Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 — The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (FIB UGM), held an event titled “Dari Kertas Naik ke Pentas: Workshop Alih Wahana Epos Jawa-Islam dari Teks Sastra ke Lakon Pertunjukan” [From Paper to Stage: Workshop on Adapting Javanese-Islamic Epics from Literary Texts to Performance Play] in the Gamelan Room, Margono Building, 4th floor of FIB UGM. This public event attracted participants from various backgrounds, including students, academics, arts and culture enthusiasts, and the general public.

This workshop served as a cross-disciplinary discussion forum that combined perspectives from literature, history, and performing arts, particularly in the context of Menak puppet theater, a cultural heritage that represents a fusion of Islamic values, Javanese traditions, and puppet theater arts. Three speakers were present at this event, namely Dr. Drs. Sudibyo, M.Hum. (Head of the Department of Language and Literature, FIB UGM), Kusnanta Riwus Ginanjar, S.Sn. (actor, scriptwriter, director, and Menak puppet show puppeteer), and Rinal Khaidar Ali, ST., M.Eng. (Menak puppet show activist). The event was moderated by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., lecturer at the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

The first presentation was delivered by Kusnanta Riwus Ginanjar, S.Sn. He discussed the existence of Menak puppet theater from an artistic perspective and its function as a learning medium. In addition, Kusnanta emphasized the importance of adapting classical literary works so that they do not remain merely as written texts. This is done so that these works can continue to be preserved and known to the wider community.

The second speaker, Rinal Khaidar Ali, ST., M.Eng., highlighted the current condition of Menak puppet theater in Indonesia, particularly in the Java region. He said that its existence is currently in decline. “There are no longer any Menak puppet craftsmen in Yogyakarta, located in the Sentolo area. Even in Kebumen, their numbers are dwindling,” he explained.

The third session was presented by Dr. Sudibyo, M.Hum., who discussed the historical dimensions of the Menak story. He explained that the Menak epic originated in Persia based on the heroic story of Amir Hamzah bin Abdul Muthalib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. The story then spread to the Arab and Malay worlds before finally being adapted into Javanese culture. Later, during the Mataram Kartasura Sultanate, this story was rewritten in Javanese by carik Narawita and then updated by the poet Yasadipura. According to him, this adaptation process was not merely a translation, but also a creative form of cultural contextualization with the addition of interludes.

To conclude, this event featured a Menak golek puppet show entitled “Menak Iskandar” by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. The story is sourced from Serat Iskandar Jawi or Caritanira Iskandar, which was composed at the Kartasura Palace in 1729 AD by order of Kangjeng Ratu Mas Balitar, the queen consort of Pakubuwana I.

The story tells of the journey of Prabu Iskandar Zulkarnain, King of Ngerum, in his efforts to conquer the eastern and western worlds in order to spread the teachings of the Prophet Ibrahim. However, his struggle was hindered by King Ubur of Jabarsah and the army of giant worshippers Ya’juj and Ma’juj. Based on the advice of Prophet Kilir, Iskandar built a great wall that enclosed Ja-Makjuja until the end of time. Nevertheless, Iskandar was still worried that Ja-Makjuja would escape one day. He asked Prophet Kilir for the elixir of life. Prophet Kilir then departed for the land of Lulmat in the country of Jaminambar, where a lake called Ma’ul Hayat was located. Next, Prophet Kilir drank the water, performed ablution, and prayed at the edge of the lake. After finishing his prayers, by God’s will, Prophet Kilir gained immortality without having the chance to give the water to Iskandar. Iskandar, who was waiting for Prophet Kilir at the cave entrance, then realized that no power is eternal except that of Allah. He returned to the kingdom of Ngerum with his entire army.

This workshop is a tangible manifestation of academic and cultural efforts to revive Menak puppet theater as a literary and performing arts heritage in Indonesia. Through this activity, it is hoped that cross-disciplinary awareness can be built regarding the importance of preserving traditions while developing new forms that are relevant to the present day. Furthermore, the synergy between academics, artists, and the community is expected to continue to be encouraged so that Menak puppet theater art and literature remain a source of inspiration, cultural identity, and a living educational tool within the community.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta, October 26, 2025 – The Muslim Family of Cultural Sciences (Keluarga Muslim Ilmu Budaya – KMIB) from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully held a social service event titled “Rabita: Raih Berkah, Bagikan Cinta” (Gain Blessings, Share Love) at the Lembaga Kesejahteraan Sosial Anak (LKSA – Child Social Welfare Institution) Omah Ngaji Jogja. This year, the Rabita activity adopted the theme of “Environmental Hygiene” as a form of student concern for the importance of cleanliness and environmental sustainability, while also realizing the spirit of community service.

The event was attended by KMIB members, administrators and fostered children of LKSA Omah Ngaji, as well as students participating in the KMIB Soft Skills class. Their presence added to the spirit of togetherness and strengthened the value of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) throughout the series of activities. The event proceeded with great enthusiasm and cheerfulness, reflecting the collaborative spirit between the students, administrators, and the fostered children of LKSA Omah Ngaji in carrying out social activities.

The series of activities included education on waste sorting, tree planting, and an interactive activity of painting trash bins. Through these activities, KMIB FIB UGM aimed to cultivate awareness of the importance of cleanliness and environmental sustainability from an early age, while creating a fun and memorable learning experience for the children.

Dian Patmisari, the Chief Executive of Rabita, explained that the program not only focused on environmental cleanliness but also instilled humanitarian values, gratitude, and social concern. She stated that Rabita: Gain Blessings, Share Love is a manifestation of gratitude and care from the KMIB extended family towards others, as well as a means to strengthen kinship (silaturahmi) and foster the spirit of Islamic brotherhood (ukhuwah Islamiyah) among students.

More than just a social activity, Rabita served as a platform for FIB UGM students to channel positive energy and strengthen the spirit of community service (one of the Three Pillars of Higher Education – tri dharma perguruan tinggi). Through the theme of “environmental hygiene,” this initiative instilled the awareness that maintaining cleanliness is part of worship and a shared responsibility as the nation’s next generation.

The administrators of LKSA Omah Ngaji Jogja welcomed the implementation of Rabita and appreciated the attention and concern of KMIB FIB UGM for their fostered children. Events like this can provide emotional and educational benefits for the children, as besides fostering environmental awareness, they also instill the value of togetherness and cheerfulness through direct interaction with the students.

The Rabita: Gain Blessings, Share Love activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through efforts to create a clean environment, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing environmental education to the fostered children, SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through concrete action to maintain cleanliness and green the environment, SDG 13 (Climate Action) through tree planting and natural preservation education, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for The Goals) through collaboration between FIB UGM students and LKSA Omah Ngaji Jogja.

(KMIB FIB UGM, Hilmi Anugerah Alghani)

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, October 12, 2025 – The Marching Band Student Activity Unit (UKM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly secured 3rd place at the prestigious 2025 Hamengku Buwono X Cup Championship. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and passion of UGM students in developing their talents in both the arts and sports, particularly through their commitment to marching band excellence.

Held in Yogyakarta, the competition featured performances in the Display Field Show general division, with participation from renowned marching bands across Indonesia, including Ekalavya Suara Brawijaya, Tiyadhita Marching Brass Tangerang, and Udayana Marching Band Bali. Based on the judges’ assessment, Ekalavya Suara Brawijaya claimed first place, followed by Tiyadhita Marching Brass Tangerang in second place, while UGM Marching Band proudly earned third place.

Several students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences also took part in the competition, contributing as both musicians and visual performers. The team received direct support from UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia, Ph.D., and Prof. Anggito Abimanyu, former Deputy Minister of Finance and a proud alumnus of UGM Marching Band. Their presence served as both appreciation and motivation for the team to continue striving for excellence at national and international levels.

This achievement aligns with UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by empowering student activities that foster talent development and leadership beyond the classroom. Moreover, the spirit of collaboration and sportsmanship embodied in this event reflects the values of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, promoting positive networks among universities across Indonesia.

Through this success, UGM Marching Band is expected to further strengthen its role as a platform for developing students’ character, creativity, and sense of unity within Universitas Gadjah Mada.

[Public Relations of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences – Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, October, 22, 2025 – The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program demonstrated its role in the preservation and development of the archipelago’s manuscript heritage through its participation in a series of activities organized by the Nusantara Manuscript Society (Manassa) 2025. This prestigious event included the 20th Nusantara Manuscript International Symposium, the 2025 National Collective Memory Manuscript Award (IKON), and the 8th National Conference of the Nusantara Manuscript Society, which will take place on October 15-17, 2025, at the Auditorium of the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Building in Jakarta. This event, attended by researchers, academics, and manuscript enthusiasts from various regions in Indonesia, is an important forum for strengthening collaboration in the preservation, research, and utilization of ancient Nusantara manuscripts as the nation’s cultural heritage.

On this occasion, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, together with Nanda Nursa Alya, S.S., an alumnus from the same study program, actively participated not only as participants but also as speakers at the XX International Symposium on Nusantara Manuscripts.

The symposium, held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the BRIN Widya Graha Building, began with participant registration at 8:15 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, followed by the opening and panel sessions divided into 11 major themes. In each panel, researchers presented their research results and discussed various aspects of manuscript writing in a scientific manner.

During the session, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., together with Nanda Nursa Alya, S.S., presented a paper entitled Hybridity of Snacks in Manuscript NB 499: A Linguistic and Cultural Review. The research addressed the theme of “Traditional Knowledge and Technology” by examining a manuscript from the National Library of Indonesia collection labeled R. Aj. Kramahudjana and stamped with the Internationale Crediet en Handelsvereeniging Rotterdam (1931) book stamp.

This study highlights the phenomenon of cultural hybridity—a blend of Javanese and European (Dutch and French) elements—as reflected in the culinary diversity described in the manuscript. One interesting example is the Purpercĕs Pohung snack, which etymologically is a vernacularization of the Dutch word poffertjes (a type of small cake) and the Javanese word pohung (cassava). The phoneme poffertjes was adapted to purpercĕs, demonstrating the dynamics of language and cultural interaction at that time. 

The appearance of the Prastila (top right), Bludĕr Pohung (top left), Purpercĕs Pohung (bottom)  Documentation by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum.

The participation of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in the Manassa 2025 event is a tangible manifestation of academics’ commitment to preserving Nusantara manuscripts as a relevant source of knowledge for modern life. Through such studies, knowledge from the past is revived to benefit the wider community, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships to achieve goals.

[Javanese Language, Literature and Culture, Haryo Untoro]