Cultural preservation is not only carried out by maintaining the continuity of living traditions but also by reviving arts that are beginning to be abandoned. This effort is being undertaken by Ghibran Arsha Daffa’ Musaffa’, a 2024 student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). His interest in oral traditions, which began through his coursework, inspired Ghibran to take the initiative to revive the Gejog Lesung art tradition in Karang Tengah Hamlet, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Gejog lesung is a traditional art form that uses the rhythmic sounds of a lesung as musical accompaniment. A lesung is a wooden vessel used to pound unhusked rice into rice grains. Over time, the pounding activity produced rhythmic sounds that were subsequently incorporated into artistic performances. In an online interview conducted on 22 September 2026, Ghibran explained that Gejog Lesung performances typically combine the rhythmic pounding of the lesung with traditional songs, such as Gugur Gunung and Prau Layar. In Karang Tengah Hamlet, this art form is represented by the Gejog Lesung Ngudi Lestari group.

According to Ghibran, the existence of the lesung is closely connected to the history of Karang Tengah Hamlet. A stone pounding tool known as watu lumpang was discovered in the area and is estimated to have existed since around 1632 CE. The tradition of pounding has also been practised for a long time, one aspect of which is associated with the role of the Karang Tengah community in providing food supplies for the abdi dalem who built the tomb complex of the Mataram kings in Imogiri. At that time, pounding was carried out to process unhusked rice into rice grains. Over time, stone pounding tools were replaced by wooden lesung, which were considered more flexible to use. The activity of pounding with a lesung produced interesting, rhythmic sounds. These sounds not only accompanied the work but could also boost people’s enthusiasm while working and serve as entertaining spectacles. From this practice, Gejog Lesung developed into a form of cultural expression within the local community.

The Gejog Lesung Ngudi Lestari group was established in 1965, with performances involving people pounding the lesung and singers performing traditional songs. Later, in 2000, the group began incorporating dancers to visually interpret the songs being performed. For example, when performing Gugur Gunung, the dancers portray activities associated with gotong royong (mutual cooperation). The combination of the sounds of the lesung, singing, and dancing made the performances more diverse.

Throughout its history, Gejog Lesung Ngudi Lestari has frequently performed at various community events, ranging from village anniversary celebrations and community gatherings to cultural events. The group was also once invited to perform at Kanjengan, Imogiri, as part of the Kirab Siwur tradition, a procession in which a siwur is carried as part of the nguras enceh ritual series. The ritual involves cleaning the water vessels and filling them with water at the tomb complex of the Islamic Mataram kings in Imogiri.

However, over time, this artistic activity entered a state of “suspended animation” due to the absence of generational succession. This situation encouraged Ghibran to take part in efforts to preserve the art form in his area. His interest grew further when he took the Oral Tradition course in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM. The course marked one of the starting points for Ghibran to gain a deeper understanding of the gejog lesung tradition while encouraging him to engage directly in its preservation. “Thanks to the Oral Tradition course, I was encouraged to learn more about this tradition, and it also strengthened my motivation to bring it back,” Ghibran explained.

In addition to being a university student, Ghibran is active in the youth organization Angkatan Muda-Mudi Islam (AMMI) Karang Tengah, particularly in its literacy and education division. Through his involvement in the organization, he initiated the formation of Gejog Lesung Ngudi Lestari New Generation as an effort to continue the artistic tradition that had previously ceased. This initiative involved local young people while also inviting the elders to share their knowledge and skills related to the gejog lesung art form. “We started from scratch and also invited the elders to teach us. They were happy because this art form now has successors,” he added.

Rebuilding the artistic group was not without challenges. In the early stages, Ghibran faced difficulties in encouraging young people to get involved. Nevertheless, the gradual approach he adopted began to foster enthusiasm among the members. “At first, it was somewhat difficult, though manageable. Some felt inferior, while others were embarrassed to take part in preserving this tradition. However, Alhamdulillah, with strong efforts, my friends became enthusiastic and even expressed plans to hold regular weekly practice sessions,” Ghibran explained.

Gradually, these efforts began to bear fruit. Gejog Lesung Ngudi Lestari New Generation performed again, combining the rhythmic pounding of the lesung, singing, dancing, and ketoprak performances during the celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 August. The performance served as a step towards reintroducing gejog lesung to the community while fostering greater interest among young people in local arts. This effort also attracted the attention of the Bantul Regency Cultural Office and the Deputy Regent of Bantul. Going forward, the art form is planned to be featured in various cultural programmes or events.

Ghibran’s initiative demonstrates that cultural preservation can begin within one’s immediate surroundings and develop through the active involvement of young people. Through the knowledge gained at university, support from youth organizations, and the involvement of elders in passing down traditional knowledge, a tradition that had previously ceased can once again find room to develop. The efforts of nguri-uri ‘preserving’ and ngurip-urip ‘reviving’ culture demonstrate that cultural preservation is not merely about safeguarding identity; it also creates opportunities for culture to bring benefits to the community itself.

Author: Haryo Untoro

The 2026 Arabic Culture Festival (FKA), organized by Arabic Literature at UGM, has returned under the grand theme “Binar Suar Arabia, Menyinari Cakrawala Dunia” (Radiant Rays of Arabia, Illuminating the World’s Horizon). Held biennially, the festival centers its main events on competitions for high school and university levels. However, what truly stole the spotlight this time was the presence of Arabic Market Day (AMD), specially designed to occupy the free time of participants and accompanying teachers to prevent boredom while supporting the competitions.

Serving as the hub for supporting activities, Arabic Market Day features three main pillars: Interactive Space, Cultural Tenant, and Live Cooking Arabic Meal. The peak of AMD’s festivity took place on the second day through an open stage that facilitated participants in singing and featured performances by the FKA committee members.

This led up to the two most anticipated main presentations: Qiroatus Syi’ir and the debut performance of Keroncong Seroja. As a new community formed by Arabic Literature, Keroncong Seroja successfully mesmerized the audience through a unique blend of classic keroncong music with Arabic-nuanced songs and other cross-genre tracks.

High enthusiasm was also acknowledged by the committee, who noted that this year’s AMD was much more lively and “lit” compared to the previous edition. “AMD is now much busier and more fun, unlike last year which was rather quiet.” A warm atmosphere was reflected by the bustling crowd enjoying culinary delights like kebabs while sitting on floor mats (lesehan) to enjoy the stage entertainment.

More than just a transit space or waiting area, this activity is expected to continue in future FKA events as both a recreational space and an educational bridge that is welcoming for the general public to explore the Arabic world more deeply.

Author: Humas FIB, Zaidan Abdurrahman

Yogyakarta — The findings of the tracer study and the graduate user satisfaction survey serve as the basis for evaluating and improving the quality of learning in the Master’s Program in Literary Studies, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The evaluation results are used to inform curriculum reviews, annual activity planning, and efforts to strengthen graduate competencies so that they remain aligned with the needs and developments of the labor market.

The evaluation draws on five data sources: the UGM Tracer Studies conducted in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, as well as the Graduate User Satisfaction Survey administered by the Master’s Program in Literary Studies. The data cover graduates from various graduation years and responses from 43 supervisors or organizations employing the graduates.

Tracer study data are collected periodically from graduates. The findings are then analyzed and discussed at program meetings involving lecturers responsible for relevant courses to identify aspects of learning that should be maintained or improved.

Relatively Short Job Search Period

One of the key findings indicates that graduates of UGM’s Master’s Program in Literary Studies generally experience a relatively short waiting period before securing employment. Based on data for graduates from 2022–2024, the average waiting period ranged from 2.6 to 3 months.

The proportion of graduates who secured employment within six months of graduation also showed an upward trend, increasing from 80 percent among the 2022 graduates to 89 percent among the 2024 graduates. Most respondents had already been employed before completing their studies. This reflects the characteristics of master’s students, many of whom already have work experience while pursuing their degrees.

The data also show positive developments in the alignment between graduates’ fields of employment and their fields of study. Among the 2024 graduates, 74 percent of respondents reported a high level of alignment, up from 59 percent among the 2023 graduates. Meanwhile, the proportion of graduates reporting low alignment decreased from 14 percent to 5 percent.

These developments are consistent with efforts to strengthen interest-based elective courses introduced in the latest curriculum. Nevertheless, the relationship between curriculum changes and the improved alignment of graduates’ fields of employment with their fields of study needs to be further examined through evaluations in subsequent periods.

Strengthening Applied Skills and Foreign Language Proficiency

In addition to mapping graduates’ employment outcomes, the tracer study evaluates proficiency in 25 competencies at graduation and at the time of the survey. The results indicate that several competencies still require attention, particularly data analytics, project management, negotiation, the ability to work under pressure, and time management.

Some of these competencies showed relatively limited improvement after graduates completed their studies. For example, proficiency in data analytics increased only slightly, from 3.91 to 3.96 on a five-point scale. Meanwhile, the project management score remained unchanged at 4.09.

English proficiency is another area that needs to be strengthened. Graduates rated their English proficiency at 4.13 upon graduation, increasing to 4.16 at the time of the survey.

These findings are consistent with the results of the Graduate User Satisfaction Survey. Of the seven competency areas assessed, foreign language proficiency received the lowest proportion of “very good” ratings, at 67.44 percent. Conversely, personal development received the highest proportion of “very good” ratings, at 93.02 percent.

Although all areas received either “good” or “very good” ratings, with no “poor” ratings recorded, this gap has become one of the considerations guiding the program’s efforts to strengthen foreign language instruction, particularly English.

Experiential Learning as an Area of Focus

The tracer study also reveals a difference in emphasis between classroom-based and experiential learning methods. Discussions received the highest score, at 4.66, followed by lectures at 4.45. Experiential learning methods received lower scores, with internships scoring 2.80, practical sessions 3.11, and fieldwork 3.18.

The relatively limited emphasis on experiential learning has become an area of concern because it relates to the need to strengthen applied and managerial competencies. In response to these findings, the program plans to involve students in lecturers’ research projects and in organizing academic events, incorporate project management components into methodology courses, and introduce data processing tools in research methods classes.

The program also plans to establish structured fieldwork activities through courses on oral tradition studies and philology. In addition, it will explore partnerships with cultural institutions and publishing organizations to expand opportunities for students to gain practical experience.

Expanding Career Information and Alumni Networks

Regarding the transition into the workforce, the 2026 Tracer Study identified limited access to job vacancy information as the most frequently reported obstacle. Of the 39 respondents who answered this question, 28.21 percent cited limited job vacancy information as a barrier. Another 23.08 percent reported a lack of job opportunities specifically targeted at graduates of the program.

Other obstacles included insufficient work experience, reported by 17.95 percent of respondents. Meanwhile, 15.38 percent stated that they had encountered no difficulties in finding employment.

These findings have prompted the program to improve access to career information and professional networks. Planned follow-up measures include establishing information channels for job vacancies and further study scholarships, regularly organizing alumni experience-sharing forums, and introducing graduate profiles to cultural institutions, publishing organizations, and partner universities.

On the other hand, the most widely reported benefit of the program was improved critical thinking and decision-making skills, as reported by 29 of the 49 respondents. Other benefits included greater ease in obtaining or creating employment opportunities, reported by 11 respondents, and opportunities to pursue further studies, reported by 10 respondents.

These findings indicate that the value of education in the Master’s Program in Literary Studies extends beyond employment opportunities to include intellectual development and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

Periodic Evaluation as a Basis for Improvement

Based on the overall findings, the Master’s Program in Literary Studies has established several improvement priorities, including strengthening foreign language proficiency, enhancing applied and managerial competencies, expanding experiential learning, strengthening academic advising, and improving access to career information and alumni networks.

Efforts to strengthen foreign language proficiency will include incorporating more primary reading materials in foreign languages into theoretical courses, requiring final assignments for compulsory courses to be written in English, and providing guidance on English-language article writing before students begin preparing their theses.

Meanwhile, academic advising from the first semester will be strengthened to help students select courses and determine thesis topics that align with their career plans. This measure is expected to further improve the alignment between graduates’ fields of study and their employment.

The implementation of these improvements will be monitored through subsequent tracer studies and graduate user satisfaction surveys. The program has also acknowledged several data limitations, including annual respondent numbers ranging from 35 to 49, the absence of information on graduates’ graduation years in the graduate user satisfaction survey, and the use of self-reported assessments of competency levels.

By making regular use of tracer study findings, UGM’s Master’s Program in Literary Studies seeks to ensure that learning evaluation goes beyond data collection and leads to measurable improvement measures. The evaluation results are expected to support improvements in learning quality while strengthening the relevance of graduate competencies to labor market needs and developments in the field of literary studies.

By: Khotibul Umam

Stefani Adelia Tiurma Mukti from the Department of Archaeology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with Fadel Ilham Dzulkarnain from the Multimedia Engineering Technology program at Politeknik Elektronika Negeri Surabaya (PENS), has introduced an innovative framework for cultural heritage preservation. Presenting at the interdisciplinary iCAST-SS 2026 conference held in Surabaya on October 9–10, 2026, the duo unveiled their research titled “From Prediction to Preservation: An Explainable AI and WebGIS Framework for Simulated Archaeological Heritage Conservation in Trowulan, Indonesia.” Their study focuses on the historical Trowulan site in East Java, a vital zone containing the grand remains of the ancient Majapahit Kingdom, proposing a digitally simulated approach to its ongoing conservation planning.

This interdisciplinary research merges Explainable AI (XAI) and Web-based Geographic Information Systems (WebGIS) to transform conventional archaeological mapping into transparent and precise spatial predictive models. By utilizing Explainable AI, the framework ensures that machine learning predictions are fully interpretable, giving experts clear insights into the environmental and historical factors driving the model’s outputs. Simultaneously, the WebGIS platform serves as an accessible digital interface that visualizes spatial analysis in real time. This synergy successfully bridges the gap between traditional archaeological spatial context and advanced computational data handling, offering a highly communicative tool for heritage management.

Although currently structured around a simulated environment, this pioneering research opens up new avenues for modernizing cultural site management across Indonesia. The findings set the foundation for future field validation and algorithmic refinements, aiming toward real-world applications that can assist policymakers and conservationists in making data-driven decisions. Through their participation in iCAST-SS 2026, Stefani and Fadel demonstrate the powerful potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration—uniting the humanities with technology—to effectively address the complex challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the modern era.

Author : Muhammad Irsyad
Photo Credits: Stefani Adelia Tiurma Mukti