On Monday, September 28, 2026, participants in the Malako Kociak residency held a series of
knowledge-sharing events on the seventh floor of the Soegondo Building at the Faculty of Cultural
Sciences, UGM. These events took place through various formats: a residency exhibition, board game sessions, zines, and cultural discussions. The researchers in this residency included Ulima Nabila Adinta, Afifah Golda A., Muhammad Ade Putra, Brilliant Dwi Izzulhaq, and Yuniardo M. Alvarres, who also served as the photographer for the research project. They conducted a one-week research residency with the Kanagarian Malako Kociak Indigenous Community, located in Tanjung Beringin Village, Kampar Kiri Hulu Subdistrict, Kampar Regency, Riau Province. As part of the series of events held on the seventh floor, the first activity organized was a board game session.

The five participants in the first session played together on a map depicting a natural landscape,
specifically the area around a river. A guide provided instructions on how to play the game. The five participants played intensely for about an hour, until the participants of the second session arrived at the game location. After an hour, the players switched, and the participants from the first session were guided to watch the exhibition explanation led by the guide. The exhibition took place in front of Room Soegondo 709, featuring multi-exposure photographs printed on fabric, photographs printed on small pieces of paper, several figurines, and a piece of fabric imprinted with fish-like textures.

The guides explained the context behind the photographs—such as the relationship between the
Malako Kociak community and fish and the water, their interactions with the datuks whose portraits were displayed on the fabric, and the activities of the children there. “This is the favorite datuk of the residency participants, but if you were to chat with him for two nights, the conversation might not even be over,” remarked Muhammad Ade Putra, pointing to a photo of one of the featured datuks. In addition to the photo and visual exhibition, the researchers also provided a zine that can be accessed both in person and online as another means of disseminating knowledge. In this way, the Malako Kociak residency participants demonstrated that knowledge dissemination can be carried out in a multidisciplinary manner.

Author: Leonard Dimas

Photo Contributor: Leonard Dimas

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held Pionir Kampung Budaya on Wednesday–Thursday, 5–6 August 2026, as part of the Pionir Gadjah Mada series. The event served as an introduction to the faculty environment for the 2026 cohort of new students, known as Mahadaya, while also introducing them to various academic and student activities available during their studies at FIB UGM.

One of the activities featured during the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 was a performance by Gamelan Sastra Nusantara (Gamasutra). Several students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who are members of Gamasutra participated in the event through a traditional Javanese gamelan performance. Gamasutra is a student organization that provides a space for students interested in Javanese gamelan music to learn, practice, and develop their skills in the traditional performing art.

Gamasutra’s gamelan performance accompanied the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 and welcomed the new Mahadaya students. The performance also accompanied the arrival of the Chair of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026, the 2026 President of the Student Executive Board (LEM), the Dean of FIB UGM and faculty leadership, as well as heads of departments across FIB UGM. Gamasutra’s presence formed part of the event’s activities introducing new students to faculty life through artistic and cultural experiences.

Gamasutra’s performance continued during the official inauguration of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026. The students’ involvement in the ceremony demonstrated that the new student orientation program extends beyond introducing the academic environment, while also providing opportunities for students to take part directly in artistic and cultural activities within the faculty.

For Gamasutra, participation in Pionir Kampung Budaya provided an opportunity for its members to put their gamelan skills into practice while introducing the art of gamelan to the new students. For the 2026 Mahadaya cohort, the performance became part of their initial experience of student life at FIB UGM, including an introduction to various opportunities for developing their interests and participating in artistic activities during their studies.

The event also forms part of FIB UGM’s efforts to provide students with opportunities to develop their interests, skills, and experience in the arts. As an academic environment dedicated to the study of language, literature, and culture, FIB UGM recognizes artistic and cultural activities as an important complement to students’ educational experiences beyond the classroom. This effort is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of students’ experiences and potential, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration in organizing activities within the faculty.

Through Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026, Gamasutra’s participation brought together the introduction of new students to university life with artistic practice carried out by FIB UGM students. For the 2026 Mahadaya cohort, the experience marked part of their first steps in becoming familiar with the faculty environment, including opportunities to learn, create, and participate in student life at FIB UGM. 

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

As Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 entered its second day, new students, or Mahadaya, had the opportunity to become more familiar with the study program that would become their academic home through the study program introduction session. The session was held on Thursday, 6 August 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. WIB, in collaboration with the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), and the Student Association of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program (HMJ Kamastawa).

The session was led directly by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. During the session, Mahadaya were introduced to various aspects of academic life within the study program, including the study program and faculty members, areas of specialization, facilities, and academic services. The three areas of specialization introduced were linguistics, philology, and literature. Students also received information about academic services, including study program administration and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program’s social media platforms.

The introduction also covered information about students and their academic journeys within the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Mahadaya were introduced to several outstanding students, students participating in the fast-track program, and alumni who have made contributions in various fields. An overview of the 2026 curriculum, as the study program’s new curriculum, was also presented to provide students with an initial understanding of the learning process they would undertake during their studies.

The session took place in a serious yet relaxed atmosphere and was delivered interactively through dialogue between lecturers and students. Interaction was also encouraged through a quiz for Mahadaya based on the material presented earlier. Mahadaya who answered the questions correctly received small gifts as keepsakes.

Presentation of a gift to a Mahadaya who successfully answered the quiz.

A video introducing Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., one of the lecturers currently pursuing her studies abroad.

One of the highlights of the session was the screening of introduction videos featuring several lecturers from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program who are currently pursuing their studies abroad, as well as videos featuring students and alumni. The videos provided an overview of academic experiences, student life, and the contributions of alumni as part of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program community.

The session concluded with a group photo, marking the first meeting between the 2026 Mahadaya and the academic community of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Through this activity, the new students not only gained information about the study program but also received an initial overview of the learning environment, areas of study, and various opportunities for personal and academic development available throughout their studies.

The study program introduction session also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the introduction of the academic environment and learning process to new students, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between the study program and student organization.

Welcome to the 2026 cohort of Mahadaya at the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Let us learn, preserve, and develop Javanese culture together as part of the nation’s cultural heritage and identity, while contributing to society.

Writer : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

Questions such as “Nek kuliah neng Sastra Jawa ’ki arep dadi dukun ’pa?” (If you study Javanese Literature, do you want to become a traditional healer?) may still be encountered as a common perception of the field of Javanese language, literature, and culture. In reality, opportunities for students to develop themselves in these fields can take many forms, including performing arts, event hosting, and cultural activities.

This was among the things reflected in the implementation of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026. A number of students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program were involved in the series of activities in various roles. Their involvement extended beyond academic activities, encompassing participation in student activity units as well as experience in the arts and event hosting.

One of the groups involved was Gamelan Sastra Nusantara (Gamasutra), a student activity unit under the Student Association of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program (HMJ Kamastawa). Gamasutra performed gamelan music during the morning activities while welcoming the new students, or Mahadaya, of the 2026 cohort. The group also accompanied the opening series of events through the inauguration of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026.

In addition to Gamasutra, Ratnaraya, a student organization dedicated to traditional dance, also took part in the event. Students from Ratnaraya performed Tari Golek Ayun-Ayun Jugag, a traditional dance from Yogyakarta that portrays a young woman entering adulthood and searching for her identity. The involvement of both student organizations highlights the activities of students in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in the fields of art and culture.

Student involvement was also evident in event hosting. Two students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’ and Ananda Choirul Nur Alalia, served as master of ceremonies (MCs) during Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026. Ghibran is a member of the 2024 cohort, while Ananda is from the 2025 cohort. Both have previous experience as event hosts on various occasions.

The event also involved alumni of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Nurma Aisyah, S.S., an alumna of the study program who currently works as an event host and journalist at Tribunnews, participated as one of the speakers. Her involvement represents another example of how graduates of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program have pursued professional careers related to communication and media.

These various roles demonstrate that students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program can contribute to campus activities through a wide range of fields. Knowledge of language, literature, and culture can go hand in hand with the development of other skills, such as performing arts, public communication, leadership, and event hosting.

Participation in activities such as Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 can also provide students with opportunities to gain experience beyond the classroom. Such experiences can become part of their learning process while helping them develop skills needed in both academic life and the professional world.

In this regard, Mahadaya are encouraged to continue learning and developing themselves through both academic studies and various activities on and off campus. These experiences can serve as valuable foundations for developing their knowledge, skills, and abilities in accordance with their areas of interest.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, 11 September 2026 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, successfully hosted the 2026 International Conference on Linguistic Studies on 10–11 September 2026. Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium and six parallel-session rooms, the conference brought together scholars, researchers, students, and language practitioners under the theme “Form, Meaning, and Function of Language in the Era of Digital Transformation.”

The conference served as an international forum for exchanging ideas, fostering interdisciplinary perspectives, and advancing linguistic scholarship amid the rapid development of digital technologies.

The opening ceremony was officially inaugurated by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada on Thursday, 10 September 2026. The first plenary session featured distinguished speakers Jerome Samuel, Xu Yun Yu, and Prof. Dr. Suhandano, followed by two rounds of parallel sessions covering a wide range of topics in contemporary linguistic research.

On the second day, Friday, 11 September 2026, participants attended additional parallel sessions before joining the closing plenary session, which featured Zara Maxwell-Smith, Nguyen Tanh Tuan, and Prof. Dr. Faruk. Throughout the two-day event, participants engaged in lively discussions on theoretical and applied linguistics, language technology, sociolinguistics, discourse studies, and other emerging issues related to language in the digital era.

One of the conference’s most memorable moments was the valedictory address delivered by Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A., marking his retirement from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Following a commemorative video presentation, Professor Wijana reflected on his academic journey and contributions to linguistic scholarship, making the session a meaningful highlight of the conference before the official closing ceremony.

The organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to all keynote speakers, presenters, moderators, participants, and supporting institutions for their valuable contributions to the success of the conference. The active participation of scholars from diverse institutions and countries demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing linguistic research through international collaboration.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences also expresses its deepest gratitude and congratulations to Prof. Dr. I Dewa Putu Wijana, S.U., M.A. on his retirement, honoring his remarkable dedication and invaluable contributions to the development of linguistics, higher education, and the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

May the spirit of scholarship, collaboration, and academic service fostered through this conference continue to inspire future research, innovation, and international partnerships in the field of linguistics.

Author: Magister Linguistik