Yogyakarta, June 9, 2026 – Students from the Master’s Program in Literature and the Undergraduate Program in Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture organized a manuscript exhibition titled Pusaka Kata (“Heritage of Words”) at the first-floor lobby of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), on Tuesday (June 9). Held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the exhibition served as a platform for academic collaboration, bringing together the fields of philology, Javanese manuscript studies, and codicology in an effort to preserve and revitalize the manuscript heritage of the Indonesian archipelago.

The exhibition involved graduate students from the Philology and Javanese Manuscript Studies classes, as well as undergraduate students from the Codicology class of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program. The event was supervised by Prof. Dr. Sangidu, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, S.S., M.Hum., and Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A.

Under the theme Pusaka Kata, the exhibition was inspired by the awareness that Nusantara manuscripts constitute invaluable intellectual and cultural heritage. These manuscripts preserve ancestral knowledge systems covering various aspects of life, including education, medicine, religious practices, and literature. However, beyond the threat of physical deterioration due to age, these manuscripts also face a growing challenge: the widening gap between younger generations and the knowledge contained within them.

The name Pusaka Kata was chosen to emphasize the significance of manuscripts as an intergenerational legacy. In Javanese tradition, pusaka refers not merely to an inherited object but to a trust passed down through generations, carrying values, identity, and responsibility. Meanwhile, kata (“words”) represents the medium through which knowledge has been preserved and transmitted from ancestors to future generations.

Interpreting Knowledge Preserved in Manuscripts

One of the highlights from the Philology class was a Malay-Islamic manuscript titled Kitab Jimat, Tangkal, dan Obat-obatan (Book of Talismans, Protective Charms, and Medicines). Digitized by the British Library through the Endangered Archives Programme (EAP), the manuscript contains knowledge related to self-protection, healing practices, and environmental safeguarding through prayers, Qur’anic verses, magical diagrams (rajah), and herbal remedies.

Fajar Nur Zaima explained that one of the most prominent sections of the manuscript discusses the virtues of Qur’anic verses, particularly the recitation of the basmalah. According to him, the manuscript presents the basmalah not merely as an opening formula but also as a source of blessings, protection, and safety in various aspects of life.

Another featured object was the section on talismans contained in Serat Primbon, a manuscript from the collection of the National Library of Indonesia, catalog number NB 973. This section includes at least twenty-nine types of talismans serving different purposes, ranging from attracting affection and maintaining health to ensuring safety and warding off misfortune.

Giandra Febriyan Haidar explained that talismanic texts can be understood as representations of how Javanese society perceived the relationship between humans, nature, and forces beyond everyday rationality. He cited a love talisman described in the manuscript as a means of gaining affection and social acceptance. In this context, he argued, talismans should not be viewed merely as magical objects but as symbols of human aspirations for harmonious social relationships.

Reading Manuscript Histories Through Physical Form and Aesthetics

The Javanese Manuscript Studies class presented research on the physical and aesthetic aspects of Javanese manuscripts. One exhibition item focused on a manuscript written in Javanese script, currently preserved in the Department of Nusantara Literature Library under the code 899.047.

Through this study, visitors were invited to understand manuscripts not only as textual repositories but also as cultural artifacts that document copying practices, literary traditions, and histories of ownership and transmission. Elements such as paper type, binding structure, script, and physical damage provide valuable information about a manuscript’s journey through time.

The class also showcased a study of manuscript illumination titled Wêdana Gapura Rênggan. The manuscript contains several texts, including Aji Pamasa, Mihradipun Jêng Nabi, Rajah Kalacakra, Jumbuhing Panembah, and Lêlampahanipun Raden Sahid.

Affan Akbar explained that manuscript illuminations serve not only as decorative elements but also as important sources of information regarding manuscript production processes. Observations of unfinished sketches and coloring revealed that the text had been written before the ornamental designs were added. Such findings provide insights into the stages undertaken by manuscript scribes in producing complete handwritten works.

Codicology and Creative Approaches to Manuscript Preservation

Meanwhile, the Codicology class introduced visitors to the study of manuscripts from a material perspective. Codicology examines manuscripts as physical objects, including their writing materials, binding techniques, ornaments, layouts, and patterns of damage that record traces of their historical use.

In addition to presenting research findings, students displayed practical projects such as manuscript covers, storage boxes, and hand-bound books accompanied by interpretive narratives.

One work that attracted particular attention was created by Arfia Kholifatul, who adopted the Javanese wayang character Semar as the central theme of her bookbinding and cover design. Through imagery inspired by shadow puppetry and botanical motifs, the work interpreted Javanese philosophical values such as urip iku urup—the belief that life should bring benefits to others. The upward-growing leaves and vines symbolized the continuous pursuit of truth and the sustainability of life.

Through the collaboration of these three academic fields, the Pusaka Kata Exhibition offered a comprehensive perspective on manuscripts as living cultural heritage. Rather than being regarded merely as historical artifacts preserved in archives, manuscripts were presented as enduring sources of knowledge that can continue to be read, understood, and reinterpreted by contemporary generations.

Author: Khotibul Umam

An awareness of the inequalities in the production and dissemination of knowledge between the Global North and the Global South forms the basis for the development of the discourse on decoloniality within both academic and artistic spheres. This new awareness that reality is not universal but rather pluriverse has prompted academics and art practitioners to re-examine everyday life to develop a sensitivity to the roots of power imbalances that may otherwise go unnoticed. The latest issue of Lembaran Antropologi vol. 4 no. 2 explores the theme “Anthropology and Decolonialisation in Performance Studies and Art Criticism” and features Rachmi Diyah Larasati from the Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Global Change, University of Minnesota, as editor, inviting readers to engage and gain a deeper understanding of how art and performance now reflect anthropological critique in artistic practice.

This edition discusses artistic practice not merely from an artistic perspective, but also in terms of efforts to convey concerns and social critique regarding everyday social phenomena. Issues concerning narratives of governance, expression, and living spaces form the core of the contributions in this edition. Moving beyond artistic practice based on established standards or conventions, attention is also drawn to the figures who determine these standards. Articles by Chaterji & Loravianti and Pangastuti re-examine the conventions or standards of artistic practice in the MTQ competition and the trans-cultural experiment of ‘Swan Lake’ using gamelan instruments. The presence of standards or conventions as criteria for artistic evaluation must be re-examined: which narratives or values predominantly influence artistic judgement?

Turning to the aspect of dance as a symbolic embodiment that takes root in the human body, rich in meaning and social messages. The article by Sekar Sari and Listyorini demonstrates that dance or choreography conveys messages and expressions to highlight issues regarding care work and forms of resistance against the narrative of global capitalism embedded in daily life. The final topic in this edition discusses the living spaces of folk arts such as Reog Ponorogo (Nurdiyanto, Amrullah, Mahadewa) and Horeg (Nursilah, Gietty, Setyani, Yoesoef). Both forms of folk art, which were originally performed in daily life through communal spaces, are now increasingly being featured in festivals, indicating the commodification of folk art as part of the tourism industry. Does this shift from communal activity to institutionalised practice create a space for negotiation between artists and audiences? To explore this discourse further, please access this edition via the following link: https://journal.ugm.ac.id/v3/LA/issue/view/916

[Okky Chandra Baskoro]

The third day of the Sibuya Program went smoothly. This program, which has become a regular feature of every semester, reflects the faculty’s commitment to ensuring that students can take their exams with focus and energy, as well as in good physical condition. Through the Sibuya Program, students receive a free breakfast to enjoy before taking their exams.

The Sibuya event received support from various food vendors at the Kantin Sastra (cafetaria) FIB UGM, who helped prepare services for the students. One of the vendors, Bakso dan Mie Ayam, said they had begun preparations early in the morning to ensure that the students’ needs were well met.

“I start getting ready at 6 a.m. By 6 a.m., everything is all set. It makes me happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment to see the students eating. I hope they’re happy and satisfied with our service,” said the tenant manager.

A similar sentiment was expressed by the manager of Nieta Kitchen, who adjusted production plans to ensure the smooth running of the Sibuya program.

“Start preparing earlier, arrive earlier, and cook more,” he said. He also offered words of encouragement to the students taking their final exams. “Those taking their finals today must succeed.”

The students’ enthusiasm for the Sibuya program demonstrates that a simple gesture of support such as providing breakfast can have a positive impact on students’ readiness for exams. This program not only helps maintain students’ health and concentration but also reflects the spirit of care that continues to be fostered within the FIB UGM community.

The Associate Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., emphasized that this program is one of the faculty’s efforts to provide moral support to students throughout their academic journey.

“Whatever the form, this is an effort by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences to encourage students. Hopefully, next year more parties will help make Sibuya a success. This is a small contribution from the faculty to embrace students as part of the larger Faculty of Cultural Sciences family. Enjoy Sibuya, and may everyone continue to support this event,” he concluded.

[Humas FIB, Putry Salsabila Septivanny]

Yogyakarta, June, 8 2025 – Students of the Arabic Literature Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Class of 2023, successfully conducted their Thesis Proposal Seminar from 8 to 10 June 2026. The three-day academic event marked an important milestone as students presented their research proposals before proceeding to the next stage of their undergraduate thesis projects.

This year’s seminar showcased a wide range of research topics, reflecting the growing diversity of contemporary Arabic language and literature studies. Beyond traditional scholarly approaches, students explored issues related to artificial intelligence, digital media, social dynamics, and global geopolitical developments, demonstrating the relevance of Arabic studies in addressing contemporary challenges.

A significant number of research projects focused on translation studies, examining translation strategies and translation quality in novels, poetry, films, classical Islamic texts, and social media content. Notably, several students investigated the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in translation, including studies on the translation quality produced by ChatGPT. These topics illustrate how technological advancements are increasingly becoming an integral part of academic inquiry within the Arabic Literature Program at UGM.

In the field of literary studies, students analyzed various humanitarian and social issues represented in modern Arabic literary works. Topics such as war trauma, power relations, feminism, diaspora identity, family conflicts, and the struggles of the Palestinian people emerged as prominent themes. These studies highlight literature not only as an artistic expression but also as a reflection of complex social realities and human experiences.

Meanwhile, linguistic research offered equally compelling perspectives. Students examined topics including code-switching, code-mixing, pragmatics, discourse analysis, media framing, and the use of Arabic in digital spaces. These studies demonstrate how language continues to evolve and interact with various aspects of contemporary society.

Throughout the seminar, students presented their research backgrounds, research questions, and proposed methodologies. Supervisors and examiners provided constructive academic feedback to help refine and strengthen the proposed studies. The active discussions created a valuable learning environment that encouraged critical thinking, analytical skills, and academic argumentation.

The Thesis Proposal Seminar serves as an important academic milestone for the Class of 2023 as they prepare for the next phase of their research journey. Through the diverse range of topics presented, Arabic Literature UGM students continue to contribute to the development of Arabic language, literature, translation, and media studies while engaging with issues of global significance.

Author: Indana Zulfa Maulida

Two students from the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Michelle Anastasia Budiman (Class of 2022) and Listu Prajna Anggana (Class of 2023), have been selected to participate in the Ferris University Exchange Program in Japan. The one-year exchange program commenced in March 2026 and is scheduled to continue until February 2027, providing students with the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture through direct experience.

Through the program, Michelle and Listu will receive various forms of support, including a tuition waiver and scholarship assistance from Ferris University throughout their period of study in Japan. The program is designed to support students’ academic development while encouraging cultural exchange and international engagement.

Ferris University also offers a range of support services for international students, including a mentorship program with Japanese students, academic tutors, and dormitory facilities. Through these opportunities, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, strengthen their Japanese language proficiency, and gain valuable intercultural experiences.

The participation of Michelle and Listu in this program reflects the commitment of the Japanese Language and Culture Study Program UGM to encouraging students to take advantage of international opportunities and develop their academic competencies in a global environment.

[Barra Taura Nursaid]