Yogyakarta, 5/5/2025 — On Monday, April 21, 2025, a number of students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), attended a cultural event titled Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senen Pon held at the Kagungan Dalem Bangsal Kasatriyan of the Karaton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (Yogyakarta Palace). The event was part of the ceremonial commemoration of the birthday (wiyosan dalem) of Sri Sultan Hamengku Bawana X, which falls on Monday Pon evening, or the eve of Tuesday Wage according to the Javanese calendar.

During this meaningful occasion, the classical and sacred dance Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa was performed again after more than two decades of absence. According to the official website of the Yogyakarta Palace, Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa is a sacred dance that tells the story of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwana IX’s resistance against Dutch colonial rule, particularly during the historic 1 March General Offensive. The dance was first performed on July 27, 2002, with a duration of approximately 60 minutes, and its revival this year marks the 23rd anniversary since its premiere.

The Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa Dance. Fully quoted from Kratonjogja.id (2025, April 21), from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/.

This rare cultural moment did not go unnoticed by the students. Dressed in full traditional Javanese attire, they showed respect for the cultural values upheld by the Palace. One of the attending students, Fega Achillea Maydena, shared her profound impression of the event. “I was absolutely thrilled. Somehow, the Palace always manages to create a magical, beautiful, and exceptional atmosphere,” she said during an online interview on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. She also remarked that the grandeur of the Palace, the solemnity of the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance, and the deeply rooted traditional ambiance made for an unforgettable cultural experience.

More than just an artistic performance, the Bedhaya Prabhu Wibawa dance carries moral messages and nationalistic values. It seems to invite the audience to emulate the spirit of resistance, bravery, and patriotism exemplified by national historical figures.

The participation of students and young people in events like this reflects a genuine commitment to nguri-uri (preserving) and ngurip-urip (revitalizing) Javanese culture. Culture is not merely a spectacle, but also a guide and a structure for life—one that is hoped to nurture future generations who love their ancestral heritage and are ready to contribute to the progress and well-being of the nation.

[Humas Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Haryo Untoro]

Reference

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. Accessed April 22, 2025, from https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Image Source

Kratonjogja.id. (2025, April 21). Uyon-Uyon Hadiluhung Senin Pon 21 April 2025. [Image]. https://www.kratonjogja.id/peristiwa/1388-uyon-uyon-hadiluhung-senin-pon-21-april-2025/

Yogyakarta, 24/4/2025 — The Tourism Study Programme at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), welcomed an academic visit from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Johor, Malaysia on Thursday (24/4). The visit marked a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and the strengthening of international networks in the fields of tourism and culture.

In a warm and engaging session, both institutions presented their academic activities and flagship programmes. Students and lecturers from both sides shared experiences on curriculum development, industry practices and research, as well as approaches to tourism education.

The event continued with an interactive bonding session. A relaxed atmosphere was created through ice-breaking activities involving all participants, followed by a traditional dance performance by students from Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, which received enthusiastic applause from the audience.

This visit is expected to be the starting point for further collaboration between the Tourism Study Programme of FIB UGM and Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, particularly in future capacity-building initiatives.

[Public Relation Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Bulan Churniati]

Yogyakarta, April 16, 2025 – The Arabic Literature Student Association (IKMASA) held a post-Ramadan gathering event titled Ikmasa Balalan 2025 at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Taking place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB, the event acted as a valuable opportunity for spiritual reflection and strengthening bonds between students and lecturers of the Arabic Literature Department after the holy month of Ramadan 1446 H.

The event opened with remarks from the Master of Ceremony, followed by the reading of Syawalan pledges delivered by representatives from each academic year, starting from the 2021 to 2024 cohorts. A solemn atmosphere filled the room as Muhammad Ardiansyah (2021), Shang Narendra (2022), Faris Zaky Ramadhan (2023), and Haris Arfakhsyadz Azka Maula Harapan (2024) took turns to deliver the pledges. The Syawalan pledge continued with a heartfelt delivery by Mr. Abdul Jawat Nur, S.S., M.Hum., representing the lecturers of the department.

The Syawalan pledge was more than just a ceremonial act—it served as a sacred moment of mutual forgiveness for any past wrongdoings, whether between fellow students or between students and lecturers. The essence of sincerity, unity, and familial bonds was deeply felt throughout the session.

The main event was the tausiyah delivered by Dr. Nur Kholid, M.Pd.I., who shared post-Ramadan insights and emphasized the importance of maintaining spiritual growth during the month of Syawal. He discussed the deeper meaning of the commonly heard phrase “Minal Aidin wal Faidzin”, the significance of Syawal as a month of personal elevation, and the noble pursuit of becoming a pious individual.

The event concluded with a closing prayer led by Mr. Abdul Jawat Nur, S.S., M.Hum., followed by a group photo session and mushofahah—the traditional greeting and expression of forgiveness among participants. Warmth and camaraderie were evident in the interactions between students and lecturers.

Through Ikmasa Balalan 2025, IKMASA successfully fostered deeper spiritual understanding and reinforced the spirit of togetherness during this blessed Syawal moment.

[Public Relation of Arabic Literature, Muhammad Ardiansyah]

Yogyakarta, April 17, 2025 – The Student Association of Arabic Literature (Ikatan Mahasiswa Sastra Arab or IKMASA) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) conducted a visitation to the Literacy Center DTMI at the Faculty of Engineering. This visitation was carried out in response to an invitation from the Literacy Center DTMI, which is actively promoting a culture of literacy among UGM students.

The visit was attended by all executive members of IKMASA 2025/2026 from each department, led by IKMASA Chairperson, Candra Solihin. During the visit, the delegation was warmly welcomed and guided by Adhika, a 2022 student of DTMI, who introduced the various facilities available at the Literacy Center.

Adhika shared insights into the book collections housed at the center and offered inspiring stories about how DTMI students utilize the space—not just as a reading room, but also as a comfortable and productive learning environment. The collection ranges from academic textbooks used by engineering students to popular fiction titles like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and Tetralogi Buru by Pramoedya Ananta Toer.

In addition to reading materials, the Literacy Center DTMI also provides a wide variety of board games designed to be both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. These games cater to different skill levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and serve as tools for honing critical thinking and strategic planning in a relaxed setting.

Through this visit, IKMASA hopes to foster collaboration and synergy with the Literacy Center DTMI, aiming to enhance cross-faculty literacy culture throughout the UGM campus. The IKMASA board also expressed their interest in adopting creative ideas from the center—such as the design of a comfortable and inviting literacy space, a diverse range of reading materials, and alternative learning media.

This visit marks a meaningful first step in opening dialogue and collaboration among student organizations across disciplines. Activities like this demonstrate that the spirit of literacy can flourish not only within the Arabic Literature program but also throughout the wider academic community—nurturing a more collaborative, inclusive, and literate culture at UGM.

[Public Relation of IKMASA FIB UGM]

Yogyakarta, 22/4/2025 – Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM plays a vital role in facilitating the Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) for prospective students from Timor-Leste. This test was conducted as part of the admission process for new students at UGM and was held in Dili, Timor-Leste, on March 19, 2025. This initiative reflects UGM’s commitment to strengthening academic relations and international collaboration, especially with neighboring countries.

The AcEPT test is specifically designed to measure participants’ academic English proficiency. This competence is an essential requirement for international students aiming to pursue their education at UGM. The test serves not only to select qualified candidates but also to prepare them for the academic challenges they may encounter in a university setting, where English proficiency is critical for study and research.

Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM plays a central role in organizing this test, handling everything from preparation to execution. As an institution dedicated to supporting education and cultural development, the Language Center ensures that the AcEPT test adheres to high-quality standards. This reflects UGM’s dedication to providing access to quality education for the international community, including prospective students from Timor-Leste.

The successful implementation of the AcEPT test highlights UGM’s efforts to contribute to human resource development in Timor-Leste. As a leading university in Indonesia, UGM strives to reinforce its role as an inclusive and globally oriented educational hub. By facilitating this test, UGM not only provides opportunities for prospective students to achieve higher education but also builds a stronger bridge of collaboration between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through education.

This initiative also serves as tangible proof of Pusat Bahasa FIB UGM commitment to fostering the potential of young generations by providing high-quality educational services. The AcEPT test gives prospective students the opportunity to showcase their abilities and serves as a crucial first step in their academic journey at UGM.

[Public Relation of Fellas FIB UGM, Sabik Hikami]