The Student Association of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture (HMJ Kamastawa) held a handover ceremony for the 2026/2027 management on Monday (06/23/2026) at Poerbatjaraka Building 203, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. The event was attended by the HMJ Kamastawa executive board for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 periods, as well as faculty representatives from the study program.

Also present at the event were the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., and the advisor to HMJ Kamastawa, Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. The presence of the study program leaders emphasized the program’s support for the continuity of student organizations.

The event began at 4:15 PM and was hosted by Muhammad Bagus Ulinnuha. The series of activities began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem and the Gadjah Mada hymn.

In his speech, Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. emphasized the importance of maintaining achievements in a positive manner and building the widest possible network. He also advised the administrators to always apply the values of guidance, compassion, and nurturing, both with fellow administrators, seniors, and alumni.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum. reminded the administrators to remain resilient in facing the dynamics and challenges of the organization. She emphasized the importance of coordination with lecturers and maintaining a balance between achievement, physical and mental health, and harmonious communication within the management.

The main procession of the event consisted of the reading and signing of the minutes by the Chair of HMJ for the 2025/2026 period, Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan, followed by the symbolic handover of office by the Head of the Study Program. Next, the inauguration script was read by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., and the oath of office was led by the Chair of HMJ for the 2026/2027 period, Wreksi Awinanggya Pinandhita.

The event then continued with a symbolic handover of positions to the Kamastawa HMJ management, a message and impressions from the 2025/2026 HMJ period, and a speech from the Chair of the 2026/2027 HMJ period. The series of activities was closed with a group photo session to capture the moment of togetherness.

The handover ceremony for the Kamastawa Student Association for the 2026/2027 period is an important moment for the new board to continue and improve the quality of the organization. It is hoped that the new board will be able to implement flagship programs optimally. Thus, HMJ Kamastawa can continue to play an active role, making positive contributions to nguri-uri ‘preserving’ and ngurip-urip ‘revitalizing’ Javanese culture, as well as maintaining the good reputation of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Congratulations and success to the HMJ Kamastawa management for the 2026/2027 period.

Author: Haryo Untoro
Editor: Haryo Untoro

Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in the field of Philology, was one of the speakers at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Islam in Javanese Babad: Efforts to Revitalize Mataraman Islam”. The event was organized by PPM Aswaja Nusantara in the PPM Aswaja Nusantara Mlangi Hall on Friday (February 6, 2026) from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In her presentation, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. explained the connection between literary works, particularly Babad Ngayogyakarta, and the development and existence of Islam in the Yogyakarta Palace. She explained that Babad Ngayogyakarta was written during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana (HB) V and was transcribed again during the reign of HB VII. The manuscript was written in Javanese script and contains expressions of Islamic teachings that developed within the Yogyakarta Palace.

The chronicle covers the period of HB IV-V, starting from the childhood of HB IV until the coronation of HB V. During this period, Prince Diponegoro is also described as the guardian of HB IV until the outbreak of the Diponegoro war. Prince Diponegoro is also described as a figure who upheld Islamic teachings and revived them in the life of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

One example cited was Prince Diponegoro’s role in providing Islamic education to Hamengkubuwana IV. This education included the obligation to study the Qur’an, understand fiqh, and instill values of struggle. Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. also explained that Diponegoro’s concept of struggle was reflected in the war against colonialism, which was based on the spirit of upholding Islamic teachings, including the call of sabilullah as a motivator for the troops.

Through a study of the literary work Babad Ngayogyakarta, various important information can be found, ranging from historical facts, literary forms, to information about the existence of Islam in Java. He described the existence of Islam at that time in three (3) words, namely manjing ‘enter’, ajur ‘melt’, and ajer ‘walk together’.

Information related to literature and history of the past can be found in various manuscripts. In this case, philology plays an important role in uncovering the information contained in ancient manuscripts so that it can be understood and utilized by today’s society. In addition, philological studies are also part of efforts to preserve and protect regional languages, literature, and cultures in Indonesia.

This FGD activity is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 4 on quality education, point 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and point 17 on partnerships to achieve development goals.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Khabib Anwar, widely known by his digital persona “Rektor Desa” (Village Rector), continues to promote village empowerment through a creative, digital-based approach. He is recognized as a village empowerment practitioner, creative mentor, and local economic mobilizer who focuses on content development and YouTube optimization.

Through the identity of “Rektor Desa,” Khabib carries a vision of bringing educational standards and professionalism to the village level. He believes that villages should not be left behind in the digital transformation, particularly in utilizing social media as a platform for education, promoting local potential, and strengthening community-based economies.

In various sharing sessions, Khabib emphasizes that becoming a beginner YouTuber is not about owning expensive cameras or sophisticated equipment. “It’s not about how expensive your camera is, but how strong your willingness is to start telling stories,” he said. He stressed that the most crucial step is having the courage to begin with whatever tools are available, because consistency in creating content is far more valuable than luxurious equipment.

According to him, digital platforms such as YouTube can serve as strategic spaces for rural communities to showcase local potential, promote MSME products, and share inspiring grassroots stories. With the right content strategy and sustained commitment, villages can build economic independence while expanding their market networks.

Khabib Anwar’s initiatives and ideas are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth (SDG 8) by strengthening the creative capacity of rural communities. The use of digital technology to expand access to information and economic opportunities also supports reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and building sustainable communities (SDG 11). Furthermore, this effort reflects the importance of partnerships and collaboration within the digital ecosystem (SDG 17).

Through consistency and the courage to take the first step, “Rektor Desa” demonstrates that digital transformation can begin in villages, by villages, and for the advancement of villages themselves.

Yogyakarta, February 26, 2026 – Indonesian novelist and sociologist Okky Madasari, Ph.D., delivered a critical reflection titled “The Representation of Marginalized Voices: Who Speaks for Them?” at a public discussion forum in Yogyakarta. In her presentation, she encouraged participants to question who truly speaks on behalf of marginalized communities.

Okky elaborated on various forms of marginalization occurring across different spheres of life, including economic, political, cultural, identity-based, and even global political marginalization. According to her, marginalized groups often face not only limited access to resources but also the loss of space to represent themselves within public discourse.

“Representation that does not stem from empathy and solidarity will continue to exclude and sideline marginalized communities,” she emphasized. She warned that without critical awareness, voices claiming to represent marginalized groups may, in fact, reinforce unequal power relations and perpetuate social exclusion.

In the context of Ramadan, Okky also underscored the importance of social piety. “Ramadan is about social piety. A mosque is not only a place of worship, but also a space for dialogue and critical education,” she stated. She encouraged society to transform religious spaces into arenas for fostering empathy, solidarity, and advocacy for vulnerable groups.

The discussion is closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the commitment to reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by strengthening the participation and representation of vulnerable groups in decision-making processes. Furthermore, the promotion of critical dialogue, social justice, and inclusive public spaces supports the goal of peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16). Efforts to build collective awareness and social solidarity also contribute to the creation of inclusive and sustainable communities, in line with SDG 11.

Through this reflection, Okky Madasari reaffirmed that advocating for marginalized voices is not merely about providing them with speaking space, but about ensuring empathy, solidarity, and structural transformation so that they can become full subjects in social and political life.

[Public Reation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, February 27, 2026 – Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama has brought a unique and vibrant Ramadan atmosphere to the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK) area of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Initially held from February 18 to March 1, 2026, the event has attracted enthusiastic participation from students and the wider community.

Designed as a creative and collaborative ngabuburit (pre-iftar gathering) space, the festival features a diverse range of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) tenants offering various culinary delights and products. Among them are Nasi Goreng Berkah, Meowtcha, Bunaaca, and many other local businesses providing iftar meals and trendy snacks. The presence of these tenants not only enlivens the Ramadan atmosphere but also serves as a platform for promoting and empowering local entrepreneurs.

Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of visitors, the organizers have extended the event until March 8, 2026. This extension provides a wider opportunity for the academic community, including students of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, to enjoy a warm and productive ngabuburit experience at GIK UGM.

The organization of Ramadan Fest is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By supporting local MSMEs, the event contributes to SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development. Furthermore, the collaboration between GIK UGM and Swaragama reflects the spirit of partnership highlighted in SDG 17, strengthening the creative and entrepreneurial ecosystem within the university environment. By creating an inclusive and positive social space during Ramadan, the festival also supports SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Through Ramadan Fest GIK x Swaragama, UGM not only provides an enjoyable iftar gathering space but also fosters collaboration, creativity, and economic empowerment during the meaningful month of Ramadan.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]