On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), conducted a visit and held the first meeting of its community engagement program at SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman. The activity marked the beginning of a collaboration between the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at FIB UGM and SMA Negeri 1 Depok, Sleman, through the Pendidikan Khas Kejogjaan (PKJ) program.

The PKJ program is designed to introduce students to various aspects of Javanese language and culture, particularly the Javanese script, unggah-ungguh (Javanese etiquette and social conduct), Javanese character values, and cultural knowledge that can be applied in everyday life. The program provides a learning space that brings together academic knowledge and direct cultural experiences.

The first meeting began with opening remarks by the Head of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. The session was followed by an introduction to the team that will serve as facilitators throughout the program. The facilitator team consists of alumni and students of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture:

1. Faradilla Putri Margaretha
2. Endar Sasmito Aji
3. Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman
4. Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah
5. Wening Hidayati
6. Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay
7. Maysa Putri Fatihah
8. Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy
9. Pingky Putri Khairani
10. Meifira Arini Pitaloka
11. Lakshita Pradnya Dayinta
12. Dian Patmisari

In addition to introducing the facilitator team, the first meeting featured sessions delivered by two lecturers from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture. Dr. Yosephin Apriastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., presented an introduction to Nusantara scripts, including the Javanese script. Meanwhile, Dr. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., discussed the use of Javanese language and culture in everyday life. The sessions were delivered interactively, allowing students to explore aspects of Javanese culture through learning activities closely connected to their everyday experiences.

The first meeting marked the beginning of a series of seven scheduled sessions. Following the introductory meeting, the second through seventh sessions will be facilitated by the team through learning activities and practical sessions with Grade 10 students of SMA Negeri 1 Depok.

The program also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through Javanese language and cultural learning in a school setting; SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) through expanding access to cultural knowledge and learning opportunities; and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through efforts to preserve and pass on Javanese culture to younger generations. In addition, the collaboration between the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at FIB UGM and SMA Negeri 1 Depok supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and schools.

Through this series of activities, the community engagement program serves not only as an application of academic knowledge but also as a collaborative space for introducing and strengthening young people’s understanding of Javanese language and culture.

Author: Haryo Untoro

The Student Association of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program (HMJ Kamastawa), through its Academic Affairs Division, held an orientation session on the Study Plan Card (Kartu Rencana Studi/KRS) and course registration for new students, or Mahadaya, of the 2026 cohort on Monday, 11 August 2026. The activity was organized to prepare new students for the KRS registration period, which took place from 11 to 14 August 2026.

During the session, the Academic Affairs Division of HMJ Kamastawa provided an overview of several matters related to students’ preparation for their university studies. The materials included an introduction to and guidance on using Simaster, an introduction to courses, and an explanation of the 2026 curriculum. In addition to academic matters, participants also received information about Abhiseka Kramasisya 2026 and a brief introduction to Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN) XXXII, an annual event organized by the Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Ikatan Mahasiswa Bahasa dan Sastra Daerah Se-Indonesia/Imbasadi).

The presentation on the 2026 curriculum also featured the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. Her participation gave new students an opportunity to receive a more detailed explanation of the structure and provisions of the curriculum they will follow. This explanation was particularly relevant as there are several differences between the 2026 curriculum and the curriculum applicable to students from previous cohorts.

The orientation was conducted in a serious yet interactive atmosphere. The new students not only listened to the materials presented but also actively raised questions about KRS registration, courses, the curriculum, and academic life throughout their studies in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The interaction reflected the new students’ enthusiasm for understanding various aspects of their upcoming academic journey.

Through this activity, the 2026 cohort of Mahadaya gained a clearer understanding of the KRS registration process, course structure, and curriculum they will undertake. In addition to providing academic preparation, the activity served as one of HMJ Kamastawa’s efforts to assist new students in adapting to the university environment and the dynamics of student life.

Through its Academic Affairs Division, HMJ Kamastawa remains committed to supporting students throughout their academic and student life. This support is intended to help new students build their readiness, both academically and through their involvement in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program community.

Author: Haryo Untoro

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has produced many alumni who have contributed to the preservation and development of the Javanese language, literature, and culture. One of them is Aji Setyowijaya, a member of the 2008 cohort who is now dedicated to the world of batik as a craftsman of traditional Yogyakarta batik.

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture had the opportunity to visit and interview Aji Setyowijaya, hereafter referred to as Mas Aji, in person on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. The 2008 alumnus, who was also a recipient of a scholarship from Yayasan Arsari Djojohadikusumo (YAD), also known as Yayasan Keluarga Hasyim Djojohadikusumo (YKHD), explained that his interest in batik began with his admiration for inherited batik cloths. He often came across old batik fabrics of exceptional quality and beauty, but they had become so fragile that they were no longer suitable for use. “I used to enjoy looking at inherited batik cloths. The fabrics were beautiful and I wanted to wear them, but they had become too fragile. Eventually, I was motivated to try reproducing old batik cloths. At the same time, during my university years, I also enjoyed wearing rasukan, or traditional Javanese attire,” he said.

This interest encouraged him to begin learning batik-making in 2009. He studied various batik techniques by observing and learning directly at several batik centers in Yogyakarta. During this early period, Mas Aji focused on understanding the principles and techniques of traditional Yogyakarta batik as the primary foundation before developing his own works.

Building on this understanding, between approximately 2013 and 2015, Mas Aji began producing antique batik, also known as batik kama or batik lawasan. According to him, during that period both the public and collectors highly appreciated batik lawasan because it was assumed to have originated several decades earlier. “At that time, in the batik trade, people appreciated antique batik, or kama, or lawasan, with the assumption that the batik was 50–70 years old,” he explained.

However, this experience also gave rise to a sense of concern. According to Mas Aji, batik should not merely be regarded as a classical work that ends with reproducing the past. Batik should continue to develop without abandoning its traditional roots. Based on this perspective, he began incorporating his personal identity into every work he created while also expanding his exploration beyond the characteristic style of Yogyakarta batik.

In line with this spirit, since 2018 Mas Aji has devoted himself to studying natural dye techniques for traditional Yogyakarta batik. For him, learning about natural dyes is not merely about producing a wider range of colors, but also about rediscovering the technical knowledge inherited from earlier generations of batik artisans.

In his creative process, Mas Aji does not work alone. He collaborates with his colleague, Yahya Adi Sutikno, who focuses on the design process, while Mas Aji is primarily responsible for production. This collaboration enables them to produce a wide range of batik works through complementary approaches.

Their works include sample pieces featuring various batik motifs on a single piece of cloth consisting of 27, 260, and even 480 motif samples, as well as replicated batik, batik lawasan, and batik resulting from transformation, media transfer, and various forms of creative batik. Their exploration extends beyond batik cloth itself to other textile media, such as sarung and other types of fabric.

In addition to producing batik cloth, Mas Aji is also active in Perkumpulan Wastra Indonesia, a community that brings together enthusiasts and advocates of Indonesian traditional textiles. His dedication to batik is also reflected in his contribution to the book Pesona Padu Padan Wastra Indonesia as a fashion contributor featuring the use of traditional Yogyakarta batik.

Behind all of these creative processes, Mas Aji believes that one aspect that must continue to be preserved in the world of batik is technical knowledge. According to him, discussions of batik have largely focused on philosophical meanings, symbolism, and cultural values, while knowledge of batik-making techniques is at risk of disappearing if it is not documented and passed on. “In my opinion, that domain (philosophy) is not easily lost because there is already abundant literature about it. But technical knowledge can disappear. For example, where should a parang motif begin, and in which direction should it be made? There are specific ways and methods.” For Mas Aji, preserving technical knowledge is just as important as preserving the philosophical values of batik because both are integral parts of the batik-making tradition.

Toward the end of the interview, Mas Aji also shared a message for students of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, encouraging them not to be afraid of exploring opportunities beyond the classroom. “Make big problems smaller, and ignore the small ones. Do not hesitate or be afraid to try and explore. Also, do not limit your horizons to classroom learning alone.”

Mas Aji Setyowijaya’s journey demonstrates that the study of the Javanese language, literature, and culture does not end within the academic sphere, but can also be realized through cultural preservation practices that benefit society. Through his dedication to studying batik-making techniques, reproducing traditional batik, developing innovations grounded in established principles, and continuously exploring new possibilities in the world of wastra, Mas Aji has shown that cultural heritage can continue to live and develop with the times without losing its identity.

For mahadaya who would like to learn more about Mas Aji’s works and activities, they may visit his Instagram account, @setyowijaya, and his Facebook page, Batik Setyowijaya. Through these social media platforms, Mas Aji shares his creative processes, his works, and his activities in preserving and developing the art of batik. 

Author : Haryo Untoro

Tuesday (7/7/2026) was a joyful day for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Yosephin Apriastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in the field of Old Javanese and Middle Javanese philology, successfully earned a doctoral degree after undergoing a public doctoral defense at Universiteit Leiden.

In her dissertation entitled Learning from the Scribes: A Study of the Old Javanese Uttarakāṇḍa from the Merapi-Merbabu Tradition, Yosephin examines Uttarakāṇḍa, an Old Javanese prose literary work that constitutes the seventh book of the Rāmāyaṇa. The research focuses on four Uttarakāṇḍa manuscripts from the Merapi-Merbabu and Balinese tradition collections to understand how scribes copied, preserved, and transmitted these manuscripts.

Through this research, Mrs. Apriastuti found that the process of manuscript copying is not merely copying the text, but involves a series of activities, such as reading, remembering, reflecting, dictating, and rewriting the contents of the manuscript. The research also shows differences in orthographic systems as well as writing variations influenced by their respective traditions and cultures. These findings help identify copying errors while supporting efforts to reconstruct a textual form that is closer to the original manuscript. In addition, this research demonstrates differences in characteristics between the Merapi-Merbabu writing tradition and the Balinese tradition.

After presenting the results of her research, Mrs. Apriastuti answered various questions from the examiners. The discussion covered several topics, including the role of the Merapi-Merbabu manuscript tradition as a link between Classical Javanese culture and the Javanese and Balinese traditions, the development of writing systems from the Old Javanese period to the modern Javanese script, as well as the cultural and literary relationships among the Sanskrit, Old Javanese, and Balinese traditions.

Yosephin’s success in earning a doctoral degree also constitutes an important contribution to the development of Old Javanese philological studies. The research not only enriches the understanding of the manuscript tradition in the Indonesian archipelago, but also supports efforts to preserve written cultural heritage, particularly Old Javanese manuscripts, which serve as important sources for understanding the history, literature, and culture of Indonesia.

Author: Bahasa dan Sastra Kebudayaan Jawa

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM) held the graduation ceremony for undergraduate and applied undergraduate programs for Period III of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. In this period, the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture graduated 11 students. In his remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Hum., stated that the majority of students with the highest grade point averages (GPA) came from the Arabic Literature Program. Nevertheless, there was one female student from the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who succeeded in achieving the highest GPA at this graduation ceremony. The student was Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah with a GPA of 3.91. This achievement became a source of pride as well as an inspiration for students, especially within the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture.

On May 26, 2026, an online interview was conducted with Novia regarding her academic journey. In achieving the high GPA, Novia revealed that she always tried to actively learn from various sources. “Learning is not merely from textbooks, but from various sources. In addition, exchanging ideas with friends from different academic years, lecturers, and even people outside the study program is also necessary to broaden our insights,” she explained. According to her, such a learning method makes the learning process feel not merely like an obligation, but rather a space to grow and develop.

Not only active in academics, Novia was also involved in various organizational activities and part-time work. She admitted to being active in several student organizations and working at Arnawa journal publishing as an editorial staff member. “I am also active in various organizations and work part-time at Arnawa journal publishing as an editorial staff member,” she said.

Behind her academic achievement, Novia also faced various challenges during her years of study. She stated that the first and fourth semesters were the most difficult periods in her studies.  “The first semester was a time for me to adapt, especially because my background was not closely related to exposure to Javanese cultural knowledge. This was what motivated me to put in extra effort. Then, the fourth semester or second year became a busy year with a denser class schedule, because there were compulsory university courses and I also became part of the Daily Executive Board of the Student Association of the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture (HMJ Kamastawa),” she explained. However, from the various challenges, Novia felt that her time management skills became increasingly well honed.

In her undergraduate studies, Novia took a concentration in philology, a field of study that examines the language, culture, and history of a nation through ancient manuscripts. Interestingly, she chose a privately owned or non-institutional manuscript collection as the object of her research, rather than collections from libraries or certain institutions. “I chose the Layang Ambiya manuscript from a non-institutional collection as my research object. This is interesting because of the massive ‘Ambiya’ corpus in Javanese literature, while research on the manuscript is still limited. The stories contained in the Ambiya manuscript are very interesting to study further because they are rich in insights into Islam according to the Javanese people of that time,” she revealed.

When asked about her feelings after successfully achieving the highest GPA, Novia admitted that she felt proud and grateful for the results she obtained. For her, the achievement could not be separated from her family’s support. “My greatest motivation is to make my family proud because they have trusted me to pursue education away from home. Even though I have achieved the best result, there is still a feeling that I should not be easily satisfied because there will be many things that need to be learned,” she said. According to her, GPA is only one provision for moving on to the next stage of life.

At the end of the interview, Novia also conveyed a message for students of the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture to continue enjoying the process during their studies. She also emphasized the importance of not hesitating to ask for help when experiencing difficulties. “Consult your academic advisor and/or thesis supervisor if you feel you need a discussion partner. Besides that, do not hesitate to ask your friends for help. They will be very helpful,” was her message.

In particular, Novia also gave a message to students pursuing the field of philology, especially those researching non-institutional manuscript collections. “In my opinion, when conducting research on manuscripts from non-institutional collections, we need to ask the owners a lot about their knowledge of the manuscript, not merely ask for permission to conduct research. This is to understand the role of the manuscript in the life of the community. Such efforts are important to preserve the values contained in the manuscript text,” she added.

Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah’s journey during her studies in the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture shows that every process has its own challenges and stories. Amid academic activities, organizations, and part-time work, she continued trying to carry out everything diligently and enthusiastically. The highest GPA she achieved was not merely a number, but the result of a long process, the support of those closest to her, and the willingness to keep learning. It is hoped that Novia’s story can become an encouragement for other students to continue trusting the process they are going through and not be afraid to keep developing.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro