Semarang, 18 Mei 2025 —

The Rampoe Student Activity Unit from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has successfully secured First Place in the Ratoh Jaroe Competition, part of the Pre-Event series of the Diponegoro Art Competition (DAC) 2025. The event was held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Prof. Soedarto, S.H. Hall, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The competition featured 12 teams from high schools and universities across Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

In this event, Rampoe UGM presented a 12-minute Ratoh Jaroe dance performance, involving 17 dancers. The performance captivated the judges with its synchronized movements, strong energy, and vibrant expression of Acehnese cultural heritage, leading Rampoe UGM to achieve first place.

Preparations began on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM WIB at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The team gathered for a briefing and collective prayer before departing for Semarang by ELF transportation. The group arrived at the homestay at 9:30 PM WIB to rest.

The next morning, Sunday, May 18, the team began preparations at 4:00 AM and departed for the venue at 7:10 AM WIB, arriving at the Prof. Soedarto Hall at 7:30 AM WIB. Upon arrival, the team was directed backstage for preparation and stage blocking sessions.

Rampoe UGM was scheduled to perform fourth, with a performance slot at 9:50 AM WIB. After performing, all participants engaged in icebreaking activities and informal gatherings organized by the committee.

The announcement of winners took place at 1:00 PM WIB, where Rampoe UGM was officially declared the First Place winner of the Ratoh Jaroe competition. This proud achievement is a testament to the team’s dedication and rigorous preparation process.

This victory underscores Rampoe UGM’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting Acehnese cultural arts, particularly the Ratoh Jaroe dance, on a broader stage.

Editor : Public Relation of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Muhammad Ebid El Hakim

Yogyakarta, 16 May 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), is organising a Career Readiness Workshop focused on essential skills for students preparing to enter the workforce. The event will be held in Sugondo Building, Room 127, from 13:00 to 15:00 WIB. This workshop aims to address key aspects of income equality and decent work for all, in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Juventino Torres, an experienced career consultant from the United States, will share his expertise on crafting effective resumes and mastering successful interview techniques. With extensive experience helping students and young professionals navigate the complexities of the job market, Torres is an ideal speaker for this event.

Participants can expect an engaging session that includes a presentation, interactive quizzes, and a Q&A session. This format not only enhances learning but also fosters community engagement among students, encouraging them to share experiences and insights.

The importance of education in achieving income equality cannot be overstated. By equipping students with the skills necessary to succeed in their careers, UGM contributes to a fairer job market. The workshop will highlight the role of education as a tool of empowerment, enabling students to access decent employment opportunities.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, the need for effective resume writing and interview skills is more critical than ever. Torres will provide valuable insights into what employers are looking for, helping students tailor their applications to stand out. This knowledge is crucial for cultivating a generation of jobseekers prepared to meet market demands.

In addition to practical skills, the workshop will also focus on building participants’ confidence. Many students face anxiety when it comes to job interviews, and Torres will share strategies to help them present themselves effectively. This aspect of the workshop aligns with the SDG goal of promoting mental well-being and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM remains committed to supporting its students in their career journeys. By hosting events like this workshop, the faculty demonstrates its dedication to nurturing a supportive community that prioritises student development and success.

In conclusion, the Career Readiness Workshop on 16 May 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for students to gain crucial skills for their future careers. With guidance from Juventino Torres, participants will leave the event with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the job market effectively. This event not only contributes to individual growth but also supports the broader goal of income equality and decent work for all.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 8/5/2025 – The Balai Senat of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was filled with anticipation as the academic community gathered to witness the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., a prominent figure in the field of Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event, held from 09.00 to 10.00 AM, featured a thought-provoking inaugural address titled “The Current Existence of the Javanese Language: Its Role, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

In his address, Prof. Hendrokumoro highlighted the current condition of the Javanese language, which is increasingly limited to specific contexts such as within families or traditional communities. This trend risks marginalising the language, reflecting a broader concern over linguistic diversity in Indonesia. He noted that 15 regional languages in Indonesia—such as Tandia (Papua), Mawes (Papua), Palumata (Papua), Tugun (Papua), Saponi (Papua), Piru (Maluku), Kajeli/Kayeli (Maluku), Moksela (Maluku), Palumata (Maluku), Naka’ela (Maluku), Ternateno (North Maluku), Hukumina (Maluku), Hoti (Maluku), Serua (Maluku), and Nila (Maluku)—are critically endangered. Furthermore, over 150 other languages in Indonesia are currently facing extinction, underscoring the urgent need to preserve the country’s linguistic heritage—particularly in his area of expertise, the Javanese language.

Prof. Hendrokumoro argued that the Javanese language, with its rich variations, is deeply intertwined with four fundamental relationships: between humans and God, among humans, within oneself, and with nature and its contents. To address the challenges facing Javanese, he proposed a more flexible and open teaching approach. He suggested integrating contemporary cultural elements—such as Javanese pop music and films—into the curriculum. Songs like “Rungkad,” “Satru,” and “Kisinan,” along with films such as “Yowis Ben” and “Lara Ati,” can serve as engaging tools to attract younger generations to the language.

The event was attended by various figures, including faculty members, students, and representatives from the local community. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as attendees recognised the importance of preserving regional languages as part of Indonesia’s cultural identity. The inauguration not only celebrated Prof. Hendrokumoro’s academic achievement but also served as a platform to raise awareness about the vital role of education in safeguarding linguistic diversity.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which emphasises inclusive and equitable quality education, the professor’s message resonated strongly with the audience. He called for collaborative efforts among educators, policymakers, and communities to create an environment in which regional languages can thrive alongside the national language.

As the event concluded, attendees expressed their appreciation for Prof. Hendrokumoro’s dedication to preserving the Javanese language. The inauguration stood not only as a celebration of academic excellence but also as a reminder of education’s vital role in sustaining cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — On Monday, April 21, 2025, a number of students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), attended a cultural event titled Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senen Pon held at the Kagungan Dalem Bangsal Kasatriyan of the Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (Yogyakarta Palace). The event was part of the ceremonial commemoration of the birthday (wiyosan dalem) of Sri Sultan Hamengku Bawana X, which falls on Monday Pon evening, or the eve of Tuesday Wage according to the Javanese calendar.

During this meaningful occasion, the classical and sacred dance Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa was performed again after more than two decades of absence. According to the official website of the Yogyakarta Palace, Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa is a sacred dance that tells the story of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX’s resistance against Dutch colonial rule, particularly during the historic 1 March General Offensive. The dance was first performed on July 27, 2002, with a duration of approximately 60 minutes, and its revival this year marks the 23rd anniversary since its premiere.

The Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa Dance. Fully quoted from Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/.

This rare cultural moment did not go unnoticed by the students. Dressed in full traditional Javanese attire, they showed respect for the cultural values upheld by the Palace. One of the attending students, Fega Achillea Maydena, shared her profound impression of the event. “I was absolutely thrilled. Somehow, the Palace always manages to create a magical, beautiful, and exceptional atmosphere,” she said during an online interview on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She also remarked that the grandeur of the Palace, the solemnity of the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance, and the deeply rooted traditional ambiance made for an unforgettable cultural experience.

More than just an artistic performance, the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance carries moral messages and nationalistic values. It seems to invite the audience to emulate the spirit of resistance, bravery, and patriotism exemplified by national historical figures.

The participation of students and young people in events like this reflects a genuine commitment to nguri-uri (preserving) and ngurip-urip (revitalizing) Javanese culture. Culture is not merely a spectacle, but also a guide and a structure for life—one that is hoped to nurture future generations who love their ancestral heritage and are ready to contribute to the progress and well-being of the nation.

[Humas Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Reference

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025, from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Image Source

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. [Image]. https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Yogyakarta, 30/4/2025 – Amid the shifting focus of American Studies, which is no longer confined to the geographical boundaries of the United States, the Master’s Program in American Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada demonstrates how a transnational approach opens up a broader and more relevant scope of study. Students not only study America as a nation but also explore how American values, culture, and ideologies move across borders, infiltrate local spaces, and interact with the social realities in Indonesia. From street music to beauty pageant stages, this transnational approach places American Studies as a critical space to understand the intersection of global and local cultures, while also uncovering the power relations that accompany it.

One clear example of how American culture transforms into a local form can be found in the heart of Yogyakarta, specifically in the Wijilan area. A. Fahmi Dahlan, S.S., M.A., examines the hip-hop community in Wijilan, Yogyakarta. With a transnational approach in American Studies and Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony, Fahmi explores how the hip-hop culture, originating from America, is not merely imitated but reinterpreted and adapted to the local context. In the hands of the youth in Wijilan, hip-hop becomes more than just music or fashion—it becomes a medium for social criticism, identity expression, and community empowerment. Through activities like Kidz on the Beat, the Soringin festival, and distinctive fashion styles, it is evident how global culture is negotiated into a form that is both contextual and meaningful locally. This research shows that popular culture can create participatory spaces that are inclusive and promote social transformation from the grassroots.

Fahmi Dahlan, S.S., M.A. with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Meanwhile, Aprilia Nilham, S.Pd., M.A., in her study of the Puteri Indonesia pageant, uncovers another side of American cultural hegemony, this time through international beauty contests, which often influence local cultural values in Indonesia. This study reveals how American culture, through the influence of Miss Universe, shapes the Puteri Indonesia pageant and reflects the evolving global cultural hegemony. Using Gramsci’s theory of hegemony, the research shows that while Puteri Indonesia is supposed to reflect Indonesian cultural identity, American culture has subtly integrated into various aspects, from lifestyle to language. Controversies surrounding issues such as bikinis, transgender participants, and cooperation with Israel highlight the tensions between local and global values. On the other hand, this hegemony also underscores the importance of critical understanding of the media and global culture, so that society can balance external influences while maintaining local values in the effort to create an inclusive, just, and competitive society.

Aprilia Nilham, S.Pd., M.A., with Dr. Aris Munandar, M.Hum., Head of the American Studies Master’s Program, FIB UGM

Through a transnational approach in American Studies, both studies encourage us not to passively accept the influence of global culture but to critically reexamine, question, and transform it into something more relevant and meaningful within the local context. American Studies, in this regard, serves not only as a study of America but also as a tool to understand and respond to global forces critically, opening spaces for more just and sovereign discourses. Thus, the contribution of American Studies in responding to global cultural dynamics is significant, both in understanding the influence of America in Indonesia and enriching global discourse with empowered local perspectives.