Yogyakarta, 2/7/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) was held at the University Club of Universitas Gadjah Mada, presenting an inspiring discourse on the power of women’s narratives in Javanese literature. Dra. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, M.A., together with two of her students, Yudha Adistira and Saktia Hidayah, presented a study entitled “Leadership of Female Characters in the Novel Kidung Trěsna Sang Pikatan: Rancière’s Democratic Perspective.”

In her presentation, the researcher highlighted how female characters in the novel by Alexandra Indriyanti Dewi serve as agents of social change. Utilizing the radical democracy theory of Jacques Rancière, they interpreted that leadership in the story does not stem from structural power but from political actions that challenge the established patriarchal symbolic order.

Wulan, Pramodawardhani, and Sri Kahulunan emerged as representations of female figures manifesting Rancière’s three main concepts: dissensus, egalitarianism, and the reversal of hierarchy. Wulan, depicted as tělik sandhi, experiences inner conflict and subtly challenges the system through apparent compliance, a form of dissensus that quietly disrupts the power structure. Meanwhile, Pramodawardhani reflects the spirit of egalitarianism through her sharp political strategies and involvement in the development of Borobudur Temple. On the other hand, Sri Kahulunan firmly opposes the claim that leadership must be male-dominated, showcasing women’s courage in repositioning power.

Interestingly, all three characters were also analyzed through the lens of Donna Haraway’s cyborg feminism, positioning them as hybrid subjects that reject old dichotomies such as male-female or public-private. With this approach, female figures emerge not merely as complements to historical narratives but as leaders who reshape the power map.

This presentation contributes significantly to the discourse on gender and politics within the realm of literature, affirming that Javanese literature can also serve as a democratic space that validates women’s voices as active subjects of social change. More than just a historical romance, Kidung Trěsna Sang Pikatan stands as a text of resistance against patriarchy and a symbol of Javanese women’s bravery in carving their nation’s history.

The seminar also emphasized the importance of cultural diversity in literature, showcasing how different narratives can coexist and enrich the understanding of gender roles. By empowering girls through education for sustainability, the event highlighted the need for equal opportunities in literary representation, ensuring that women’s stories are told and celebrated.

In conclusion, through the presentation session by Dra. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, M.A., SEMEJA IV not only celebrated the contributions of experts and academics in Malay-Javanese studies, but also reinforced the importance of education and cultural diversity in building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The narrative presented is a call to action for everyone to recognize and support the vital role of women in literature and society.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 30 June 2025 – A total of 13 students from three higher education institutions are participating in an international collaborative program in the field of archaeology, organized by the Australian National University (ANU) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in cooperation with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). This program is part of efforts to strengthen cross-national academic collaboration while providing a platform for knowledge exchange and research experience in the fields of culture and archaeology.

The program involves 4 students from ANU, 5 students from Universitas Gadjah Mada, and 4 students from Udayana University. The activities are held in two main locations: the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.

This program is funded by the Australian National University and results from a collaboration between the School of Culture, History and Language, College of Asia & the Pacific at ANU and the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The activities are coordinated by two archaeology experts: Dr. Shimona Kealy from ANU and Dr. Mahirta, M.A. from UGM, both of whom have extensive experience in archaeological research in Southeast Asia.

Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of activities, including academic discussions, fieldwork, and cross-cultural studies. In Yogyakarta, participants will attend workshops and introductory sessions on archaeological methods and theories. Meanwhile, in Lombok, they will conduct direct field exploration and research at designated archaeological sites, honing their skills in observation, data recording, and artifact analysis.

The program is not only aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Indonesia’s cultural heritage but also at strengthening academic networks between higher education institutions in Indonesia and Australia. With participants coming from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, this program serves as an ideal space for cross-cultural understanding, constructive academic dialogue, and collaborative learning experiences.

Furthermore, this program aligns with several goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities, through cultural heritage preservation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this program, the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage are pursued collectively across nations for a sustainable future.

With the enthusiasm of the participants and the support from the involved institutions, this program is expected to be a concrete step toward building sustainable international cooperation in the fields of archaeology and cultural studies.

[Public Relations, FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2025 — The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA) was officially held at UC Hotel, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), bringing together scholars from various institutions both domestically and internationally. One of the panel speakers contributing to the academic discussions was Dr. Fahmi Prihantoro, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM.

In a session titled “How Did Islamic Religious Organizations Empower Society Through Cultural Heritage,” Dr. Fahmi presented a case study on Pasar Pasan in Kotagede, Yogyakarta. He elaborated on how cultural heritage preservation can become a dynamic tool for community empowerment, particularly through the involvement of Islamic organizations such as Muhammadiyah.

According to Dr. Fahmi, Kotagede is a living heritage site—a cultural heritage area that continues to be actively used in the daily lives of its community. Beyond preserving historical traces, this area serves as a space where cultural, religious, and economic values develop harmoniously.

A key point in his presentation highlighted a paradigm shift in heritage preservation—from being government-led to being increasingly driven by civil society and non-governmental organizations. Muhammadiyah, as one of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organizations, was cited as having taken an active role in community development rooted in cultural heritage in Kotagede.

Through the Pasar Pasan case study, Dr. Fahmi emphasized how this traditional market activity functions as a platform for residents to reinforce cultural identity while simultaneously enhancing the local economy. Pasar Pasan is seen as a community-led initiative that integrates cultural values with inclusive economic practices.

The discussion also addressed the importance of community engagement and collective memory in sustaining cultural heritage. The people of Kotagede are considered to possess a strong historical awareness, which supports the continued existence of heritage spaces—especially those located between the symbolic twin gates of Kotagede.

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment. Seminar participants raised insightful questions, which Dr. Fahmi responded to enthusiastically, underlining the significance of collaboration among communities, academics, and religious organizations in preserving cultural heritage.

This event plays a crucial role in supporting the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through community-based cultural heritage preservation, it contributes to the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements, in line with SDG 11. Furthermore, educational values are promoted through the cross-cultural dissemination of knowledge and the strengthening of cultural identity awareness, reflecting the aims of SDG 4 on quality education. Equally important, the seminar embodies the spirit of SDG 17 by fostering strategic partnerships between academia, civil society, and local communities in social development based on local wisdom.

Through this discussion, participants gained new insights into community-based cultural preservation and the vital role of religious organizations in fostering inclusive and sustainable social development.

[Public Relations FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 1/7/2025 – The 4th International Seminar on Malay-Javanese Studies (SEMEJA 2025) was officially opened at the University Club of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) on July 1, 2025. The seminar brought together academics, researchers, and cultural observers from Indonesia and Malaysia. The opening ceremony commenced solemnly at 8:30 AM, starting with a prayer, followed by welcoming speeches from various dignitaries, including the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM and the Director of the Institute of Malay Civilization (ATMA) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

In his welcoming address, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at UGM, expressed his appreciation for the presence of all participants and partners from UKM, particularly ATMA. He emphasized the importance of continuing scientific collaboration that had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This seminar serves as a strategic platform to delve into the historical, cultural, linguistic, and civilizational ties between the Malay and Javanese communities. UGM believes that Malay-Javanese studies provide significant benefits in strengthening international academic networks and preserving our shared cultural heritage,” said Prof. Setiadi.

He also highlighted that this seminar is not only relevant for cultural and historical experts but also for academics from various fields who wish to develop scientific perspectives rooted in local and regional identities. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of promoting quality education and fostering global partnerships.

This year, SEMEJA IV focuses on how cultural heritage can play a role in community empowerment and strengthening regional integration. The issues raised include language, arts, and culture; leadership and regional integration; heritage preservation as a catalyst for community development; strengthening heritage and sustainable development; and social solidarity through cross-border cultural cooperation.

With an inclusive theme and approach, SEMEJA IV is designed to foster meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic cooperation among academic institutions, local communities, and stakeholders from Indonesia and Malaysia. The seminar marks an important milestone in the efforts to preserve Malay-Javanese culture and create a shared space for academic integration and local values at both regional and global levels.

The opening ceremony also featured a cultural performance of Javanese dance by Ratnatraya, an art student organization from the Department of Javanese Language and Literature at UGM. This was followed by an inaugural speech by YBhg. Dato Haslina Abdul Hamid, the Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of National Unity, and a keynote session led by Prof. Dr. Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra from UGM’s Graduate School.

The seminar is scheduled to last for two days, July 1 and 2, 2025, featuring a variety of scientific discussion sessions, community forums, and cultural performances. The presence of stakeholders from both countries is expected to pave the way for closer and more sustainable academic and cultural collaborations.

As part of the seminar’s commitment to the SDGs, particularly in education in developing countries, the event aims to leverage technology and cultural insights to enhance educational outcomes and community engagement. By fostering global partnerships, SEMEJA IV seeks to create a collaborative environment that empowers communities through shared knowledge and cultural understanding.

In conclusion, SEMEJA 2025 not only serves as a platform for academic discourse but also as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage shared by the Malay and Javanese peoples. The collaborative efforts between UGM and UKM exemplify the potential of academic partnerships in addressing global challenges while promoting local identities and cultural preservation.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Javanese as one of the cultural riches of the Nusantara has regained its living space through the creativity of the younger generation. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held an unusual final semester exam. In the Creative Spoken Javanese course, students were challenged to create a short film in Javanese, as a form of preserving and reactivating regional languages ​​amidst the current of modernization.

Three groups of students successfully produced three short films titled Cumawis, Ana Apa Dhik Cinta?, and Pitutur Kinasih. Each film contains a story full of meaning and depicts the dynamics of contemporary Javanese society with the mother tongue as its main medium.

The film Cumawis presents a narrative about the struggles of a simple family in facing a financial crisis, leading them to deeper problems. The film Cumawis can be accessed by the public through the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6CqL_lC2bg. Meanwhile, Ana Apa Dhik Cinta? raises the inner conflict of a student named Cinta who is faced with a choice between loyalty to friendship, demands of the organization, and the turmoil of personal feelings. Anggit Galuh, as Galuh’s character in this film, explained that the film Ana Apa Dhik Cinta? was inspired by the film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta (AADC) by adjusting the concept of the setting, cast, and plot of the story without leaving its essence. The film Ana Apa Dhik Cinta? can be accessed by the public through the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiZ3BgXgmfY. As for Pitutur Kinasih, it presents a reflective journey of the character Alfon who tries to rise and rebuild his life after experiencing a misfortune. The film Pitutur Kinasih can be accessed by the public through the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT4Byr1uH4k. 

This creative approach provides space for students to not only hone their oral language skills, but also to understand the cultural context and local values ​​contained in learning Javanese. Mr. Bima S. Raharja, S.S., M.A., the lecturer of the Creative Spoken Javanese course, emphasized that language is not only learned, but also brought to life, optimized, and appreciated through a creative process. 

This activity reflects the spirit of supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), especially point 4th on Quality Education and point 17th on Partnerships for the Goals. In this context, collaboration between educational institutions and students creates real contributions to the preservation of regional languages.

Language is the identity and soul of a nation. Therefore, maintaining the existence of the Javanese language also means maintaining the sustainability of Javanese culture itself. Through film media, the younger generation is invited to make Javanese a living, relevant, and ever-evolving language. Such efforts need to receive attention and support from various parties so that Javanese remains an active part of the lives of Indonesian society.

[Javanese, Language and Literature, Maysa Putri Fatihah]