Yogyakarta, April 26, 2026 — Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati conducted a community service activity by delivering a lecture related to her field at Teladan State High School in Yogyakarta. The title of her lecture posed the question “Masuk Angin (Catching a Cold): A Blessing or a Curse?” and opened up a relevant discussion in the health and well-being sector. The term “masuk angin” has long been part of Indonesian society. The public’s understanding of “masuk angin” highlights the importance of an inclusive and culturally-based approach to health.

Many people still rely on traditional methods such as scraping therapy, herbal remedies, and rest as initial treatments. These practices reflect local wisdom that has the potential to support the healthcare system, provided they are balanced with appropriate medical education. “Masuk angin” is described as a Javanese concept of illness caused by an excess of wind elements within the body. Javanese cosmology forms the basis for health and illness; in medical anthropology, this is referred to as the hot-cold theory.

Prof. Atik explains that “masuk angin” is not a disease or sickness. However, she notes that “masuk angin” falls under magico-religious models—meaning this condition arises from spiritual or supernatural causes, so its treatment follows accordingly, such as scraping therapy (kerokan/pijat), consuming herbal remedies (jamu), and other practices. Additionally, it is referred to as holistic models, where health is viewed as the result of a balance among various aspects of life—not merely the physical. Physical conditions may be influenced by psychological, social, environmental, or spiritual factors, such as stress or an unhealthy lifestyle. She also explained that “wind entering the body” is categorized into several types: ordinary (mild) wind, severe wind, and “kasep” wind (sedentary wind). Her interpretations regarding “masuk angin” include health disorders (illness), failure to adapt, a reflection of low bodily resilience, a signal to rest, and “angin duduk” as a result of magical influences.

Prof. Atik focuses on the field of health from an anthropological perspective. This is because health literacy is key to building a community that is aware of its physical condition. Appropriate education can help the public distinguish between mild symptoms and serious illnesses requiring medical intervention. Additionally, a culture-based approach helps reach communities with limited access to formal healthcare services. By integrating local knowledge into the healthcare system, it is hoped that no group will be left behind.

This discussion underscores that traditional practices such as “catching a chill” are not always an obstacle to health development; rather, they can serve as a bridge toward a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, academics, and the community is key to achieving this goal.

Author: Dewi Widyastuti
Photo: Prof. Dr. Atik Triratnawati, M.A.

Yogyakarta, April 22, 2026 — The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Javanese script font socialization event in Room Margono 402. This event was aimed at faculty and student representatives as an effort to increase understanding of the use of Javanese script in the digital realm.

This socialization was motivated by various obstacles faced by the academic community in using Javanese script fonts. Some of the problems that frequently arise include differences in keyboard layouts compared to the Latin alphabet, font illegibility on certain devices, indicated by the appearance of a tofu symbol or a box (an illegible sign), and differences in compatibility between keyboard layouts, such as Windows and Macintosh. These conditions are considered to hinder the use of Javanese script, even though this script plays a vital role in cultural studies and preservation within the study program.

To address this issue, this event featured Setya Amrih Prasaja, S.S., M.Pd., an alumnus of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, known as the developer of digital Javanese script fonts. Representatives from the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Office (Kundha Kabudayan) also attended the event, demonstrating their support for cultural preservation efforts through technology.

In his presentation, the speaker explained the process of developing Javanese script fonts and keyboard layouts, including the technical challenges faced in implementing them across various platforms. He also outlined the steps for introducing digital Javanese script at the national and international levels, as well as developing a system that can be operated on various devices. Furthermore, participants were introduced to several Javanese script fonts that are freely accessible without licensing constraints.

Through this activity, participants are expected to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the use of Javanese script keyboards and fonts in a digital context. Furthermore, this outreach is expected to encourage the dissemination of knowledge to the academic community and a wider audience, as part of efforts to preserve and strengthen the existence of Javanese script in the digital era.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Kinarya Setyaning Tyas, an English Department student, shows that her major isn’t a limitation for learning and exploring her myriad of passions. As she entered her sixth semester, she was driven to seek an internship opportunity aligned with her interests. Her choice then fell on PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Borobudur, Prambanan & Ratu Boko, which she believes can accommodate both her abilities as an English Department student and her particular interest in culture and arts. From there, she took initiative and applied for an intern position, where she began her delightful journey at Satuan Kerja Teater & Pentas Ramayana Ballet Prambanan.

In Ramayana Ballet Prambanan, Kinarya is part of the Sales and Attraction division, where she takes charge of uploading documentation and handling guests for the Ramayana Ballet. She explains her role thoroughly, from creating advertisements, handling social media—especially TikTok—and reporting social media performance. Kinarya noted that one of her accomplishments was when her TikTok content reached more than 340k views, attracting more people to attend the show. Outside of marketing, she is also responsible for reservations and being an usher, or among tamu, for the guests. 

So much to be done, so much to learn too. Kinarya confessed that when first applying, her motivation was to improve speaking and listening skills, which can only be polished by practice. Answering many questions and listening to the foreign tourist, she senses an improvement in her communication skills. “Especially when I handle British tourists, my listening skills are being tested because of the accent. So I’ve improved a lot,” she admits. 

Although she deals with a lot of tasks, she had so much fun during her internship experience. In fact, she even plans to extend her internship that was supposed to end in late April. Kinarya recounts the social environment in TWC, especially in the Ramayana Ballet Prambanan unit, which she describes as very friendly and supportive—from the staff, supervisor, and other interns. Having met her fellow interns from different majors and universities, she gets to share a lot of meaningful experiences together. 

Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that Kinarya didn’t face any difficulties. During the first month, she doubted whether she could do this job alone. There is a lot of information that she needs to memorize: the flow of the show, the show’s schedule, the seating system, and even how to input the reservation data. “I also need to adapt quickly because I was only given three months here,” she utters. The struggle continued until the second month, during the peak season. “Because there is Eid Al-Fitr, we can even hold a show for eight days in a row, ” she explains.

After almost three months, Kinarya has gained many benefits from the internship as she gets to learn various skills outside of her major. She learns to analyze and report the social media performance of Ramayana Prambanan. “There are reports for Instagram and TikTok performance every month, their analysis, and also about marketing. It was quite apart from English Literature, but I learned a lot here,” she reflects. Kinarya also delves into content creation deeper, from planning to editing. She confesses that she never really did editing in a professional context, so she has improved a lot, “I learned so much in editing—the tools—and also about tech content like where to shoot, etc.” 

Kinarya also adds that, relating to her study, she gains a practical experience of interpreting and translating Indonesian—especially Javanese—culture and tradition. “So how do we translate the [cultural] terms to English? Then there’s the tolak bala procession, arak-arakan, we have to explain it to foreigners with an accurate interpretation,” she explains further. While she admits that it’s a bit challenging, it also fosters her cross-cultural understanding. “It makes me appreciate our culture more, especially Javanese culture,” she adds.

Her internship experience in PT. Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) is part of her effort to preserve our culture and heritage. “It’s like being a bridge, a mediator, an agent in cultural preservation,” she says. Furthermore, Kinarya notes how she also considered her future career when starting this internship. “I feel like I want to seek a career where it’s beyond handling a job desk; I want something more purposeful, meaningful, valuable,” she declares. 

Thus, Kinarya also shared her principle, “As an English literature student, don’t be afraid to explore more about other subjects. Don’t rely too much on one skill.” She chose her place of internship not by a matter of convenience, but she deliberately sought a gap where her interests met her skills and competence, which she found at PT. Taman Wisata Candi (TWC). Kinarya is aware that to explore and master other fields, learning by doing is the way to do it. “If I had never tried, I would have never known. If I didn’t make mistakes, I would never learn,” she concluded. 

Penulis: Gulma Zahra Auradatu

Yogyakarta, April 18, 2026 – Amid the demands of academic life, IKMASA, through its Department of Interests and Talents under the Dur Mufassal Cabinet, organized Fun-Minton as a refreshing activity for students. Held at the Sendowo Sports Hall from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, the event created a warm atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of togetherness.

Fun-Minton was open to all Arabic Literature students, regardless of their badminton skills, including those who simply wished to participate in a casual and enjoyable manner. Participants were welcome to attend directly at the venue in sports attire. Beyond promoting physical activity, this event also served as a platform to strengthen relationships among members and to foster a supportive environment within the Arabic Literature community. The interactions that took place throughout the event contributed to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere.

Through Fun-Minton, students are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between academic and non-academic activities while also reinforcing a sense of solidarity. This initiative reflects IKMASA’s commitment to providing a productive, healthy, and collaborative space for all its members.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida

Yogyakarta, April 24, 2026 – Encouraging news comes from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). A professor of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Pujo Semedi Hargo Yuwono, M.A., has officially been appointed as a member of the UGM Board of Trustees (Majelis Wali Amanat / MWA) for the 2026–2031 term, representing the professoriate. The appointment was determined during the Special Plenary Meeting of the Academic Senate on Friday (24/4).

The appointment of Prof. Pujo Semedi underscores the strategic role of FIB UGM in university-level policymaking. As a professor in the field of humanities, he brings an academic perspective that emphasizes cultural values, ethics, and a strong commitment to the public interest in higher education governance.

The Board of Trustees is a key governing body within UGM, responsible for setting general policies, overseeing institutional performance, and ensuring the university’s long-term sustainability. In this context, the presence of an FIB UGM professor within the MWA is expected to strengthen more inclusive, balanced, and human-centered policy directions.

The selection of MWA members for the 2026–2031 period involves representatives from various sectors, including public figures, alumni, faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The representation of FIB UGM through Prof. Pujo Semedi highlights the significant contribution of the humanities in fostering accountable and sustainable university governance.

With the mandate entrusted to him, Prof. Pujo Semedi is expected to contribute optimally to advancing UGM as a leading higher education institution with broad societal impact.

In line with this, the involvement of an FIB UGM professor in the MWA also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening higher education governance, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through efforts to promote transparent, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]