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]

Yogyakarta, October 25, 2025 – The annual English Days 2025 event made its return, organized by students of the English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). This year’s series of activities features a stage play titled “Deserved It,” an English-language drama filled with tension and secrets within the dynamics of friendship.

The play “Deserved It” tells the story of Mickey, a mysterious new student whose arrival brings major changes to the circle of friends—Chloe, Valerie, Anders, Dash, Jennifer, and Jason. One by one, their hidden secrets begin to unravel, drawing the audience into a gripping, emotional, and unpredictable atmosphere. With sharp dialogues, a suspenseful storyline, and energetic performances, “Deserved It” promises an immersive and memorable theatrical experience.

Beyond the theater performance, English Days 2025 also offers a variety of other exciting activities. From October 25–31, visitors can enjoy a 2000s nostalgia exhibition displayed along the first-floor corridor of the Soegondo Building, FIB UGM. On October 30, 2025, a Movie Screening Workshop will be held, inviting participants to watch and discuss “The Lovely Bones,” a cinematic masterpiece rich with themes of loss, hope, and justice. The workshop is open to students and the general public who wish to deepen their appreciation of film while honing their critical analysis skills in English.

As the grand finale, on October 31, 2025, English Days will host its annual Halloween Party, a much-anticipated event where students can express themselves, socialize, and celebrate creativity in the spirit of Halloween costumes and decorations.

Carrying this year’s central theme, English Days 2025 aims to provide a platform for students to express ideas, strengthen togetherness, and showcase their English proficiency through art and popular culture. The organizing committee hopes that this annual event will continue to serve as a collaborative space where students can practice English in real contexts while exploring their interests in performing arts and global culture.

All English Days 2025 activities are open to the public and will take place within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM. For more information, visit the official Instagram account @englishdays_ugm and TikTok @englishdays.ugm.

[English Literature, IMAJI]

Yogyakarta, October 12, 2025 – The Marching Band Student Activity Unit (UKM) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly secured 3rd place at the prestigious 2025 Hamengku Buwono X Cup Championship. This remarkable achievement highlights the dedication and passion of UGM students in developing their talents in both the arts and sports, particularly through their commitment to marching band excellence.

Held in Yogyakarta, the competition featured performances in the Display Field Show general division, with participation from renowned marching bands across Indonesia, including Ekalavya Suara Brawijaya, Tiyadhita Marching Brass Tangerang, and Udayana Marching Band Bali. Based on the judges’ assessment, Ekalavya Suara Brawijaya claimed first place, followed by Tiyadhita Marching Brass Tangerang in second place, while UGM Marching Band proudly earned third place.

Several students from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences also took part in the competition, contributing as both musicians and visual performers. The team received direct support from UGM Rector Prof. Ova Emilia, Ph.D., and Prof. Anggito Abimanyu, former Deputy Minister of Finance and a proud alumnus of UGM Marching Band. Their presence served as both appreciation and motivation for the team to continue striving for excellence at national and international levels.

This achievement aligns with UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by empowering student activities that foster talent development and leadership beyond the classroom. Moreover, the spirit of collaboration and sportsmanship embodied in this event reflects the values of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, promoting positive networks among universities across Indonesia.

Through this success, UGM Marching Band is expected to further strengthen its role as a platform for developing students’ character, creativity, and sense of unity within Universitas Gadjah Mada.

[Public Relations of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences – Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, October, 21, 2025 – The Association of Indonesian Regional Language and Literature Students (Imbasadi) and Yogyakarta State University (UNY) successfully held the 31st Nusantara Cultural Gathering (TBN) on October 13–16, 2025. The four-day event carried the theme “Satyakarta Baswara: Angiring Jantraning Basa Susastra,” which means “shining brightly in accompanying the journey of language and literature.”

As an annual Imbasadi agenda, TBN XXXI featured various cultural and academic activities, including a National Conference, cultural seminars, and a grand finale filled with award ceremonies and the inauguration of the new Imbasadi board for the 2025/2026 period. This event serves as a forum for networking and exchanging ideas among students from various universities that offer regional language and literature programs throughout Indonesia.

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) participated in the event by sending seven delegates. They are Haryo Untoro (class of 2022), Ganes Larasati (class of 2023), Meifira Arini Pitaloka (class of 2023), Noviyanti Alfitri (class of 2024), Shabrina Fitra Azzahra (class of 2024), Eva Wulandari (class of 2025), and Yogi Setiawan (class of 2025).

Good news comes from two of its students, Yogi Setiawan and Eva Wulandari, who have been nominated for the 2025 Imbasadi Favorite Male and Female Champions. This achievement is a tangible manifestation of the spirit of students in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at the Faculty of Humanities, UGM, in appreciating, preserving, and promoting the cultural wealth of the archipelago through scientific and cultural activities.

Through the organization of TBN XXXI and the achievements attained, it is hoped that students’ enthusiasm for preserving regional cultural heritage will continue to grow, while also strengthening bonds among regional literature students across Indonesia. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at FIB UGM also extends its gratitude to all parties who have supported the implementation of these activities.

Indonesia is diverse; Imbasadi unites.

[Jvanese Literature, Language and Culture , Haryo Untoro]

The Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), welcomed students from Osaka University, Japan, from September 10 to 20, 2025. For ten days, they studied Indonesian language and explored Javanese culture in Yogyakarta, accompanied by lecturer Prof. Dr. Yumi Sugahara.

Activities included visits to Pakualaman Palace, Wotawati Village, the Jogja Archive Diorama, the Yogyakarta Palace, the Sonobudoyo Museum, Prambanan Temple, and Borobudur Temple. In addition, the Osaka students received guidance from UGM students who acted as tutors and conversation partners on the customs of Indonesian society.

The closing ceremony was held on September 19, 2025, with a presentation of the observation results at FIB UGM. That evening, the Osaka University student group performed at the Gugur Gunung XIV event at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, singing two songs, Tsubasa wo kudasai and Doraemon no Uta, in Indonesian. The visit concluded on September 20, 2025, with the students’ return to Japan.

This program is a form of strengthening academic cooperation between Gadjah Mada University and Osaka University. It is hoped that this cultural visit will not only be a forum for academic cooperation, but also a place for learning and understanding between cultures. In addition, this activity contributes to the introduction and preservation of cultural values that form the identity of both nations. Thus, this program is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the aspects of quality education (point 4) and partnerships for the achievement of common goals (point 17).

Author: Haryo Untoro & Yasmin Nabiha Sahda
Editor : Haryo Untoro