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, 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, 4 December 2025 — The autonomous arts body BSO Sasoebah once again showcased its creative excellence in the performing arts by delivering a captivating performance at the opening of the Global Future Innovation Technology Summit (GIFTS) 2025, held at the GIK UGM Building. On this special occasion, BSO Sasoebah presented its newest dance work titled “Lelana Jagatriya,” a performance that blends traditional aesthetics with the concept of a symbolic journey across worlds, rich with humanitarian meaning.

GIFTS 2025 is an international-scale event that opens interdisciplinary spaces for discussion, ranging from technology and innovation to creativity and global collaboration. Notably, the event was also open to the public, providing opportunities for students and the wider community to enjoy the performance and the intellectual atmosphere it offered.

BSO Sasoebah’s performance successfully drew the attention of attendees, including more than 20 distinguished guests who are strategic partners of GIK UGM from various sectors. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between arts, innovation, and technology in fostering creative dialogue within academic environments. In addition to invited guests, the event’s openness to the public allowed the broader community to experience the dynamic and collaborative spirit of GIFTS 2025.

The event also reflects efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly through its contribution to strengthening quality education and cultural preservation. In the context of the SDGs, this event demonstrates a commitment to creating inclusive learning spaces and promoting the preservation of cultural identity through performing arts. Moreover, GIFTS 2025 highlights global collaboration and innovation as part of building sustainable partnerships between educational institutions, creative communities, and professional sectors.

Through the performance of Lelana Jagatriya, BSO Sasoebah not only enlivened the opening of GIFTS 2025 but also reaffirmed the essential role of the arts in supporting sustainability, strengthening interdisciplinary dialogue, and inspiring the younger generation to continue creating.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]

The Anthropology Laboratory for Research and Action (LAURA) represents Universitas Gadjah Mada in the Participation of Women in Renewable Energy (POWERE) project. This initiative is funded by the UKRI Ayrton Challenge and involves several universities, including the University of Sussex, Universitas Indonesia, and Universitas Gadjah Mada. POWERE addresses issues of unequal access and the impacts of climate change in island and coastal communities. It introduces innovation through the use of floating photovoltaic systems (FPV) as an alternative renewable energy source, while also emphasizing gender perspectives and economic conditions in off-grid coastal communities. The project is not only focused on developing physical infrastructure but also building social infrastructure by strengthening gender inclusivity in the seaweed-based economy across coastal and island areas in South Sulawesi. Led by Prof. Raminder Kaur (US), Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi (UGM), Dr. Mia Siscawati (UI), Dr. Bradley Parrish (US), and Prof. Peter Newell (US), POWERE stands as a comprehensive multidisciplinary collaboration centered on renewable energy.

Since mid-year, the POWERE team has conducted preliminary studies in several locations, including Rannu, Katingting, and Biawasa, and presented the findings at the World Conference on Governance and Social Sciences at Hasanuddin University on 11–12 November 2025. The initial studies explored topics such as community-based infrastructure design, sensory ethnography, feminist perspectives on gender, climate change, and women’s resilience, renewable energy and social infrastructure, as well as climate adaptation challenges faced by seaweed-farming women. The broad range of issues emerging from solar energy development and its social implications continues to pose challenges for the project moving forward.

In addition to the Project Leads, the initiative involves postdoctoral researchers such as Dr. Diah Irawaty, Dr. Runavia Mulyasari, Dr. Chu Chun Yu, Dr. Agung Iswadi, and Monika Swastyastu, M.A., who contribute to ongoing research throughout the project. POWERE receives support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations, including CARE Indonesia, Aquatera, Development Finance International, Auroville Consulting, and the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia, serving as financial partners and policy collaborators. Entering the first stage of the three-year program, the POWERE team has published newsletters in both Indonesian and English, accessible through the University of Sussex website and the Department of Anthropology. For the latest updates, readers may follow the official Instagram account @powere.women, which regularly shares photos and videos documenting project activities.

Writer: Okky Chandra Baskoro

Yogyakarta, December, 8 2025 – The Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is collaborating with the Student Association of the Department of Puppetry (HMJ Pedhalangan) of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta to hold a collaborative Wayang Gedhog performance in commemoration of National Puppetry Day. The performance will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. WIB at the Pendapa Tari ISI Yogyakarta. This event is a collaborative synergy between young artists from UKJGS UGM and HMJ Pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta in preserving this rare performing art.

The Wayang Gedhog performance to commemorate National Wayang Day was organized by HMJ Pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta, inviting UKJGS UGM to participate. As the coordinator of the Pedhalangan division at UKJGS UGM and a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at UGM, Muhammad Rafi Nur Fauzy explained that this is a great opportunity to introduce UKJGS’s work in the field of pedalangan, while also enlivening the National Wayang Day celebration. 

The role of puppeteer in this Wayang Gedhog performance was entrusted to Rafi, accompanied by music from other UKJGS members. This performance featured Wayang Gedhog because Wayang Gedhog performances are rarely staged. This type of puppet show had been dormant for a long time and was revived several decades ago. Wayang Gedhog performances are actually considered stiff because they are constrained by the palace hierarchy in their content. Wayang Gedhog was also featured as an introduction to the rich heritage of puppetry to the general public.

The story of Panji Laleyan Duta (Sayembara Keris Jaka Piturun) was chosen to be performed because it was relevant to the current situation and information that was happening and becoming a hot topic of discussion in society, namely the polemic over the change of king in the Surakarta (Solo) Palace. According to Rafi, we need to question how this Javanese monarchy can survive in the midst of a democratic situation. Not only in the Surakarta Palace, but also in Yogyakarta.

As a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at UGM, Rafi expressed his joy and pride at having the opportunity to perform Wayang Gedhog. Currently, not many puppeteers are willing to perform Wayang Gedhog because the performance is considered difficult due to its fixed accompaniment. Only a few puppeteers understand the performance. With the guidance of Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program, Rafi was able to successfully perform Wayang Gedhog, which is considered difficult.

The Wayang Gedhog performance supports the achievement of SDG point 4 Quality Education and point 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, namely as a medium of education and introduction to the treasure trove of wayang and enriching knowledge about cultural heritage in the academic environment, as well as an opportunity for the regeneration of performing arts and livelihoods for young artists. Not only that, this performance contributes to the achievement of SDG point 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by using the role of art as a means to voice constructive criticism of the leadership polemic in the Surakarta Palace. The participatory collaboration between UKJGS UGM and HMJ Pedhalangan ISI Yogyakarta supports the achievement of SDGs and point 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

[ Javanese Literature & Culture, Maysa Putri Fatihah]