Yogyakarta, 21 November 2025 — The Anthropology Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, has once again achieved international recognition. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the program secured a position within the 101–170 global range, making it the highest-ranked anthropology program in Indonesia and surpassing various other institutions in the same field.

This accomplishment marks the third consecutive year that UGM’s Anthropology Study Program has been listed among the world’s top 100, demonstrating consistent academic quality and the scholarly contributions of its academic community.

In the previous year, the program ranked within the 51–110 range globally. A comprehensive evaluation is currently underway to identify ranking indicators that have not yet performed optimally. The academic environment in the Anthropology Study Program is characterized by strong solidarity, enabling all members to contribute to improving academic performance.

One of the indicators receiving particular attention is publication citation, which has not been fully recorded. Several faculty publications were not captured in the citation tracking system. Despite this, the collaboration indicator shows positive development, with 15 international partnerships and 10 domestic collaborations successfully established. In addition, the program is committed to strengthening alumni tracking, increasing scholarly publications in the form of books and articles, and supporting faculty career development toward professorship.

As part of its contribution to global sustainability, this achievement aligns with efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing the quality of education, strengthening research and scientific publication, and fostering international collaboration that contributes to a sustainable academic ecosystem. The Anthropology Study Program of UGM remains committed to advancing the quality of education and research to generate positive impacts for society, scientific development, and the global academic community.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, November, 13, 2025 — The Badan Seni Otonom (BSO) Sastra Oebah from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again achieved an outstanding accomplishment by winning a gold medal in the Modern Dance Competition at the Gadjah Mada Sports and Arts Week (Porsenigama) 2025.

The Modern Dance contingent of FIB UGM, led by Oryza Sativa Rosyadi, delivered an exceptional performance after going through a series of selection stages. Previously, the FIB UGM team successfully advanced from the preliminary round and secured a spot in the Top 5 of the Modern Dance competition. In the final round, held on 9 November 2025, the team achieved first place, surpassing contingents from various other faculties across UGM.

This achievement not only serves as recognition of the creativity and dedication of FIB students in the field of dance but also reflects the spirit of collaboration and perseverance in developing artistic potential within the campus environment.

The accomplishment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through events like Porsenigama, students are provided with opportunities to develop their talents and creativity while strengthening an inclusive, empowered, and sustainable artistic community within the university.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, is once again holding its annual Gugur Gunung 14 event as part of the 70th anniversary of the study program’s establishment. Established on September 19, 1955, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program has now entered its seventh decade of research, development, and preservation of Javanese culture in both academic and wider communities.

This year, Gugur Gunung carries the theme Tataning Ucap Sirnaning Dhesti, which means “organizing speech to avoid misfortune.” This theme forms the basis of values in fostering a spirit of mutual cooperation, unity, and togetherness in order to achieve the noble goal of preserving and realizing the sustainability of Javanese language, literature, and culture.

The first series of activities is a Javanese cultural exhibition which will be held on September 17-18, 2025, on the 1st floor of the Margono Building, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the exhibition, visitors are invited to explore various forms of Javanese culture through traditional games, gamelan musical instruments, wayang kulit (shadow puppets), ancient manuscripts, and weton (birth date calculations). Visitors can not only observe, but also interact directly and gain knowledge about the philosophical meaning behind each culture on display.

The highlight of the Gugur Gunung 14 event will be held on September 19, 2025, at the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium on the 3rd floor. The highlight of the evening will feature a variety of art performances, including classical dance, creative dance, and the dance drama “Adisari: Cahaya Kasih di Balik Penaklukan” (Adisari: The Light of Love Behind Conquest).

Full screenshot of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences Knowledge Channel (2025, September 30) at [13:00]. Accessed from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLnTciXTCEg.

The dance drama was adapted from the text and illustrations of the Babad Metawis Skriptorium Pakualaman manuscript, which was initiated by Sri Paku Alam II. In addition to showcasing the richness of traditional art, the event was made even more special by the collaborative performance of students from Osaka University. It also served as a moment of farewell and appreciation for Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., who was retiring from her position. 

The Gugur Gunung 14 event is not just an anniversary celebration, but also a concrete means of preserving and reviving Javanese culture. Through this event, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program affirms its commitment to maintaining the sustainability of the noble values of Javanese culture so that they remain relevant amid the tide of modernity.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Bibliography
Kanal Pengetahuan Fakultas Ilmu Budaya UGM. (2025, 29 September). Alih Wahana Manuskrip Kuna ke Seni Pertunjukan, Adisari: Cahaya Kasih di Balik Penaklukan [Video]. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLnTciXTCEg.

Yogyakarta, October 29, 2025 — The Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), held an event titled “From Paper to Stage: Alihwahana Workshop on Javanese-Islamic Epics from Literary Texts to Performance.” The workshop served as a learning platform for students to practice the process of alihwahana—the transformation of literary texts into creative and communicative performing arts.

The event opened with I Made Christian Wiranata Rediana as the master of ceremonies, who began the program with a joint prayer for its smooth running. The workshop then continued with an opening remark by Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Daru Winarti, M.Hum. In her speech, Daru expressed hope that this activity would serve as a space for students to enhance their artistic abilities while realizing that literary texts hold great potential to be brought to life on stage.

The workshop featured several experienced speakers in the fields of art and culture, including Kusnanta Riwus Ginanjar, S.Sn. (actor, playwright, director, and puppeteer of Wayang Golek Menak), Rinal Khaidar Ali, ST., M.Eng. (activist of Wayang Golek Menak), and Dr. Drs. Sudibyo, M.Hum. (Head of the Department of Language and Literature, FIB UGM). The event was moderated by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, lecturer at the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

In his presentation, Kusnanta Riwus Ginanjar explained the four main characteristics of art, which he considers the foundation of creative processes: seni, senengan, seneb, and serem.

“Art brings joy and entertainment. However, art is also subjective (senengan), can evoke tragedy or fear (seneb), and has a side that can both enlighten and mislead (serem),” he explained.

Kusnanta emphasized that his experiences in theater, puppetry, and film have shaped his understanding of the meaning of alihwahana. According to him, ancient manuscripts should not remain locked away in archives but instead be revived and shared with the public through performing arts such as wayang kulit, wayang golek, or theater.

He further added that the process of alihwahana is not limited to classical manuscripts but can also be applied to modern literary works such as novels or stories. Through such adaptation, students are encouraged to broaden their perspectives on literature as a living source of cultural expression.

The “From Paper to Stage” Workshop was not only a platform for sharing artistic knowledge but also a reflection of FIB UGM’s academic commitment to promoting inclusive and quality education in line with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this activity, students were trained to think creatively, work collaboratively, and develop awareness of the importance of cultural preservation in the context of sustainability. The effort to bring Javanese manuscripts to life through performing arts represents a tangible implementation of humanistic education that values sustainability, creativity, and local wisdom.

In addition to enriching students’ learning experiences, this workshop also embodies the spirit of preserving local cultural continuity as part of sustainable community development. The synergy between art and education in this activity illustrates how the treasures of Javanese literature can remain relevant in modern society while strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity—rooted in tradition yet open to innovation.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, May 25, 2025 — A solemn and heartfelt atmosphere filled the event “Membaca Karya Emha dan Doa Ambal Warsa Cak Nun 72 Tahun” held in celebration of the 72nd birthday of cultural and spiritual figure Emha Ainun Nadjib, widely known as Cak Nun. Hosted at the West Office Hallway of Jogja Expo Center (JEC) from 6:00 to 9:00 AM, the event drew participants from various backgrounds—academics, cultural practitioners, and the general public.

More than a tribute, the gathering served as a spiritual and intellectual forum where participants shared readings of Cak Nun’s works, offered prayers, and expressed hopes for his continued health and contribution to Indonesian culture and Islamic thought. The initiative was led by Sigit Sugito, Head of Koperasi Seniman Yogyakarta (KOSETA).

In addition to artists and cultural figures, several academics were in attendance, including Professor Aprinus Salam, Head of the Master’s Program in Literature, who read aloud one of Cak Nun’s poems. His presence was made even more meaningful as he was joined by his wife, Pristi Salam, whose melodious performance of a lyrical piece deeply moved the audience.

Also present was senior artist Yati Pesek, a well-known comedian and legendary ketoprak performer. She shared her admiration for Cak Nun’s ability to preserve local culture while remaining a devout follower of Islamic teachings. “One day I met Kyai Maimun Zubair. In his sermon, he said that local culture should go hand-in-hand with Islam. I believe Cak Nun has embodied that in his life. He remains devoted to Prophet Muhammad while upholding Javanese cultural values. That’s what I admire most about him,” she remarked.

Cultural figure Yani Saptohoedojo also highlighted the reflective and critical nature of Cak Nun’s literary works. “Sometimes his work contains criticism, but it’s always conveyed gently,” he noted, underscoring the poet’s subtle and humane approach to addressing social issues.

The event left a lasting impression on all who attended. It served as both a celebration and a reflection on the life and legacy of Cak Nun. On his 72nd birthday, attendees extended heartfelt prayers for his continued health and productivity, hoping he will persist in creating meaningful contributions to culture, spirituality, and society.

[Public Relation Magister of Literature, Marsya Kamila]