Yogyakarta, June 9, 2026 – Students from the Master’s Program in Literature and the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture organized a manuscript exhibition titled Pusaka Kata (“Heritage of Words”) at the first-floor lobby of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on Tuesday (June 9). Held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the exhibition served as a platform for academic collaboration, bringing together the fields of philology, Javanese manuscript studies, and codicology in an effort to preserve and revitalize the manuscript heritage of the Indonesian archipelago.

The exhibition involved graduate students from the Philology and Javanese Manuscript Studies classes, as well as undergraduate students from the Codicology class of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program. The event was supervised by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, S.S., M.Hum., and Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A.

Under the theme Pusaka Kata, the exhibition was inspired by the awareness that Nusantara manuscripts constitute invaluable intellectual and cultural heritage. These manuscripts preserve ancestral knowledge systems covering various aspects of life, including education, medicine, religious practices, and literature. However, beyond the threat of physical deterioration due to age, these manuscripts also face a growing challenge: the widening gap between younger generations and the knowledge contained within them.

The name Pusaka Kata was chosen to emphasize the significance of manuscripts as an intergenerational legacy. In Javanese tradition, pusaka refers not merely to an inherited object but to a trust passed down through generations, carrying values, identity, and responsibility. Meanwhile, kata (“words”) represents the medium through which knowledge has been preserved and transmitted from ancestors to future generations.

Interpreting Knowledge Preserved in Manuscripts

One of the highlights from the Philology class was a Malay-Islamic manuscript titled Kitab Jimat, Tangkal, dan Obat-obatan (Book of Talismans, Protective Charms, and Medicines). Digitized by the British Library through the Endangered Archives Programme (EAP), the manuscript contains knowledge related to self-protection, healing practices, and environmental safeguarding through prayers, Qur’anic verses, magical diagrams (rajah), and herbal remedies.

Fajar Nur Zaima explained that one of the most prominent sections of the manuscript discusses the virtues of Qur’anic verses, particularly the recitation of the basmalah. According to him, the manuscript presents the basmalah not merely as an opening formula but also as a source of blessings, protection, and safety in various aspects of life.

Another featured object was the section on talismans contained in Serat Primbon, a manuscript from the collection of the National Library of Indonesia, catalog number NB 973. This section includes at least twenty-nine types of talismans serving different purposes, ranging from attracting affection and maintaining health to ensuring safety and warding off misfortune.

Giandra Febriyan Haidar explained that talismanic texts can be understood as representations of how Javanese society perceived the relationship between humans, nature, and forces beyond everyday rationality. He cited a love talisman described in the manuscript as a means of gaining affection and social acceptance. In this context, he argued, talismans should not be viewed merely as magical objects but as symbols of human aspirations for harmonious social relationships.

Reading Manuscript Histories Through Physical Form and Aesthetics

The Javanese Manuscript Studies class presented research on the physical and aesthetic aspects of Javanese manuscripts. One exhibition item focused on a manuscript written in Javanese script, currently preserved in the Department of Nusantara Literature Library under the code 899.047.

Through this study, visitors were invited to understand manuscripts not only as textual repositories but also as cultural artifacts that document copying practices, literary traditions, and histories of ownership and transmission. Elements such as paper type, binding structure, script, and physical damage provide valuable information about a manuscript’s journey through time.

The class also showcased a study of manuscript illumination titled Wêdana Gapura Rênggan. The manuscript contains several texts, including Aji Pamasa, Mihradipun Jêng Nabi, Rajah Kalacakra, Jumbuhing Panembah, and Lêlampahanipun Raden Sahid.

Affan Akbar explained that manuscript illuminations serve not only as decorative elements but also as important sources of information regarding manuscript production processes. Observations of unfinished sketches and coloring revealed that the text had been written before the ornamental designs were added. Such findings provide insights into the stages undertaken by manuscript scribes in producing complete handwritten works.

Codicology and Creative Approaches to Manuscript Preservation

Meanwhile, the Codicology class introduced visitors to the study of manuscripts from a material perspective. Codicology examines manuscripts as physical objects, including their writing materials, binding techniques, ornaments, layouts, and patterns of damage that record traces of their historical use.

In addition to presenting research findings, students displayed practical projects such as manuscript covers, storage boxes, and hand-bound books accompanied by interpretive narratives.

One work that attracted particular attention was created by Arfia Kholifatul, who adopted the Javanese wayang character Semar as the central theme of her bookbinding and cover design. Through imagery inspired by shadow puppetry and botanical motifs, the work interpreted Javanese philosophical values such as urip iku urup—the belief that life should bring benefits to others. The upward-growing leaves and vines symbolized the continuous pursuit of truth and the sustainability of life.

Through the collaboration of these three academic fields, the Pusaka Kata Exhibition offered a comprehensive perspective on manuscripts as living cultural heritage. Rather than being regarded merely as historical artifacts preserved in archives, manuscripts were presented as enduring sources of knowledge that can continue to be read, understood, and reinterpreted by contemporary generations.

Author: Khotibul Umam

The Japanese Language and Culture Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (HIMAJE UGM) held a Study Visit Program with the Japanese Language and Culture Student Association of Universitas Diponegoro (HIMAWARI UNDIP) on Saturday, 25 April 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Organized by HIMAJE’s Public Relations Division, the program aimed to strengthen relationships among students while providing a platform for exchanging organizational experiences and insights.

The event began with presentations introducing the profiles and grand designs of both student associations, followed by a discussion session on organizational programs and student organization dynamics. In addition to the discussion, participants took part in student performances, interactive games, a plaque exchange ceremony, and a tour of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Through this activity, HIMAJE UGM and HIMAWARI UNDIP are expected to further strengthen their relationship and foster future collaborations that will benefit both organizations.

Author: Barra Taura Nursaid

Yogyakarta, June 16, 2026 – The Arabic Literature Student Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKMASA UGM) successfully organized SAMBUT: “IKMASA Menyambut” in collaboration with the West Asian Family Association of Universitas Indonesia (IKABA UI). Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, the event served as a platform for fostering friendship and strengthening relationships among Arabic Literature students from both universities. The program commenced with welcoming remarks from the faculty advisors of IKMASA UGM and IKABA UI, who emphasized the importance of collaboration and maintaining strong inter-institutional relationships. They highlighted the value of building academic networks and encouraging future cooperation between student organizations.

The event continued with a cabinet-sharing session led by the presidents of IKMASA UGM and IKABA UI. During the session, both organizations exchanged insights on their work programs, organizational culture, and leadership strategies. This discussion provided participants with an opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences and organizational practices. Following the sharing session, participants took part in a campus tour around Universitas Gadjah Mada. The activity introduced IKABA UI members to the UGM campus environment while also fostering closer connections among participants. As part of the tour, a group photo session was held at the iconic Balairung UGM as a symbol of friendship and a memorable keepsake of the gathering between IKMASA UGM and IKABA UI. The program then proceeded with a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving divisions and departments from both organizations. These discussions provided a space for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, and discuss organizational management systems within their respective student associations. Overall, the event was conducted smoothly in a warm and enthusiastic atmosphere. Through SAMBUT 2026, both organizations strengthened their ties and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering collaboration, mutual learning, and long-term partnerships among Arabic Literature students across universities.

Author : Ismail

A student of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), class of 2023, Pandhita Hapsari, achieved an outstanding accomplishment by securing a place in the Top 10 of the 2026 Prime Minister’s International Malay Speech Competition (PABM), held in Malaysia. The international Malay speech contest brought together participants from various countries, including Burundi, Italy, Russia, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and several others. The contestants came from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Pandhita’s achievement attracted attention because she comes from a Javanese background rather than a Malay cultural environment. Meanwhile, many other participants were native Malay speakers or originated from regions with strong Malay cultural roots. Despite this, Pandhita successfully competed against international participants and advanced to the Top 10. In the competition, Pandhita delivered a speech on the challenges faced by the Malay language in the modern era. She highlighted the impacts of globalization, the rapid development of digital technology, and the changing communication patterns among younger generations on the sustainability of the Malay language today.

The competition series lasted for one week, from 2 to 9 May 2026. The preliminary round was conducted online approximately one week before the participants’ departure announcement. After arriving in Malaysia on 2 May, participants competed in the quarterfinal round on 4 May, the semifinal round on 6 May, and the final round on 8 May 2026. Although she did not win the championship title, Pandhita expressed gratitude for the valuable experience and opportunities she gained throughout the competition.

“For me, this was not merely a competition, but also an opportunity to learn about culture, language, and to meet people from various countries,” she said. During her stay in Malaysia, Pandhita also experienced the warm hospitality extended by the organizing committee and the local community toward international participants.“We were welcomed very warmly during our time there. This experience has made me appreciate our shared language and culture even more,” she added. Pandhita returned to Indonesia on Saturday, 9 May 2026, after the entire series of activities had concluded. Her achievement of reaching the Top 10 in an international competition is expected to inspire Indonesian students to continue striving for excellence and confidently compete on the global stage.

Author : Pandhita Hapsari

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) is hosting the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival 2026 from May 21 to 23, 2026. The festival features a traditional leather puppet painting (sungging) competition and a cardboard puppet coloring contest, representing a concrete step by the educational institution to preserve Indonesian heritage.

This event is part of the EQUITY program funded by the Indonesian Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP RI) and serves as a celebration of the 80th anniversary of FIB UGM. This year, the Gadjah Mada Wayang Festival adopts the grand theme “Kita. Butuh. Wayang.” (We. Need. Wayang.). The theme conveys a vital message about fostering a balanced synergy between the university’s academic discourse and the livelihoods of wayang craftsmen in Butuh Hamlet, Sidowarno Village, Klaten Regency.

The competitions began simultaneously on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 09:30 AM WIB. The leather puppet painting competition targets high school students, university students, and the general public from various regions, with a maximum age limit of 25. The organizing committee provided a Surakarta-style Gathutkaca puppet character as the primary medium. Participants are given five and a half hours to complete their work individually. They are free to choose their painting style based on personal preference, such as the Surakarta or Yogyakarta style.

Alongside this event, the committee is holding an in-person cardboard puppet (Wayang Karton) coloring competition at Pusaka Jawa UGM. This competition is specifically designed for elementary and junior high school students. Participants are given three hours to complete their work. All entries from both competitions will be returned and remain the full property of the participants after the winners are announced.

The evaluation for both competitions takes place in a single judging phase. The primary criteria used by the panel of judges include coloring technique, color composition, neatness and cleanliness, as well as the level of creativity shown by the participants.

These efforts to preserve wayang artistry serve as an important bridge to keep local cultural heritage deeply rooted in the identity of the younger generation. The close collaboration between the higher education institution and village artisans demonstrates that protecting tradition goes hand in hand with community empowerment and strengthening the local economy for the future.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]