In the midst of a busy academic routine, a number of students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program have made extraordinary achievements in the non-academic field. They are members of a band called Band Wangoen which has recently stolen a lot of attention with its keroncong genre. The band, which consists of 7 students, has shown dedication, creativity, and a high spirit of teamwork. Band Wangoen means “to be appropriate (in terms of goodness)” it is hoped that with this name Band Wangoen can entertain with wangun in every performance.
At one of Gadjah Mada University’s events, Integrated Career Days held in November, Band Wangoen managed to present a beautiful performance. Performing pop songs with keroncong arrangements made them appear different from the others. This achievement not only shows their talent, but also their ability to manage time well between studies and non-academic activities.
“Actually, we all have busy schedules, but making music and being an artist is a fun thing to do. We learn to manage our time well, take advantage of every opportunity to practice, and stay focused on our academic assignments,” said Amtenaring Gulang, the cak’s player and student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2022 who initiated the formation of the band, adding that it was not easy to find group members who had an interest in keroncong music and were talented to play and sing Javanese songs.
The keroncong genre and Javanese songs performed also show the role of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program students in preserving Javanese culture. Keroncong music and Javanese songs are rare to be heard by the current generation, it is fitting to preserve and introduce them so that their existence does not decline. One of the Javanese dolanan songs was also performed on stage, entitled “Gethuk” the song was sung beautifully by the vocalist Dian Patmisari. Tembang dolanan has an important role in Javanese society, especially for children, indirectly the content of dolanan songs contains moral and life values that can be a teaching of character building.
Wangoen Band performance in Integrated Career Days event
Apart from performing at Integrated Career Days 2024, Band Wangoen also had the opportunity to perform 8 songs at the Malam Alumni event as a series of Nitilaku 2024, namely the 75th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the 15th lustrum. This time, Band Wangoen invited Lala Atila, a sinden, singer, and student of the Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2021 as a vocalist. Lala Atila’s melodious voice managed to create an intimate atmosphere among the alumni of Universitas Gadjah Mada who were present. The event, which was also attended by Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the 2nd Nusantara Capital Authority, went smoothly with the warm accompaniment of keroncong music by the Wangoen Band.
Wangoen Band’s performance at Alumni Night 2024
The success of Band Wangoen also shows the importance of balance between academic and non-academic activities. The band members proved that with good time management, they can excel not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. It is hoped that their success will become an example for all students to be more active in exploring their potential in various fields. With increasingly steady steps, Band Wangoen shows that the world of lectures is not only a place to gain knowledge, but also a place to develop talents and achieve success in various aspects of life.
[Public Relation FIB UGM, Editor: Sandya Kirani]
