Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 – As part of its support for students’ interests and talents in Japanese culture, the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, consistently offers various academic enrichment opportunities — one of which is the shuuji (Japanese calligraphy) class.

This class serves as a platform for students who are passionate about the artistic expression of Japanese characters, while also deepening their understanding of the cultural values embedded in the practice. Beyond the classroom, the activity also encourages students to actively participate in national-level competitions.

On April 26, 2025, two students from the Department of Japanese Language and Culture — Putri Mega Asmarani and Barra Taura Nursa’id — represented FIB UGM in a national shuuji competition hosted by Widyatama University in Bandung. The competition was part of the annual Widyatama Japan Matsuri, which brought together students from various universities across Indonesia — including UGM, UNAIR, UB, UNPAD, and others — in a shared celebration of Japanese language education and cultural appreciation.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences provided full support for the students’ participation, including technical, administrative, and logistical assistance for inter-provincial travel. This support reflects the faculty’s ongoing commitment to nurturing both the academic and personal development of its students.

Although the competition did not yield the expected results, the experience proved immensely valuable. In addition to refining their calligraphy skills, students had the opportunity to broaden their perspectives and build meaningful connections with peers from across the country.

[Public Relation of Japanese Literature, Barra Taura Nursaid]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — The fate of a culture, including its language and literature, ultimately rests in the hands of its people. Acknowledging this, the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a special event on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, featuring Drs. Suhartoyo, a passionate advocate and observer of Javanese literature and culture. Drs. Suhartoyo, himself an alumnus of the program, actively manages Majalah Belik, a Javanese-language magazine, and is involved in the Javanese Literature and Culture Association (Paguyuban Sastra dan Budaya Jawa, Pasbuja) Kawi Merapi.

On this occasion, Drs. Suhartoyo encouraged students to boldly explore ideas and create literary works. He shared several practical writing tips, including writing down ideas immediately without waiting for perfection, reading more literary works or similar writings as references, daring to experiment, and, importantly, refraining from being overly critical of one’s own work. “Please, write anything you wish. Do not worry about whether the work is good or bad, because it can always be revised later. Most importantly, do not become the harshest critic of your own creations,” he advised.

As part of the Creative Javanese Writing course, students were given time to produce written works, whether in Indonesian or Javanese. Moreover, they were provided the opportunity to present their creations publicly. The students’ enthusiasm was evident, as shown by the large number of participants eager to read their works aloud.

As a gesture of appreciation, Drs. Suhartoyo presented the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture with souvenirs in the form of the latest edition of Majalah Belik and an anthology of short stories (cerkak). The event concluded warmly with a group photo session, capturing a moment hoped to ignite continued enthusiasm for literary creation.

Through this activity, it is expected that students and the younger generation will be increasingly motivated to dare to create, particularly in the realms of local language, literature, and culture. The works they produce are not merely forms of self-expression but also play a crucial role in preserving (nguri-uri), enlivening (ngurip-urip), and developing the nation’s cultural heritage. It is time for the next generation to understand that the courage to create is a tangible expression of national responsibility. By continuing to create, we collectively strengthen the nation’s identity and contribute positively to society. So, let us Dare to Create!

[Public Relation of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — On Monday, April 21, 2025, a number of students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), attended a cultural event titled Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senen Pon held at the Kagungan Dalem Bangsal Kasatriyan of the Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (Yogyakarta Palace). The event was part of the ceremonial commemoration of the birthday (wiyosan dalem) of Sri Sultan Hamengku Bawana X, which falls on Monday Pon evening, or the eve of Tuesday Wage according to the Javanese calendar.

During this meaningful occasion, the classical and sacred dance Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa was performed again after more than two decades of absence. According to the official website of the Yogyakarta Palace, Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa is a sacred dance that tells the story of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX’s resistance against Dutch colonial rule, particularly during the historic 1 March General Offensive. The dance was first performed on July 27, 2002, with a duration of approximately 60 minutes, and its revival this year marks the 23rd anniversary since its premiere.

The Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa Dance. Fully quoted from Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/.

This rare cultural moment did not go unnoticed by the students. Dressed in full traditional Javanese attire, they showed respect for the cultural values upheld by the Palace. One of the attending students, Fega Achillea Maydena, shared her profound impression of the event. “I was absolutely thrilled. Somehow, the Palace always manages to create a magical, beautiful, and exceptional atmosphere,” she said during an online interview on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She also remarked that the grandeur of the Palace, the solemnity of the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance, and the deeply rooted traditional ambiance made for an unforgettable cultural experience.

More than just an artistic performance, the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance carries moral messages and nationalistic values. It seems to invite the audience to emulate the spirit of resistance, bravery, and patriotism exemplified by national historical figures.

The participation of students and young people in events like this reflects a genuine commitment to nguri-uri (preserving) and ngurip-urip (revitalizing) Javanese culture. Culture is not merely a spectacle, but also a guide and a structure for life—one that is hoped to nurture future generations who love their ancestral heritage and are ready to contribute to the progress and well-being of the nation.

[Humas Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Reference

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025, from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Image Source

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. [Image]. https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Yogyakarta, 2/5/2025 – English Studies Program UGM has received a remarkable achievement by being ranked globally in the 151-200 position for QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 in English Literature and Linguistics. This puts the English Studies Program UGM as the first-ranked program in Indonesia for this subject. This achievement reflects the dedication of faculty members, students, and alumni of the English Studies Program UGM who have contributed in the study of English Literature and Linguistics. 

The curriculum in the English Studies Program UGM is established to strengthen the students’ national and local values, while also preparing them to gain global experiences. This program has organized initiatives such as orientation events, cultural exchange opportunities, and collaboration with international institutions. The purpose of these initiatives is to aid the students developing their talents and gaining international exposure.

This recognition sparks civitas academica at English Studies Program UGM to continue their dedication in strengthening the global presence of the program. English Studies Program UGM is committed to expand its collaboration and update the curriculum in order to create the most optimal learning environment for the students.

[Public Relation of English Literature, Sekar Ajiningsih]

Yogyakarta, 30 April 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held a book discussion on Trilogi Kartini on Wednesday (30/4), from 08.30 to 11.20 WIB in Room 709, Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. The event featured Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wardiman Djojonegoro, former Minister of Education and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia (1993–1998) and author of Trilogi Kartini, as the main speaker. The discussion was initiated by Prof. Dr. Bambang Purwanto, M.A., and moderated by Dr. Suzie Handajani, M.A.

The programme opened with welcoming remarks from the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., followed by a video greeting from the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Ph.D. In a reflective and solemn atmosphere, two students from FIB UGM—Bulan Churniati (English Literature) and Febi Setiyawati (Cultural Anthropology)—read excerpts from R.A. Kartini’s letters to E.H. Zeehandelaar and R.M. Abendanon-Mandri, reaffirming Kartini’s enduring spirit of emancipation and her forward-thinking ideas.

Bulan Churniati (English Literature) read Excerpt 6 from Kartini’s letter to R.M. Abendanon-Mandri.

In his presentation, Prof. Wardiman emphasised that Trilogi Kartini was compiled to open broader understanding of Kartini’s thoughts—not merely as a symbol of Indonesian womanhood, but as a critical and progressive thinker whose vision surpassed her time. Prof. Bambang added that it is essential to position Kartini as an active historical subject who helped shape Indonesia’s cultural and educational discourse.

The discussion proceeded interactively, with active participation from members of the academic community—students, senior lecturers, and the general public. Three participants posed critical questions, ranging from Kartini’s religious views to the ways in which her commemoration could be reimagined. The event concluded with a Q&A session and the presentation of a token of appreciation by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, Mimi Savitri, M.A., Ph.D.

Through this event, FIB UGM reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing intellectual vitality, diversity of thought, and respect for national cultural figures through inclusive and transformative discourse.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]