Yogyakarta, January, 23, 2026 – Yogyakarta is widely recognized as one of the cities with a strong literacy ecosystem in Indonesia. The presence of bookstores spread across various parts of the city plays an important role in supporting public reading and learning activities. In recent years, bookstores in Yogyakarta have developed new concepts by incorporating coffee spaces and aesthetically designed interiors.

This concept has transformed bookstores from merely places for book distribution into alternative literacy spaces that are open to students and the general public. A number of bookstores that frequently attract attention on social media include Buku Akik, Solusi Buku, Ruang Literasi Yogyakarta, Buku Natan, Namu Buku, and Shira Media, among others. These bookstores offer reading areas, discussion spaces, and various literacy-related activities that are widely accessible.

The emergence of bookstores with creative concepts has further strengthened the culture of literacy in Yogyakarta. These spaces are used for reading, discussions, and the organization of literacy-based activities involving communities and students. With a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere, bookstores serve as non-formal learning spaces beyond the campus environment.

The growing phenomenon of aesthetic bookstores in Yogyakarta aligns with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education, through the expansion of access to reading materials and inclusive learning spaces. In addition, the use of bookstores as creative public spaces supports SDG Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing safe, welcoming, and sustainable cultural spaces in urban areas.

Through the presence of bookstores with diverse concepts, Yogyakarta continues to strengthen its role as a city of literacy that is adaptive to the times and responsive to the needs of the younger generation.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 14 December 2025 – To commemorate the 76th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), a Wayang Kulit Purwa madya ratri (midnight) performance featuring the play “Rajamala Ruwat” was held as part of the Nitilaku 2025 series of events. The performance took place on Sunday (14/12) starting at 6:00 p.m. until completion at the Joglo of the Innovation and Creativity Center, and was open to the public.

In the performance, Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi, a student of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, appeared as one of the dalang (puppeteers). Ki Rafi’s participation reflects the active role of the younger generation, particularly FIB UGM students, in preserving and revitalizing the traditional art of wayang kulit.

The performance of “Rajamala Ruwat” was collaboratively presented by six dalang from various elements of the UGM academic community and the Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Association (KAGAMA), namely Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi (FIB student), Ki Gymna Cahyo Nugroho (Vocational School student), Ki Faizal Noor Singgih (KAGAMA, Faculty of Agricultural Technology), Ki Gilang Thomas Kumoro (KAGAMA, Faculty of Geography), Ki Jack Haryanto (Educational Staff, UGM University Secretariat), and Ki Prof. Drg. Suryono (Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry). The performance was accompanied by the Karawitan ensemble of the Student Arts Family.

The involvement of Ki M. Rafi Nur Fauzi in this cultural performance aligns with UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of culture-based and experiential learning. In addition, the activity supports Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by safeguarding the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage, as well as Goal 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through cross-faculty collaboration among students, alumni, and members of the academic community on a shared cultural stage.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 5 December 2025 – Ten graduate students of the Master of Literature Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences held a Philology Clinic Exhibition themed “Tracing Cosmology in Ancient Manuscripts.” This exhibition is part of an academic activity guided by lecturers of the Philology Program: Prof. Dr. Aprinus Salam, M.Hum., Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., and Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, S.S., M.Hum.

Cosmology, as a way for humans to understand the origins, structure, and order of the universe, has long served as a fundamental aspect of cultural development. Long before the emergence of modern science, the peoples of the Nusantara had developed their own cosmological perspectives and recorded them in various Arabic, Javanese, and Malay manuscripts. This knowledge was passed down across generations as an integral part of the region’s intellectual tradition.

Through the Philology Clinic activities, the students aim to create a space for disseminating and reintroducing cosmological insights found in ancient manuscripts. These manuscripts not only contain stories or moral teachings, but also reflect the worldview, knowledge structures, and belief systems of communities in the past.

In today’s modern world—where rational knowledge is often separated from spiritual experience—this exhibition invites the public to revisit how past societies understood the universe holistically, combining empirical, symbolic, and practical experiences in everyday life. As such, the exhibition serves as a bridge between the past and the present, opening new avenues for appreciating the intellectual heritage of the Nusantara.

This exhibition aligns with the commitment to sustainable education as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education. Through manuscript preservation, the strengthening of cultural literacy, and the advancement of humanities research, this activity supports the creation of inclusive, high-quality education and promotes lifelong learning. Additionally, this initiative reflects ongoing efforts to safeguard cultural heritage, in line with SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasizes cultural preservation as a key component of sustainable community development.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, December, 9, 2025 – Paksi Raras Alit, widely known as Mas Paksi, has been awarded the 2025 UGM Outstanding Alumni Award for his significant contributions to cultural literacy development and the preservation of traditional arts. An alumnus of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, Mas Paksi is recognized as the founder of the JAWACANA Community, a cultural education platform that continues to expand access to cultural learning for the wider public.

Since its establishment, JAWACANA has consistently offered various programs such as cultural magazines, Javanese language classes, and inclusive, accessible art performances. These initiatives directly contribute to improving cultural education quality in society, aligning with UGM’s commitment to supporting sustainable development.

Mas Paksi’s contributions also reflect strong support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through expanding access to cultural education (SDG 4: Quality Education), strengthening local identity and community sustainability through the preservation of regional arts and languages (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities), and fostering collaboration among communities, academics, and cultural practitioners across various JAWACANA programs (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

This award further reinforces Mas Paksi’s role as a representative of FIB UGM alumni who brings tangible positive impact to society. Through JAWACANA, he demonstrates that cultural preservation can become an educational, sustainable movement that contributes significantly to strengthening local culture amid ongoing societal changes.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, 5 December 2025 — A workshop on IoT-based smart classroom systems was held in room S 709 on the seventh floor of the R. Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. The event featured Irawan Wko Prabowo, S.T., M.Eng., who delivered a session on the implementation of automation technology and room temperature monitoring through a Building Management System (BMS).

The workshop discussed how BMS functions as a centralized computer system that controls mechanical and electrical equipment within a building. Irawan explained that integrating building systems is essential for operational efficiency, especially in modern classrooms that require comfort and stable learning conditions. “BMS allows administrators to regulate temperature, lighting, and building security from a single control point, enabling real-time monitoring,” he said.

In his presentation, Irawan outlined the main functions of BMS, including HVAC control to maintain air quality and room temperature, lighting management that adjusts to energy needs, as well as monitoring electricity use and security systems. All functions are connected through an integrated platform, making facility management more streamlined.

Participants also received an explanation of how BMS works, starting from the collection of sensor data that measures temperature, humidity, and energy usage, to the processing of this data by digital controllers that determine automatic actions. The information is displayed through a user interface accessible via computers and mobile devices. With this technology, building managers can monitor rooms remotely and make decisions based on real-time data.

The workshop emphasized the importance of efficient building management in addressing rising energy demands. IoT-based smart classroom technology is expected to support a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsive learning process. This initiative represents a strategic step toward promoting sustainable space management and fostering smarter, more responsible learning environments.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]