Yogyakarta, 6/2/2025 – An innovative movement in the world of education is back through the implementation of the final exam for the ‘Tata Cara‘ course in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program at Universitas Gadjah Mada. This exam is not only an academic assessment event, but also aims to train students’ observation skills and strengthen their connection with local culture. With a learning method based on direct experience, students are invited to explore, understand, and document the traditions of the surrounding community as part of preserving cultural heritage.

In this final exam, students were asked to form groups and plan a reportation video of events and cultural products in the area around their homes. In approximately one month, the student groups successfully produced diverse and interesting outputs. Among them were those that discussed traditional herbal drinks, various forms of offerings, procedures for panggih manten, jathilan, and so on.

Mayla (class of 2023) said that she was very happy because this reportation assignment gave students more opportunities to learn more about related arts. She said that this was a completely different experience than just watching. Rachel (class of 2023) added that it was fun because she could watch the panggih procession live. There was a prayer for the bride and groom to be able to build a household. Then there was also Nadiffa (class of 2023) who stated that this activity was fun and taught many lessons about mutual tolerance.

This step is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially point 4 on Quality Education, which emphasizes relevant and skills-based learning. In addition, this exam also contributes to point 11, namely Sustainable Cities and Communities, by maintaining and appreciating cultural diversity in local communities. Not only that, the involvement of students in direct interaction with the community reflects the implementation of point 17, Partnerships for The Goals, through collaboration between educational institutions and local communities.

This innovative approach is expected to strengthen the awareness of the younger generation towards the richness of Indonesian culture while honing their observation skills in understanding social phenomena around them.

Bibliography

Ana Safitri. (14 Desember 2024). “Aja Waton Payu” Video Dokumenter Mata Kuliah Tata Cara & Pranatacara | UGM | Kelompok 7. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/doC4jVOlluY?si=KdF8wiuBkeBzyMjs

Asmarawijaya. (13 Desember 2024). KEBUDAYAAN DALAM HARMONI PERNIKAHAN || RANGKAIAN TATACARA PERNIKAHAN GAYA SURAKARTA. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ETIavdVdAh8?si=u-aoJLJdEje8Uwr2

Fifi. (14 Desember 2024). “Sabaya Mukti, Sabaya Pati” – Upacara Panggih Manten Gaya Surakarta di Magelang. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/LlVSazdFAPo?si=WnU3AF8NuSvqvuGw

Rizki Saputro. (13 Desember 2024). Sajen “Wujud Doa Tanpa Kata”. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/IILkq0dEGPc?si=3ol8mQkLMJyLNr91

[Bachelor Javanese Literature UGM, Fega Achillea Maydena]

No less than other well-known study programs, it turns out that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture can also carry pride and inspire other people around! For example, Dian Nitami (Dian) and Miktahul Ulumudin (Ulum) below. Both are students majoring in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, class of 2023 and 2024.

Dian and Ulum were invited to the annual Campus Expo event held by the MAN 1 Tulungagung alumni association, through the Tulungagung Student Communication Forum (FKMT). This Campus Expo was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at MAN 1 Tulungagung. Like Campus Expo events in general, here Dian and Ulum are in charge of educating and sharing experiences about being UGM students. They discussed topics around UGM entrance selection, college fee education, KIP scholarships, and a glimpse of UGM itself.

The Campus Expo itself was attended by 1st – 3rd year, but the seminar session was specifically attended by 3rd year where the class was certainly preparing for the exam to enter college. Dian was invited to be one of the speakers because she was one of the lucky students who had the opportunity to study at UGM with funding assisted by a scholarship. So at this event Dian gave a testimonial that scholarships at UGM are very open to students from any entrance selection path.

From Dian and Ulum’s point of view, MAN 1 Tulungagung students were certainly very happy because they could meet their seniors who were studying at UGM. Then the impressive occasion was when the speakers entered, they were greeted with the Pionir celebration song with the enthusiasm of Mantasa (the name for MAN 1 Tulungagung students) overflowing. Even in the closing session, it was enlivened again by the Pionir celebration dance so that this indicated that MAN 1 Tulungagung students were really enthusiastic about participating in this seminar session.

For Dian, the impression gained from this experience was a sense of joy because this was the first time Dian had the opportunity to be a speaker who of course could educate and motivate the MAN students.

With this valuable story from Dian and Ulum, it is hoped that this can be an inspiration for other student to always be able to provide benefits and spread positive enthusiasm to people around them, that being part of the family of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students is a pride and not less cool than other majors.

[Public Relation Javanese Literature Faculty of Arts UGM, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 28/1/2025 – As the host of Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN) XXX Imbasadi, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) remains serious in the competition that is part of the big series. The earnestness of the UGM delegation, represented by ten students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, paid off with championships in three branches of the competition, including the following:

1. 1st place in the National Scientific Writing Competition (LKTIN) – Haryo Untoro, Daffa Pharaja Mustofa, and Miktahul Ulumudin

The work competed in LKTIN has the title Implementation of Asthabrata Concept as the Foundation of Generation Z Life. This study raises the material object in the form of Asthabrata’s leadership concept in Yasadipura I’s Serat Rama, which turns out to be relevant and can be a life guide for generation Z.

2. 1st place in Batik Design Competition – Meifira Arini Pitaloka

The batik designed by Meifira Arini Pitaloka presents a butterfly with various batik motifs on its wings, as well as other supporting motifs. From her work, there is an in-depth philosophy of Indonesian culture as the identity of the people of the archipelago, with its various forms, patterns, and philosophies, and continues to live and develop throughout the ages.

3.     3rd Place in Storytelling Competition – Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’

Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’ presented a story entitled Nyai Rangga Wati. The story focuses on the quarrel between a couple, Joko and Wati, in Malioboro. During the argument, Joko did not want Wati to continue her desire to become a Jathilan player, which he considered an ancient and backward art. The argument ended with their relationship breaking down. In the end, Wati continued to pursue her dream as a Jathilan dancer and was dubbed by the community as Nyai Rangga Wati.

Imbasadi’s XXXth Nusantara Cultural Gathering took place over five days, from November 11-15, 2024. The event themed Manggala Gajah Mada: Ancala Raksi Budaya ‘Pioneer Gajah Mada: Bagai Gunung Pengharum Budaya’ took place with a variety of events, such as various competitions, batik, tilik UGM, until the peak night in the form of awarding champions, wayang kulit performance of the Gajah Mada Kridha play, and cultural tours to Pura Pakualaman.

There are seven (7) competitions held, namely cultural performances, National Scientific Writing Competition (LKTIN), fairy tale competition, batik design competition, Tiktok archipelago competition, documentary film competition, and essay competition.

The delegates who participated in the event consisted of the 3 youngest batches, from the batch of 2022 there was Haryo Untoro, then from the batch of 2023 represented by Meifira Arini Pitaloka and Nisrina Almasevi, while the batch of 2024 was represented by Dhaffa Pharaja Mustofa, Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’, Harvesto Qodam Sahaja, Miktahul Ulumudin, Nurcholish Ramadhan, Noviyanti Alfitri, and Shabrina Fitra Azzahra.

With the implementation of the XXXth National Cultural Meeting, it is hoped that it can generate enthusiasm for students to continue to appreciate, explore, preserve, and develop traditional and cultural heritage in Indonesia. The existence of the TBN-XXX can also be a place to strengthen the relationship of students of regional language and literature study programs throughout Indonesia, and unite the spirit to realize the goals of sustainable development for the advancement of national civilization. 

Our gratitude goes to all parties who participated in supporting and organizing this activity. Thank you also to all students majoring in regional literature throughout Indonesia who have attended and tried together to preserve and enliven the diversity of Indonesia in full harmony. Hopefully in the future, Imbasadi can present real efforts in cultural preservation and spread benefits to the people of Indonesia. 

Indonesia is diverse, Imbasadi unites

[Public Relation Javanese Literature FIB UGM, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta 18/1/2025 – UGM received a guest of honor at the Innovation and Creativity Center of Gadjah Mada University (GIK UGM). The guest was the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, none other than Mr. Fadli Zon. He visited GIK UGM in order to carry out a working visit of the Minister of Culture to Yogyakarta. During this visit, UGM facilitated a discussion between the Minister of Culture and student representatives taken from 8 UKMs from the arts field.

It turned out that there were two students majoring in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who had the opportunity to participate in the visit! The two students were Alma Syahwalani who represented the Marching Band UKM as the Head of Public Relations, and Abimanyu Mahendra who represented the Swagayugama UKM as the General Chair.

The discussion led by Garin Nugroho as the Advisory Abroad of GIK UGM raised the theme ‘Indonesian Cultural Diplomacy Strategy Through Supercreative Hub’. The topic discussed was how a space or platform can combine creativity, technology, and culture to produce innovation in cultural promotion.

The innovations mentioned before could include creative incubators, collaboration centers between artists and creators, or virtual events that showcase Indonesian cultural works. Well, GIK is said to have this potential and can be a place for arts UKMs because arts UKMs themselves are definitely directly related to culture. Furthermore, it is hoped that arts UKMs can develop their work to be more creative, innovative, and also professional in promoting products and activities that can be an attraction or have a wider reach by utilizing the facilities provided by GIK.

In the QnA session, Alma Syahwalani asked a question related to how to utilize existing limitations to create wider opportunities to achieve the goals of Marching Band UKMs to the international scene. Mr. Fadli Zon said that such things could be communicated and given a place, and could also collaborate with the government or large companies.

As for Alma’s impression of this event, she felt very happy because she had the opportunity to attend and meet with the Minister of Culture and also meet representatives of other art UKMs. Because of this meeting, Alma and her friends were able to discuss directly and convey their aspirations.

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature FIB UGM, Fega Achiellea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 16/1/2025 – TIAS 2024 students shopped at Kranggan Market in a series of Indonesian language learning. The students practiced bargaining with fruit vendors in Indonesian. In doing this activity, students were accompanied by teachers and part-time students. By bargaining, students are expected to train their focus in listening and speaking Indonesian.

This out-of-class learning activity also gave TIAS students a new experience. Previously, the TIAS students had never been to a traditional market. One of the TIAS students expressed her amazement at traditional markets because she found the prices in traditional markets cheaper than in supermarkets. The student also said that she would find it easier to adopt a healthy lifestyle because of the affordable price of fruit. This activity provides long-term benefits for TIAS students considering that these students will study at UGM for several years to pursue bachelor/master/doctoral degrees. In addition, this activity was not only welcomed enthusiastically by TIAS students, but also fruit vendors. The vendors were entertained and amazed by the TIAS students’ ability to bargain. In addition, the students did not only buy fruit, but also traditional snacks. The students did not hesitate to taste traditional culinary in Kranggan Market, such as jenang, fried foods, and so on.

This out-of-class learning shows that language learning is not only limited in the classroom, but also outside the classroom considering that students will interact directly with the community during their stay in Indonesia. This activity is expected to build the confidence of TIAS students in dialoguing with friends, lecturers, and the community in Indonesian.

[Public Relation INCULS, Decika Syahda Maharani translated by Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]