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, 1 May 2025 — In a relaxed and warm atmosphere, the staff of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a recreational activity titled “FIB Mancing Mania” on Thursday (1/5). The event took place from 07.00 to 12.00 WIB at the fishing pond owned by Mr Suwanto, a retired FIB UGM staff member, located in Gondangan, Margomulyo, Seyegan, Sleman.

This inaugural fishing gathering served as a special moment for the staff to unwind and refresh, while also acting as a communal activity to strengthen collegial ties. The event was officially opened by the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., who expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm and team spirit of the staff. He also emphasised the importance of maintaining a sense of kinship and teamwork beyond formal institutional settings.

The warm atmosphere was evident in the participants’ interactions—fishing, sharing stories, and enjoying leisure time together in a natural, open-air setting. More than just a source of entertainment, the event became an informal space to foster solidarity and togetherness in the workplace.

Through “FIB Mancing Mania”, it is hoped that the spirit of cooperation, camaraderie, and a positive work environment will continue to grow and thrive among the FIB UGM staff.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, 17 April 2025 – Pusat Bahasa of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) partnered with the Indonesian International Education Foundation (IIEF) to successfully organize the TOEFL Digital On-Site test today. The test took place at FIB UGM, with ten participants arriving at the venue starting at 7:30 AM. The official test began at 8:00 AM.

The participants expressed enthusiasm for enhancing their English language skills, recognizing it as a crucial factor for thriving in the increasingly interconnected global landscape. The test employed digital methods, which not only ensured efficiency but also promoted eco-friendliness by significantly reducing paper use. This reflects UGM’s commitment to leveraging technology in providing high-quality education.

To guarantee a smooth execution of the test, the Language Center of FIB UGM and IIEF ensured that the facilities met international standards for TOEFL testing. The venue offered modern amenities and accessibility, while the organizers provided pre-test briefings to help participants perform confidently and without technical difficulties.

The event served as both an opportunity for individuals to evaluate their English proficiency and a strategic step toward realizing Indonesia’s vision of producing globally competitive human resources. Through its collaboration with IIEF, UGM demonstrated the importance of partnerships between educational institutions and related organizations in expanding access to quality education across the country.

This initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable quality education. By focusing on individual skill development, the program represents a tangible commitment by educational institutions to foster positive change on both local and global scales.

[Public Relation of Fellas FIB UGM, Sabik Hikami]

Yogyakarta, 28/4/2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) held a cultural webinar titled “Mencintai yang Dekat, Mengenal yang Jauh: Imbasadi Menjawab Tantangan AI dan Global lewat Kebudayaan Daerah” (Loving What is Near, Understanding What is Far: Imbasadi Responds to the Challenges of AI and Globalization through Regional Culture) on Sunday (April 13, 2025). The event was part of the series commemorating Imbasadi’s 32nd anniversary.

The webinar featured R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. Noviyanti Alfitri, a student from the same program and a member of Imbasadi’s Research and Community Service Division (P2M), served as the moderator.

In his presentation, R. Bima Slamet Raharja highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the preservation and expanding public access to the literary and cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. However, he emphasized that the use of such technologies must be carried out wisely, ensuring that cultural wealth remains respected, safeguarded as a national treasure, and continues to provide lasting benefits.

This cultural webinar demonstrated Imbasadi’s and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program’s strong commitment to preserving and advancing regional languages, literatures, and cultures amidst the pressures of globalization. The initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 22/04/2025 – As part of an effort to deepen understanding of the dynamics of Indonesian politics, Indonesian Culture and Language Study (INCULS) students visited the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) DPRD Building and the DIY Governor’s Office. The visit not only provided insight into the legislative and executive processes at the local level, but also implicitly touched on the principles of sustainable development, particularly in terms of inclusive, transparent and accountable governance.

During the visit to the DPRD DIY, INCULS students discussed with the lecturers the role of the legislature in public policy making. They highlighted the importance of community participation in the political process, which is in line with peace processes that emphasize effective, inclusive and transparent governance. At the Governor’s Office, INCULS students had the opportunity to tour and hear about the challenges and strategies of development in Yogyakarta. Topics such as cultural preservation, poverty alleviation, and improving access to education were discussed. The DIY government emphasized the importance of collaboration between academics, communities, and policy makers to achieve sustainable development. Youth and students play a key role in driving innovation and monitoring public policies.

The visit not only enriched students’ understanding of Indonesian politics, but also made them realize that good public policy is the foundation of achieving the SDGs. By understanding the democratic process and governance, INCULS students are expected to become agents of change who promote sustainable development, both locally and globally. Politics is not just about power, but a tool to realize sustainable social and environmental justice. This activity is proof that political education and awareness of sustainable development must go hand in hand to create a better future. 

[Public Relation of INCULS, Thareeq Arkan Falakh]