Nindy Rosalina Ekaputri, a student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture program and a recipient of a scholarship from the Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation (YAD), had the opportunity to participate in the Kirab Pusaka Dalem Mangkunegaran procession as part of the celebration of the Javanese New Year, 1 Sura Be 1960, which carried the theme “SuraMulihPulih.” This participation was a valuable experience for Nindy, allowing her to gain firsthand insight into Javanese cultural practices that she had previously studied through lectures and academic research.

Prior to the procession, participants took part in a dress rehearsal held the day before. During this activity, participants received instructions regarding the rules of the procession, their positions in the lineup, and the route to be taken. The entire formation of participants was determined by the Mangkunegaran authorities to maintain order and harmony during the procession.

On the day of the event, the series of activities began with a communal meal, the nyuwun palilah dalem ritual, and a joint prayer. Next, the sacred heirlooms were brought out from Dalem Ageng and handed over to G.P.H. Paundrakarna Jiwo Suryonegoro, the Cucuk Lampah Kirab, the procession leader who guided the parade and ensured the events proceeded in accordance with established traditions. The procession was then officially launched by K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X at 8:30 p.m. WIB.

During the procession, six royal heirlooms are paraded around the central area of Surakarta. Throughout the procession, all participants observe a vow of silence and walk barefoot. For Nindy, this silence was not merely a rule to be followed, but rather a space for the most honest inner dialogue. This process invited the procession participants to deeply reflect on the concepts of atita (letting go of the past), atiki (being fully present in the moment), and anagata (embracing the future), which form the philosophical core of the 1 Sura commemoration at Mangkunegaran. The serene atmosphere enveloping the procession is truly in harmony with the theme “SuraMulihPulih”, a call to reflect on oneself and prepare for a better life.

Public enthusiasm was palpable along the entire parade route. Thousands of residents crowded various spots to witness the procession, which unfolded in an orderly and solemn manner. In addition to watching the parade, the public was also eagerly awaiting the water used to wash the heirlooms. In Javanese tradition, this water is often regarded as a symbol of blessings and good fortune for those who receive it.

After the procession concluded, the series of activities continued with the distribution of udik-udik to the community by K.G.P.A.A. Mangkoenagoro X, G.P.H. Paundrakarna Jiwo Suryonegoro, and G.R.Aj. Ancillasura Marina Sudjiwo. Parade participants also received servings of black and white sticky rice, which symbolize balance and harmony in life.

For Nindy, participating as a heirloom escort was an experience that enriched her understanding of Javanese culture. This experience demonstrated that cultural preservation is not only achieved through classroom learning but also through direct involvement in traditions that remain alive within the community. Through the participation of the younger generation, cultural heritage such as the Dalem Mangkunegaran Sacred Relics Procession is expected to be preserved and passed down to future generations.

Author: Nindy Rosalina Ekaputri
Editors : Nindy Rosalina Ekaputri & Haryo Untoro

List of Figures

Vita. (2024, July 8). Ribuan warga saksikan Kirab Pusaka Malam Satu Suro di Surakarta [Thousands of residents witness the Malam Satu Suro Royal Heirloom Parade in Surakarta]. Dinas Komunikasi, Informatika, Statistik dan Persandian Kota Surakarta. https://diskominfosp.surakarta.go.id/detail-berita/ribuan-warga-saksikan-kirab-pusaka-malam-satu-suro-di-surakarta-7537

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Gadjah Mada University hosted a visit from Pandaan Pasuruan State High School No. 1 on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium, FIB UGM. The event was attended by 150 students, accompanied by their teachers, as part of a series of campus tours designed to introduce students to the world of higher education firsthand.

This educational visit aims to provide students with a broad overview and insight into their educational options after graduating from high school, particularly regarding the various majors offered at the Faculty of Humanities (FIB) at UGM. During the informational session, participants received comprehensive information on the faculty’s profile, the strengths of its learning process, the application process for new students, and future career opportunities for its graduates.

The atmosphere became interactive as the Q&A session began. The students discussed daily life in Yogyakarta, ranging from estimated living costs and affordable food and housing to how out-of-town students can adapt to the environment and culture of Yogyakarta.

Through this visit, students from SMAN 1 Pandaan Pasuruan are expected to gain a realistic understanding of the learning environment and extracurricular activities at the university level. This activity also serves as a valuable opportunity for students to prepare themselves and solidify their choices before pursuing higher education.

[Author: Humas FIB Zaidan Abdurrahman]

For most humanities students, the question “What will you do after graduation?” often weighs heavily on their minds throughout their college years. The outdated assumption that Arabic literature graduates will end up only as translators or educators is still commonly heard. However, Desthy Umayah has clearly shattered that old paradigm. This 2011 graduate of the Arabic Literature program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at UGM has successfully demonstrated that a career path for literature graduates can reach the highest echelons of international diplomacy by becoming a diplomat at the Indonesian Embassy in Kuwait City for the 2023–2026 assignment period.

Desthy’s interest in the Arabic language actually began back in school. However, she never imagined that her decision to pursue a degree in Arabic Literature at UGM would lead her to the global stage. UGM not only offers a high-quality curriculum but also provides an academic ecosystem that is attuned to the times.

As the Arab Spring (a wave of revolutions across the Arab world) was unfolding, the Arabic Literature program at UGM actively responded by organizing academic discussions featuring alumni who were working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This moment marked a turning point for Desthy. It was in those small classrooms that she realized the knowledge she was acquiring was vital to analyzing global geopolitical issues.

For Desthy, university is a mental laboratory. While on campus, she actively developed herself through the Arabic Language Student Association (IMABA), the Marching Band, and the Rampoe UGM arts community. It was through these non-academic activities that the soft skills crucial to a diplomat—such as negotiation, public speaking, leadership, and teamwork—developed organically. Recognizing the importance of these non-academic skills, Desthy urged students not to become “butterfly students” (class-home-class-home). According to her, the professional world isn’t just looking for those who excel on paper, but for individuals who are ready to grow and are resilient in the field through organizational experience.

The combination of classroom theory and practical experience in campus organizations proved to be Desthy’s strongest asset when she entered the global arena. One of the academic skills she gained at UGM that became her main tool in the field was her proficiency in the official language required for bureaucratic matters.

“Although the Arabic used in everyday conversation is Ammiya (colloquial Arabic), which varies by country, the Fusha (standard Arabic) taught by our professors during our studies at UGM has actually become a crucial foundation that is extremely useful in a professional diplomatic career,” he explained.

Desthy’s journey conveys a valuable message that will always be relevant to generations of FIB UGM students year after year: success on the global stage does not come overnight, but is the result of making the most of the campus ecosystem. A degree in the field of culture has proven to provide a competitive edge that other academic disciplines lack.

“For me, studying Arabic Literature isn’t just about learning the language; it’s also a foundation that makes us more attuned to culture, helps us understand other people’s perspectives, and ultimately helps me grow as a diplomat,” said Desthy.

In closing, she offered words of encouragement worth pondering for every student currently in college who is uncertain about their future.

“If you love languages, are interested in international issues, and enjoy encountering new perspectives, don’t hesitate. The world of diplomacy can be a really exciting career path to pursue,” she concluded.

Photo: Dhesti Umayah
Author: Zaidan Abdurrahman
Editor: Candra Solihin

The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), in collaboration with the Université de Montréal (Canada), is organizing the 2026 Off-Campus Summer School program. Under the theme “The New Orientalism: Understanding the Paradoxes of Mass Tourism in Southeast Asia,” this program invites students from various countries to critically examine the challenges and real-world impacts of the mass tourism industry. This event was the fourth installment of the “Political Issues in Southeast Asia” (POL6615) seminar series, attended by 32 selected students—16 from Canada and 16 from Southeast Asia.

Rooted in the framework of critical tourism studies, this Summer School invites students to understand the contradictory processes generated by the enthusiasm for mass tourism. The phenomenon of tourism in Southeast Asia is seen as presenting real ambiguities; on the one hand, it can foster cultural exchange and economic growth, but on the other hand, it contributes to the commodification of culture, the destruction of local ecosystems, and the construction of an imaginary “authenticity” for the sake of market interests. To explore these complexities, this program emphasizes a comprehensive pedagogical approach. Participants not only listen to theoretical presentations by experts at the R. Soegondo Building, Faculty of Humanities, UGM, but are also immersed in the field to conduct participant-observation research in small groups in Yogyakarta, a major destination rich in cultural and ecological heritage. As part of the academic requirements, every student is required to contribute to the course, prepare summaries of required readings, and produce research reports and reflective journals.

The theoretical complexity surrounding this tourism paradox was immediately brought to life on the first day through a keynote lecture delivered by Prof. Devi Roza K. Kausar, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at Pancasila University. In her lecture titled “The Challenges and Paradoxes of Cultural Tourism in Yogyakarta,” Prof. Devi highlighted the ongoing tension between cultural preservation and the commercial expectations of tourism. He specifically analyzed the case study of the Borobudur Temple World Heritage Site to illustrate the real conflict of interest between the economic development of priority destinations and the conservation of cultural heritage.

The Borobudur case clearly demonstrates that tourism is not merely an ordinary economic activity, but rather a political decision shaped by power dynamics, institutional fragmentation, infrastructure priorities, and competing development visions. Through this analysis of a specific case, students are directly invited to critically reflect on how a cultural element is presented to the public, who actually benefits most from this industry, and how young researchers should position themselves ethically when conducting studies in socially and culturally complex environments.

Through this Off-Campus Summer School program, students are expected to move beyond a black-and-white view of tourism as something that is either “beneficial” or “harmful.” The goal is for them to graduate with a more nuanced understanding, while also developing research methodology, academic presentation, and cross-cultural collaboration skills that are crucial for future researchers.

[Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman]

Yogyakarta, June 2026 —  The American Studies Program was honored to welcome Professor of English from Brigham Young University and also a Fulbright Senior Scholar, Brian Russel Roberts, for a guest lecture titled “Huck Finn’s Back Pages: or, Bob Dylan and Major Problems in American Literature”, on Friday, June 5th, 2026 at Ruang Sidang 1, Poerbatjaraka building.

Widely recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, Bob Dylan has left a mark not only on music but also on literature and American culture. In this lecture, Professor Brian invited participants to explore Dylan’s relationship with American literature and examined why his work continues to spark discussions about the boundaries of literature itself. 

The lecture focused on Dylan’s connection to Mark Twain’s classic novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. At first glance, a folk singer and a fictional boy traveling down the Mississippi River may seem unrelated. However, Professor Brian showed how both Dylan and Huck Finn not only share the same style of hat but also share themes of freedom, questioning authority, and challenging social norms. 

Participants also learned how Dylan’s songs often deal with issues such as justice, truth, and personal growth. These themes closely reflect the struggles faced by Huck and Jim in Twain’s novel. Professor Brian stated that Bob Dylan’s songs are most of them, if not, all of them are protest songs. Through his music, Dylan encourages listeners to think critically about society and the world around them. 

Another interesting discussion centered on Dylan’s place in American literary studies. Although he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, his work has not always been widely discussed in traditional literature classrooms and journals. This raises important questions about what we consider “literature” and whether songs can be studied alongside novels and poetry.

Overall, the session offered a fresh perspective on the relationship between music and literature. It encouraged us to see Bob Dylan not just as a musician, but as a storyteller whose work continues to shape conversations about American culture, identity, and history. It was an insightful discussion that reminded us that literature can be found in many forms, not only in books, but also in the songs that help define a generation. The session also served as a sneak peek into Professor Roberts’ upcoming book, a project that contributes new insights into the study of Dylan and American literature and is already highly anticipated by scholars and students. 

Author: American Studies Program