JAKARTA – Academics from Gadjah Mada University (UGM) have once again achieved a prestigious milestone on the national stage. Fitrilya Anjarsari, a doctoral student in the Humanities at UGM, was officially named First Prize Winner of the Jakarta Arts Council (DKJ) 2026 Literary Criticism Competition. The announcement was made during the “2026 DKJ Literary Criticism Contest Awards Night,” which took place in a solemn ceremony at the Small Theater Building, Taman Ismail Marzuki, on July 23, 2026.

Fitrilya succeeded in outshining 141 other entries that had passed the administrative screening with her essay titled “The Collapse of Humanity as the Center: Post-Human Tendencies in Contemporary Indonesian Literary Aesthetics.” This victory is not only a source of personal pride but also reflects the depth of intellectual tradition and the sharpness of critical analysis fostered within UGM’s doctoral program.

This year’s contest is held under the overarching theme “The Long Journey of Indonesian Literature.” Fadjriah Nurdiarsih, Chair of the DKJ Literature Committee, explained that this event represents a consistent effort to foster a healthy ecosystem of thought and scholarly tradition. Since its inception in 2007, this competition has served as a vital platform for the emergence of new literary critics capable of offering fresh perspectives on the development of literature.

In his remarks, DKJ Executive Chair Bambang Prihadi emphasized that literary criticism acts as a bridge, enabling works of art to be discussed and appreciated more deeply by the general public. In line with this, Harry Sanjaya, Head of the Management Unit of the Jakarta Arts Center Taman Ismail Marzuki (UPPKJ TIM), stated that a vibrant tradition of criticism is the foundation for the nation’s cultural progress.

The manuscript written by Fitrilya Anjarsari caught the jury’s attention for its bold exploration of post-humanism in Indonesian literature after the year 2000. In the jury’s statement, read by Areispine Dymussaga Miraviori and Asep Subhan, Fitrilya’s work was deemed capable of transcending conventional readings that typically focus on the human subject.

Fitrilya employs cutting-edge references to analyze four literary works as her subject matter, namely:
1. O (2016) by Eka Kurniawan;
2. Semua Ikan di Langit (2017) by Ziggy Zezsyazeoviennazabrizkie;
3. Aroma Karsa (2018) by Dee Lestari;
4. Gentayangan: Pilih Sendiri Petualangan Sepatu Merahmu (2017) by Intan Paramaditha.

In her analysis, Fitrilya demonstrates how non-human elements in these novels are no longer merely background or supplementary elements, but have transformed into story drivers with agency (both material and non-material). The author skillfully weaves together theoretical foundations and formal analysis using simple language that maintains a rigorous scientific structure through the division of subsections, which enhances overall readability.

The judging process was conducted via “blind reading,” in which the judges evaluated the manuscript without knowing the author’s identity or regional origin. This ensures objectivity in determining the winner based on craftsmanship, readability, and the novelty of the arguments.

Although named the winner, the judging panel still provided critical feedback as part of a healthy academic tradition. The judges highlighted the opening section of Fitrilya’s manuscript, where she presented various humanistic trends in the interpretation of contemporary literary works as the basis for her argument. According to the judges, this section lacked concrete examples, leaving room for doubt as to whether these trends actually exist within the current critical landscape or are merely the author’s imagination.

However, these shortcomings were offset by Fitrilya’s keen ability to weave narrative elements into a highly compelling contextual interpretation. The judges concluded that Fitrilya’s manuscript is a highly versatile work that demonstrates the skill of a master reader in charting a new direction for Indonesian literary aesthetics.

Fitrilya Anjarsari’s first-place victory, followed by Cindy Wijaya (2nd place) and Ridwanul Hakim Authonul Muther (3rd place), demonstrates the dominance of the younger generation on the national literary criticism scene. Bambang Prihadi noted that the majority of this year’s contest participants were from the millennial and Gen Z generations, proving that the critical thinking skills of Indonesia’s youth remain strong.

As a doctoral student in the Humanities at UGM, Fitrilya’s achievement serves as tangible proof of the university’s academic community’s contribution to charting a new course for literary studies beyond the ivory tower of academia. This essay will be published on tengara.id, a literary criticism website operated by the DKJ Literature Committee, so that it can be widely accessed by the public and other researchers.

The awards ceremony concluded with the hope that the winners would continue to inspire critical thinking. With this victory, Fitrilya Anjarsari not only took home a tangible award but also solidified her position as one of the future critics poised to guide “The Long Road of Indonesian Literature” with a sharp and relevant academic perspective.

Penulis: Islahuddin Ibrahim

Sumber dokumentasi:

https://www.youtube.com/live/sJnTES3fXr8?si=ySQ6Kf1tXQDfXq-W 

As part of the implementation of experiential learning, students in the Master’s Program in Anthropology at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB), UGM, conducted a field trip on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 to the Bonokeling Indigenous Community in Pekuncen Village, Jatilawang Subdistrict, Banyumas Regency, Central Java. This activity was a field component of the “Traditional Governance Systems” course taught by Dr. Sita Hidayah, M.A. The objective was to deepen students’ understanding of traditional governance practices, community management, and the dynamics of the relationship between traditional systems and formal government through an ethnographic approach.

The students were welcomed by Ki Soemitro, Chair of the Village Customary Council, and Pak Narso, Head of Pekuncen Village. The meeting served as a forum for dialogue on the history of the Bonokeling community, the structure of customary leadership, and the community’s close connection to their ancestors through the concept of anak-putu—a spiritual and genealogical bond that forms the foundation of both the identity and social system of the Bonokeling community. Ki Soemitro explained that the survival of the indigenous community depends not only on written rules but also on the moral adherence of all anak-putu to the values inherited from Kyai Bonokeling. This system has proven capable of preserving traditional governance across generations amid the tide of modernization.

In addition to discussions, the students observed the architecture of traditional houses, communal spatial arrangements, and the conduct of traditional rituals. These observations and discussions revealed that indigenous communities possess the capacity for effective collective governance without relying entirely on formal bureaucratic structures. The Village Head explained that the formal government and traditional institutions do not compete with one another but rather complement each other. Village development policies are always consulted with traditional institutions to preserve and respect sacred spaces and the community’s cultural values. Conversely, various internal community issues—such as family disputes, social conflicts, or violations of customary norms—are resolved through customary deliberation before resorting to state legal mechanisms.

The Bonokeling community is open to technology, such as cell phones, yet remains vigilant to ensure that the values of individualism and consumerism do not supplant the principles of collective living inherited from their ancestors. Amid the tide of globalization, they face various challenges, ranging from adapting to state administrative regulations to the pressure of cultural commercialization through the tourism industry. In response, Ki Soemitro explained that the Bonokeling community employs a strategy of cultural resistance through a process of prudent negotiation. They comply with state administrative requirements to ensure the civil rights of their citizens, while still preserving Kejawen spiritual practices and value systems in their daily lives. Furthermore, traditional institutions strictly limit the commercialization of rituals to ensure that the sacred nature of traditions does not degenerate into mere tourist spectacles.

This activity provides a learning experience that goes beyond classroom instruction. Through direct observation, dialogue, and reflection with the indigenous community, students gain a more comprehensive understanding of traditional governance practices as a living, dynamic social system that continually adapts to the changing times.

Author: Dewi Widyastuti

Two students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy and Meifira Arini Pitaloka, have successfully been selected as recipients of the Undergraduate–Master’s (S1–S2) Fast Track Program at FIB UGM. The announcement was made on Friday (17/7/2026) through the official social media account of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM. Through this program, students have the opportunity to pursue undergraduate (S1) and master’s (S2) studies concurrently, allowing them to complete their study period in a shorter time. Both students chose to continue their studies in the Master’s Program in Literature at FIB UGM.

In an online interview conducted on Monday (20/7/2026), both students expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for being selected as recipients of the FIB UGM Fast Track Program. For Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy, the program serves as an opportunity to deepen the knowledge he has acquired during his undergraduate studies. “I aspire to gain a deeper understanding of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture so that the knowledge I acquire can later benefit society,” he explained. Likewise, Meifira Arini Pitaloka viewed the opportunity to continue her studies through the Fast Track Program as a chance to further develop her academic interests while broadening her knowledge. “I want to continue exploring what I am passionate about by making the most of every opportunity and determination I have,” she said.

Regarding their prospective research at the master’s level, the two students have different academic interests. Rafi hopes to further explore Javanese literature and culture, particularly the existence of the Panji stories in Central Java. “I am interested in further studying Javanese literature and culture, for example, the existence of the Panji stories in Central Java, while the world of Panji itself is more widely associated with Malang,” he explained. Meanwhile, Meifira plans to explore a broader range of literary studies. “I want to try not to limit myself only to Javanese literature. My planned research will still be related to images, perhaps in areas such as comic literature or children’s literature,” she shared.

Both students have also prepared themselves to face the challenges of participating in the Fast Track Program. According to Rafi, the greatest challenge lies in managing his time effectively in order to balance undergraduate and master’s studies. “I want to be more disciplined, make better use of my time for my studies, and set aside time for field research,” he said. On the other hand, Meifira believes that mental preparedness is an equally important aspect. In addition to striving to do her best, she also emphasized the importance of prayer and self-awareness throughout the academic journey. “I will do my best, never forget to pray, and continue building self-awareness in facing the challenges ahead,” she explained.

Concluding the interview, both students shared messages for their fellow students, encouraging them to remain enthusiastic and consistent throughout their academic journey. Rafi encouraged students to consistently pursue what they are genuinely passionate about so that the learning process becomes more enjoyable. “Consistently pursue what you truly enjoy. That way, the learning process will become more enjoyable. Stay motivated, and go through it with ease. Melu ilining banyu ning ora nganti keli (go with the flow of the water, but do not let yourself be carried away by it),” he said. Meifira also shared a similar message. According to her, every choice that has been made should be pursued wholeheartedly and with full responsibility. “Do what you love and love what you do,” she said.

The achievement of Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy and Meifira Arini Pitaloka in becoming recipients of the FIB UGM Fast Track Program is expected to inspire other students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program to continue developing their academic potential and make the most of the opportunities available to them. It is hoped that their journey in pursuing master’s studies will contribute to the advancement of knowledge, particularly in the fields of Javanese language, literature, and culture.

Authos: Haryo Untoro

The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM, in collaboration with Chung-Ang University (CAU), held the opening ceremony for the “2nd CAUGM” on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. The opening ceremony took place in the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium. This cultural exchange program will run from July 20 through August 1.

The event was attended by 24 students from Chung-Ang University and 70 students from the Korean Language and Culture Program at FIB, UGM. Over the course of two weeks, participants will take part in various activities, such as cultural exchange classes, language exchange sessions, and collaborative activities designed to strengthen cross-cultural understanding between Indonesian and South Korean students.

At today’s opening ceremony, students from both countries presented lively cultural performances. Students from Chung-Ang University performed K-Pop dances and songs, a taekwondo demonstration, and traditional Korean musical instrument performances. Equally captivating, UGM students also presented traditional Indonesian cultural performances, including the Edan-edanan dance, the Sintren dance, singing, and pencak silat.

In addition, one of the main events in this series of collaborative activities is the Korean Festival, which will be open to the public on July 25. The general public and the campus community are invited to attend and experience Korean culture firsthand.

Through this series of activities, students not only gain academic experience but also have the opportunity to interact directly with participants from other countries. This type of cultural exchange is expected to broaden their global perspective, improve their cross-cultural communication skills, and strengthen ties among students from both institutions.

Author: Juleha (朱殷萱Chu Yin Hsuan)

“Gamelan Mahasiswa Sastra Nusantara,” better known as Gamasutra, once again enlivened the Gamelan Festival organized by the Faculty of Philosophy on Saturday, July 18, 2026. This festival is an annual event held as part of the Faculty of Philosophy’s anniversary celebrations. This year’s festival featured 52 gamelan groups, both from within and outside Gadjah Mada University. The event took place over two consecutive days, Saturday and Sunday, July 18–19, 2026.

Gamasutra performed six gendhing pieces: “Ladrang Sumyar,” “Lagon Emplek-emplek Ketepu,” “Lagon Kembang Jagung,” “Lancaran Aku Duwe Pitik,” “Ketawang Manggung Sore,” and “Ayak-ayak Pamungkas RRI.” “These gendhing pieces were performed with the intention of reviving a repertoire that hasn’t been performed in a long time, and to reintroduce traditional children’s songs,” said Yanuar, a student in the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences who initiated this repertoire.

Each of these pieces has a different meaning. “Lagon Emplek-emplek Ketepu,” “Lagon Kembang Jagung,” and “Lancaran Aku Duwe Pitik” are children’s songs with cheerful rhythms. “Ladrang Sumyar,” which serves as the main piece in Gamasutra’s performance, is presented with a distinctly different feel. “Unlike Ladrang Sumyar, which is usually performed in the laras pelog pathet barang, we perform it in laras slendro pathet manyura,” said Yanuar. These pieces are also reconstructions of old recordings from RRI Yogyakarta, RRI Kraton Yogyakarta, SMKI Yogyakarta, and Karawitan Condong Raos.

Gamasutra’s participation in the Karawitan Festival is part of the efforts by students at the Faculty of Humanities, UGM, to continue revitalizing, preserving, and reintroducing the richness of Javanese karawitan to the wider public. Through a repertoire ranging from classical gendhing to children’s songs, Gamasutra demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the continuity of the karawitan art tradition amid the changing times.

[Humas FIB, Maylafaizza Nafisha Zifa]