Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — The fate of a culture, including its language and literature, ultimately rests in the hands of its people. Acknowledging this, the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held a special event on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, featuring Drs. Suhartoyo, a passionate advocate and observer of Javanese literature and culture. Drs. Suhartoyo, himself an alumnus of the program, actively manages Majalah Belik, a Javanese-language magazine, and is involved in the Javanese Literature and Culture Association (Paguyuban Sastra dan Budaya Jawa, Pasbuja) Kawi Merapi.

On this occasion, Drs. Suhartoyo encouraged students to boldly explore ideas and create literary works. He shared several practical writing tips, including writing down ideas immediately without waiting for perfection, reading more literary works or similar writings as references, daring to experiment, and, importantly, refraining from being overly critical of one’s own work. “Please, write anything you wish. Do not worry about whether the work is good or bad, because it can always be revised later. Most importantly, do not become the harshest critic of your own creations,” he advised.

As part of the Creative Javanese Writing course, students were given time to produce written works, whether in Indonesian or Javanese. Moreover, they were provided the opportunity to present their creations publicly. The students’ enthusiasm was evident, as shown by the large number of participants eager to read their works aloud.

As a gesture of appreciation, Drs. Suhartoyo presented the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture with souvenirs in the form of the latest edition of Majalah Belik and an anthology of short stories (cerkak). The event concluded warmly with a group photo session, capturing a moment hoped to ignite continued enthusiasm for literary creation.

Through this activity, it is expected that students and the younger generation will be increasingly motivated to dare to create, particularly in the realms of local language, literature, and culture. The works they produce are not merely forms of self-expression but also play a crucial role in preserving (nguri-uri), enlivening (ngurip-urip), and developing the nation’s cultural heritage. It is time for the next generation to understand that the courage to create is a tangible expression of national responsibility. By continuing to create, we collectively strengthen the nation’s identity and contribute positively to society. So, let us Dare to Create!

[Public Relation of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — On Monday, April 21, 2025, a number of students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), attended a cultural event titled Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senen Pon held at the Kagungan Dalem Bangsal Kasatriyan of the Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (Yogyakarta Palace). The event was part of the ceremonial commemoration of the birthday (wiyosan dalem) of Sri Sultan Hamengku Bawana X, which falls on Monday Pon evening, or the eve of Tuesday Wage according to the Javanese calendar.

During this meaningful occasion, the classical and sacred dance Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa was performed again after more than two decades of absence. According to the official website of the Yogyakarta Palace, Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa is a sacred dance that tells the story of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX’s resistance against Dutch colonial rule, particularly during the historic 1 March General Offensive. The dance was first performed on July 27, 2002, with a duration of approximately 60 minutes, and its revival this year marks the 23rd anniversary since its premiere.

The Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa Dance. Fully quoted from Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/.

This rare cultural moment did not go unnoticed by the students. Dressed in full traditional Javanese attire, they showed respect for the cultural values upheld by the Palace. One of the attending students, Fega Achillea Maydena, shared her profound impression of the event. “I was absolutely thrilled. Somehow, the Palace always manages to create a magical, beautiful, and exceptional atmosphere,” she said during an online interview on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She also remarked that the grandeur of the Palace, the solemnity of the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance, and the deeply rooted traditional ambiance made for an unforgettable cultural experience.

More than just an artistic performance, the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance carries moral messages and nationalistic values. It seems to invite the audience to emulate the spirit of resistance, bravery, and patriotism exemplified by national historical figures.

The participation of students and young people in events like this reflects a genuine commitment to nguri-uri (preserving) and ngurip-urip (revitalizing) Javanese culture. Culture is not merely a spectacle, but also a guide and a structure for life—one that is hoped to nurture future generations who love their ancestral heritage and are ready to contribute to the progress and well-being of the nation.

[Humas Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Reference

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025, from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Image Source

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. [Image]. https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Yogyakarta, 28/4/2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) held a cultural webinar titled “Mencintai yang Dekat, Mengenal yang Jauh: Imbasadi Menjawab Tantangan AI dan Global lewat Kebudayaan Daerah” (Loving What is Near, Understanding What is Far: Imbasadi Responds to the Challenges of AI and Globalization through Regional Culture) on Sunday (April 13, 2025). The event was part of the series commemorating Imbasadi’s 32nd anniversary.

The webinar featured R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, as the keynote speaker. Noviyanti Alfitri, a student from the same program and a member of Imbasadi’s Research and Community Service Division (P2M), served as the moderator.

In his presentation, R. Bima Slamet Raharja highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting the preservation and expanding public access to the literary and cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago. However, he emphasized that the use of such technologies must be carried out wisely, ensuring that cultural wealth remains respected, safeguarded as a national treasure, and continues to provide lasting benefits.

This cultural webinar demonstrated Imbasadi’s and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program’s strong commitment to preserving and advancing regional languages, literatures, and cultures amidst the pressures of globalization. The initiative also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Haryo Untoro]

Yogyakarta, 27/3/2025 – On March 15, 2025 Saturday, HMJ Kamastawa held a Grand Launching of its cabinet this year. Grand Launching is one of the RPO division work programs this year which has the aim to introduce divisions, heads of divisions, and work programs of the Student Association.

Accompanied by the appearance of Cokekan, at 8 am guests ranging from lecturers to other HMJ members came. The event was opened formally by singing the song Indonesia Raya, Hymn Gadjah Mada, and Mars Literature. In addition, at the opening of this event there was a Sekar Pudyastuti dance offering displayed by 2 female students.

The event was continued with remarks both from the Chairperson of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2025/2026 period, HMJ Kamastawa Trustees, and the Chairperson of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. Entering the core of the event, namely the symbolic release of the cabinet led by the Chair of the Study Program by tapping the microphone 3 times, followed by the video that releases the name and the logo of the cabinet.

After that, Chairman of HMJ Kamastawa explained the color philosophy and logo designed, did not forget the vision and mission of HMJ Kamastawa for the next year. After the chairman explained his vision and mission, the event continued with the introduction of divisions, heads of divisions, and work programs of each division.

HMJ Kamastawa Trustees, Mr. Dr. Rudy Wiratama S.I.P., M.A gives a little correction that in Javanese, the Grand Launching diction can be changed to kepyakan. Then in his remarks at the beginning of the event, the Chair of the Study Program also conveyed the importance of cooperation and pleasure in launching work programs in the organization.

The event was closed with documentation with all members of HMJ Kamastawa, lecturers, and invited guests. With the holding of this Grand Launching, it is hoped that later HMJ Kamastawa can establish good relations and be known by other HMJ management friends, BSO, and LEM FIB.

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 27/3/2025 –  Haryo Untoro represented the Javanese Language, Literature, Literature and Culture Study Program in getting an extraordinary student award in the framework of the Achievement Individual Awards at the 79th Open Senate Meeting of the FIB UGM. This open senate meeting was held on March 3, 2025.

The series of open senate meetings starts from registration, opening, singing Indonesia Raya, Hymn Gadjah Mada, and Mars Sastra, then there is a UGM Rector’s speech, Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.ed., Sp.OG (K)., Ph.D. Followed by the ceremony for submitting a comprehensive report by the Head of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, scientific speech by Dr. Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, MA., Ph.D., awards to outstanding individuals, choir, prayer, and closing.

According to Haryo, the selection of outstanding individuals is likely to be seen from academic and non-academic competitions, making scientific papers, and others. Here Haryo was chosen by lecturers to represent his study program, namely Javanese language, literature, and culture.

Haryo said that he was grateful and actually did not expect that he would get this award. Because of that this award was memorable for him. When asked whether Haryo was ambitious to re-achieve the same award next year, Haryo replied that he would only try to give better than in previous years, not ambition to re-achieve it.

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]