitas Gadjah Mada recently kicked off the PIONEER (Program for International Orientation and New-student Empowerment to Enhance Readiness) on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

PIONEER is a 4-day orientation program designed as a welcoming introduction to Universitas Gadjah Mada and its academic environment for international students. Created as an adaptation of UGM’s university-wide student orientation program PPSMB PIONIR, it brings together international students to explore UGM’s academic programmes, campus life, student services, and opportunities for cultural and academic engagement.

The first day of PIONEER is focusing on international student orientation, which aimed to introduce the international students to campus life, including campus facilities and dos and dont’s as a student.

This semester, UGM welcomes 424 international students from 53 countries, joining various programs including degree, exchange, and Indonesian language programs. Their diverse backgrounds further enrich UGM’s international community and contribute to the multicultural atmosphere of the university.

In the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., Vice Rector for Education and Learning UGM expressed her delight in welcoming international students in UGM.

“Together, you represent a wonderful diversity of backgrounds, cultures, languages, academic interests, and experiences,” she remarked. “We hope that this diversity will not only enrich your own experience at UGM, but also contribute to the learning experience of our Indonesian students and the wider UGM community.”

The session was then continued by a presentation from I Made Andi Arsana, Ph.D., the former Head of Office of International Affairs UGM. In the session, he explained about UGM values and what does it mean to be UGM student and Yogyakarta citizen.

“Being in UGM is not only about studying, it is about giving impact,” he said.

International students were also introduced to student affairs matters, including Student Activity Units (UKM) and scholarship opportunities for international students, as well as an introduction to UGM’s library services. The Head of Office of International Affairs UGM, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D. also gave a presentation on practical information for international students.

“The most important thing of being an international student is that don’t forget to comply with the rules and regulations here, and also immerse yourself in Indonesian and Yogyakarta culture,” he said.

Adding a cultural touch to the orientation, the students were entertained by performances from Sastra Oebah Fakultas Ilmu Budaya and Aluz Jogja Performance Team, giving first glimpse into Indonesian martial arts and traditional dances.

To give more perspective about life as international student, PIONEER also featured Sundas Ejaz, UGM international student from Pakistan who’s currently pursuing her PhD from the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM. Among the topics discussed was Indonesian food, in which she initially described as different from her country, but later get accustomed to it.

“My personal favourite is nasi goreng, or fried rice,” she explained. “Being a Muslim myself, I love that I can find halal food here very easily.”

As PIONEER continues over the next several days, students will have further opportunities to explore UGM and Yogyakarta while connecting with fellow students and members of the university community. More than simply an orientation, the program serves as a first step in helping international students feel at home, understand their new environment, and become part of the wider UGM community.

A group of 13 international students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) took part in the Jogja Fashion Carnival (JFC) 2026, held along Jalan Malioboro, Yogyakarta, on August 22, 2026. Their participation brought an international touch to the annual cultural and fashion celebration, while giving the students an opportunity to experience Yogyakarta’s cultural heritage firsthand.

Organized annually by the Yogyakarta Regional Government, JFC 2026 carried the theme “Hangrengkuh Sesotya Tuhu”, which conveys a message of embracing, preserving, and safeguarding noble values as an important part of the identity of Yogyakarta and Indonesia. The event also formed part of the celebrations commemorating the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

The carnival featured the participation of international students from several universities in Yogyakarta, including UGM, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), and Universitas Alma Ata. Coming from diverse countries such as Timor-Leste, Pakistan, South Africa, Madagascar, China, and Nigeria, the students brought their own cultural identities to the vibrant parade.

During the event, some international students showcased traditional clothing from their respective countries, while others had the opportunity to wear costumes specially designed by fashion designers from Yogyakarta. The combination of international and local elements created a unique representation of cultural diversity in the heart of Malioboro.

For the participating students, the experience went beyond simply taking part in the parade. They were involved throughout the process, from preparing their costumes and attending rehearsals to finally walking in the carnival. The experience allowed them to engage directly with local artists and the creative community while gaining a deeper appreciation of Yogyakarta’s fashion and cultural traditions.

The participation of international students also served as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration. By sharing their own cultures while experiencing Yogyakarta’s creative traditions, the students contributed to introducing the city’s cultural heritage and fashion creativity to a wider international audience.

More broadly, their involvement in JFC reflects how international students can become active participants in the cultural life of Yogyakarta. Through events such as JFC, internationalization extends beyond the university campus, creating opportunities for students from different backgrounds to connect, share perspectives, and celebrate cultural diversity together. At the same time, such initiatives contribute to supporting the growth of Yogyakarta’s fashion and creative communities while strengthening the city’s position as a vibrant cultural destination.

Head of Jardine Foundation, Mrs. Retno Marsudi, visited the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) alongside Jardine Foundation representatives on 12 August 2026. They were welcomed by UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia, accompanied by the Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships alongside Office of International Affairs representatives.

The visit primarily discusses the potential collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Jardine Foundation for the postgraduate scholarship program. For years, UGM and the Jardine Foundation have successfully held the Jardine Foundation Scholarship Program with notable alumni managed to work in top tier company and continue postgraduate study at world-top universities.

Retno Marsudi, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, emphasized the commitment from Jardine to support the development of education in Indonesia.

“Hopefully, the scholarship will help the awardees to expand their opportunities in the future,” she said. “Going forwards, the focus will not only be on the university, but also educating the educators to increase their capacity.”

Both the Jardine Foundation and UGM have aligned visions towards the Indonesia education sector since 2014, believing education should be given equally and inclusively. This vision has led to the initiation of the Jardine Scholarship for Postgraduate scheme, extending the scholarship impact beyond undergraduate study. This postgraduate scholarship will be provided for master and doctoral students across Indonesia, considering the urgent need to develop human capital in the education sector in the remote regions of Indonesia. 

Alongside the postgraduate scheme, the meeting also discussed potential collaboration in community development, leadership, and entrepreneurship to deliver larger impact for Indonesia. This collaboration will involve several multinational companies as partners, aligning the academic, extracurricular, and career development of UGM-Jardine awardees. The meeting was then followed up by an informal discussion between Mrs. Retno Marsudi and current awardees of the UGM-Jardine scholarship, a photo session with the UGM rector, and a campus tour around UGM. 

Through UGM-Jardine scholarship, both institutions hoped for the increased quality of Indonesia education, strengthened by integrated academic and career option. 

The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Prof. Ova Emilia, welcomed the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Indonesia, H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari, during a courtesy visit on Monday, August 3, 2026, at the Rector’s Meeting Room. The Rector was accompanied by the Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, along with representatives from several faculties and directorates across the university.

The visit served as an important opportunity to discuss strengthening partnerships between UGM and various institutions in Qatar, particularly in the areas of higher education, research, innovation, and human resource development. The meeting also explored opportunities to expand UGM’s collaboration with leading universities in Qatar and to identify potential funding schemes that support the implementation of the university’s three pillars of higher education or Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi: education, research, and community service.

UGM was the first university visited by H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari following his appointment as the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Republic of Indonesia. Although he assumed office in late 2025, he officially presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Indonesia on June 10, 2026.

During the meeting, the Rector highlighted several ongoing collaborations between UGM and its partners in Qatar, including the university’s strategic partnership in artificial intelligence (AI) with Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and NVIDIA, supported by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs. This collaboration has led to the establishment of the NVAITC Joint Centre, which is scheduled to be officially launched on August 13, 2026, at Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) UGM.

UGM also invited potential collaboration with Qatari partners in developing the Institute for Future Life UGM in Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara (IKN), particularly in research, innovation, and technology development that support sustainable development.

The Ambassador welcomed UGM’s proposals to strengthen academic cooperation. “We are ready to facilitate stronger collaboration with universities and institutions in Qatar, including Qatar University and Hamad Hospital,” said Ambassador Al-Dosari.

UGM has previously established partnerships with several institutions in Qatar, including Qatar University, Hamad bin Khalifa University and the University of Doha for Science and Technology.

The relationship between UGM and Qatar has also continued to grow through various collaborative initiatives. These include a courtesy meeting with the former Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Indonesia (2020–2024), H.E. Fawziya Edrees Salman Al-Sulaiti, in May 2023; UGM’s participation in the 1st Indonesian Education Expo in Doha, Qatar, on May 11–12, 2024; and the visit of Dr. Awni Al-Otoom, Dean of the College of Engineering Technology at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, to UGM’s Vocational College on July 9, 2024.

Through this visit, UGM and the Embassy of the State of Qatar hope to open more mutually beneficial opportunities for collaboration, ranging from joint research and academic mobility to strategic partnerships with universities, hospitals, and industry partners in Qatar. The strengthened relationship is expected to further enhance cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar in higher education, innovation, and the advancement of science and technology.

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing regional higher education by participating in the 17th ASEAN University Network (AUN) Rectors’ Meeting and the 41st ASEAN University Network Board of Trustees (AUN-BOT) Meeting, held at the Grand Hyatt Singapore on 23–24 July 2026. 

Representing UGM were Rector Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito, S.Sos., M.Si., Vice Rector for Education and Teaching Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M.Hum., DEA., and Head of the Office of International Affairs Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D.

The meetings convened leaders of ASEAN’s leading universities to discuss strategic priorities for strengthening higher education collaboration across the region under the theme “ASEAN Higher Education at the Forefront: Student-Centered Leadership for a Global Era.“

During the meeting, Prof. Ova Emilia undertook the role as lead facilitator for a strategic breakout workshop on Strategic Policy Briefs and Actionable Recommendations. The workshop brought together rectors and university leaders from across ASEAN to formulate concrete policy recommendations aimed at enhancing student-centered leadership, strengthening regional cooperation, and improving the global competitiveness of ASEAN higher education institutions.

Meanwhile, Prof. Wening Udasmoro was appointed as the rapporteur for the breakout discussions, synthesizing key deliberations into strategic recommendations presented during the plenary session. Her role contributed to ensuring that the collective perspectives of participating universities were translated into actionable regional priorities for the ASEAN University Network.

Throughout the two-day meeting, ASEAN university leaders discussed a broad range of strategic issues, including digital transformation in higher education, quality assurance, student well-being, sustainability, human rights-based universities, inclusive campuses, artificial intelligence in education, research collaboration, and strengthening ASEAN’s global engagement. The Board of Trustees also reviewed recent developments within the AUN Secretariat, endorsed future AUN programmes, and considered proposals for new thematic networks that will further enhance regional collaboration.

UGM’s active engagement in both the Rectors’ Meeting and the AUN Board of Trustees Meeting reflects the University’s strategic commitment to shaping the future of higher education in Southeast Asia. By contributing to regional policy discussions and collaborative initiatives, UGM continues to strengthen its role as a leading university dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, and impactful international partnerships.

The outcomes of the meetings are expected to reinforce ASEAN’s collective capacity to address emerging global challenges through stronger university collaboration, student-centered education, and evidence-based policy development. As an active member of the ASEAN University Network, UGM remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster inclusive, resilient, and globally connected higher education across the region.

A collaborative project led by students from the Faculty of Engineering and Vocational College Universitas Gadjah Mada named GELORA recently won the Most Impact Award for the 2026 Universitas 21 (U21) Real Impact on Society and Environment (RISE) Awards.

Led by Amir Fren Afrizal, Rahma Alya Nabila Damayanti, Fa’iq Al-Baihaqi, Muhammad Lathif Adani and Muhammad Zulfa Azizi, the GELORA project created an eco-friendly, portable household incinerator which uses a closed combustion system and activated carbon filtration to burn domestic waste safely without emitting harmful pollutants.

“We are honoured that GELORA has been named winner of the ‘Most Impact’ Award in the U21 RISE competition,” said Amir. “This project is a practical response to Indonesia’s growing domestic waste challenge. Our goal is clear: accessible, sustainable waste management within reach of every household.”

As winners, the students will be awarded US $2,000 in seed funding through the 2026 U21 RISE Awards to fund their project. “This recognition, and the accompanying seed funding, will help us expand the impact of our project, refine the product for durability and safety, and explore partnerships for community-scale production,” Amir added.

Aside from UGM, another three outstanding student-led projects from across the U21 network have been selected as winners in 2026 U21 RISE Awards: Most Potential Award for Potastic from University of Birmingham, Most Collaborative Award for La Raiz from UC Chile, and People’s Choice for Innovation for Craftscape HK from the University of Hong Kong. These awards intend to recognise innovative ideas that are already making a difference within their university, for people in their communities and wider society.

Selected from an impressive range of projects, the winning teams demonstrated the power of student innovation to drive meaningful change on a local and global level. Three awards were selected by an international panel of judges from across the network, while the People’s Choice for Innovation award, introduced this year, attracted more than 6,000 public votes.

Since launching in 2019, the U21 RISE Awards have showcased the ingenuity of students developing practical solutions to some of society’s most pressing global challenges. From improving healthcare access and advancing environmental sustainability to strengthening communities through social innovation, the awards help accelerate the scale and impact of student-led projects, supporting student innovation and nurturing the next generation of sustainability leaders.  

U21 or Universitas 21 is a diverse, global network that brings together world-leading, research-intensive universities across six continents. As of 2026, 31 universities including UGM have joined U21 as part of an effort to nurture well-informed, highly educated, globally responsive citizens and leaders of the future.

Going further into the second week of INCiTE (Intercultural Competence, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship) Summer School 2026, the participants had the opportunity to expose themselves to Indonesia’s diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem through a series of industry visits across Yogyakarta.

Spread across 10-17 July 2026, the participants visited six curated destinations representing different sectors of industry: from biotechnology and creative manufacturing to sustainable agriculture, circular economy initiatives, and traditional craftsmanship. It allows the participants to observe how local enterprises address contemporary challenges through innovation while preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.

One of the highlights was a visit to Bambu Nusa Verde (BNV), a biotechnology company specializing in the micropropagation of bamboo species. Participants learned how scientific research and biotechnology are applied to develop sustainable bamboo cultivation for industrial and ornamental purposes. The visit demonstrated how innovation in plant biotechnology can contribute to environmental conservation while creating new economic opportunities through renewable natural resources.

The program also introduced participants to Dowa Bag Factory, one of Yogyakarta’s internationally recognized fashion brands. Starting as a small home-based enterprise, Dowa has grown into a successful global business while preserving traditional hand-knitting and crocheting techniques. Through discussions with the company’s team, participants explored how creativity, craftsmanship, and artisan empowerment have become key drivers of sustainable business growth in Indonesia’s creative economy.

At Bakpia Mutiara Factory, participants discovered how one of Yogyakarta’s most iconic culinary products has evolved from a traditional family recipe into a modern food enterprise. Beyond observing the production process, students experienced making bakpia themselves, gaining practical insights into product development, quality control, and the importance of preserving local culinary heritage while adapting to contemporary markets.

Sustainability became the central theme during visit to Jejamuran Agrotourism. At Jejamuran, participants explored an integrated farm-to-table business model where fresh mushrooms are cultivated, processed, and served as innovative culinary products. The visit highlighted how sustainable agriculture can create value through environmentally responsible food production and agritourism. 

The final day of the industry visit brought participants to Nangsib Keramik Kasongan and Jogja Life Cycle. Located within the renowned Kasongan pottery village, Nagsib Keramik Kasongan brought participants to observe every stage of ceramic production, from shaping clay and firing to finishing handcrafted products. They also took part in hands-on pottery workshops guided by local artisans. The experience illustrated how traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive through innovation, entrepreneurship, and the preservation of cultural heritage that has supported local livelihoods for generations.

Meanwhile, Jogja Life Cycle introduced participants to community-based initiatives promoting circular economy practices through waste reduction, recycling, composting, and environmental education. Interactive activities encouraged participants to reflect on responsible consumption and the role of communities in advancing environmental sustainability.

More than introducing participants to successful local enterprises, the industry visits encouraged them to examine how entrepreneurship can generate social, economic, and environmental impact. By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, artisans, researchers, and community leaders, participants gained valuable perspectives on innovation rooted in local wisdom and sustainable practices.

The knowledge and inspiration gained from these experiences will serve as an important foundation for the participants as they work in multicultural teams to develop innovative project ideas for the INCiTE Project Fair. Through this combination of academic learning and experiential fieldwork, the INCiTE Summer School continues to equip future global leaders with the entrepreneurial mindset, intercultural competence, and collaborative skills needed to address increasingly complex global challenges.