Kapalasastra (Keluarga pencinta Alam Sastra; Family of Nature Lovers, Literature) was established by Joko Dwiyanto (Lecturer of Archeology/Head of the Cultural Department of Yogyakarta), Kusen (Lecturer of Archeology) and other fellows in 1976. The anniversary of Kapalasastra is celebrated on 7 March; this is taken from Joko Dwiyanto’s birthdate and recognizes his significant role in the establishment of Kapalasastra.
Why Kapalasastra?
The term Literature is taken from the previous name of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, which was still the Faculty of Literature when Kapalasastra was established. Though the name of the faculty has changed, we have agreed to not change ours. It is hoped that the members of Kapalasastra, or Kaps for short, will be family for the rest of their lives; as such, membership in Kaps is life-long. There are currently 289 full members of Kaps from 17 classes.
Various types of people are involved in Kapalasastra. “Just Kapala” are those people who participate in Kapalasastra activities but are not members; “Kapalasastra” are full and active members of Kaps; and “Just Kapalasastra” are people who are full members of Kaps but inactive.
Motto: Kaps is love of nature, love of life, without forgetting the greatness of God.
Kaps is active in the following fields:
1. Outdoor skills: caving, climbing, mountaineering, whitewater rafting, SAR. (whitewater rafting currently non-active owing to a lack of equipment)
2. Academic work related to nature; expeditions
3. Natural and environmental conservation; provision of litter bins on campus; discussions
4. Social service
5. Search and Rescue (SAR)
6. Exploration
Expeditions held by Kapalasastra:
1. SELAYAR Expedition, South Sulawesi; 1986 (academic work and exploration)
2. WATU LIMO Expedition, Trenggalek; 1987 (cliff climbing)
3. GUNUNG GAJAH Expedition, Pemalang; 1989 (cliff climbing)
4. LAMALERA Expedition, East Nusa Tenggara; 1989 (academic work)
5. Rafting Rally, Progo River I; 1989 (National)
6. East-to-West Mountaineering Expedition; 1990 (Rinjani, Agung and Semeru)
7. TANGGUL Expedition, Tulungagung; 1990 (cliff climbing)
8. Rafting Rally, Progo River II; 1991 (National)
9. Lawu Expedition; 1995 (academic work; inventory of historic artifacts)
