A remarkable achievement has once again been made by a student of the Bachelor in Japanese Language and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). Callista Putri Nathania won Second Place in the 5th Yogyakarta Special Region Japanese Presentation Contest 2026, held on October 17, 2026, at the E7-A Amphitheater, 5th Floor, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY).

This year’s competition carried the theme “What Is Happiness?”, encouraging participants to express their perspectives and thoughts on the meaning of happiness through presentations in Japanese. The theme provided participants with an opportunity to further develop their Japanese language proficiency while presenting their ideas critically and creatively.

In the competition, Callista Putri Nathania demonstrated her Japanese language proficiency and presentation skills, earning her second place. This achievement reflects students’ enthusiasm for developing their Japanese language abilities, particularly in oral communication and public speaking.

Callista’s achievement is expected to inspire other students to continue improving their Japanese language skills and take part in various competitions at both regional and national levels.

The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, FIB UGM, appreciates Callista’s accomplishment and extends its congratulations on this achievement. May this success serve as a stepping stone toward even greater accomplishments in the future.

Author: Felisha Bethrix

The Student Association of the Department of Javanese Literature (Himpunan Mahasiswa Jurusan, HMJ) Keluarga Mahasiswa Sastra Jawa (Kamastawa) organized a community service activity entitled “Kamastawa Mengajar dan Berbagi” (Kamastawa Teaches and Shares) at Sanggar Puspa Budaya, Kapanewon Minggir, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Saturday (10/31/2026). This activity represents a tangible expression of students’ concern for education and the preservation of local culture, as well as an effort to revive the practice of using polite Javanese (unggah-ungguh) among children.

This community service program was the result of a collaboration between the Scientific Division and the Social and Community Division of HMJ Kamastawa. This interdivisional synergy was designed to ensure that the programs implemented could generate a tangible and sustainable social impact on the wider community.

A total of 30 elementary school-aged children who are members of Sanggar Puspa Budaya participated in this activity. From the opening of the event in the morning, the children’s enthusiasm and cheerful expressions were evident as they prepared to take part in the entire series of activities.

The event began with an educational session on unggah-ungguh basa Jawa, or Javanese language etiquette. An understanding of language etiquette and speech levels is considered very important to instill from an early age so that younger generations continue to recognize and uphold their cultural roots amid the onslaught of modernization.

To make the material easier for children to understand, the Scientific Division adopted an interactive approach through a game in which participants filled in missing letters in Javanese vocabulary. Through this learning by playing concept, the children were encouraged to participate actively without feeling pressured or bored. The atmosphere at the cultural center became lively as the participants enthusiastically competed to answer questions and complete the challenges presented.

Left: HMJ Kamastawa members distribute gift packages to participants.
Right: A glimpse of the participants’ enthusiasm during the learning session.

Following the interactive learning session, the activity continued with a social initiative involving the provision of learning facilities and supporting equipment for the cultural center. HMJ Kamastawa donated various school supplies, including a whiteboard, markers, notebooks, pencils, pens, and other supporting materials to support operations and teaching and learning activities at Sanggar Puspa Budaya.

Through this community service activity, HMJ Kamastawa hopes to continue inspiring children’s enthusiasm for learning the Javanese language and culture. In addition, the activity is also expected to strengthen students’ empathy and social awareness toward the surrounding community.

Writer: Nindy Rosalina Ekaputri
Editor: Haryo Untoro

Contributors: Nada & Jusma, 2026

Kontributor: Nada & Jusma, 2026

Students from the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), achieved notable accomplishments at the 32nd Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), organized by the Indonesian Association of Regional Language and Literature Students (Ikatan Mahasiswa Bahasa dan Sastra Daerah Indonesia, or Imbasadi) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) on October 12–15, 2026. Carrying the theme “Muda Berkarya, Kami Bhima Budaya” (Young People Creating, We Are Bhima Budaya), the event provided a platform for students from various universities to develop their potential, broaden their cultural knowledge, and strengthen connections among students.

As an annual Imbasadi event, the 32nd Temu Budaya Nusantara featured a range of cultural and academic activities. These included a National Deliberation Meeting, cultural seminars, and a closing ceremony featuring an awards presentation and the inauguration of the new Imbasadi board for the 2026/2028 period. Through these activities, students from universities across Indonesia offering regional language and literature study programs had the opportunity to build connections, exchange ideas, and broaden their cultural perspectives.

FIB UGM’s Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture participated in the event by sending six delegates. The delegates were Shabrina Fitra Azzahra (class of 2024), Eva Wulandari (class of 2025), Yogi Setiyawan (class of 2025), Muthiah Rahmadani (class of 2026), Januar Aziz Maulana (class of 2026), and Fabiola Anenina Karissa (class of 2026). 

UGM’s participation in the 32nd TBN was marked by several notable achievements. Two students, Januar Aziz Maulana and Fabiola Anenina Karissa, received nominations for Runner-Up II Imbasadi 2026. Meanwhile, Muthiah Rahmadani won third place in the batik design competition. In addition to these achievements, Yogi Setiawan was entrusted with the role of Imbasadi President for the 2026/2027 term. These accomplishments reflect the contributions of students from FIB UGM’s Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture to appreciating, preserving, and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Indonesian archipelago through academic and cultural activities. They also demonstrate the students’ active role in strengthening collaboration and fostering connections among students from universities throughout Indonesia.

Through the organization of Temu Budaya Nusantara and the achievements attained, it is hoped that students will become increasingly committed to safeguarding and preserving regional cultural heritage. The event is also expected to further strengthen ties among regional language and literature students throughout Indonesia.

FIB UGM’s Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture extends its appreciation to all parties who supported the event. A spirit of togetherness and a shared appreciation for culture are expected to continue serving as the foundation for students to pursue creative endeavors and contribute to preserving Indonesia’s cultural diversity.

Indonesia is diverse, Imbasadi unites.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro