Yogyakarta, 10/2/2025 – After conducting a series of registrations and member selection of the Students Association, finally on Monday, February 10th 2025, the Family of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Students (KAMASTAWA) held the first gathering for the new members of the association. This meeting was held in room 303 of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences in the afternoon after the class was finished.

The purpose of this First Gathering is to familiarize all members of HMJ Kamastawa so that in the future they will have a good and close relationship with each other. Familiarity and personal closeness can also support the performance and cooperation between members in an organization.

The event began with an opening by the MC, then continued with the introduction of the division heads and their members. After that, each division briefly presented its work program. After all divisions presented their work program plans, the event continued with an exchange of gifts and simple games. This event can be said to have run smoothly and had a warm atmosphere because of the enthusiasm of the new members. And in this First Gathering, each division was also asked to wear a certain color to distinguish between one division and another.

The First Gathering was relaxed and fun because it involved a bonding process without seniority walls between the 2023 and 2024 classes. It is important to eliminate the sense of seniority to foster a sense of kinship. Ultimately, this sense of kinship will bring a comfortable and safe organizational atmosphere for all its members. It is hoped that with this activity, the work programs that will be held by HMJ Kamastawa in the future can run smoothly without significant obstacles. It is also hoped that the dynamics and cooperation between division members can flow without obstacles.

[Public Relation of Javanese Literature, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 25/2/2025 – The Faculty of Humanities held an important workshop aimed at increasing collaboration between local governments and universities. The event was attended by the Regent of Siak Regency, Riau, as well as various stakeholders from the public and academic sectors. The workshop focused on the development of culture, tourism, and creative economy by utilising local potential to drive economic growth and development.

The workshop began with opening remarks from the Regent of Siak, who emphasised the importance of education in improving economic resources. He highlighted that universities have a crucial role in providing the knowledge and skills needed to empower local communities. By collaborating with local governments, educational institutions can help create a more sustainable and inclusive economic environment.

The participants engaged in discussions on the current state of cultural and tourism development in Siak. They explored how local resources can be optimised to increase the attractiveness of the area as a tourist destination. The Bupati emphasised that Siak is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, which if managed well, can contribute significantly to economic development.

One of the key topics discussed during the workshop was the integration of local culture into the education curriculum. Experts suggested that by incorporating local history and traditions into university programmes, students will be better equipped to promote and preserve their cultural identity. This approach not only enriches the educational experience but also fosters a sense of pride among the younger generation.

In addition, the workshop also highlighted the potential of the creative economy in driving economic growth. The participants discussed various creative industries, such as handicrafts, performing arts, and culinary, that could be further developed. The Regent encouraged local entrepreneurs to collaborate with universities to innovate and create new products that reflect Siak’s unique cultural identity.

In addition to the cultural and creative industries, the workshop also focused on sustainable tourism practices. Experts shared insights on how to develop tourism that respects local communities and the environment. The Regent emphasised that sustainable tourism is essential for long-term economic development and should be a priority for local governments and educational institutions.

The workshop concluded with a discussion on all stakeholders to work together in implementing the strategies discussed. Such collaboration is critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in terms of economic resources, education, and economic growth.

As participants left the workshop, there was a real sense of optimism about the future of Siak. The collaboration between the local government and universities is expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that will boost the cultural, tourism and creative sectors in the area. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving sustainable economic development in Siak.

[Public Relations of Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, Bulan Churniati]

Entering the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Major not only makes students active in learning about Javanese literature and language, but also active in various non-academic activities. With the passion of preserving culture and developing skills outside of class, they are involved in organizations outside the faculty, art communities, and social activities. Their participation in these activities not only increases their insight, but also enriches their experience in understanding and applying Javanese cultural values ​​in everyday life.

Even this year, some of them are not only active as ordinary members, but have ‘moved up a level’ to become responsible persons in various strategic positions. Let’s take a peek at the story!

• Luki Henria Pasadhi (Sasa) — General Secretary of PK IMM UGM

Starting from activities in high school, Sasa joined the Muhammadiyah Student Association (IMM) because she was looking for a Muhammadiyah-based organization in the college environment. Previously, Sasa was a member of the Muhammadiyah Youth Association (IPM). With the aim of maintaining what has been started since high school, Sasa went through a long process as a member of the Media and Communication division until this year Sasa served as the general secretary of IMM for the 2024/2025 period. Sasa hopes that IMM can run as it should, smoothly in carrying out work programs, and can contribute to UGM and the community.

• Abimanyu Mahendra (Abi) — President of UKM Swagayugama

In the 2024 Swagayugama Great Deliberation, Abi took the initiative to nominate himself as the president. Through a long democratic process, finally the forum have agreed to elect Abi as the general chairman of Swagayugama UKM for one year ahead. Abi’s reason for joining Swagayugama UKM was to preserve the Javanese culture of Yogyakarta. He felt obliged to do so, especially since he himself came from Yogyakarta. Abi has served as the coordinator of the pedhalangan competency test, as a talent during grand performances, as a dhalang talent, a dance drama talent, and even as a talent to perform at the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Abi’s hope in his management is to improve what is lacking, and maintain what is already good.

• Yanuar Agung Nugroho (Yanuar) — President of UKM UKJGS

Having a background related to arts, Yanuar was enthusiastic about joining the UGM Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS). Within a year, he was dynamically involved in many arts activities carried out by UKJGS such as Gladhi Madya, various performances including the Prambanan Ramayana ballet, the New Year’s Eve gamelan parade, and so on. In these activities, Yanuar actively played a role as a talent before finally being trusted to become the general chairman of the 2024/2025 management. Yanuar was chosen from the results of voting at the 2024 UKJGS Great Conference.

• Juneffa Rizka Maharani (June) — Chief Financial Officer of E-Sport UGM

June was chosen as the Chief Financial Officer for E-Sport UGM because the previous chairman saw June as a responsive person. Over the past year, June has participated in several events and has been the manager of two PUBG teams. As the head of finance, her future duties include monitoring the work of the treasurer and sponsorship. June hopes that in the future she can divide her time between E-Sport activities, department associations, or other activities.

• Alma Syahwalani (Alma) — Head of Public Relations Marching Band UGM

Initially in the UGM Marching Band, Alma held a flag instrument where the section was called Color Guard. After a process of approximately one year, Alma was chosen to become the Head of Public Relations at the UGM Marching Band through interviews and also a deliberation system. On December 18, 2024, Alma was inaugurated with other new administrators. During her time in the marching band, Alma diligently attended routine practices and performed a lot inside and outside UGM. The Color Guard Section even received the title of Player of The Year. Alma’s hope for the future is to continue to improve her soft skills and hard skills and also to be able to create wider networks and relationships.

• Audrey Gizella Islamey (Audrey) — Head of Costume Division Swagayugama

Regarding Audrey’s election as Head of Costume Division, there were two influencing factors. First, because of the recommendation from the previous division head. In addition, because the candidate for the head of UKM Swagayugama directly chose Audrey to fill the position of head of costume division. During her time at UKM Swagayugama, Audrey diligently attended routine training, sometimes also involved as a talent in several performances, such as Pentas Kraton, Pagelaran Akbar Swagayugama, and several other incidental performances. In addition, during her time as a member of the costume division, she was involved several times as a person in charge for taking care of the costumes of the talents. Audrey hopes that by joining UKM Swagayugama and studying in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program, both can go hand in hand so that they always foster a sense of love and pride in local culture and ignite the spirit to participate in efforts to preserve culture.

• M. Rafi Nur Fauzy (Rafi) — Head of the Karawitan and Pedalangan Division UKJGS

Based on his competence, performance, and experience during the previous one year of membership, the previous manager recommended Rafi to become the Head of the Karawitan and Pedhalangan Division in the UKJGS management in 2024/2025. During his time at UKJGS, Rafi had been the coordinator of routine pedhalangan training, the coordinator of pedhalangan Gladhi Madya , the event committee at Gladhi Purwa, the coordinator of karawitan Ambal Warsa  UKJGS, the coordinator of Ramayana Ballet Prambanan karawitan, and others. Rafi hopes to be able to improve his academic achievements for this semester and in the future. And for UKJGS, Rafi hopes to be able to maintain and improve his quality and good name both inside and outside the university.

• M. Rizki Saputro (Rizki) — Head of Facilities and Infrastructure Division UKJGS

Rizki became the Head of the Facilities Division because he was appointed by the president of UKJGS. His goal in accepting the mandate was to take the opportunity to learn to become a division head in the organization. During his time at UKJGS, Rizki actively participated in various committees, including Gladhi Madya equipment coordinator, Gladhi Purwa security staff, Ambal Warsa equipment staff, Ramayana equipment staff, and is currently the Ramayana equipment coordinator. In addition, Rizki is also a talent at Gladhi Madya and the Faculty of Philosophy Karawitan Festival as a kenong player. Rizki’s hope for UKJGS in the future is that it will continue to develop and innovate in preserving Javanese culture.

• Fega Achillea Maydena (Fega) — General Secretary of Unit Selam UGM

Starting from her interest in the underwater world, Fega decided to register for the UGM Diving Society. During the training period and after being inaugurated as an official member, Fega routinely participated in various agendas held by the UGM Diving Society. So that at the end of 2024, Fega won the title of Member of The Year as a form of appreciation for her active participation. In the future, Fega hopes to continue to be able to balance academic and non-academic life, and continue to develop herself into a more skilled person.

From the writing above, we can conclude that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture does not prevent us from developing our potential in other fields. Some are in the arts, sports, and even religion. By knowing these stories, it is hoped that readers will also have the spirit to continue to develop themselves and fly high in the fields they are engaged in.

[Public Relation Javanese Literature FIB UGM, Fega Achillea Maydena]

No less than other well-known study programs, it turns out that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture can also carry pride and inspire other people around! For example, Dian Nitami (Dian) and Miktahul Ulumudin (Ulum) below. Both are students majoring in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, class of 2023 and 2024.

Dian and Ulum were invited to the annual Campus Expo event held by the MAN 1 Tulungagung alumni association, through the Tulungagung Student Communication Forum (FKMT). This Campus Expo was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at MAN 1 Tulungagung. Like Campus Expo events in general, here Dian and Ulum are in charge of educating and sharing experiences about being UGM students. They discussed topics around UGM entrance selection, college fee education, KIP scholarships, and a glimpse of UGM itself.

The Campus Expo itself was attended by 1st – 3rd year, but the seminar session was specifically attended by 3rd year where the class was certainly preparing for the exam to enter college. Dian was invited to be one of the speakers because she was one of the lucky students who had the opportunity to study at UGM with funding assisted by a scholarship. So at this event Dian gave a testimonial that scholarships at UGM are very open to students from any entrance selection path.

From Dian and Ulum’s point of view, MAN 1 Tulungagung students were certainly very happy because they could meet their seniors who were studying at UGM. Then the impressive occasion was when the speakers entered, they were greeted with the Pionir celebration song with the enthusiasm of Mantasa (the name for MAN 1 Tulungagung students) overflowing. Even in the closing session, it was enlivened again by the Pionir celebration dance so that this indicated that MAN 1 Tulungagung students were really enthusiastic about participating in this seminar session.

For Dian, the impression gained from this experience was a sense of joy because this was the first time Dian had the opportunity to be a speaker who of course could educate and motivate the MAN students.

With this valuable story from Dian and Ulum, it is hoped that this can be an inspiration for other student to always be able to provide benefits and spread positive enthusiasm to people around them, that being part of the family of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students is a pride and not less cool than other majors.

[Public Relation Javanese Literature Faculty of Arts UGM, Fega Achillea Maydena]

Yogyakarta, 7/1/2025 – Monash University in collaboration with Gadjah Mada University’s Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) is running an innovative program dedicated to beginners learning Indonesian language and culture called the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee through the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) as the program intermediary. The program not only offers in-depth language learning, but also strengthens international cooperation, in line with the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in supporting quality education and strengthening global partnerships.

The program is designed to provide a learning experience that is practical and relevant to everyday needs. The main focus of learning is on conversation, so participants can directly apply Indonesian in real situations. This method not only increases participants’ confidence in speaking, but also accelerates the language acquisition process. Participants are invited to participate in simulated daily conversations, such as shopping at the market, ordering food at a restaurant or giving directions. These activities are combined with cultural introductions such as the use of typical expressions that reflect the uniqueness of Indonesian society. With this approach, participants not only learn the language, but also understand the social and cultural context in which it is embedded.

One of the uniqueness of this program is the tutor session which is guided by Universitas Gadjah Mada students. In this session, UGM students act as mentors who help participants re-understand the material that has been taught. This approach provides an opportunity for participants to get a local perspective from native speakers, as well as strengthening the relationship between students from both countries. The tutors not only guide participants in understanding grammar and vocabulary, but also share personal experiences about life in Indonesia. This creates a more intimate and interactive learning atmosphere, where participants feel more comfortable to ask questions and discuss. The session also encouraged in-depth cultural dialogue, opening participants’ minds to the values and traditions that exist in Indonesia.

The collaboration between Monash University and Universitas Gadjah Mada in this program is a clear example of efforts to strengthen global partnerships through cultural diplomacy. The program not only aims to teach languages, but also to create a more harmonious relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Participants who understand Indonesian language and culture have the potential to become a bridge in various bilateral cooperation, ranging from education to trade.

This cultural diplomacy also provides long-term benefits for both countries. As more individuals understand Indonesian values and traditions, opportunities for closer collaboration in various sectors open up. The program serves as a platform to build a mutually beneficial relationship, where both sides can learn and develop together. The program makes a significant contribution to the achievement of the SDG’s, especially in supporting quality education and strengthening international relations. With a focus on conversation, participants are trained to communicate effectively in Indonesian, which opens up new opportunities in tourism, trade, and education.

Through tutoring sessions by UGM students, the program also provides social benefits to the local community. Students involved in the program have the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience while developing communication and leadership skills. This creates a widespread positive impact for both participants and tutors.

The Indonesian language and culture learning program launched by Monash University and Gadjah Mada University on 7 January 2025 is a strategic step in supporting sustainable development. With a focus on conversation-based education and interactive tutor sessions, the program not only improves participants’ language competency, but also strengthens the relationship between Indonesia and Australia. Through a combination of education, technology and cultural diplomacy, the program creates a broad positive impact on both individuals and communities. By continuing to support initiatives like this we can build a more inclusive, harmonious and sustainable world.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]