Hasanuddin University’s Indonesian Literature Department Welcomes 143 New Students Through 2026 Orientation Program

MAKASSAR – A total of 143 new students from the 2026 cohort participated in the Student Orientation Program (PKKMB) at the Department of Indonesian Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Hasanuddin University, held at the Lecture Theater (LT.7) on Thursday (August 13, 2026).

Prior to the departmental orientation, the students had attended the university-level PKKMB at the Hasanuddin University Sports Hall on Tuesday (August 11, 2026), followed by the faculty-level orientation on Wednesday (August 12, 2026).

This year, Hasanuddin University admitted 10,401 new students across its 17 faculties. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences became the second-largest faculty in terms of new student enrollment, welcoming 994 students, after the Faculty of Engineering with 1,634 students.

Head of the Department of Indonesian Literature, Dr. Dra. Muslimat, M.Hum., emphasized that entering university is more than simply moving from secondary school to higher education—it is also a transition toward greater maturity and responsibility.

"What we expect is for students to become more knowledgeable, more mature, and more responsible in every aspect of life," she said.

According to her, the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made information more accessible than ever. However, the real challenge lies not in obtaining information, but in selecting, evaluating, and transforming it into meaningful knowledge.

"That is why this year's PKKMB carries the theme, Building Indonesian Literature Students Who Are Critical, Creative, Ethical, and Culturally Grounded. Students should not accept every piece of information at face value. Read extensively, learn from experience, and develop critical thinking skills," she explained.

She also reminded students that not every source of information should be accepted without careful examination and thoughtful understanding.

During the program, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Darwis, M.S., also delivered a presentation on the development of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, including the history behind its transition from the Faculty of Letters to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The former Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (2006–2010) explained that before the current name was adopted, two alternatives had been proposed: the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

"After discussions in the university senate, the name Faculty of Cultural Sciences was selected. Hasanuddin University was not the first institution to use this name, as it had already been adopted by the University of Indonesia and Gadjah Mada University," he said.

He further emphasized that the Faculty of Cultural Sciences is not limited to literature or activities such as poetry appreciation. Rather, it encompasses the study of language, literature, and culture.

"To become a cultural expert, students must first master language and literature. Once they become experts in these fields, they will naturally develop into scholars of culture," he added.

A Full Day of Academic and Student Life Orientation

The departmental orientation began with student registration and a welcoming ceremony featuring the traditional Paduppa Dance, performed by the Indonesian Literature Student Association (IMSI) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The official opening continued with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya, and the Hasanuddin University Hymn, followed by a prayer and a report from the Chair of the PKKMB Committee, Ilham, S.S., M.Hum.

Following the official opening by the Head of the Department, participants enjoyed a multicultural performance titled Empat Etnis (Four Ethnic Groups) before attending a series of academic sessions.

The first session, delivered by Dr. Muhammad Nur Iman, S.S., M.Hum., introduced students to the department's academic staff, areas of expertise, and academic concentrations.

This was followed by a presentation from Andi Meirling AJ, S.S., M.Hum., who explained the 2023 Curriculum (K-23). Dr. Indarwati, S.S., M.Hum., Secretary of the Department, then introduced the university's digital academic platforms, including SIPANTAU, SIPAKAMASE, SIKOLA, NEOSIA, and the procedures for course registration (KRS).

After the morning sessions, students enjoyed a musical performance by SpaSI IMSI before the lunch break. The afternoon program resumed with a session titled "Building a Career in the Creative Industry," presented by Indonesian Literature alumnus Muh. Akhdan Abizar, S.S.

During his presentation, Akhdan shared his journey in the performing arts, highlighting how he completed his undergraduate degree through a creative work pathway rather than a conventional thesis by producing theatrical performances with Hasanuddin University Theatre (Teater Kampus Unhas/TKU).

One of his productions was staged at the Andi Pangerang Pettarani Hall at Hasanuddin University on August 25, 2024, attracting approximately 900 audience members, including Hasanuddin University Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Muhammad Ruslin. The production later earned a place at the 11th National Student Theatre Festival (Festamasio XI), organized by the Literary, Theatre, and Film Arts Association (GSSTF) of Padjadjaran University in Jatinangor.

The atmosphere became even livelier with a theatrical performance by the IMSI Theatre Team before the organizational session. During this session, Ananda Dina Cintya, Chair of IMSI, together with fellow student leaders, introduced IMSI, SpaSI, and Lentera Kita, while explaining opportunities for leadership development and student involvement through campus organizations.

The orientation concluded with closing remarks from the Head of the Department, followed by a group photo session involving students, lecturers, and the organizing committee, marking the official beginning of the new students' academic journey in the Department of Indonesian Literature, Hasanuddin University. (*)