Yogyakarta, 30/5/2025 — A night full of meaning and memory unfolded at the event Tujuh Puluh Dua Tahun Cak Nun dan Bicara Bicara, held on Friday Pahing, May 30, 2025, at Kawasan Cagar Kreatif Tanah Air, Ngaglik, Sleman. The event was attended by artists, close friends of Cak Nun, and invited guests.

This celebration marked a tribute to the long intellectual and spiritual journey of Cak Nun as a cultural figure and scholar who has shaped the landscape of Indonesian thought since the 1970s. Hosted by MC Seno Classical, the evening featured various performances and speeches from close companions who shared their personal testimonies about Cak Nun.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam shared personal stories with the maestro. “I met Cak Nun for the first time when I was still in junior high school, around 1979. Since then, I have followed his works, especially his poetry. In fact, both my undergraduate thesis and master’s thesis were about his poetry,” he began. One of the most memorable aspects for Prof. Aprinus was Cak Nun’s autodidactic way of learning. “I was always curious about how he learned. I once observed that he would disassemble a computer, study all the components one by one, and then reassemble it. He could even fix broken cars. That was remarkable,” he explained.

As a closing note, he shared a lasting memory. “One story I always tell that shows how extraordinary he is, is that he eats and sleeps the least among us. His level of asceticism was profound. During Ramadan, at 3 AM, he would routinely send out his writings, showing how deeply he valued time,” he said.

The second testimony came from Budi Sarjono, a long-time friend of Cak Nun since 1974. “I met him in 1974 when I was working at Basis Magazine. He would often ask, ‘Bud, do you have paper? Envelopes? Stamps?’ Then he would sit down and rapidly type two to three articles to be sent to various newspapers. I was deeply impressed,” he recalled.

Budi also shared a poignant experience. “One of the most meaningful memories was when I invited him to deliver a sermon and read poetry at a Catholic Mass in 1975. Although there was some tension with church officials at the time, what I emphasize is how Cak Nun expressed his heart to God with sincerity. That moment shook me.” He also described Cak Nun as a humble friend. “With his already well-known name back then, he still enjoyed gathering with us, talking until late at night. Sometimes, he would call me just to ask to be scolded,” he added with a smile.

That night was more than a birthday celebration, it was a tribute to a thinker who never tires of seeking meaning, nurturing culture, and voicing the conscience of the people. Tujuh Puluh Dua Tahun Cak Nun dan Bicara Bicara stands as a testament to how his intellectual and spiritual journey continues to inspire many to this day.

[Master’s Program Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, May 21, 2025 — The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari by Kuntowijoyo marked a special moment at the 2025 Jogja Art + Books Fest. Held at The Ratan, Bantul, the event was attended by academics, literary activists, and literature enthusiasts. The launch discussion featured Prof. Faruk H.T.  (Lecturer in the Master’s Program in Literature and Literary Critic) and writer Mahfud Ikhwan as keynote speakers, with Amanatia Junda serving as moderator.

Originally written by Kuntowijoyo in 1964, the novel is set against the backdrop of the 1949 Indonesian revolution. Rather than emphasizing heroism, the story portrays village life, interpersonal conflict, and a collective search for the meaning of independence in a more humanistic light. This work is especially important to revisit today, notably for its unique sense of locality and spirituality.

In his presentation, Prof. Faruk highlighted that the novel expresses a spirit of reconciliation and communal cooperation as a way out of socio-political conflict. “This novel offers a communal solution to the tensions of that time—between the colonizers and the colonized, between nationalists and traditional elders. Its foundation is oral tradition, and forgiveness is the key theme,” he explained. This underscores an effort toward ideological reconciliation after conflict.

Mahfud Ikhwan, affectionately known as Cak Mahfud and widely recognized for his deep interest in the history of Indonesian literature, noted that the novel had long been “forgotten” and seldom read by the younger generation. He also drew attention to the historical context of Kuntowijoyo’s creative process. “The novel was written between 1963 and 1964, but it is often associated with the events of 1965. This is interesting because we might ask whether Kunto was responding to the events of 1949 or actually preparing for 1965,” he remarked.

The re-publication of this novel was initiated by Dodo Hartoko through Pabrik Tulisan Publishing, with illustrations by Enka Komariah. “Our hope is that this work can reach younger readers without feeling outdated or vintage,” said Dodo in his opening remarks. The new edition features a minimalist and modern design while remaining faithful to the original manuscript. He also emphasized that the setting of the story—Ngawonggo, Ceper—further strengthens the novel’s local thematic character.

The discussion session was lively and interactive. During the Q&A, Arif Kurniawan asked, “If Kuntowijoyo were given the opportunity to write and respond to today’s chaotic political landscape, what would come out of his typewriter?” Prof. Faruk responded by reflecting on Kuntowijoyo’s creative trajectory. “If we look at his first novel, it was very spontaneous, with little control—like the author was directly conversing with the reader. Over time, his writing became more disciplined and autonomous, as though the author gradually stepped back. If Kuntowijoyo were still alive and responding to today’s issues, perhaps his writing would be more realistic, yet still carry his prophetic mission,” he stated. Mahfud added that Kuntowijoyo’s authorship evolved alongside his deepening Sufi ideology: “Kuntowijoyo’s works do not merely record history—they provide meaning through spirituality. If he were writing today, that would likely still define his style.”

The re-launch of Kereta Api yang Berangkat Pagi Hari not only marks the return of one of Indonesia’s important literary works to the public eye but also underscores the significance of preserving classic literature. This event is part of the Jogja Art + Books Fest 2025’s broader mission to position Yogyakarta as a collaborative space for art, literature, and critical discourse. Kuntowijoyo’s work, in this context, is not merely read as a historical document, but as an interpretation of Indonesia’s present and future.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]

Yogyakarta, 23/5/2025 – The national seminar held on May 16, 2025, marked the conclusion of the academic visit series by the Student Association of the Literature and Cultural Studies Graduate Program at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted by the American Studies Student and Alumni Association (ASSAA). On this occasion, the seminar featured three speakers: Glory Emanuelle, a graduate student from UGM’s American Studies program, and Ahmad Faizin and Athaya Belia, graduate students from UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies program.

In this session, each speaker presented various perspectives linked to culture and the identity of certain groups. For example, Ahmad Faizin’s presentation focused on the morning coffee-drinking culture in the Magelang area, which has become part of the identity of the community practicing it. Meanwhile, Athaya Belia’s presentation focused on the pop culture of metal music, specifically the Baddiecore genre, and concluded that fan communities can also evolve due to a shared sense of belonging. In the final presentation, Glory Emanuelle discussed the relationship between media and the representation of Native American tribes on the TikTok platform. Although each presentation brought a different perspective and focus, they shared a common theme: culture, media, and individual identity are interconnected and shape communities.

This collaboration between UNAIR’s Literature and Cultural Studies graduate students and UGM’s American Studies graduate students not only opens up opportunities to better understand how both local and global cultures influence and shape communities, but also builds a bridge for future collaboration between UNAIR and UGM.

[Public Relations of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, May 22, 2025 — On May 9, 2025, the American Studies Program successfully held a seminar titled Contemporary American Issues at the Soegondo Building 70X.

In addition to providing the audience with an opportunity to hear insights from Prof. Gade, the seminar also featured Achmad Munjid, Ph.D. as the second speaker, who delivered a talk on “Contestation on Freedom of Speech in the US Today.”

In the second session of the seminar, the discussion focused on how the concept of freedom of speech in the United States has significantly shifted—so much so that it appears citizens are only free to express their opinions as long as those opinions align with the voice of the government. This trend can be observed in various aspects of American society today.

The presentation also explored how the decline of democracy amidst the rise of globalization is driven by the emergence of anti-globalization sentiments in different parts of the world, resulting in fragmentation among individuals, including within the United States.

Beyond addressing current issues, the discussion also delved into broader events unfolding in the U.S. today and the underlying causes behind them. Examining this issue more deeply reveals that many of the changes occurring in America today are closely tied to the historical foundations of the nation.

Despite the many contradictions present in contemporary America, this discussion encouraged participants to think more critically about social equality, freedom of speech, and government transparency—both nationally and globally—as Indonesian citizens engaging with global discourse.

[Master of American Studies, Reni Renatawati]

Yogyakarta, 08/05/2025 – Amidst the vibrant melodies of bowed strings and profound harmonies, a deeply meaningful cultural event unfolded in “Mini Concert #18: Romansa Svara (Romance of Sound)”. This classical music performance by the Gadjah Mada Chamber Orchestra (GMCO) was held on Thursday, 8 May 2025 at Taman Budaya Yogyakarta. In the elegant atmosphere that enveloped the stage that evening, one figure stood out: Oh Yeonju, a student from South Korea currently studying Indonesian at INCULS, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada.  

More than just a guest or spectator, Oh Yeonju took part as a member of the orchestra, playing the violin with passion and dedication. Alongside young musicians from across Universitas Gadjah Mada and Indonesia, she performed expressive compositions in a concert that showcased not only musical beauty but also reflected a profound cultural encounter.  

Oh Yeonju’s participation in this concert embodied the spirit of inclusivity and cross-border learning. In this collaborative artistic space, differences in background were not barriers but bridges connecting hearts and minds. Music, as a universal language, brought together individual uniqueness in a harmonious unity, creating a learning ecosystem that touched both intellect and emotion.  

“Romansa Svara” was not merely an aesthetic experience but also carried important values of cooperation, mutual respect, and growth in diversity. This was a stage where international friendships were woven naturally, not through diplomatic discussions but through notes flowing in perfect rhythm.  

Oh Yeonju’s story on the GMCO stage served as a reminder that true education extends beyond the classroom. It thrives in interaction, in the courage to try new things, and in openness to embracing differences. UGM, through platforms like GMCO and INCULS, continues to foster inspiring spaces for both local and international students to collectively shape a more harmonious, empathetic, and meaningful world.  

Amidst the thunderous applause that night which resonated as more than just musical appreciation there was a clear message: art can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, offering hope for a more harmonious world. And among the performers, a South Korean student became part of this beautiful story, a vital note in the symphony of togetherness known as “Romansa Svara”.  

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]