Yoigyakarta, 19/9/2025 – A warm and meaningful atmosphere filled the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, on Friday evening (Sept 19). Hundreds of attendees gathered for “Gugur Gunung 14: Anniversary of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as well as the Retirement Celebration of Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum.” The event was not merely a birthday celebration, but also a tribute, a gathering of kinship, and a cultural encounter across generations and nations.

Carrying the theme “Tataning Ucap Sirnaning Dhêsti” which means “Arranging Words to Avoid Misfortune,” the program opened solemnly with the Indonesian national anthem, Gadjah Mada Hymn, and Sastra March. A series of keynote remarks followed, delivered by Head of Study Program Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Osaka University’s representative Dr. Yumi Sugahara, Dean of FIB UGM Prof. Dr. Setiadi, and Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro. The presence of cultural leaders from Kadipaten Pakualaman, government representatives of Yogyakarta, and international students from Osaka University enriched the evening with diverse cultural resonance.

A touching and symbolic moment took place in the Ambal Warsa procession, when the Head of Study Program, together with the Head of the Student Association Kamastawa, received a ceremonial tumpeng—a symbol of continuity for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The loud applause that followed embodied the spirit of togetherness, the very soul of Gugur Gunung.

The stage came alive with cultural performances, starting with the graceful Sekar Pudyastuti welcoming dance, symbolizing safety and blessing. A performance by Osaka University students added an international touch, before the audience was captivated by Tari Andhira from Sanggar Sigrak Delimo, which retold the heroic story of Nyi Ageng Sérang—a courageous Javanese heroine who fought against Dutch colonial forces.

The highlight of the night was the retirement tribute to Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., fondly known as “Doktor Sakti.” Renowned as an academic, researcher, and cultural advocate, she has contributed greatly through her research, publications, and community service, and has been awarded the prestigious Satyalancana Karyasatya. As her parting gift, she presented “Adisari: The Light of Love Behind Conquest”, a performance art adaptation of an ancient manuscript, creatively transformed into a stage production.

The 14th Gugur Gunung was more than just a commemoration of the Study Program’s journey—it was also a reflection on the importance of preserving and celebrating culture. From students and lecturers to international collaborations, all came together on one stage, proving that Javanese language and culture continue to live, endure, and inspire.

Yogyakarta, 17 September 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), hosted a school visit from SMA Cikal Amri, East Jakarta. The event was warmly received by the Public Relations team of FIB UGM and provided students with the opportunity to experience academic life and the campus environment at UGM.

The program began with a presentation on the history of FIB UGM, its vision and mission, as well as various academic and non-academic activities. The interactive session allowed students to ask questions and gain deeper insights into learning opportunities and student life at FIB UGM.

After the presentation, the group joined a faculty tour. On the fourth floor, they were introduced to the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS), a unit that facilitates Indonesian language and cultural learning for international students. The tour continued to Gedung Margono, home to various study programs of FIB UGM. In the same building, students were also invited to visit the Mandala Majapahit Archaeology Museum and the Archaeology Laboratory, both of which play an important role in supporting research and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Through this visit, the students of SMA Cikal Amri not only gained new insights into academic life but also experienced firsthand the importance of preserving language, literature, and culture in both national and international contexts.

This activity reflects FIB UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through the introduction of inclusive access to higher education, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the preservation of cultural heritage in its museum and archaeology laboratory.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, Thursday, September 18, 2025 – The Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), has once again marked an important academic milestone with the completion of a doctoral research in philology. Rahmat, a doctoral candidate in the Humanities Study Program, successfully defended his dissertation entitled “The Implementation of Serat Sèstradi in Pakualaman Folktales: A Philological Study.” The research was supervised by Promoter Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., and Co-Promoter Dr. Sri Ratna Sakti Mulya, M.Hum.

This dissertation is rooted in the reality that Javanese literature in the Duchy of Pakualaman continues to serve as an intellectual legacy to this day. Literary works, particularly folktales, were produced for internal educational purposes and transmitted across generations. However, the diversity and depth of Pakualaman folktales have not been fully explored in previous scholarly studies.

In his research, Rahmat undertook a comprehensive approach that included inventory, description, transliteration, editing, and translation of folktale texts. He also analyzed the formal structures of the texts and revealed their purposes of creation. Through a critical edition method, the study presents thirteen manuscripts comprising a total of thirty-seven edited and translated folktales.

The findings show that Pakualaman folktales are generally composed in tembang macapat poetic form, containing core ideas and accompanied by liding dongèng or moral messages. These texts were not created merely for entertainment but also served as sources of knowledge and tools for character education. The embedded sèstradi values highlight the binary opposition of good and bad characters, functioning as moral guidance for the younger generation of Pakualaman to grow into noble individuals.

Rahmat further revealed that the creation of these folktales was influenced by the lèlaku (life experiences) of Pakualam as well as the historical context of their time. The messages conveyed through the texts emphasize the cultivation of resilience, perseverance in facing hardships, and the preparation of future generations to embrace societal changes. Thus, Pakualaman folktales function not only as literary heritage but also as vehicles of moral education and wisdom for life. This dissertation defence was also attended by the representatives of Pura Pakualaman GKBRAy Adipati Paku Alam X, GPH Indrokusumo, BRAy Indrokusumo, and GPH Wijoyo Harimurti.

This research contributes significantly to the preservation of Javanese cultural heritage and enriches the field of philology in Indonesia. Moreover, the dissertation aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by strengthening character education based on local wisdom. It also relates to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the preservation of cultural values and traditions that constitute the historical identity of the Pakualaman Duchy.

[Public Relations Office, FIB UGM – Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 15 September 2025 – The Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), presented artist Paksi Raras Alit in an Expert Lecture themed “Adapting Ancient Manuscripts into Performing Arts.” On this occasion, Paksi delivered a presentation entitled “From Page to the Stage: Manuscript to Stage Performance” which highlighted the creative process as well as the challenges of transforming ancient texts into stage performances.

Paksi explained that adapting ancient manuscripts into the performing arts is not merely transferring written texts into forms of drama, theater, wayang, or music. Rather, it involves a long process of rewriting, editing, adapting, and developing imagination to bring the text to life on stage. This creative process covers several crucial stages, including imaginative exploration, content adaptation, co-modification with the creative team, and technical production. Ultimately, all these steps are directed toward creating a performance that can be understood and appreciated by the audience.

However, significant challenges inevitably arise throughout the process. Paksi emphasized the fundamental questions that every artist or creator must answer: Where should one begin? What needs to be included or omitted? How can long descriptive passages about characters, places, and events be translated into a stage performance? Should all dialogues be presented in full? Often, manuscripts feature characters who speak in lengthy, elaborate texts that must be condensed to remain effective on stage.

This discussion demonstrated that performing arts are not merely a form of entertainment but also a meeting space between text, creativity, and audience. Furthermore, the creative endeavor of reviving ancient manuscripts on stage is also part of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically Goal 4 on Quality Education, which encourages knowledge development based on tradition, and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the preservation and actualization of cultural heritage in a modern context.

Through this event, FIB UGM reaffirmed its commitment as an academic space not only to study ancient manuscripts but also to connect them with performing arts, ensuring that tradition remains relevant and can be passed down across generations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, September 15, 2025 – The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), invited performing arts practitioner Anon Suneko, S.Sn., M.Sn. to deliver a guest lecture themed “Transforming Ancient Manuscripts into Performing Arts.” In his presentation, Anon provided an in-depth discussion on the creative process and challenges in composing musical accompaniment for dance drama.

According to him, composing musical accompaniment involves a structured sequence of stages, beginning with the formulation of concepts and themes, followed by research and musical exploration, intensive discussions with the director, and the drafting of initial sketches. The process then develops into a complete composition through the selection of appropriate instrumentation, the arrangement of transitions between sections, and the creation of variations to maintain dynamics and avoid monotony.

However, the process is not without challenges. Among them are balancing the dominance between music and performance, translating abstract concepts into concrete sounds, coping with time and resource limitations, bridging differences in vision among creators, and adapting to changes in choreography.

The lecture highlighted that performing arts are not merely a medium of expression but also a space for dialogue between tradition and innovation. Such creative efforts form part of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes culture-based knowledge development, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which underscores the preservation of cultural heritage within modern society.

Through this program, FIB UGM reaffirms its role as an academic hub that not only studies ancient texts but also revitalizes them through performing arts, ensuring that traditions remain alive and can be passed on across generations.

[Public Relation of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]