The English Literature Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) has achieved a significant milestone in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 by securing 151-200 globally and the 1st spot in Indonesia.
Alongside UGM, two other Indonesian universities made it into the global ranking in this subject cluster: Universitas Indonesia (UI), also in the 151-200 range, and Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, ranked 251-300.
Head of the English Literature Program, Dr. Adi Sutrisno, expressed joy and gratitude for the achievement.
“We’re very grateful to have reached this point. Our program has already earned the highest national accreditation; now, this global recognition proves our international reputation. It’s also part of the collective dream of everyone in the academic community at UGM,” Dr. Sutrisno stated on Monday, Apr. 21, 2025.
The UGM English Literature Program actively implements policies supporting campus student development. These policies are realized through various complementary and sustainable programs.
He explained that after students complete PPSMB (UGM’s mandatory orientation program), the department initiates a range of follow-up programs.
Through the Orientation Program for the English Literature Program (POPSI) initiative, students are introduced to international exposure in the early stages of their studies.
This includes classes taught by lecturers currently studying abroad to provide students with insights into overseas education.
Additionally, the program invites influential figures such as ambassadors from Australia and Russia to offer global perspectives.
Dr. Sutrisno emphasized that although the program encourages international engagement, POPSI also stresses the importance of national insight, instilling values and behaviors appropriate for the campus environment.
“It may seem minor, but we want students to have both an international outlook and a strong sense of national identity and courtesy,” he added.
UGM English Literature students also have the opportunity to attend general classes alongside students from Japan and Taiwan.
These sessions aim to foster cross-cultural connections and enable students to learn from peers in other countries, adopting best practices where applicable.
“This initiative has been ongoing for around five years now, and we ensure our students are exposed to these programs early on,” he said.
The program has also established strong ties with the National University of Singapore (NUS).
UGM English Literature students are offered the chance to participate in a short course at NUS, involving a few days of study in Singapore and vice versa.
This serves as a cultural exchange and a form of soft diplomacy, promoting Indonesian culture to the world.
Beyond academics, the program supports student creativity through an annual theater performance as part of its flagship event, English Days.
In this event, students perform and take charge of organizing the event, from planning and conceptualizing to fundraising.
To ensure students are equipped with practical skills, the department encourages them to manage the program’s website and social media accounts, supported by writing and journalism courses offered within the curriculum.
One unique aspect of the program is its development of an English proficiency test, the Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT UGM).
The university officially uses this test to select new students intending to study at UGM.
In terms of academic publishing, the program launched a journal that will be open to submissions from English literature departments across Indonesia starting in 2024.
“We submitted it for accreditation, and it was immediately awarded Sinta 3,” Dr. Sutrisno shared.
Speaking about alumni reputation, he noted that the alumni network and retired faculty members also contribute to the program’s growth. They frequently share feedback, suggestions, and useful information with the department and current students.
“The goal is to help students continue achieving excellence in the future,” he explained.
This accomplishment is something to be proud of, thanks to the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, and staff.
Each year, the program successfully sends a significant number of students to participate in the Indonesia International Student Mobility Awards (IISMA).
Dr. Sutrisno remarked that these students return with stories and experiences they can share.
“Once again, we’re not chasing after rankings. We stay focused on our vision and mission, and the achievements naturally follow,” the program head concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Donnie