Yogyakarta, 8/5/2025 – The Balai Senat of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was filled with anticipation as the academic community gathered to witness the inauguration of Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., a prominent figure in the field of Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event, held from 09.00 to 10.00 AM, featured a thought-provoking inaugural address titled “The Current Existence of the Javanese Language: Its Role, Challenges, and Opportunities.”

In his address, Prof. Hendrokumoro highlighted the current condition of the Javanese language, which is increasingly limited to specific contexts such as within families or traditional communities. This trend risks marginalising the language, reflecting a broader concern over linguistic diversity in Indonesia. He noted that 15 regional languages in Indonesia—such as Tandia (Papua), Mawes (Papua), Palumata (Papua), Tugun (Papua), Saponi (Papua), Piru (Maluku), Kajeli/Kayeli (Maluku), Moksela (Maluku), Palumata (Maluku), Naka’ela (Maluku), Ternateno (North Maluku), Hukumina (Maluku), Hoti (Maluku), Serua (Maluku), and Nila (Maluku)—are critically endangered. Furthermore, over 150 other languages in Indonesia are currently facing extinction, underscoring the urgent need to preserve the country’s linguistic heritage—particularly in his area of expertise, the Javanese language.

Prof. Hendrokumoro argued that the Javanese language, with its rich variations, is deeply intertwined with four fundamental relationships: between humans and God, among humans, within oneself, and with nature and its contents. To address the challenges facing Javanese, he proposed a more flexible and open teaching approach. He suggested integrating contemporary cultural elements—such as Javanese pop music and films—into the curriculum. Songs like “Rungkad,” “Satru,” and “Kisinan,” along with films such as “Yowis Ben” and “Lara Ati,” can serve as engaging tools to attract younger generations to the language.

The event was attended by various figures, including faculty members, students, and representatives from the local community. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as attendees recognised the importance of preserving regional languages as part of Indonesia’s cultural identity. The inauguration not only celebrated Prof. Hendrokumoro’s academic achievement but also served as a platform to raise awareness about the vital role of education in safeguarding linguistic diversity.

In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which emphasises inclusive and equitable quality education, the professor’s message resonated strongly with the audience. He called for collaborative efforts among educators, policymakers, and communities to create an environment in which regional languages can thrive alongside the national language.

As the event concluded, attendees expressed their appreciation for Prof. Hendrokumoro’s dedication to preserving the Javanese language. The inauguration stood not only as a celebration of academic excellence but also as a reminder of education’s vital role in sustaining cultural heritage and linguistic diversity.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

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, 28/2/2025 – During the 30th Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), a new Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture student from the 2024’s batch took part in the competition as a delegate and immediately came out on top! Who is the winner? Let’s take a peek at the story!

Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’ is the 3rd place winner of the Storytelling Competition held at the 30th TBN in 2024. Although Ghibran is a new student, this did not dampen his determination to compete in this national competition. Ghibran said that as soon as he heard that a national storytellers competition would be held and he could represent Universitas Gadjah Mada, he was immediately interested to join.

Initially, the theme he wanted to take was children’s games (dolanan anak). Ghibran had even arranged the storyline of the story in such a way. However, after consulting with an elementary school teacher in Yogyakarta, it turned out that the story was considered less relevant to youngster. The teacher finally suggested a romance theme, but it could be connected to culture. Finally, the theme chosen was jathilan. Ghibran stated that this story was inspired by the story of Dr. Inggar Bagus Wibisono. A doctor, jathilan dancer and an Keraton’s abdi dalem all at once. The synopsis of the story is as follows.

There are 2 college students who are dating named Joko and Wati. Wati is said to like things that have to do with culture and has the opinion that she must take part in preserving and maintaining culture, especially Yogyakarta culture. The peak of the conflict takes place in Malioboro where Joko finally finds out that Wati is a jathilan player. Here Joko represents the thoughts of the people who like to swallow the stigma about jathilan raw. However, Wati still chooses to break up with Joko and preserves the jathilan dance and becomes a skilled dancer, to the point of being nicknamed Nyai Rangga Wati.

However, there is a unique fact, namely that Ghibran is actually afraid of jathilan! Even now, when he hears the accompaniment of jathilan gamelan, he still feels nervous because in the past there was an incident where a jathilan dancer almost wanted to enter his house, hihihi. So the process of making this fairy tale is one of Ghibran’s ways to get out of his comfort zone. For the sake of this fairy tale, Ghibran was willing to observe and interview female jathilan figures.

Ghibran got a lot of things from this TBN XXX event. Ghibran is grateful because he became brave enough to try new things and put aside his fear. Ghibran also got new friends, even from Bali. Although at the beginning of the event Ghibran felt afraid, because of his father, Ghibran was convinced to try his best because winning or losing is a later matter.

From Ghibran we can learn that in order to achieve what we want, we must put in a lot of effort. In addition, as young people, Ghibran gives an example that we can create cultural-themed works and clear the negative stigma that has been attached to the culture. Finally, there is a message from Ghibran that young people should not be ashamed to preserve their own culture. Because if we don’t preserve it, who else will?

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 28/2/2025 – Finally, the 2024 management period has ended! However, this does not mean that the journey of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Family Department (HMJ KAMASTAWA) has also ended. The transfer of positions event last Monday (February 24th, 2025) marked the birth of a new cabinet from HMJ KAMASTAWA. This cabinet consists of 6 core administrator members, 7 division heads, and 2 sub-division heads. Here is the latest formation of the HMJ KAMASTAWA management:

• Chairperson: Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan (NIM 23/519302/SA/22506)
• Deputy Chairperson: Fega Achillea Maydena (NIM 23/519618/22510)
• Secretary I: Bekti Rismawati (23/516569/SA/22318)
• Secretary II: Nurcholish Ramadhan (NIM 24/538281/SA/23048)
• Treasurer I: Nisrina Dyah Malini (NIM 23/521748/SA/22679)
• Treasurer II: Arfia Kholifatul Ummamah (NIM 24/543100/SA/23361)
  
• Head of PSDM Division: Pingky Putri Khairani (NIM 23/516628/SA/22326)
• Head of Medinfo Division: Talitha Ulayya Iskandar (NIM 23/519645/SA/22511)
• Head of Scientific Division: Meifira Arini Pitaloka (NIM 23/519246/SA/22498)
• Head of Entrepreneurship Division: Erlinda Azzahra Rahmadani (NIM 23/516700/SA/22334)
• Head of Social Division: Nadiffa Setya Nugraheni (NIM 23/522757/SA/22755)
• Head of PR Division: Alfi Nurmaliasari (NIM 23/520908/SA/22617)
• Head of Interest and Talent Division: Lakshita Pradnya Dayinta (NIM 23/516081/SA/22308)
• Sub-Head of Interest and Talent Division: Audrey Gizella Islamey (NIM 23/515221/SA/22254)
• Sub-Head of Interest and Talent Division: Muhammad Rizki Saputro (NIM 23/521240/SA/22647)
  

When inaugurated and officially held the responsibility, the advisor of HMJ KAMASTAWA, Mr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P, M.A., gave several important messages. One of them was the message that HMJ Manager students should not be fixated on routines alone. In addition, he also advised not to give in to the stigma that ‘Javanese people are lazy’. Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students should actually be able to show the opposite, namely punctual, diligent, and hardworking.

In addition, Mrs. Dr. Dra. Daru Winarti, M.Hum. as the Head of the Study Program also gave advice that students must carry out their responsibilities with a happy heart. Because if the heart is happy, other people can see the peace within us.

The event ended with the signing of the minutes and the reading of the oath of office. Thus, the new HMJ KAMASTAWA management has been officially formed. Good luck with your duties!

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 10/2/2025 – After conducting a series of registrations and member selection of the Students Association, finally on Monday, February 10th 2025, the Family of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Students (KAMASTAWA) held the first gathering for the new members of the association. This meeting was held in room 303 of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences in the afternoon after the class was finished.

The purpose of this First Gathering is to familiarize all members of HMJ Kamastawa so that in the future they will have a good and close relationship with each other. Familiarity and personal closeness can also support the performance and cooperation between members in an organization.

The event began with an opening by the MC, then continued with the introduction of the division heads and their members. After that, each division briefly presented its work program. After all divisions presented their work program plans, the event continued with an exchange of gifts and simple games. This event can be said to have run smoothly and had a warm atmosphere because of the enthusiasm of the new members. And in this First Gathering, each division was also asked to wear a certain color to distinguish between one division and another.

The First Gathering was relaxed and fun because it involved a bonding process without seniority walls between the 2023 and 2024 classes. It is important to eliminate the sense of seniority to foster a sense of kinship. Ultimately, this sense of kinship will bring a comfortable and safe organizational atmosphere for all its members. It is hoped that with this activity, the work programs that will be held by HMJ Kamastawa in the future can run smoothly without significant obstacles. It is also hoped that the dynamics and cooperation between division members can flow without obstacles.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]