Yogyakarta, November, 4, 2025 – Students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on mapping ancient manuscripts organized by the Library and Archives Office (Dinpersip) of Salatiga City, Central Java, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The event took place in the Regional Secretariat room of the Salatiga City Library and Archives Office. The students were accompanied by their supervising lecturer, Yosephin Apriastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program who specializes in philology. 

The event began with an opening and remarks from the Mayor of Salatiga and the Head of the Library and Archives Office. In her remarks, the Head of the Library and Archives Office of Salatiga City, Sri Sarwanti, S.H., M.Si., said that there were 37 ancient manuscripts in the Salatiga area. Of these, five manuscripts have been transcribed and translated. All manuscript data has been digitized and stored in the Khastara system owned by the National Library of the Republic of Indonesia or Perpusnas.

The event was interspersed with macapat songs and continued with a presentation on the mapping and preservation of ancient manuscripts, especially those still stored in communities or non-institutions.

One of the interesting points was presented by Dr. Munawar Holil, S.S., M.Hum., a lecturer in philology from the Regional Literature Study Program for Javanese Literature, University of Indonesia. He provided information about the discovery of a manuscript containing the story of Sri Tanjung, with a different version of the story compared to the popular one. This manuscript was found by residents at an antique market.

This FGD activity was enthusiastically welcomed by the students. In an interview on November 4, 2025, one of the participants, Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah, said that this activity provided valuable experience regarding the process of archiving manuscripts. “I feel very happy and interested, because the FGD discussed ancient manuscripts from the city of Salatiga that have been documented by the archives office,” she said.

Mapping ancient manuscripts is considered an important step in preserving the nation’s cultural and intellectual heritage. Manuscripts are not only traces of culture, but also reflect the civilization of the archipelago, containing values, ideas, literary works, and religious knowledge from the past.

The participation of students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in this activity is expected to motivate the younger generation to continue preserving manuscripts, exploring the information contained within them, and developing this knowledge so that it can be useful to society. In addition, cooperation between various parties, from the government, academics, communities, to the public, is expected to continue as an effort to care for and preserve the cultural heritage of the Indonesian nation.

Yogyakarta, November 1, 2025 — The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Student Exchange Program Evaluation as part of the closing activities for both national and international student exchange programs for the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year.

The event took place at two destinations, Gamplong Studio Alam and Kopi Ingkar Janji in Kulon Progo. In addition to serving as a reflection on the implementation of the exchange program, the activity also aimed to strengthen the bonds between exchange students, lecturers, and faculty administrators in a warm and collegial atmosphere.

The event was attended by Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Nur Saktiningrum, S.S., M.Hum., and Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D. In their remarks, the faculty leaders expressed their appreciation to the exchange students for their enthusiasm and dedication during their studies at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM.

Various positive impressions were shared by the participants. Moza, a Japanese Literature student from Universitas Udayana who joined the exchange program in the Tourism Study Program at FIB UGM, shared how much she enjoyed the program and her interest in learning across disciplines. From Universitas Andalas, Zakiya and Farah also shared their memorable academic experiences at FIB UGM. “Academically, nothing compares to UGM,” said Zakiya, while Farah appreciated the proactive support provided by the study program’s administrative staff.

Tiara Nur Aisyah from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta also expressed her gratitude to the faculty for their assistance throughout the administrative process. “FIB UGM is truly cultured, distinctive, and full of character,” she said.

From the international participants, Ciro from Italy shared his fascinating experience studying Indonesian at FIB UGM. He was impressed by the warm and interactive academic environment. “Here, lecturers truly act as mentors and take part in discussions with students. The atmosphere is very comfortable and makes us feel at home,” he shared.

Beyond sharing experiences, the event also served as a platform for reflection and discussion to evaluate and further improve the exchange program in the future. The event concluded with a group photo session involving all participants and faculty leaders, marking the end of the activity in a friendly and memorable manner.

The implementation of the student exchange program at FIB UGM aligns with the university’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this initiative, FIB UGM contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing cross-cultural, cross-institutional, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that broaden students’ perspectives and enhance their global competencies. Moreover, this activity strengthens the realization of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering sustainable collaboration between domestic and international universities to build an inclusive, continuous, and human-centered educational network.

In this way, FIB UGM not only serves as an academic space for the development of knowledge and culture but also as a platform for nurturing young generations who are open to diversity and committed to achieving sustainable development at the global level.

[Public Relations, Faculty of Cultural Sciences 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 — A warm and emotional atmosphere enveloped the 4th floor hallway of the Margono Building on Wednesday afternoon. The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, witnessed a special event hosted by Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., a retired lecturer from the department. On this occasion, she distributed a book titled Sastra Menitra to the program and students from various batches as a memento and token of appreciation for the academic journey she had undertaken with the students.

The Sestra Manitra book is not merely a collection of writings, but rather a collaborative work by students from the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 who took courses taught by Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., in the even semester of the 2024/2025 academic year. The course covered Creative Written Javanese Language, Philology, Codicology, Communicative Spoken Javanese Language, and New Javanese Poetry Texts.

Presentation of the Sestra Manitra book to representatives of the class of 2022

Presentation of the Sestra Manitra book to representatives of the class of 2023

Presentation of the Sestra Manitra book to representatives of the class of 2024

The class of 2022 contributed through Javanese-language coverage, while the class of 2023 presented illumination results in the form of rubrikasi, renggan, wedana renggan, and wedana gapura renggan. Meanwhile, the class of 2024 wrote various forms of Javanese literature, including parikan, geguritan, macapat, sengkalan, wangsalan, saduran, piwulang, and dongeng.

Etymologically, the title Sastra Menitra means “writings that are composed with deep feeling based on real means.” This meaning reflects the depth of the writings produced by the students through the use of the five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch—as gifts and creative powers from God Almighty.

The event began at 4:30 p.m. with an opening and prayer led by Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum. The event continued with a speech from the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum. The atmosphere became solemn when all participants sang the song Panyuwunan “permohonan” (prayer) composed by the late Dr. I. Kuntara Wiryamartana, SJ. The situation became even more solemn with the reading of a poem recited by Noviyanti Alfitri, a student from the class of 2024.

Entering the main session, Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., symbolically handed over the book Sastra Menitra to Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., which was then followed by distribution to lecturers and students. More than just a book handover ceremony, this moment became a form of deep appreciation and remembrance for the entire academic community.

In the introduction to the book, Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., expressed her hope that Sestra Manitra would become a fond memory for students and a sincere tribute to the late Dr. I. Kuntara Wiryamartana, SJ., who had been a teacher and role model from his undergraduate studies to his current service.

She also hopes that this work will inspire the younger generation to continue learning, studying, and preserving Javanese culture. “May Sestra Manitra be useful for anyone who wants to study Javanese language, literature, and culture,” wrote Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum.

The book handover ceremony for Sastra Menitra concluded in a warm and grateful atmosphere, marking a beautiful farewell between a dedicated educator and the students who will carry forward the spirit of preserving Javanese culture in the future.

[Javanese Literature, Languange and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

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]