Javanese script is one of the traditional writing systems in Indonesia that is still known and used today. This script is classified as an abugida or syllabic script and is part of the Kawi script family (Maulana, 2020). Since ancient times, Javanese script has played an important role in documenting various knowledge, cultural values, and literary works recorded in Javanese manuscripts.

Technological developments and globalization have had a significant impact on patterns of communication within society. The increasingly dominant use of the Latin alphabet, particularly among the younger generation, has led to the Javanese script and other regional scripts being marginalized. The lack of use in everyday life has the potential to result in a decline in the ability to read and write Javanese script among future generations.

This situation calls for revitalization efforts that can adapt regional scripts to the changing times. This revitalization is an effort to introduce the script symbolically and encourage its active use today.

One form of Javanese script revitalization that is relevant to technological developments is through the provision of Javanese fonts. Fonts are digital representations of scripts that enable their use on various platforms, such as computers, devices, digital documents, and online media.

The existence of Javanese fonts facilitates the learning and teaching process, as the script can be written, read, and studied in a practical manner. In addition, Javanese fonts also open up opportunities for the use of script as an aesthetic element in graphic design and creative works. 

To date, various Javanese fonts are available and accessible through various media. However, in order for their use to be sustainable, both for writing and aesthetic purposes, the use of license-free Javanese fonts is a more appropriate choice.

License-free fonts allow for widespread use without legal barriers or licensing fees. This greatly supports the use of Javanese script by educational institutions, cultural communities, designers, and the general public. 

As a form of support for the preservation of Javanese script, in 2020 the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Office released a Javanese font developed by Apri Nugroho. There are two types of fonts introduced, namely nyk Ngayogyan and nyk Ngayogyan Jejeg. Both fonts can be downloaded via the following links:

• Fon nyk Ngayogyan

https://aksaradinusantara.com/fonta/nyk-ngayogyan.font

• Fon nyk Ngayogyan Jejeg

https://aksaradinusantara.com/fonta/nyk-ngayogyan-jejeg.font

In addition to providing fonts, the developers also provide installation guidelines, typing instructions, and keyboard layouts. These guidelines are intended to make it easier for users to install and use Javanese fonts correctly and consistently.

The use of Javanese script is also linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 17. In the context of SDG 4 on quality education, the existence of Javanese script supports the provision of inclusive, contextual, and locally-based teaching materials, thereby facilitating the learning process and improving students’ cultural literacy. Meanwhile, the achievement of these goals cannot be separated from SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, because the development and utilization of Javanese phonetic script requires collaboration between the government, academics, technology developers, cultural communities, and the wider community.

Author : Haryo Untoro

Editor : Haryo Untoro

Bibliography

Maulana, R. (2020). Aksara-Aksara di Nusatara: Seri Ensiklopedia. Writing Tradition Project

Students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Class of 2025, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, staged a drama titled Weton Waton on Tuesday (12/16/2025). The performance took place at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM, at 6:00 p.m.

This activity was organized as part of the final exam assignment for the Communicative Spoken Javanese Language course taught by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A. The performance of Weton Waton was directed by Safa Rahmatul H. as the production manager.

The drama Weton Waton tells the story of a domestic conflict between a husband and wife triggered by financial problems. The root of the problem lies in the husband’s decision to quit his job and get involved in cockfighting gambling. The ongoing conflict then prompts the wife’s parents to take the matter to a shaman. In the story, the shaman says that the couple’s domestic quarrels are caused by an incompatibility in their weton, which is called tiba pegat.

Through this performance, students sought to convey the message that problems should not be automatically attributed to a person’s character or nature based on their weton. In addition, this performance also presented knowledge about the concepts of dina, pasaran, and wuku, which are still believed by some Javanese people to be part of their tradition.

Based on an online interview with Yogi Setiyawan on December 28, 2025, the Weton Waton performance was a final exam assignment that required all students enrolled in the course to be directly involved in the performance. The theme of weton was chosen as an effort to highlight the tradition of calculating weton, dina, pasaran, and wuku that has developed in Javanese society.

“In preparing for the Weton Waton performance, our preparations can be said to still have a number of limitations. The challenges faced include script writing, group division, and funding constraints. From this process, we learned that good and open communication between members is very important in a performance,” said Yogi.

Yogi also expressed his pride in being involved in the premiere performance of the 2025 batch of students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. He hopes that this activity can be a first step towards producing better works in the future.

The performance of the Weton Waton drama was not only a means of practicing Javanese language skills orally, but also a platform for students to create and apply their language skills in the form of a performance. In line with the teachings of KGPAA Mangkunegara IV in Serat Wedhatama, which states that ngelmu iku kalakone kanthi laku or knowledge must be implemented through practice, this performance is a tangible manifestation of reviving enthusiasm for the Javanese language while honing students’ creativity. Through activities such as this, students are expected to continue to preserve and revive Javanese culture through concrete efforts that benefit the community.

[Javanese Literature and Culture Studies, Haryo Untoro]

The Japanese Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted an Educational and Community Engagement (PkM) activity on Tuesday, 7 January 2026, at SMA Budi Utomo Perak, Jombang Regency, East Java. This activity was carried out as a collaborative initiative with SMA Budi Utomo Perak as part of the school’s Japanese-themed event, Festival NIKKI: Nihon Chishiki (Japanese Knowledge). The festival was held under the theme “Exploring Insights: Japanese Philosophy and Global Career Opportunities” and aimed to introduce various aspects of Japanese culture while broadening students’ perspectives on academic pathways and career opportunities related to Japan. Through this program, lecturers and students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program participated as resource persons in a series of academic and educational activities.

The program was held over a full day and consisted of several interactive sessions. The team of lecturers delivered materials on key aspects of Japanese culture, including the concept of omotenashi as a form of wholehearted service, the notions of honne and tatemae in Japanese communication, an introduction to Japanese popular culture in everyday life, as well as an overview of employment opportunities and workplace culture in Japan. All materials were presented in an engaging manner and closely connected to contexts familiar to the students.

In addition to the lecturers’ presentations, students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program actively participated by visiting Japanese language classes. During these sessions, they shared firsthand experiences related to learning Japanese, university life, and student activities, providing participants with a direct glimpse into higher education. The series of activities concluded with Japanese performing arts presented by the student team, featuring both traditional and modern Japanese dances. The performances added to the festive atmosphere and were warmly received by the audience.

This collaborative program was successfully implemented and received positive responses from students, teachers, and the SMA Budi Utomo foundation. Participants’ enthusiasm was evident through their active involvement in discussions and question-and-answer sessions. Through this initiative, it is expected that students’ interest in Japanese language, culture, and Japan more broadly will continue to grow and serve as motivation for further study in the future. Similar collaborative activities are also envisioned to be conducted regularly on a broader scale.

Author: Barra Taura N.
Editor: Stedi Wardoyo

Yogyakarta, January 26, 2025 — Shela Azzahra, a 2023 student of the English Literature Study Program, demonstrates that the creativity of students at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada, does not grow solely within classroom walls but can also transform into entrepreneurial innovation. Through her hijab brand, laSheild, Shela presents a local hijab alternative characterized by bold and vibrant colors that dare to stand out in Indonesia’s hijab market.

Shela’s interest in building a hijab business stemmed from both personal needs and her restlessness as a creative individual with a strong passion for fashion exploration. She often found it difficult to discover brightly colored hijabs in the local market, which is generally dominated by neutral and earth-tone shades. To achieve her desired look, Shela previously had to purchase overseas products at higher prices due to shipping costs and import taxes. This experience sparked the idea of creating a local hijab product that is reasonably priced, high in quality, and easily accessible.

“Why not make it myself?” This thought became the starting point for laSheild, which now carries the tagline “Vibrant hues. Born in colors.” The brand seeks to fill a gap in the local hijab market while encouraging hijabi women to be more playful and confident in expressing themselves through color. Although Shela initially hesitated and produced only a limited stock, market responses exceeded expectations. The high demand indicates that Indonesian hijabi women have a strong desire to express their identity and personality through color choices. This enthusiasm has even opened opportunities for international expansion, leading laSheild to consider overseas shipping.

Behind her achievements, Shela faces significant challenges as an active student and a solopreneur. “The main challenge is balancing my dual roles as a full-time student and a solopreneur. From the very beginning, I handled everything on my own without a team. Since my priority is still my studies, laSheild cannot operate every day. The challenge is trying not to burn out and accepting that this business runs alongside my academic rhythm, not in competition with it. Sometimes 24 hours just aren’t enough, especially during exam periods and peak sales seasons. That’s why I avoid selling during exams,” she explained.

In managing her time, Shela applies a “no pressure” principle. Rather than setting burdensome sales targets, she adjusts her business pace to align with her academic commitments. Support from her surrounding environment—particularly friends who assist with promotion and content creation—has also played a crucial role in sustaining laSheild.

Shela’s journey aligns with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of students’ creative and entrepreneurial skills, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by encouraging young entrepreneurs and the creative economy, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the promotion of sustainable and affordable local products.

Closing her story, Shela shared a brief message for FIB students who aspire to start a business. “Just try. Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to start something that seems niche. Start small, but dream big,” she said. The story of laSheild proves that creativity, courage, and consistency can pave the way for students to create meaningful work while contributing to society.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]

Yogyakarta, January, 23, 2026 – Yogyakarta is widely recognized as one of the cities with a strong literacy ecosystem in Indonesia. The presence of bookstores spread across various parts of the city plays an important role in supporting public reading and learning activities. In recent years, bookstores in Yogyakarta have developed new concepts by incorporating coffee spaces and aesthetically designed interiors.

This concept has transformed bookstores from merely places for book distribution into alternative literacy spaces that are open to students and the general public. A number of bookstores that frequently attract attention on social media include Buku Akik, Solusi Buku, Ruang Literasi Yogyakarta, Buku Natan, Namu Buku, and Shira Media, among others. These bookstores offer reading areas, discussion spaces, and various literacy-related activities that are widely accessible.

The emergence of bookstores with creative concepts has further strengthened the culture of literacy in Yogyakarta. These spaces are used for reading, discussions, and the organization of literacy-based activities involving communities and students. With a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere, bookstores serve as non-formal learning spaces beyond the campus environment.

The growing phenomenon of aesthetic bookstores in Yogyakarta aligns with efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 on Quality Education, through the expansion of access to reading materials and inclusive learning spaces. In addition, the use of bookstores as creative public spaces supports SDG Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing safe, welcoming, and sustainable cultural spaces in urban areas.

Through the presence of bookstores with diverse concepts, Yogyakarta continues to strengthen its role as a city of literacy that is adaptive to the times and responsive to the needs of the younger generation.

[FIB UGM Public Relations, Alma Syahwalani]