Monday, October 4, 2025, Students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) successfully held the Pentas Ambal Warsa (PAW) to commemorate the 57th anniversary of the UKM Swagayugama. The event took place at the Pendopo Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreatifitas (GIK) UGM, showcasing the rich heritage of Indonesian culture.

Abimanyu Mahendra Maladeta Darmadi, known as Abi, a 2023 student from the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, serves as the chairman of UKM Swagayugama. Under his leadership, the event was a great success, attracting an enthusiastic audience eager to witness traditional performances.

The evening began with a captivating performance of the Uyon-Uyon dance, bringing a joyful atmosphere and highlighting the importance of cultural heritage. Following the dance, the audience was treated to a Wayang Wong performance featuring the Suprabawati story. This traditional Javanese theatrical art, which combines dance and drama, mesmerized the audience with its compelling storyline and magnificent costumes, demonstrating the depth of Javanese culture.

In addition to the Wayang Wong, there was also a Wayang Kulit performance depicting the story of Sri Suwela. This shadow puppet show is a vital part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, with skilled puppeteers bringing the characters to life and impressing the audience with their artistry and storytelling ability.

Before the Wayang Kulit performance began, there was an appreciation session honoring the composers, trainers, and directors who contributed to the success of Pentas Ambal Warsa. Their dedication and hard work were recognized, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the event.

The event also included a documentation session where the committee members gathered for photographs, capturing memories of this significant occasion. This moment not only celebrated UKM Swagayugama’s achievements but also reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage among the younger generation.

The Wayang Kulit performance concluded the event magnificently, leaving the audience mesmerized by a tradition passed down through generations. The successful execution of Pentas Ambal Warsa served as a reminder of the vital role that cultural heritage plays in shaping identity and community.

This event was not only a celebration of UKM Swagayugama’s anniversary but also a testament to the commitment of FIB students to safeguard and promote Indonesia’s cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of cultural events in fostering appreciation and understanding of traditional arts among youth.

[Public Relation FIB UGM, Muhammad Hafidz Haikal Amirza]

Yogyakarta, September 27, 2025 – The collaboration between the Arabic Literature Student Association (Ikmasa) UGM and the Department of Village Community Development of BEM KM UGM brought forth an inspiring event titled the SEDASA Educational Talkshow (Suara Pemuda untuk Kemajuan Desa / Youth Voices for Village Advancement), as part of the Gemilang Desa 2025 series. Held at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, the event was lively and full of enthusiasm, attended by high school students as well as university students from across Indonesia.

The talk show featured distinguished speakers, including Joko Susilo, Founder of Gunungkidul Menginspirasi and Head of Training and Consultancy at the Nalar Institute; Prof. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture UGM; and keynote speaker KPH H. Yudanegara, Ph.D., Head of the Office of Village Community Empowerment, Population, and Civil Registration of Yogyakarta Special Region. The session was moderated by Antonia Elena Listya Araminta, Environmental Ambassador of DIY 2025, who guided the discussion warmly and interactively.

This activity served as a vital dialogue space to address modern challenges faced by villages, ranging from limited access to information, insufficient utilization of technology, to the lack of open dialogue between young people and community leaders. Through the talk show, participants gained direct insights from real-life case studies and practical strategies to optimize village potential. This aligns with the spirit of the Kongres Abdi Desa 2025, carrying the theme “Light from the Village, Weaving Hopes for Indonesia.”

General coordinator of the event, Faris Zakiy Ramadhan, highlighted the remarkable enthusiasm of the participants from the very beginning. “Today we will hold the second and third activities, namely the Gemilang Desa Competition and the SEDASA Talkshow. The Gemilang Desa Competition successfully carried out its series of contests, with the final day being held today. Thank you to the 377 registrants of the Gemilang Desa Competition, which consists of 12 teams in the Business Plan Competition, 101 teams in the Essay Competition, and 26 participants in the Poster Competition. Today we will hold the final round featuring the top 10 individuals and 10 teams from each branch, representing their institutions from all over Indonesia,” he explained.

Through this talk show, young people were encouraged not only to understand village issues but also to foster awareness of realizing village potential and addressing the challenges villages face in the modern era. Moreover, the event created an inclusive and interactive platform to share perspectives, innovative ideas, and cross-regional experiences.

This initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing inequality (SDG 10), improving the quality of education (SDG 4), and strengthening sustainable communities (SDG 11). Villages are positioned not merely as objects of development but as sources of inspiration and drivers of national progress without losing their cultural identity.

The festive atmosphere peaked when the session concluded with the announcement of the winners of the Gemilang Desa competitions. The participants responded with great enthusiasm, taking home new inspiration on how the real contributions of young people can be the key to advancing villages. With the spirit of collaboration, Gemilang Desa 2025 proved that Indonesian students and youth can play an active role in building villages that are both competitive and sustainable.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, September 2, 2025 – The Undergraduate Tourism Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an international guest lecture under the ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility program with the theme “Sustainability and Sustainable Practices in Tourism Enterprises.” The lecture featured Assoc. Prof. Halime Göktas Kulualp from Karabük University, Turkiye, shared valuable insights through the case study of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage City recognized since 1994.

In her presentation, Prof. Kulualp described Safranbolu as a small but historically rich town in Karabük Province, located in the Black Sea region of Turkiye. For centuries, it served as an important stop on the ancient Silk Road, a trade route connecting Asia and Europe. The town has witnessed the presence of great civilizations, including the Hittites, Romans, and Byzantines, and reached its golden age under the Ottoman Empire. During this period, caravanserais such as the famous Cinci Han were established to host merchants and travelers passing through the region.

What makes Safranbolu truly unique is its remarkable Ottoman architecture. The town is renowned for its traditional houses, many of which are more than 300 years old, characterized by whitewashed walls, wooden frames, large windows, and private courtyards. These houses are living examples of how Turkish people once lived. Beyond its architecture, Safranbolu is also surrounded by natural beauty, with stunning sites like Tokatl Canyon and Bulak Caves attracting both domestic and international visitors.

The name Safranbolu comes from “saffron,” a rare and precious spice that grows in the area, combined with the name of the nearby region, Bolu. This name reflects the city’s cultural identity and historical wealth. UNESCO’s recognition highlights Safranbolu’s authenticity, integrity, and its importance as a living heritage for humanity. According to Prof. Kulualp, Safranbolu’s success in preserving its cultural legacy while embracing tourism offers an inspiring example of how heritage conservation and sustainable development can go hand in hand.

Through this guest lecture, UGM Tourism students were encouraged to see tourism not only as an economic activity but also as a responsibility to safeguard cultural heritage. The story of Safranbolu reminds us that sustainability in tourism is essential to protect history while ensuring benefits for local communities and future generations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 19/9/2025– The Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada officially opened its Summer School program in collaboration with Iwate University, Japan, at the Multimedia Room, Margono Building, FIB UGM. The opening session featured Dwi Pratnyawan, S.S., M.A., who delivered a lecture titled Protecting Archaeological Site (Cultural Heritage).

The event brought together Archaeology students from UGM and international students from Iwate University. This academic forum highlighted the significance of safeguarding cultural heritage as both an identity marker and a collective memory of society.

In his presentation, Dwi explained that cultural heritage preservation, based on Indonesia’s Cultural Heritage Law, rests on three pillars: Protection, Development, and Utilization. He provided concrete examples, including rescue excavations at the Morangan Temple site near Prambanan, regular maintenance at Prambanan’s Siwa Temple, and zoning efforts to establish protective boundaries.

Development, he emphasized, involves research, revitalization, and adaptation, while utilization aims to maximize public benefit without compromising sustainability. However, he also addressed critical challenges such as weak enforcement—citing the use of Borobudur for a Red Bull commercial and damage to Majapahit sites due to illegal brick excavations—and uncoordinated developments, such as the destruction of parts of Trowulan to build a new museum.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A discussion, where both Indonesian and Japanese students raised questions on how best to preserve cultural heritage amid rapid modernization and urban development.

This initiative strongly aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which stresses the importance of protecting the world’s cultural heritage, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as reflected in the international collaboration between UGM and Iwate University.

Yoigyakarta, 19/9/2025 – A warm and meaningful atmosphere filled the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, on Friday evening (Sept 19). Hundreds of attendees gathered for “Gugur Gunung 14: Anniversary of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as well as the Retirement Celebration of Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum.” The event was not merely a birthday celebration, but also a tribute, a gathering of kinship, and a cultural encounter across generations and nations.

Carrying the theme “Tataning Ucap Sirnaning Dhêsti” which means “Arranging Words to Avoid Misfortune,” the program opened solemnly with the Indonesian national anthem, Gadjah Mada Hymn, and Sastra March. A series of keynote remarks followed, delivered by Head of Study Program Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Osaka University’s representative Dr. Yumi Sugahara, Dean of FIB UGM Prof. Dr. Setiadi, and Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro. The presence of cultural leaders from Kadipaten Pakualaman, government representatives of Yogyakarta, and international students from Osaka University enriched the evening with diverse cultural resonance.

A touching and symbolic moment took place in the Ambal Warsa procession, when the Head of Study Program, together with the Head of the Student Association Kamastawa, received a ceremonial tumpeng—a symbol of continuity for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The loud applause that followed embodied the spirit of togetherness, the very soul of Gugur Gunung.

The stage came alive with cultural performances, starting with the graceful Sekar Pudyastuti welcoming dance, symbolizing safety and blessing. A performance by Osaka University students added an international touch, before the audience was captivated by Tari Andhira from Sanggar Sigrak Delimo, which retold the heroic story of Nyi Ageng Sérang—a courageous Javanese heroine who fought against Dutch colonial forces.

The highlight of the night was the retirement tribute to Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., fondly known as “Doktor Sakti.” Renowned as an academic, researcher, and cultural advocate, she has contributed greatly through her research, publications, and community service, and has been awarded the prestigious Satyalancana Karyasatya. As her parting gift, she presented “Adisari: The Light of Love Behind Conquest”, a performance art adaptation of an ancient manuscript, creatively transformed into a stage production.

The 14th Gugur Gunung was more than just a commemoration of the Study Program’s journey—it was also a reflection on the importance of preserving and celebrating culture. From students and lecturers to international collaborations, all came together on one stage, proving that Javanese language and culture continue to live, endure, and inspire.