Yogyakarta, 10 July 2025 – Internship students from National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, participated in the Kamis Pon Berbudaya (Cultural Thursday) event, a regular celebration held by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity is part of FIB UGM’s initiative to introduce international students to the values of Javanese culture particularly those rooted in the Special Region of Yogyakarta through participatory and educational approaches.

The NCCU students wore traditional batik attire and were accompanied by part-time staff members from FIB UGM’s Public Relations team, Alma and Candra. Through this event, they gained a deeper understanding of the meaning and philosophy of Kamis Pon in Javanese tradition, especially in the Yogyakarta context.

Alma and Candra explained that Kamis Pon refers to the convergence of Thursday (Kamis) and Pon, one of the five-day Javanese market cycles (pasaran). They also shared that previously, traditional dress days were observed on Kamis Pahing, commemorating the relocation of the Yogyakarta Palace from Ambarketawang to its current site. In 2024, however, the Yogyakarta Regional Government designated Kamis Pon as the official commemoration day of Yogyakarta’s founding, following Governor’s Circular No. 400.5.9.1/40 dated January 8, 2024.

This day carries strong symbolic meaning within Javanese society, particularly in the Kraton (palace) of Yogyakarta, where Kamis Pon is considered sacred. It is often used for spiritual activities, reflection, and cultural preservation as a form of respect for ancestors.

“This is something completely new for us—wearing batik on a specific day,” shared one of the NCCU students.

The active involvement of international students in this cultural activity aligns with FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by promoting cross-cultural education and the safeguarding of intangible heritage.

By consistently organizing Kamis Pon Berbudaya, FIB UGM continues to foster an inclusive space for intercultural dialogue, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and build a broader understanding of cultural diversity.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 10 Juli 2025 – Mahasiswa magang dari National Chengchi University (NCCU), Taiwan, turut berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan Kamis Pon Berbudaya yang rutin diperingati oleh Fakultas Ilmu Budaya (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada. Kegiatan ini menjadi bagian dari upaya FIB UGM dalam memperkenalkan nilai-nilai budaya Jawa khususnya di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta kepada mahasiswa internasional melalui pendekatan partisipatif dan edukatif.

Mahasiswa NCCU turut mengenakan baju batik dan didampingi mahasiswa paruh waktu Humas FIB, Alma dan Candra. Mahasiswa NCCU memperoleh pemahaman yang lebih mendalam mengenai makna dan filosofi Kamis Pon dalam tradisi masyarakat Jawa, khususnya di Yogyakarta.

Alma dan Candra menjelaskan bahwa Kamis Pon merujuk pada perpaduan hari Kamis dan pasaran Pon dalam penanggalan Jawa. Alma dan Candra juga menceritakan bahwa Sebelumnya  hari berpakaian adat jatuh pada Kamis Pahing, memperingati perpindahan Keraton Ambarketawang ke kota Yogyakarta. Lalu pada Tahun 2024, Pemda DIY menetapkan Kamis Pon sebagai representasi Hari Jadi DIY, sesuai edaran Gubernur DIY No. 400.5.9.1/40 tertanggal 8 Januari 2024. Hal ini memiliki makna simbolik yang kuat dalam kehidupan masyarakat, terutama di lingkungan Keraton Yogyakarta, di mana Kamis Pon dianggap sebagai waktu yang sakral. Hari ini sering dimanfaatkan untuk kegiatan spiritual, refleksi, dan pelestarian budaya sebagai bentuk penghormatan terhadap leluhur.

“Kami merasa ini sesuatu yang baru bagi kami mengenakan pakaian batik di hari tertentu,” ungkap salah satu mahasiswa NCCU.

Keterlibatan aktif mahasiswa internasional dalam kegiatan budaya ini sejalan dengan komitmen FIB UGM dalam mendukung implementasi Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (SDGs), khususnya SDG 4 (Pendidikan Berkualitas) dan SDG 11 (Kota dan Permukiman yang Berkelanjutan), melalui pendidikan lintas budaya dan pelestarian warisan takbenda.

Dengan rutin menggelar kegiatan Kamis Pon Berbudaya, FIB UGM terus mendorong terciptanya ruang dialog antarbudaya yang inklusif, di mana mahasiswa dari berbagai latar belakang dapat saling belajar dan membangun pemahaman yang lebih luas tentang keberagaman.

[Humas FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

In a world where logic often reigns supreme, Pandhita, an Arabic literature student, believes that storytelling can evoke emotions that logic cannot reach. “When I played the role of a mother betrayed by her son, I saw the audience crying,” she states with conviction, her eyes gazing into the distance. For Pandhita, storytelling is not merely a performance or entertainment; it is a profound way to convey messages, stir emotions, and touch the human side that is often overlooked by rational thought. Her love for storytelling began in elementary school.

It was during a county-level storytelling competition that Pandhita first realized the power of a tale. Winning the competition was not the most memorable part; rather, it was the moment she understood how a story could make an audience laugh, ponder, or even shed tears. From that point on, storytelling transformed from a hobby into a life path that she believed could benefit others. She is convinced that imparting life values does not always require advice or counsel; light-hearted stories with deep meanings can be more readily accepted and absorbed. “Khairunnās anfa‘uhum linnās, the best of people are those who are beneficial to others,” she emphasizes, quoting an Arabic proverb that serves as her guiding principle in her work.

As she delved deeper into the world of storytelling, more doors began to open for her. Her storytelling skills led her to be trusted as a mentor in various fields, from the Arabic and English languages to general subjects. One of her most unique experiences was participating in a Korean storytelling competition, despite never having formally studied the language. Armed only with songs and dramas she had watched, she attempted to mimic the pronunciation and expressions, all in the name of broadening her horizons and learning a new language. This experience reinforced her belief that stories can serve as a medium for cross-linguistic learning.

Her ability to craft narratives and convey messages also made her a sought-after contributor to educational video projects. People entrusted her with the important task of delivering messages in a coherent, lively, and meaningful manner. However, one unforgettable moment was when she became a storyteller at a social event for children in marginalized areas. The audience may have been small, but when she performed the story of “The Crying Stone,” the room fell silent and emotional. “When I acted as a mother scorned by her child, I saw those children crying along with me. They were not just listening; they were feeling,” she recalls. It was then that Pandhita realized she was not just telling stories; she was bringing meaning to life.

This skill also led her into the professional world as a moderator and event host. For her, being an MC is not just about reading an agenda; it’s about creating an atmosphere, maintaining the audience’s enthusiasm, and keeping her own energy stable from start to finish. She combines narrative techniques with vocal modulation, light metaphors, and smooth transitions to make each segment of an event feel alive. In fact, storytelling once saved her during a high-pressure interview. When her mind went blank due to a question, she chose to respond with a narrative approach. “I simply told a simple analogy, packaging complex language into something straightforward and easy to understand, and the interviewer smiled,” she reminisces.

For Pandhita, storytelling is a bridge between the mind and the heart. She rejects the notion that storytelling is only for children. Instead, she believes that through stories, we can learn empathy, sensitivity, and social awareness. The world is filled with small yet meaningful things; we often just don’t take the time to see them. Therefore, she uses storytelling as a way to help others re-examine their lives from a warmer perspective. In various educational and motivational forums she attends, Pandhita always carries one important message: literacy and language are the keys to the future. “Unfortunately, many still overlook this,” she says softly.

When asked about her dreams, Pandhita confidently replies that she wants to create storytelling workshops open to everyone. A safe space where people can share their stories without fear of judgment. For her, storytelling is not about performing perfectly or impressively, but about honesty, courage, and self-acceptance. “Everyone has a story. And every story has power,” she asserts. She believes that being an inspiring person is not always about grand achievements; sometimes, it is enough to be a good listener or a sincere storyteller.

“Saat aku berperan sebagai seorang ibu yang dikhianati putranya, aku melihat audiensku menangis.” Kalimat itu keluar dari mulut Pandhita dengan penuh keyakinan dan mata yang menerawang. Bukan karena ia pernah benar-benar mengalami kisah itu, melainkan karena ia tahu betul bagaimana menyampaikan cerita dengan rasa. Bagi Pandhita, storytelling bukan sekadar pertunjukan kata atau hiburan panggung. Itu adalah cara paling halus namun dalam untuk menyampaikan pesan, menggerakkan emosi, dan menyentuh sisi manusia yang sering kali tak dijangkau oleh logika. Dan perjalanan cinta pada storytelling  itu dimulai sejak ia masih duduk di bangku sekolah dasar.

Waktu itu, Pandhita mengikuti lomba storytelling tingkat kabupaten dan berhasil meraih juara. Bukan kemenangannya yang paling membekas, melainkan saat ia menyadari kekuatan sebuah dongeng yang mampu membuat audiens tertawa, termenung, bahkan menitikkan air mata. Sejak momen itulah, storytelling bukan lagi sekadar hobi baginya, melainkan jalan hidup yang ia yakini bisa membawa manfaat untuk orang lain. Ia percaya bahwa menyampaikan nilai-nilai kehidupan tidak selalu harus dengan nasihat atau petuah, cerita yang ringan namun mengandung makna justru lebih bisa diterima dan diresapi. “Khairunnās anfa‘uhum linnās, sebaik-baik manusia adalah yang bermanfaat untuk manusia yang lain” begitu ia menegaskan, sembari mengutip mahfuzhat Arab yang menjadi prinsip utamanya dalam berkarya.

Semakin ia menyelami dunia storytelling, semakin banyak pula pintu yang terbuka. Kemampuan bercerita menjadikannya dipercaya sebagai mentor dalam berbagai bidang, mulai dari bahasa Arab, Inggris, hingga pelajaran umum. Salah satu pengalaman paling unik yang ia alami adalah saat mengikuti lomba storytelling berbahasa Korea–padahal ia belum pernah belajar bahasa itu secara formal. Hanya berbekal dari lagu-lagu dan drama yang ia dengar, ia mencoba menirukan pelafalan dan ekspresi, semata-mata demi memperluas wawasan dan mengenal bahasa baru. Dari situ, ia semakin yakin bahwa cerita bisa menjadi medium pembelajaran lintas bahasa.

Kemampuannya dalam menyusun narasi dan menyampaikan pesan juga membuatnya kerap dilibatkan dalam proyek video edukatif. Orang-orang mempercayakan padanya tugas penting: menyampaikan pesan dengan runtut, hidup, dan penuh makna. Namun dari sekian banyak pengalaman, satu momen yang paling tak terlupakan adalah saat ia menjadi pendongeng dalam acara sosial anak-anak di daerah marginal. Jumlah audiensnya mungkin tak seberapa, tapi ketika ia memainkan peran dalam kisah “Batu Menangis”, ruangan itu berubah hening dan emosional. “Ketika aku berakting sebagai seorang ibu yang dicela oleh anaknya, aku melihat anak-anak itu ikut menangis. Mereka tidak hanya mendengar, mereka merasakan.” Dari situlah Pandhita tahu: ia tidak hanya menyampaikan cerita, tapi menghidupkan makna.

Keterampilan itu pula yang menuntunnya ke dunia profesional sebagai moderator dan pembawa acara. Menjadi MC, menurutnya, bukan sekadar membaca susunan acara, tapi juga bagaimana membangun suasana, menjaga semangat dan antusias pendengar, serta menjaga energi diri untuk terus stabil dari awal hingga akhir. Ia memadukan teknik naratif dengan permainan nada suara, metafora ringan, dan transisi yang baik agar setiap segmen acara terasa hidup. Bahkan, storytelling pernah menyelamatkannya dalam situasi wawancara yang penuh tekanan. Ketika pikirannya buntu karena sebuah pertanyaan, ia memilih menjawab dengan pendekatan naratif. “Aku hanya menceritakan sebuah analogi sederhana, mengemas bahasa yang rumit menjadi sederhana dan mudah dipahami, dan pewawancaranya pun tersenyum,” kenangnya.

Bagi Pandhita, storytelling adalah jembatan antara pikiran dan hati. Ia menolak anggapan bahwa bercerita hanya untuk anak-anak. Justru, dari cerita, kita bisa belajar empati, kepekaan, dan kepedulian sosial. Dunia ini dipenuhi hal-hal kecil yang bermakna, hanya saja kita sering tak sempat melihatnya. Maka dari itu, ia menjadikan storytelling sebagai cara untuk membuat orang lain melihat ulang hidupnya dengan sudut pandang yang lebih hangat. Di berbagai forum edukasi dan motivasi yang ia hadiri, Pandhita selalu membawa satu pesan penting: literasi dan bahasa adalah kunci masa depan. “Sayangnya, masih banyak yang mengabaikannya,” ujarnya dengan lirih.

Saat ditanya tentang impiannya, Pandhita menjawab dengan mantap: ia ingin membuat workshop storytelling yang terbuka bagi siapa saja. Sebuah ruang aman tempat orang bisa berbagi cerita tanpa takut dihakimi. Baginya, storytelling bukan soal tampil sempurna atau mengesankan, tapi tentang kejujuran, keberanian, dan penerimaan diri. “Setiap orang punya cerita. Dan setiap cerita punya kekuatan,” katanya. Ia percaya, menjadi manusia yang menginspirasi tidak selalu soal pencapaian besar, kadang cukup dengan menjadi pendengar yang baik, atau pencerita yang tulus.

[Humas FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 10/7/2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again marked an academic milestone through the doctoral promotion session held on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Arina Isti’anah, a lecturer and researcher in the field of linguistics, officially earned her Doctorate degree after presenting a dissertation titled Ecological Discourse Analysis in Indonesian Tourism Promotion.

Through a corpus-based ecolinguistic approach, Arina’s research examined the language strategies used in the promotion of Indonesian tourism, focusing on English-language content on the official website of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Her findings revealed that the narrative tends to overemphasize the physical environment—portraying Indonesia as an exotic tropical country rich in natural resources, yet isolated.

In her presentation, Arina revealed that tourism promotion practices are not only influenced by advertising genres but are also ideologically loaded, leaning toward neoliberalism and capitalism. The exploration of hidden islands and the glorification of natural beauty are wrapped in commodification and privatization, ironically under the guise of eco-friendliness.

Concluding her presentation, Arina emphasized that greenwashing has become a common pattern in tourism promotion. The “eco” and “green” labels often found in tourism campaigns do not always align with true ecological values. She also highlighted the need for further research on the Indonesian version of these texts and the translation strategies involved, including expanding the corpus and applying multimodal discourse analysis to enrich ecolinguistic discussion.

The doctoral promotion, held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, was attended by scholars from various disciplines, students, and colleagues from different institutions. Their presence witnessed Arina’s meaningful contribution to the development of ecolinguistics studies in Indonesia.

With this achievement, Dr. Arina Isti’anah is expected to continue her contributions to critical linguistic and ecological studies, inspiring the next generation of academics to explore how language functions as an ideological tool shaping people’s views of the environment.