Yogyakarta, 15/3/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) 2025 is jointly organized by the Institute of Nature and Malay Civilization (ATMA), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with the Javanese Literature Study Program, Department of Language and Literature, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Department of Museum Malaysia (JMM). SEMEJA IV includes various components designed to foster meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaboration. The main focus is on how cultural heritage can contribute to community empowerment and regional unity.

The components of SEMEJA IV include:

• Keynote address by visiting scholar – Secretary-General, Ministry of National Unity.
• Paper presentation sessions among researchers, postgraduate students, Librarians/Curators/Archivists, government/private sector employees.
• Forums featuring experts in related fields.
• Poster presentations and exhibitions focusing on practical strategies in utilizing heritage for community empowerment.
• Visits to heritage sites that play a role in community empowerment.
• Featuring source person for studies of Malay-Javanese heritage

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 17/02/2025 – Penerbit Erlangga, one of Indonesia’s largest companies in the printing and publishing industry, has once again launched the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) internship program for college students. This program is designed to enhance literacy competencies and provide hands-on experience in the publishing world, covering areas such as editing, graphic design, and book marketing. Elsyam Fudhail Azka, a student from the Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), had the opportunity to intern in the Madrasah Division, Islamic Studies Department at Penerbit Erlangga.

Occurring between September and December 2024, the MBKM program allows students to be mentored by experienced professionals, helping them develop critical thinking, communication, and project management skills. Through practical experience and guidance, students gain insights into producing high-quality, reader-friendly books, ensuring that content is well-written, easy to understand, and adheres to the Indonesian Spelling System General Manual (PUEBI).

Beyond skill development, this internship program also provides students with opportunities to build professional networks and understand the dynamics of Indonesia’s literacy industry. Many alumni who have participated in internships at Erlangga Publishing have successfully pursued careers in publishing and related sectors. Through this program, students not only gain valuable work experience but also develop a deeper awareness of the importance of literacy and education in advancing society.

Active participation in various projects and editorial processes offers students a unique and enriching experience, while also reflecting Erlangga Publishing’s commitment to supporting and contributing to the improvement of Indonesia’s education system and the development of young talents. With the presence of the MBKM program, it is hoped that students will gain real benefits, inspiring new innovations in the fields of literacy and publishing in Indonesia.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature, Elsyam Fudhail Adzka]

Yogyakarta, 10/3/2025 – The Department of Anthropology is once again offering a special opportunity for its students by hosting joint classes with Professor Emeritus Sabine Troeger from the University of Bonn. This time, Professor Sabine is introducing two new courses:

• “Healthy Environment in the Era of Anthropocene: Human-Nature Relation, When Humans Have Become the Dominant Force Shaping Earth’s Bio-Physical Composition and Processes”
• “The Good Tourist—Images and Interpretation on the Side of the Visited Agents, Communities, and Individuals in Jogja Environments.”

Just like previous courses, these will follow a block system, with alternating schedules between the two classes. Running from February to April, the classes are open to both undergraduate and graduate students of Anthropology. More than just theoretical discussions, the program also includes a four-day fieldwork experience, where students will apply the PRA (Participatory, Reflection, and Action) method in real-world settings.

In the first half of the course, students will dive into PRA methodology and explore Bourdieu’s theory of habitus, which serves as a key foundation in community empowerment practices. The sessions are designed to be interactive, with Professor Sabine constantly encouraging students to actively engage in discussions and share their perspectives.

As the course progresses into the second half, things get even more dynamic. Learning moves beyond the classroom, and students head out into the field. Over four full days, they will interact directly with local communities, observe social dynamics firsthand, and put the PRA method into practice in real-life situations. This hands-on experience not only deepens their understanding but also offers valuable reflection on how theory and practice can come together to create sustainable empowerment initiatives.

This class is more than just an academic space—it is a platform for broadening perspectives and critical reflection. By combining theory, practice, and a human-centered approach, this course provides an invaluable learning experience for every participant.

[Public Relations of Cultural Anthropology, Daiva Keefe Kalimasadha]

Yogyakarta, 26/2/2025 – Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM held Mangayubagya Wisudawan Wisudawati Undergraduate Programme Period II Academic Year 2024/2025 for 113 graduates and graduates from various study programmes. This event was held at the auditorium on the 7th floor of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The event was also attended by representatives from each department and study programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences.

The event began with the singing of Indonesia Raya, Mars Gadjah Mada, and Mars Sastra by Paramadaya. After that the event continued with remarks by the Deputy Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D. At this graduation, Devi Ayu Lisdiana from the English Literature study programme got the opportunity to be a representative of graduates to give remarks. After the speech session ended, there was a session of handing over diplomas and academic transcripts to graduates and graduates given by representatives of each study programme. This session went smoothly with a group photo of each study programme at the end of the handover process. The event was closed by reading a prayer together by Mr Hamdan, S.S., M.A.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Nisrina Nadhira]

Yogyakarta, 28/2/2025 – During the 30th Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), a new Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture student from the 2024’s batch took part in the competition as a delegate and immediately came out on top! Who is the winner? Let’s take a peek at the story!

Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’ is the 3rd place winner of the Storytelling Competition held at the 30th TBN in 2024. Although Ghibran is a new student, this did not dampen his determination to compete in this national competition. Ghibran said that as soon as he heard that a national storytellers competition would be held and he could represent Universitas Gadjah Mada, he was immediately interested to join.

Initially, the theme he wanted to take was children’s games (dolanan anak). Ghibran had even arranged the storyline of the story in such a way. However, after consulting with an elementary school teacher in Yogyakarta, it turned out that the story was considered less relevant to youngster. The teacher finally suggested a romance theme, but it could be connected to culture. Finally, the theme chosen was jathilan. Ghibran stated that this story was inspired by the story of Dr. Inggar Bagus Wibisono. A doctor, jathilan dancer and an Keraton’s abdi dalem all at once. The synopsis of the story is as follows.

There are 2 college students who are dating named Joko and Wati. Wati is said to like things that have to do with culture and has the opinion that she must take part in preserving and maintaining culture, especially Yogyakarta culture. The peak of the conflict takes place in Malioboro where Joko finally finds out that Wati is a jathilan player. Here Joko represents the thoughts of the people who like to swallow the stigma about jathilan raw. However, Wati still chooses to break up with Joko and preserves the jathilan dance and becomes a skilled dancer, to the point of being nicknamed Nyai Rangga Wati.

However, there is a unique fact, namely that Ghibran is actually afraid of jathilan! Even now, when he hears the accompaniment of jathilan gamelan, he still feels nervous because in the past there was an incident where a jathilan dancer almost wanted to enter his house, hihihi. So the process of making this fairy tale is one of Ghibran’s ways to get out of his comfort zone. For the sake of this fairy tale, Ghibran was willing to observe and interview female jathilan figures.

Ghibran got a lot of things from this TBN XXX event. Ghibran is grateful because he became brave enough to try new things and put aside his fear. Ghibran also got new friends, even from Bali. Although at the beginning of the event Ghibran felt afraid, because of his father, Ghibran was convinced to try his best because winning or losing is a later matter.

From Ghibran we can learn that in order to achieve what we want, we must put in a lot of effort. In addition, as young people, Ghibran gives an example that we can create cultural-themed works and clear the negative stigma that has been attached to the culture. Finally, there is a message from Ghibran that young people should not be ashamed to preserve their own culture. Because if we don’t preserve it, who else will?

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]