Yogyakarta, October, 22, 2025 – The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program demonstrated its role in the preservation and development of the archipelago’s manuscript heritage through its participation in a series of activities organized by the Nusantara Manuscript Society (Manassa) 2025. This prestigious event included the 20th Nusantara Manuscript International Symposium, the 2025 National Collective Memory Manuscript Award (IKON), and the 8th National Conference of the Nusantara Manuscript Society, which will take place on October 15-17, 2025, at the Auditorium of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Building in Jakarta. This event, attended by researchers, academics, and manuscript enthusiasts from various regions in Indonesia, is an important forum for strengthening collaboration in the preservation, research, and utilization of ancient Nusantara manuscripts as the nation’s cultural heritage.

On this occasion, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, together with Nanda Nursa Alya, S.S., an alumnus from the same study program, actively participated not only as participants but also as speakers at the XX International Symposium on Nusantara Manuscripts.

The symposium, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the BRIN Widya Graha Building, began with participant registration at 8:15 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, followed by the opening and panel sessions divided into 11 major themes. In each panel, researchers presented their research results and discussed various aspects of manuscript writing in a scientific manner.

During the session, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., together with Nanda Nursa Alya, S.S., presented a paper entitled Hybridity of Snacks in Manuscript NB 499: A Linguistic and Cultural Review. The research addressed the theme of “Traditional Knowledge and Technology” by examining a manuscript from the National Library of Indonesia collection labeled R. Aj. Kramahudjana and stamped with the Internationale Crediet en Handelsvereeniging Rotterdam (1931) book stamp.

This study highlights the phenomenon of cultural hybridity—a blend of Javanese and European (Dutch and French) elements—as reflected in the culinary diversity described in the manuscript. One interesting example is the Purpercĕs Pohung snack, which etymologically is a vernacularization of the Dutch word poffertjes (a type of small cake) and the Javanese word pohung (cassava). The phoneme poffertjes was adapted to purpercĕs, demonstrating the dynamics of language and cultural interaction at that time. 

The appearance of the Prastila (top right), Bludĕr Pohung (top left), Purpercĕs Pohung (bottom)  Documentation by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum.

The participation of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in the Manassa 2025 event is a tangible manifestation of academics’ commitment to preserving Nusantara manuscripts as a relevant source of knowledge for modern life. Through such studies, knowledge from the past is revived to benefit the wider community, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships to achieve goals.

[Javanese Language, Literature and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, October, 21, 2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) and Yogyakarta State University (UNY) successfully held the 31st Nusantara Cultural Gathering (TBN) on October 13–16, 2025. The four-day event carried the theme “Satyakarta Baswara: Angiring Jantraning Basa Susastra,” which means “shining brightly in accompanying the journey of language and literature.”

As an annual Imbasadi agenda, TBN XXXI featured various cultural and academic activities, including a National Conference, cultural seminars, and a grand finale filled with award ceremonies and the inauguration of the new Imbasadi board for the 2025/2026 period. This event serves as a forum for networking and exchanging ideas among students from various universities that offer regional language and literature programs throughout Indonesia.

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) participated in the event by sending seven delegates. They are Haryo Untoro (class of 2022), Ganes Larasati (class of 2023), Meifira Arini Pitaloka (class of 2023), Noviyanti Alfitri (class of 2024), Shabrina Fitra Azzahra (class of 2024), Eva Wulandari (class of 2025), and Yogi Setiawan (class of 2025).

Good news comes from two of its students, Yogi Setiawan and Eva Wulandari, who have been nominated for the 2025 Imbasadi Favorite Male and Female Champions. This achievement is a tangible manifestation of the spirit of students in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Humanities, UGM, in appreciating, preserving, and promoting the cultural wealth of the archipelago through scientific and cultural activities.

Through the organization of TBN XXXI and the achievements attained, it is hoped that students’ enthusiasm for preserving regional cultural heritage will continue to grow, while also strengthening bonds among regional literature students across Indonesia. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at FIB UGM also extends its gratitude to all parties who have supported the implementation of these activities.

Indonesia is diverse; Imbasadi unites.

[Jvanese Literature, Language and Culture , Haryo Untoro]

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), welcomed students from Osaka University, Japan, from September 10 to 20, 2025. For ten days, they studied Indonesian language and explored Javanese culture in Yogyakarta, accompanied by lecturer Prof. Dr. Yumi Sugahara.

Activities included visits to Pakualaman Palace, Wotawati Village, the Jogja Archive Diorama, the Yogyakarta Palace, the Sonobudoyo Museum, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple. In addition, the Osaka students received guidance from UGM students who acted as tutors and conversation partners on the customs of Indonesian society.

The closing ceremony was held on September 19, 2025, with a presentation of the observation results at FIB UGM. That evening, the Osaka University student group performed at the Gugur Gunung XIV event at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, singing two songs, Tsubasa wo kudasai and Doraemon no Uta, in Indonesian. The visit concluded on September 20, 2025, with the students’ return to Japan.

This program is a form of strengthening academic cooperation between Gadjah Mada University and Osaka University. It is hoped that this cultural visit will not only be a forum for academic cooperation, but also a place for learning and understanding between cultures. In addition, this activity contributes to the introduction and preservation of cultural values that form the identity of both nations. Thus, this program is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the aspects of quality education (point 4) and partnerships for the achievement of common goals (point 17).

Author: Haryo Untoro & Yasmin Nabiha Sahda
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Yoigyakarta, 19/9/2025 – A warm and meaningful atmosphere filled the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, on Friday evening (Sept 19). Hundreds of attendees gathered for “Gugur Gunung 14: Anniversary of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as well as the Retirement Celebration of Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum.” The event was not merely a birthday celebration, but also a tribute, a gathering of kinship, and a cultural encounter across generations and nations.

Carrying the theme “Tataning Ucap Sirnaning Dhêsti” which means “Arranging Words to Avoid Misfortune,” the program opened solemnly with the Indonesian national anthem, Gadjah Mada Hymn, and Sastra March. A series of keynote remarks followed, delivered by Head of Study Program Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Osaka University’s representative Dr. Yumi Sugahara, Dean of FIB UGM Prof. Dr. Setiadi, and Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro. The presence of cultural leaders from Kadipaten Pakualaman, government representatives of Yogyakarta, and international students from Osaka University enriched the evening with diverse cultural resonance.

A touching and symbolic moment took place in the Ambal Warsa procession, when the Head of Study Program, together with the Head of the Student Association Kamastawa, received a ceremonial tumpeng—a symbol of continuity for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The loud applause that followed embodied the spirit of togetherness, the very soul of Gugur Gunung.

The stage came alive with cultural performances, starting with the graceful Sekar Pudyastuti welcoming dance, symbolizing safety and blessing. A performance by Osaka University students added an international touch, before the audience was captivated by Tari Andhira from Sanggar Sigrak Delimo, which retold the heroic story of Nyi Ageng Sérang—a courageous Javanese heroine who fought against Dutch colonial forces.

The highlight of the night was the retirement tribute to Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., fondly known as “Doktor Sakti.” Renowned as an academic, researcher, and cultural advocate, she has contributed greatly through her research, publications, and community service, and has been awarded the prestigious Satyalancana Karyasatya. As her parting gift, she presented “Adisari: The Light of Love Behind Conquest”, a performance art adaptation of an ancient manuscript, creatively transformed into a stage production.

The 14th Gugur Gunung was more than just a commemoration of the Study Program’s journey—it was also a reflection on the importance of preserving and celebrating culture. From students and lecturers to international collaborations, all came together on one stage, proving that Javanese language and culture continue to live, endure, and inspire.

On Sunday (August 24, 2025), HMJ Kamastawa conducted social service and teaching activities at the Darun Najah Orphanage and Shelter for the Poor in Maguwoharjo Village, Depok, Sleman. This initiative, organized by the Social Community Division and the Academic Division, reflects the students’ social responsibility and dedication to the community as part of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The target audience for the activity was orphaned and underprivileged children, with a focus on educational support for female high school students.

Prior to the social service activity, the Social Community Division opened donations of money and goods, including reading books, stationery, and cleaning supplies. These donations were then distributed to meet the needs of the Darun Najah Orphanage.

The series of events began with a teaching activity guided by the Academic Division with the theme of Javanese script and how to write it. In this session, students presented interactive group games. Participants were asked to answer questions competitively, and each correct and quick answer would earn points. After the game ended, the group with the most points was entitled to a prize.

The event continued with a social service activity by the Social Community Division, which donated snacks and necessities for the orphanage, such as brooms, boxes, and so on. The funds for these necessities were obtained from an open donation that had been opened previously. 

The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of commemorative plaques and the handover of donations from the chairman of HMJ Kamastawa to representatives of the Darun Najah Orphanage management. Students and orphanage children also took part in a group photo session to commemorate the occasion and share stories.

Kamastawa’s community service activities are not merely about carrying out work programs, but also provide a shared learning space that offers valuable experiences for both students and children at the orphanage. In addition, these activities support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of health, education, equality, and sustainable communities and partnerships.

Author : Maysa Putri Fatihah & Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan
Editor : Haryo Untoro