There is a viral song or Javanese song on social media entitled “Lela Ledhung”, this song is very much performed or used as a backsound for a video. Lela Ledhung is a song created by Markasan. The song was intended by Markasan as a lullaby, which later became quite popular in the post-independence period of the Republic of Indonesia. Lela Ledung went viral because of the Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra’s performance at the 2024 State Sovereignty Day Concert. Lela Ledhung, which has a pelog tune, was arranged by ML. Widyoyitnowaditro (Joko Suprayitno, S. Sn., M. Sn.) into an orchestra format nicely. 

Lela Ledhung is one example of a Javanese dolanan song. Tembang dolanan Jawa is a type of traditional song that is full of cultural values. Known as songs that are often played in children’s games, tembang dolanan contain deep philosophies that not only teach moral values, but also preserve local wisdom through music. Tembang dolanan is an important part of the Javanese musical tradition, involving memorable wordplay and tones. The language used in tembang dolanan is simple and easy to pronounce, referring to Winarti (2010) tembang dolanan shows several language functions as a means of communication in Javanese.

Based on Winarti’s research. D (2010) in the Widyaparwa Scientific Journal of Language and Literature on Dolanan Song Lyrics as a Form of Javanese Language Communication, several language functions exist in the song Lela Ledhung, which is:

•  Regulatory function

The song Lela Ledhung has a regulatory function located in the lyrics “Cep menenga aja pijer nangis” which means to tell someone, because basically this regulatory function is characterized by the use of command words.

• Interaction function

Interaction words are often found in dolanan songs such as greetings and questions, such as in the lyrics “Anakku sing ayu rupane” which is a greeting for her beautiful-faced child.

• Personal function

Personal functions usually show about themselves, for example showing beautiful traits for their own children.

• Heuristic function

It is the use of language to gain knowledge and is educational in nature, for example “Dadia wanita utama” and “Dadia pendekaring bangsa”.

• Imaginative function

Giving ideas that are imaginative and imaginary, as in the lyrics “Kae bulane ndadari kaya ndhas buta nggilani” gives the imagination that the moon is big like a buta or giant.

• Informative Function

Many dolanan songs use language that contains information, giving statements or explaining something. An example in the song Lela Ledhung is found in the lyrics that if you become the main person, you can raise the degree and name of your parents.

• Poetic Function

A song created must contain elements of beauty in it, such as the use of rhyme and certain language styles or diction, for example “Tak emban slendhang bathik kawung” followed by “Yen nangis mundhak gawe confused” has the same rhyme “ung”.

The functions in Lela Ledhung also apply to other dolanan songs. Although the language used is simple, dolanan songs have many functions and values in them, which can provide teaching and lessons for social life. With the spirit of cultural preservation, Javanese dolanan songs are not only entertainment, but also an effective medium to convey noble teachings that are still relevant for modern life today.

Reference

Winarti, D. (2010). Lirik Lagu Dolanan Sebagai Salah Satu Bentuk Komunikasi Berbahasa Jawa: Analisis Fungsi. Widyaparwa, 38(1), 1-12.

Picture Reference

music.youtube.com

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

In order to introduce sesajen to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and preserve Javanese culture, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held a workshop with the theme of Javanese sesajen, successfully held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. The workshop was attended by the lecturers of the Tata Cara course R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S. M.A., and Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P. M.A., as well as students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2023, who were enthusiastic to explore further the meanings of offerings in Javanese tradition. The resource person presented was a cultural activist who has very extensive knowledge of sesajen, Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P. explained the various types of sesajen and their symbolic meanings.

Javanese people mostly interpret an object as a symbol, one of which is an sesajen used as a form of offering that is usually used in traditional ceremonies or spiritual rituals, has an important role in the lives of Javanese people. The essence of sesajen is as a symbol of ngawruhi or giving reminders to ancestral spirits, nature, or as a form of gratitude and prayer for the blessings given by God Almighty.

The workshop aims to introduce the importance of the sesajen tradition and how to make it properly in accordance with the cultural values contained in it. The workshop participants were given the opportunity to directly see various kinds of sesajen with their respective meanings. In the explanation of the speaker, Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P., said, “Through this workshop, we hope that students can better understand the essence of sesajen, not only as objects used in rituals, but also as part of a cultural heritage that must be preserved because Javanese people really believe in symbols, one of which is this sesajen used to show prayer and gratitude.”

Each type of sesajen has its own meaning. Sesajen made from natural materials such as flowers, fruits, rice and leaves have deep symbolism, reflecting the harmony of humans with the surrounding nature. The speaker explained about the various kinds of sesajen and the meanings they contain. One of the sesajen that is at least provided during the traditional ceremony is the pisang sanggan, which is a banana totaling 1 catch. Sanggan comes from the word “sangga” which means buffer or support which is interpreted as the basis of all series of ceremonies. pisang sanggan are usually equipped with coins which mean prayers to God asking to complete everything if something is missing and there are also roses as a symbol of wewangen or fragrance for the ancestors.

Pisang sanggan with flowers and coins

In addition to pisang sanggan, one form of sesajen that is often served is tumpeng robyong which is a savory rice and some complementary side dishes. Tumpeng robyong is very identical with eggs, shallots, and red chilies that are skewered into a single unit. It serves as a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and harmony between humans and nature. Usually served in happy events such as celebrations, tumpeng robyong is expected to be a symbol that the owner hopes that all events run smoothly and are assisted by many people. The use of savory rice in this tumpeng symbolizes the Javanese people to always remember the Prophet Muhammad SAW.

The form of tumpeng robyong

Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P. also added that “desa mawa cara, negara mawa tata” so each region must have different forms and contents of sesajen. Sesajen is not interpreted as something that leads to polytheism. However, it teaches Javanese people how to symbolize a prayer and give it meaning.

One of the workshop participants, Bagus Ulinnuha, revealed that he learned many new things about the meanings of offerings in more detail thanks to this workshop. “I just found out that every element in the sesajen has a very deep meaning. I am very lucky to have the opportunity to participate in this,” he said.

Explanation from the speaker: Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P.

The preservation of this sesajen tradition is considered important, considering that more and more young people are starting to alienate from their cultural roots. This workshop is expected to be a starting point for the community to better appreciate the cultural heritage that has been passed down by the ancestors and remove the negative stigma regarding sesajen. It is hoped that with this workshop the Javanese community, especially the younger generation, will be able to understand more deeply the meaning of the symbols that have been passed down by the ancestors and can implement them in their daily lives.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Editor: Sandya Kirani]

Rafael Raga Budi Panuntun, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2021, successfully became the scriptwriter and director of a theater entitled “Ngathabagama” with the theme Panji which brought Sleman Regency to win the overall champion and best presenter in the 2024 DIY Provincial Theater Festival. Ngathabagama Theater was nominated as the best presenter, best director, best music director, best artistic director, best ensemble, and brought home the rotating trophy of the DIY Theater Festival.

Quoted from instagram account @rafaelragabp

Raga’s success should be an inspiration, in the midst of his academic busyness, Raga can still work and create a beautiful theater and become the best presenter. The process carried out by Raga is quite long, starting from initiating ideas, writing scripts, and so on. Ngathabagama Theater is a theater that was formed by accident, starting from a theater festival at the Sleman Regency level. Kapanewon Minggir has been the champion in Sleman Regency for 2 consecutive years. In 2023, Kapanewon Minggir presented a theater titled “Hagbala” with the theme of Yogyakarta, History and, Romanticism which was also written and directed by Rafael Raga Budi Panuntun, even 50% of this theater is self-made, starting from production, music, artistic, fashion, and others. Hagbala succeeded in winning the 1st place at the Sleman Regency level and the 3rd place at the DIY Province level.

After successfully becoming a champion with Hagbala in 2023. In 2024, Rafael Raga and Kapanewon Minggir advance to participate in the theater festival again in Sleman Regency. Raising Ngathabagama as the title of the presented theater, again succeeded in becoming the champion. Raga revealed that he wrote his script and ideas during KKN (Real Work Lecture) activities. This shows that with all his busyness, Raga was able to create an extraordinary work that was unexpectedly led him to become the best presenter in the 2024 DIY Theater Festival.

The theme of the 2024 DIY Theater Festival refers to the technical instructions from the DIY Cultural Service (Kundha Kabudayan) which is Panji. Panji’s romance and love with Sekartaji are brought into a theater. However, Raga revealed that he wanted Ngathabagama to be taken from another point of view, namely that the story of Panji and Sekartaji who always got a blessing from a nature or can be called the absolute destiny of God. Raga did research and found that Panji and Sekartaji always get a destiny that separates them, whether separated by time, someone, or circumstances.

The script that Raga wrote did not escape Raga’s consultation with the lecturer of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., an academic and Wayang Gedhog practitioner who uses the theme of Panji and Sekartaji. With the conversation that Raga did with Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., will strengthen the story and can be held accountable for its validation.

After doing a lot of research and discussion, Raga found that Panji and Sekartaji are always separated by fate, one of them is separated by the god Bathara Kala which is represented as Kala is time. Raga got an unusual idea, which is working on the Panji theater this time by showing Bathari Durga or the mother of Bathara Kala who gives wiradat to Panji and Sekartaji and separates the two of them to get a stronger essence.

Raga crossed between Wayang Gedhog and Wayang Purwa to find out the weakness of Bathari Durga. The weakness of Bathari Durga is Semar or Sang Hyang Ismaya, Semar can defeat Bathari Durha by reciting the way of the guardian, to prevent further evil. Caraka walik is a Javanese script (Hanacaraka) that is read backwards, believed to be able to ward off bad things, Raga took the title of the theater this time from the first line of caraka walik, Ngathabagama.

Many Javanese chronicles, both fiction and non-fiction, place the central story of Panji and Sekartaji. Raga’s knowledge of various kinds of Javanese literary works made him confident to write this script. The story of Panji and Sekartaji has not only become the wealth of the Nusantara but for the whole of Southeast Asia. There are also many essences of Wayang Purwa that are raised for Ngathabagama theater, such as Semar, Bathari Durga, the role of the gods, the urning of the nature of the wiradat, a romance story that has many relationships with literary works, and local wisdom such as the use of caraka walik which is widely known to expel or restore bad circumstances.

Not only the presentation of Ngathabagama theater, Raga also created an original soundtrack for Ngathabagama with the title “Kalasmara” which supports the dialogue between Panji and Sekartaji. This Kalasmara was created by Raga to archive theatrical presentations that have been carried out so that they still have a different essence. Raga added that he did not want a stage to only end in 30 minutes to 1 hour on stage, but to have another form of work that can forever be a memory and archive in the future.

The story of Raga in the creation of performing arts based on Javanese literary works is expected to be able to inspire students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program to be able to create and utilize the knowledge that has been obtained. Many works of art can be created equipped with knowledge from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

After successfully becoming the Princess Cultural Ambassador of Yogyakarta 2024, Kintan Dewinta Putri, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2022, continued her struggle by representing the Special Region of Yogyakarta in the Indonesian Cultural Ambassador 2024 event. The search for the 2024 Indonesian Cultural Ambassador was held on September 19-21, 2024 in the city of Surabaya, East Java. 

During the four-day event, Kintan received a lot of training and workshops such as how to build personal branding and material about skin health. Many activities were carried out by Kintan together with other Cultural Ambassadors from various regions, ranging from photoshoots to city tours. “I was feeling down and overthinking not being able to bring the title, but Alhamdulillah, I was still given the trust as the 1st Runner Up of the 2024 Indonesian Cultural Ambassador,” said Kintan regarding her impression.

Kintan Dewinta Putri wearing a typical Yogyakarta Besiyaran outfit

Kintan’s experiences and achievements are expected to be a motivation for students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, and be able to benefit the people around both now and in the future. Kintan conveyed a message that all young people should not be ashamed to start something because success must also begin with effort. Kintan added hope that the big family of Indonesian Cultural Ambassadors will be closer, maintained solidarity and unity among the diversity of Indonesian culture. 

Kintan’s steps as Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador 2024 and 1st Runner Up Indonesian Cultural Ambassador 2024 should be an example for students and the general public regarding the role of preserving local culture. Not only Cultural Ambassadors have a duty to preserve culture, but it is an obligation for all levels of society. Increasing tolerance and strengthening unity can start as a good first step.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Science UGM, Sandya Kirani]

The Roadshow of Master of American Studies UGM to the City of Heroes, Surabaya, which was held on November 28-29, 2024, successfully became an important momentum in expanding academic networks. In addition to carrying out the study program promotion agenda, visits to Airlangga University (UNAIR), as well as the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia, Surabaya also reflects the commitment of the Master of American Studies Program to continue to advance the field of transnational studies and strengthen collaboration between institutions.

The UGM delegation made the first visit to the Master’s Program in Literature and Cultural Studies, UNAIR on Thursday, November 28, 2024. On this occasion, 13 students of Master of American Studies were accompanied by the Head of Study Program, Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum. Upon arrival at UNAIR, the group was warmly welcomed by the Head of Master of Arts in Literature and Culture, UNAIR, Mr. Edi Dwi Riyanto, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., who is also an alumnus of Master of Arts in American Studies, UGM, as well as several representatives of lecturers and students of Master of Arts in Literature and Culture and English Literature, UNAIR. The meeting began with the presentation of information on the excellence and curriculum of the Master of American Studies, UGM by Dr. Aris Munandar, M. Hum. Then, this presentation was continued by several students who shared their academic and non-academic experiences while studying at the Master of American Studies, UGM.

This visit also resulted in productive discussions through Forum Group Discussion (FGD) between lecturers and students. In particular, the lecturers collected stakeholder aspirations in the context of the 2025 Curriculum review. For students, this meeting not only strengthened the relationship between students of Master of American Studies UGM and Master of Literary and Cultural Studies, UNAIR, but also resulted in initiatives for collaborative work programs in the academic field for 2025 through the student associations of Master of American Studies, UGM and Master of Literary and Cultural Studies, UNAIR. By sharing insights about their respective curricula, scientific publications, and excellent programs, both study programs have opened up opportunities for broader joint development.

Picture 1 Forum Group Discussion of UGM and UNAIR lecturers

On Friday, November 29, 2024, the group visited the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia, Surabaya to conclude the roadshow series. This visit became a valuable experience for Master students of American studies. The talk show session with Kayla M. Smith, Foreign Service Officer, provided a new picture of various American cultural traditions, especially related to the Thanksgiving celebration. In addition, the discussion with a warm and intimate atmosphere with Kayla, who also relates some Indonesian cultural traditions, also adds to the experience of cultural dimensions that are relevant to the context of transnational American Studies for students.

Picture 2 Group Photo at the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Indonesia office, Surabaya

This series of roadshows provides experience of synergy between academic institutions and external parties to encourage inclusive, cross-cultural, and contextual learning for students. The success of this event is expected to be a foothold for deeper collaboration in the future, strengthening the position of UGM Master of American Studies as an innovative, adaptive, and globally oriented study program.