Yogyakarta, October 29, 2025 — The Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held an event titled “From Paper to Stage: Alihwahana Workshop on Javanese-Islamic Epics from Literary Texts to Performance.” The workshop served as a learning platform for students to practice the process of alihwahana—the transformation of literary texts into creative and communicative performing arts.

The event opened with I Made Christian Wiranata Rediana as the master of ceremonies, who began the program with a joint prayer for its smooth running. The workshop then continued with an opening remark by Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Daru Winarti, M.Hum. In her speech, Daru expressed hope that this activity would serve as a space for students to enhance their artistic abilities while realizing that literary texts hold great potential to be brought to life on stage.

The workshop featured several experienced speakers in the fields of art and culture, including Kusnanta Riwus Ginanjar, S.Sn. (actor, playwright, director, and puppeteer of Wayang Golek Menak), Rinal Khaidar Ali, ST., M.Eng. (activist of Wayang Golek Menak), and Dr. Drs. Sudibyo, M.Hum. (Head of the Department of Language and Literature, FIB UGM). The event was moderated by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, lecturer at the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

In his presentation, Kusnanta Riwus Ginanjar explained the four main characteristics of art, which he considers the foundation of creative processes: seni, senengan, seneb, and serem.

“Art brings joy and entertainment. However, art is also subjective (senengan), can evoke tragedy or fear (seneb), and has a side that can both enlighten and mislead (serem),” he explained.

Kusnanta emphasized that his experiences in theater, puppetry, and film have shaped his understanding of the meaning of alihwahana. According to him, ancient manuscripts should not remain locked away in archives but instead be revived and shared with the public through performing arts such as wayang kulit, wayang golek, or theater.

He further added that the process of alihwahana is not limited to classical manuscripts but can also be applied to modern literary works such as novels or stories. Through such adaptation, students are encouraged to broaden their perspectives on literature as a living source of cultural expression.

The “From Paper to Stage” Workshop was not only a platform for sharing artistic knowledge but also a reflection of FIB UGM’s academic commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in line with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this activity, students were trained to think creatively, work collaboratively, and develop awareness of the importance of cultural preservation in the context of sustainability. The effort to bring Javanese manuscripts to life through performing arts represents a tangible implementation of humanistic education that values sustainability, creativity, and local wisdom.

In addition to enriching students’ learning experiences, this workshop also embodies the spirit of preserving local cultural continuity as part of sustainable community development. The synergy between art and education in this activity illustrates how the treasures of Javanese literature can remain relevant in modern society while strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity—rooted in tradition yet open to innovation.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, October 25, 2025 – The annual English Days 2025 event made its return, organized by students of the English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). This year’s series of activities features a stage play titled “Deserved It,” an English-language drama filled with tension and secrets within the dynamics of friendship.

The play “Deserved It” tells the story of Mickey, a mysterious new student whose arrival brings major changes to the circle of friends—Chloe, Valerie, Anders, Dash, Jennifer, and Jason. One by one, their hidden secrets begin to unravel, drawing the audience into a gripping, emotional, and unpredictable atmosphere. With sharp dialogues, a suspenseful storyline, and energetic performances, “Deserved It” promises an immersive and memorable theatrical experience.

Beyond the theater performance, English Days 2025 also offers a variety of other exciting activities. From October 25–31, visitors can enjoy a 2000s nostalgia exhibition displayed along the first-floor corridor of the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. On October 30, 2025, a Movie Screening Workshop will be held, inviting participants to watch and discuss “The Lovely Bones,” a cinematic masterpiece rich with themes of loss, hope, and justice. The workshop is open to students and the general public who wish to deepen their appreciation of film while honing their critical analysis skills in English.

As the grand finale, on October 31, 2025, English Days will host its annual Halloween Party, a much-anticipated event where students can express themselves, socialize, and celebrate creativity in the spirit of Halloween costumes and decorations.

Carrying this year’s central theme, English Days 2025 aims to provide a platform for students to express ideas, strengthen togetherness, and showcase their English proficiency through art and popular culture. The organizing committee hopes that this annual event will continue to serve as a collaborative space where students can practice English in real contexts while exploring their interests in performing arts and global culture.

All English Days 2025 activities are open to the public and will take place within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. For more information, visit the official Instagram account @englishdays_ugm and TikTok @englishdays.ugm.

[English Literature, IMAJI]

Yogyakarta, October 28, 2025 – The Arabic Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), once again celebrates a proud achievement through one of its students, Sultan Amirul Muttaqin, who successfully earned three prestigious awards in both national and regional rounds of the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an (MSQ) competition. Sultan’s outstanding ability to interpret and eloquently convey the messages of the Qur’an earned him recognition for his clarity, expressiveness, and emotional depth.

Sultan’s first major accomplishment came at the National MSQ Competition organized by the Qur’anic Studies Program of UIN Walisongo Semarang, where he and his team achieved 2nd Place Nationally. The UGM team delivered a powerful collaboration between the qāriʾ (reciter), the translator, and the syāriḥ (commentator), impressing the judges with their harmonious performance, strong arguments, and deep spiritual expression.

His second achievement followed at the Festival Santri Multitalent 2025, hosted by the Khaulabenazir National Community of Female Students, where Sultan once again secured 2nd Place Nationally in the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an category. Serving as the translator, he showcased exceptional linguistic precision and rhetorical beauty in rendering the meaning of the Qur’anic verses.

Not stopping there, Sultan also triumphed at the regional level, earning 2nd Place in the Yogyakarta and Central Java MSQ Competition, organized by the Al-Qur’an Education Institute (LPQ) Masjid As-Syuhada Yogyakarta. The event brought together participants from educational institutions, universities, and Islamic boarding schools committed to promoting Qur’anic-based da’wah.

In his reflections, Sultan emphasized that the role of the translator in the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an is not merely about linguistic conversion, but about reviving the soul and message of the verses so that audiences can truly feel their meaning. “Alhamdulillah, every competition is a valuable experience to deliver da’wah in a scholarly and beautiful way. This proves that students can be meaningful bridges of da’wah through intellect and language,” he shared.

These achievements not only bring honor to the UGM Arabic Study Program but also embody the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The Study Program hopes Sultan’s accomplishments will inspire other students to continue striving for excellence, spreading the values of Islam through language, and contributing to Islamic scholarship both nationally and internationally.

Author: Sultan Amirul Muttaqin

Yogyakarta, 15 Oktober 2025 – Fakultas Ilmu Budaya (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada menerima kunjungan dari SMA Nasima Semarang dan SMAN 9 Surabaya dalam rangka kegiatan edukatif yang bertujuan untuk memperluas wawasan siswa mengenai studi budaya serta memperkenalkan lingkungan akademik di FIB UGM.

Kegiatan diawali dengan sambutan pembuka oleh Humas FIB UGM, yang kemudian dilanjutkan oleh perwakilan guru dari kedua sekolah. Dalam kesempatan tersebut, para guru menyampaikan apresiasi dan antusiasme atas kesempatan belajar langsung di lingkungan perguruan tinggi yang memiliki reputasi tinggi dalam bidang kebudayaan dan humaniora.

Selanjutnya, Humas FIB UGM memaparkan materi yang mencakup berbagai aspek kehidupan akademik di fakultas, antara lain pengenalan program studi, Badan Seni Otonom (BSO), International Center for Cultural Studies (INCULS), fasilitas dan sarana prasarana fakultas, serta beragam jalur masuk ke UGM. Melalui sesi ini, para siswa memperoleh gambaran yang lebih komprehensif mengenai peluang studi dan pengembangan minat di bidang budaya dan bahasa.

Acara kemudian dilanjutkan dengan tur fakultas yang mencakup kunjungan ke Museum Arkeologi Mandala Majapahit dan Pusaka Jawa UGM. Dalam tur tersebut, para siswa dapat secara langsung menyaksikan berbagai koleksi dan warisan budaya yang menjadi bagian penting dari proses pembelajaran dan penelitian di FIB.

Setelah tur fakultas, rombongan dari SMA Nasima Semarang dan SMAN 9 Surabaya melanjutkan kegiatan dengan Campus Tour UGM yang dipandu oleh tim resmi kampus, memberikan pengalaman menyeluruh tentang suasana akademik dan kehidupan mahasiswa di lingkungan UGM.

Kegiatan ini sejalan dengan Tujuan Pembangunan Berkelanjutan (SDGs), khususnya SDG 4: Pendidikan Berkualitas, melalui upaya memberikan akses dan pemahaman yang lebih luas mengenai pendidikan tinggi kepada generasi muda. Selain itu, kegiatan ini juga mendukung SDG 17: Kemitraan untuk Mencapai Tujuan, dengan menjalin kolaborasi antara lembaga pendidikan menengah dan perguruan tinggi dalam meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran serta pemahaman lintas budaya.

Melalui kunjungan ini, diharapkan para siswa memperoleh inspirasi baru untuk melanjutkan pendidikan tinggi, serta menumbuhkan minat terhadap kajian budaya sebagai bagian dari upaya pelestarian dan pengembangan nilai-nilai kebangsaan.

[Humas FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 06/13/2025 — The Department of Cultural Anthropology presented Mike McGovern from the University of Michigan as a resource person in a seminar entitled “Resentment Three Ways: Is Resentment Politically Destructive, or Can it be Constructive?” Cultural Anthropology students attended this event to explore the complex nature of resentment and its impact on society.

In his presentation, Mike McGovern highlighted that most European thinking on resentment follows the views of Friedrich Nietzsche, who belittled this sentiment as part of a “slave rebellion in morality,” which he said characterized Judeo-Christian culture. According to Nietzsche, resentment is considered an emotion that is past-oriented, childish, and ultimately detrimental to the individual who experiences it.

This seminar aims to explore the multifaceted nature of resentment, especially in the context of education and conflict resolution. Mike McGovern emphasized that understanding resentment is essential to fostering dialogue and promoting peace in societies that end conflict. He argues that hurt can lead to destructive political outcomes or serve as a catalyst for constructive change, depending on how it is managed.

Mike McGovern brings together three case studies from Myanmar, Guinea, and the United States to illustrate how hurt operates in different social and economic contexts, each producing different trajectories and outcomes. In Myanmar, for example, hurt has fueled protracted ethnic conflict, divisions, and hampered progress toward reconciliation. Meanwhile, the situation in Guinea shows how collective hurt over colonial legacies has fueled movements toward social justice and political reform.

Throughout the seminar, McGovern encouraged participants to reflect on their own experiences with hurt and consider how these feelings can be transformed into positive action. He emphasized the importance of education in this process, as it provides individuals with the tools to engage in constructive dialogue and resolve conflict.

As the seminar concluded, participants left with a new understanding of the dual nature of hurt. While it can be a source of discord and conflict, it also has the potential to inspire change and foster unity when approached thoughtfully. The event emphasized the importance of addressing emotions such as hurt in efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, especially in the areas of education and conflict resolution.

[Humas FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]