Students of the Undergraduate Archaeology Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a field visit on iconography at Plaosan Temple, Klaten, on Sunday (June 7, 2026). Led by Sir Aditya Revianur, M.Hum., the activity introduced students to Buddhist iconography through direct observation of statues and reliefs found within the temple complex. During the visit, students learned to identify various visual attributes, postures, and symbolic elements that play an important role in recognizing Buddhist figures in archaeological remains.

In addition to learning the fundamentals of Buddhist iconography, students were assigned to describe selected statues and reliefs observed during the visit. This exercise provided an opportunity to develop observation and documentation skills while engaging directly with archaeological remains. By studying the monuments firsthand, students were able to connect classroom knowledge with practical field experience and gain a deeper understanding of iconographic studies in archaeology.

Nama Penulis: Muhammad Irsyad

Pemilik Foto: Aditya Revianur, M.Hum.

Betari Ardya Febbyaliza, a 2023 student of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), won Second Place in the Shodou Taikai Isshoni Tanomimashou competition organized online by the Japanese Literature Student Association of the Faculty of Cultural Studies, Universitas Brawijaya. The competition was attended by 29 participants from various universities across Indonesia. The winners were announced through Zoom and the official Isshoni Tanomimashou social media account on Saturday, 23 May 2026. For this achievement, Betari received an e-certificate and a cash award.

In preparation for the competition, Betari received guidance from Akbar Rizqi Dhea Habibi, S.S., M.A., a lecturer of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program at UGM who also teaches the Shuuji (Japanese Calligraphy) course during the Even Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. The judging criteria included stroke order, the proper use of tomaru, haneru, and harau techniques, the aesthetic quality of the characters, and character proportion.

This achievement reflects the continuous development of BKJ UGM students’ competencies in Japanese language and culture. Through the Shuuji (Japanese Calligraphy) course, students not only learn the techniques of Japanese character writing but also develop an appreciation for the aesthetics, precision, and discipline that form an integral part of Japanese cultural traditions.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]

Jakarta, May 29, 2026 – Students of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada once again achieved remarkable accomplishments at The 24th K-Speech Contest organized by the K-Speech Eloquence Association Indonesia at Korea 360 Hall, Lotte Shopping Avenue, Jakarta.

The competition was attended by students from various universities across Indonesia who demonstrated their Korean language proficiency through speech contests in several categories. Through this event, participants not only sharpened their foreign language skills, but also developed self-confidence, public communication abilities, and teamwork within an international competitive environment.

In this year’s competition, the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM sent a total of 33 students consisting of 5 individual category participants, 1 big group team, and 7 small group teams. The big group team successfully won 1st Place in its category. In addition, Group Team 2 consisting of Justin Liepangi, Jemima Abigail Tirza Sitindaon, and Mila Najatul Maula secured 2nd Place. Another achievement was earned by Group Team 6, consisting of Farida Tiara Limbong, Cintya Nurhaliza, and Lintang Rangkep Cahyani, who received a Special Prize from 한국관광공사 (Korea Tourism Organization/KTO). 

The participants from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM also shared their impressions after participating in the competition. Justin stated, “I am very happy because this experience became a valuable opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone. First of all, thank you so much to Tirza and Maul for taking the time to practice amidst all of our other activities. Hopefully, this experience can become a stepping stone for us to grow into better individuals in the future.” Tirza also expressed, “It was an unforgettable experience because this was my first speech contest, and I am grateful that we were able to win.” Meanwhile, Mila shared, “Participating in this speech contest was one of the best decisions I made this year because it gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. It was a truly unforgettable first experience, and I am grateful that we were able to bring home an award. Thank you so much to Tirza and Justin for dedicating so much time and effort despite your busy schedules. Hopefully, this achievement will become a stepping stone for all of us to continue growing into better individuals in the future.” 

Similar impressions were also shared by Farida, Cintya, and Lintang, who received the special award from KTO. They expressed that the competition provided a memorable new experience while teaching them the importance of courage, trust in the process, and teamwork. They also conveyed their gratitude to KTO for the trust and valuable recognition given to them. 

Not only active students, but another proud achievement was also earned by Pramesti Rifna Saputri, an alumna of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM, who won 1st Place in the individual category of the competition. Beyond the awards achieved, all participating students deserve appreciation for their hard work and dedication in preparing for this competition. 

The participation of students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of UGM in The 24th K-Speech Contest reflects their competitive Korean language proficiency and strong enthusiasm to continue growing in a global environment. Through this experience, the participants not only brought home achievements, but also valuable lessons that support the development of academic competencies and public speaking soft skills. 

[Aura Adiba Wijaya Litianko]

Typing Javanese script on digital devices is often not as easy as imagined. Instead of displaying the expected letters, the screen often displays a row of blank squares or tofu, a sign that the font is not legible. This problem is not isolated. In addition to font limitations, the differences in typing systems between the Latin alphabet and Javanese script also make it difficult for users to adapt. Furthermore, keyboard layouts vary across operating systems, from Windows to Macintosh to Android. This directly complicates the use and preservation of Javanese script, especially in the digital realm.

A number of Javanese script fonts are already available and can be used freely, such as NyK Ngayogyan and NyK Ngayogyan Jejeg, developed by the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Office. However, the problems don’t stop at visual appearance. Without a uniform keyboard system, users continue to face obstacles in their daily typing practices.

This situation prompted the development of a Javanese script keyboard system based on the Indonesian script keyboard (SNI 9048). This system was designed with reference to the Serat Wulangreh manuscript as a cultural basis, while also being adapted to the needs of use on various digital devices. Through this standardization, it is hoped that uniformity in typing Javanese script will be achieved, eliminating the need for users to adapt to different systems.

This keyboard system is now available for various devices and is freely accessible to the public. Users can download and install it according to their operating system, whether Windows, Macintosh, or Android. The Javanese script keyboard system can be downloaded from https://wongsayuk.webnode.page/my-work/ or https://wongsaayuk.webnode.page by selecting the download menu. On the page, there is a “Javanese Aksara Keyboard” section, then select the SNI Nataksara system in various formats depending on the device: .exe file for Windows, .dmg file for Macintosh, and .apk file for Android.

After downloading and installing, users are advised to restart their device if the system is not immediately usable. An installation guide (pitoedoeh) is also provided to facilitate the installation process and ensure optimal system use.

Once the system is installed, understanding the keyboard layout is the next important step. Users need to understand the differences between the SNI 9048-based system and the device’s native system, particularly on Windows devices. These differences can be seen in the image below.

The implementation of this standardized keyboard system is a crucial step in addressing the various technical challenges users have faced. Furthermore, the presence of Javanese script in the digital space serves not only as a visual element but also as part of efforts to maintain cultural continuity amidst technological advancements.

Ultimately, preserving Javanese script is not simply a matter of maintaining it; it also requires the courage to develop and adapt it to the times. Continuous support from various parties is key to ensuring that Javanese script not only remains alive but also remains present and empowered within the ever-changing digital ecosystem.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

Bibliography

Prasaja, S.A. (t.t.) Papan Tombol Aksara Djawa Versi SNI 9048. Wongsayuk. https://wongsayuk.webnode.page/my-work/

Prasaja, S.A. (t.t.) Papan Tombol Aksara Djawa Versi Windows. Wongsayuk. https://wongsayuk.webnode.page/my-work/

The American Studies Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, is currently preparing for the 2nd American Studies International Conference (ASIC), which will be held on September 10-11, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

This international conference marks the second implementation of ASIC after the first conference was successfully conducted in 2018. After several years of hiatus, ASIC returns as an academic forum that brings together researchers, lecturers, students, and practitioners from various fields of study.

ASIC 2026 carries the theme “Global America: Flows, Borders, and Transnational Exchanges.” The theme highlights the dynamics of America in a global context, particularly related to cultural exchange, migration, territorial borders, digital media, and various other transnational issues.

The organizing committee stated that the conference is expected to become a platform for academic discussion that encourages interdisciplinary and international collaboration. In addition, ASIC 2026 is also part of the effort to strengthen the position of American Studies in Indonesia in responding to contemporary global issues.

Various subthemes will be discussed during the conference, including:

• American Literature
• American Transnational Culture
• Politics in the US
• Film and Media Studies
• Religion in the US
• Environmental and Ecological Issues in the US
• Diaspora in the US
• American Border
• Digital Lives and Virtual Realities
• Migration to and from the US

Currently, the committee continues to finalize various preparations, ranging from academic coordination and conference publication to the opening of the call for papers for both national and international participants. ASIC 2026 is also supported by several institutions and communities, including American Studies Students and Alumni Association (ASSAA), American Studies Society of Indonesia (ASSINDO), Jogja Film Academy, PTA Sinematik Indonesia, and CARITRA Indonesia.

Previously, the first ASIC conference in 2018 brought together academics and researchers to discuss globalization and cultural identity issues within the perspective of American Studies. Through its second implementation, ASIC 2026 is expected to once again become a space for academic exchange that remains relevant to current global developments. 

Further information regarding ASIC 2026 can be accessed through the official ASIC website at asic.fib.ugm.ac.id

[American Studies]