Yogyakarta, March 23, 2025 – In an effort to revive the intellectual legacy of one of Indonesia’s greatest literary figures, Toko Buku Natan in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Literature at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the Centennial Commemoration of A.A. Navis at Rumah Budaya Ndalem Natan, Kotagede, Yogyakarta. This event attracted literature enthusiasts, academics, and cultural figures eager to explore A.A. Navis’ critical thoughts and contributions to national literary development. Featuring a series of activities, including academic discussions, book launches, an art exhibition, and musical performances, the commemoration became a reflective moment that delved deeper into the social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of Navis’ works.

As one of the most influential figures in Indonesian literature, A.A. Navis gained widespread recognition for his classic short story, Robohnya Surau Kami (The Collapse of Our Mosque), which offered a profound critique of societal structures. Set during the harmonious spirit of Ramadan, this event brought together various stakeholders to discuss Navis’ legacy and critical thoughts, featuring renowned speakers such as Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi (writer and curator), Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam (academic and literary scholar), and Nasir Tamara, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. (cultural expert). The discussion was further enriched by a cello performance by Lintang Pramudia Swara, providing an aesthetic and immersive experience for the participants.

One of the event’s key highlights was the launch of the book “Kesalahan dan Kejahatan dalam Berbahasa” (Errors and Crimes in Language) by Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam. This book critically examines language awareness within social and legal contexts. Drawing from his extensive academic and professional experience as an expert witness in various linguistic cases, Prof. Aprinus presents this book as a primary reference for linguistic studies and the role of language in Indonesia’s legal practices.

During the discussion, Prof. Aprinus Salam explored the contrast between social critiques in the works of A.A. Navis and Pramoedya Ananta Toer, highlighting how Navis focused more on critiquing societal structures, while Pramoedya directed his criticisms toward the government and power structures. Meanwhile, Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi shared her research and archival experience for the 100 Years of A.A. Navis exhibition, held in Jakarta and at UNESCO in Paris. She traced Navis’ educational background at INS Kayutanam, an institution that played a crucial role in shaping his critical thinking, not only in literature but also in music and visual arts.

At the same time, Nasir Tamara, M.A., M.Sc., Ph.D. connected A.A. Navis’ intellectual lineage to the Académie française in Europe, particularly France, which was heavily influenced by the ideas of René Descartes. Citing Descartes’ philosophy “Cogito, ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), Nasir Tamara emphasized that intellectual awareness and critical thinking are the foundations of a true thinker and writer. This perspective aligns with A.A. Navis’ approach to literary discourse, where he not only documented reality but also challenged, questioned, and inspired social change.

As part of the celebration, Lintang Pramudia Swara delivered a cello performance, enriching participants’ reflective experience. Meanwhile, an art exhibition by renowned artist Anagard featured 11 portraits of prominent Minangkabau figures, including A.A. Navis, Tan Malaka, Sutan Sjahrir, Buya Hamka, and Asrul Sani. This exhibition provided a visual narrative of the intellectual contributions and roles of Minangkabau figures in Indonesia’s national history.

The event also served as a space for literary appreciation, featuring poetry readings by Afnan Malay and a recital of Gurindam 12 by Raja Ali Haji, performed by Nasir Tamara, further enriching the significance and atmosphere of this literary celebration.

During the reflective session, Prof. Aprinus Salam presented two thought-provoking statements for participants to ponder. The first, “Your tongue is sharper than a sword,” underscored the extraordinary power of words in shaping, influencing, and even overturning societal structures. The second, “Words are only sharper for those who are sensitive,” highlighted language as not merely a communication tool but a profound expression with transformative power for those attuned to social and humanitarian realities.

This event was part of a broader initiative to honor great figures in Indonesian literature, following the centennial commemoration of Pramoedya Ananta Toer held earlier. Through the centennial of A.A. Navis, the discussion reinforced awareness of literacy, intellectual heritage, and its relevance to younger generations. Prof. Aprinus Salam emphasized that language possesses transformative power, envisioning a future where short story writers and poets stage protests by reciting poetry in front of legislative buildings, proving that words wield more power than physical weapons.

The event concluded with a communal iftar (breaking of the fast), not only fostering solidarity but also offering a profound reflection on the role of literature in shaping social and cultural consciousness. Toko Buku Natan, in collaboration with the Master’s Program in Literature at UGM, remains committed to facilitating academic discussions, literary forums, and various literacy initiatives to support intellectual and cultural development in Indonesia.

[Public Relations Magister of Literature, Anisa Dien Rahmawati]

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 – Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture student of 2024 batch, Ghibran Arsha Daffa (NIM 24/543974/SA/23427) or familiarly called Ghibran, made it to the final stage in the Dimas-Diajeng contest of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Dimas-Diajeng itself is the term for a pair of male and female teenagers who are officially appointed as DIY tourism ambassadors. For men, it is called Dimas, and for women, it is called Diajeng. The selection of Dimas-Diajeng is under the auspices of the Tourism Office. Meanwhile, the most important task of Dimas-Diajeng itself is to promote tourism and culture in their respective regions.

To start Dimas-Diajeng’s journey, Ghibran went through file selection, semifinals, psychological tests, deep interviews, then entered the final stage consisting of 15 men and 15 women. After the file selection stage, participants were given the task of creating video content about promoting tourist attractions in the city of Jogja and Ghibran chose to discuss Pasar Ngasem, which turned out that no one of the other participants chose that topic.

If selected and crowned as Dimas, Ghibran must be a representative of the dynamic and cultured youth of Jogja and actively participate in tourism promotion activities.

In the process, one of the things Ghibran remembers most is when collecting files because Ghibran collected the files 7 minutes before the registration deadline. This is because Ghibran actually intended to register for Dimas-Diajeng Bantul City, but it turned out that this year it was not going to be held. Therefore, Ghibran immediately prepared himself in a short time to register for Dimas-Diajeng Jogja City.

In addition, in the process of making video content, Ghibran found things that moved and impressed him. One of them was when he met a grandmother selling traditional toys. Ghibran said that even though her merchandise was quiet, the grandmother looked happy when she was invited to interview. According to the grandmother, she had been selling toys since she was little. The grandmother also prayed for Ghibran so that his steps would be smooth in undergoing the Dimas-Diajeng contest.

After the final, the Top 3 Dimas-Diajeng will be selected to represent the city of Jogja in the election of Dimas-Diajeng Yogyakarta Province. So if Ghibran is selected in the Top 3 list, Ghibran must compete again in Dimas-Diajeng Yogyakarta province.

However, even though Ghibran will be busy with Dimas-Diajeng activities in the city of Jogja, Ghibran still wants to contribute as a student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program at UGM, one of which is in the field of storytelling. Ghibran intends to take part in a national-level storytelling competition, or even a monologue.

Ghibran’s hope for the future is that this Dimas-Diajeng program can help and educate many people, especially in the field of tourism. Let’s pray that all of Ghibran’s goals and aspirations will be achieved!

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 27/3/2025 – On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Instagram account @kratonjogja.event announced the winner of a competition. Not a contest to get a wife, but the #WaditraPralaga Content Competition held on two platforms, namely Instagram and TikTok. In the announcement, there was one student from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program at UGM who was announced as the winner. The student is Muhammad Yasir Ramadan with NIM 24/542781/SA/23331. 

The theme of the content competition was of course around Waditra Pralaga because it was still related to a series of closings from the Paramaiswari exhibition. According to Bausastra, Waditra itself means music or percussion, while pralaga means war. This is in line with the performance presented by the palace, namely a battle between male and female orchestra players. What the palace wants to show is that women have the same potential as men.

Yasir stated that there was actually no special reason for him to join this competition. Yasir happened to hear this announcement while watching Waditra Pralaga at Kagungan Dalem. While watching, the MC announced that there would be a TikTok and Instagram content competition. The content can discuss anything, as long as it is still related to Waditra Pralaga. It was stated that one of the criteria for the winner would be calculated from the total number of viewers on the content, with the provision of using the hashtag #WaditraPralaga and by tagging the social media accounts of Karaton Yogyakarta. Honestly, Yasir did not expect that he would be announced as one of the winners of this competition because the number of viewers of his content was not as many as other content. However, when his name was included in one of the 10 winners, Yasir was happy.

According to Yasir, the difficulty in preparing the content was predicting the direction of the audience’s interest. With the analysis and video material that Yasir had recorded, he chose a video containing music that many people knew. With this, Yasir chose a video when the players performed one of the soundtracks in the film “Pirates of the Caribbean”.

The prize that Yasir received for winning the competition was the opportunity to watch the Opening of the Hamong Nagari Exhibition with the performance of the Abdi Dalem Fashion Show accompanied by Acapella by the Yogyakarta Royal Orchestra for free. In addition to being free, the winner also got a special place, where they got the front seat. According to Yasir, the event was very memorable because it was opened directly by Ngarsa Dalem and was also attended by G.K.R. Bendara, K.P.H. Natanegara, and also Wayah Dalem (the sultan’s grandson). In addition, what made this experience memorable was the Abdi Dalem fashion show, which is very rare to find now. Finally, there was also a performance accompanied by the Yogyakarta Royal Choir which made this event more lively and gave a magnificent impression.

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 27/3/2025 – Noviyanti Alfitri (NIM 24/533646/SA/22795), a 2024 student from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program, inaugurated as a Diajeng Gunungkidul 2025 at the end of February. Diajeng is a representation of a young woman from a regency—in this case, Gunungkidul Regency—specifically in the field of tourism. Usually Diajeng is paired with Dimas (as a representation of youngman). They promote nature and culture-based tourism in their district and become icons for young people.

The selection process for the Dimas-Diajeng icon began in December 2024. Starting from the selection of files and administration, written selection, interview selection, then the announcement of 15 finalists who were quarantined, and officially crowned on the coronation night on February 22, 2025.

As the holder of the title Diajeng Gunungkidul, Noviyanti or who is familiarly called Upik has the main responsibility of assisting in the marketing sector at the Tourism Office in promoting tourism in Gunungkidul Regency.

Not the coronation night, according to Upik, the most memorable experience during the Dimas-Diajeng selection process was during quarantine. During the quarantine period, Upik gained a lot of knowledge ranging from tourism, culture, regional specialties, public speaking, and others. This increased Upik’s knowledge and Upik learned a lot of new things during the quarantine period.

In addition to the most memorable moments, Upik also said that she had difficulty in time management. Because of the tight timeline of the selection process, Upik had to adjust her lecture schedule at UGM with her other activities. However, fortunately Upik was able to go through everything smoothly by making a priority scale.

Even though she has been named Diajeng Gunungkidul 2025, Upik realizes that she is still part of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students. Therefore, Upik wants to contribute a lot to her study program. She wants to do several things; become a writer or participant in the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival in Bali, become a talent or production team in the Gugur Gunung activity, and maybe take part in a competition to bring the name of the study program. In addition, Upik also has an ambition to be able to write her own anthology. 

Wow, it seems like Upik has so many desires and ambitions! Hopefully, all of Upik’s ambitions can be achieved smoothly without any significant obstacles. With this story, hopefully other students will also be motivated to do what they like and develop themselves even more!

[Public Relations of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]