Yogyakarta (06/03/2024) - After spending the month of Ramadan full of wisdom, it is time to celebrate the blessings and warmth of Syawalan. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program held a Syawalan event with great joy and a spirit of togetherness. This event took place in the hallway of the 4th floor of the Margono building on May 2, 2024, starting at 04.00 PM WIB until completion, attended by students from the 2020-2023 batch along with all the lecturers.

The festivity of the syawalan event was warmly opened by Bagus Ulin Nuha, a student from the class of 2023 who acted as the announcer of the event. Followed by remarks from Gilang Cahyo Nusantara, as the head of the Kamastawa Department Student Association (HMJ), and Dr. Daru Winarti, M. Hum. as the head of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In her speech, Dr. Daru Winarti, M. Hum. expressed her gratitude for the presence and togetherness that was established in this special moment.

After the speeches, it was followed by the reading of the Syawalan pledge led by M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, a 2023 student, and followed by all attendees. The syawalan event was also enlivened with a tausiah delivered by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer in literary studies. The tausiah brought an important theme about the true meaning of Eid al-Fitr, inviting the audience to reflect and interpret the moment of fitri more deeply. After the sermon, the event continued with a joint prayer led by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. The peak of the warmth of the event occurred during the halal bi halal session, where all attendees jointly expressed their apologies and forgiveness, strengthening the ties of brotherhood among them. The moment of joy was immortalized in a group photo session which was also the closing session of the syawalan activity.

Syawalan is not only a religious ritual, but also a place to strengthen the relationship between students and lecturers as part of the family in the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. This syawalan activity is also interpreted to be self-reflective, learn to forgive, and build harmonious relationships. Through this moment, it is hoped that awareness of the importance of good relationships and respect for others will continue to be instilled, become part of the formation of a quality person, and be ready to face a bright and challenging future.

After going through a series of processes, from registration to announcement, it was time for the selected organizers of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX to meet and interact with each other. The first gathering of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX committee was held offline on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the University Fire Department garage, from 08.00 to 09.00 PM WIB.

The first gathering was attended by the entire Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX committee from various divisions, such as events, public relations (PR), creative media, equipment, consumption, business funds, security, sponsors, and liaison officers, as well as student delegates from Universitas Gadjah Mada. In addition, this inaugural meeting was attended by special figures such as Ardhani Indri, a student of the Javanese Language Education Study Program at UNS, as President of Imbasadi for the 2022-2023 period, Zainal Fanani, an alumni student of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2019, as President of Imbasadi for the 2020-2021 period, Nur Laeli Wijayanti (online), an alumni student of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2017, as the coordinator of the cultural arts division for the 2019/2020 period, and Vighna Rivattyannur Hernawan, a student of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2020, as the Secretary of Imbasadi for the 2022-2023 period and currently serves as a supervisor in Imbasadi for the 2024-2025 period.

This inaugural meeting was not only a place to get to know each other but also filled with briefings and understanding about Imbasadi. Ardhani Indri, Zainal Fanani, Nur Laeli Wijayanti, and Vighna Rivattyanur Hernawan gave a glimpse into their experiences while involved in Imbasadi. Meanwhile, Bima Muslih Wicaksono, chairman of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX committee, explained the planning timeline and the main programs to be implemented.

As a result of the XXIX Nusantara Cultural Gathering National Conference at I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University, Bangli, on November 8, 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was chosen as the host of the Nusantara Cultural Gathering XXX in 2024. With the selection of UGM as the host of the Nusantara Cultural Gathering XXX, it is expected that the event can run smoothly and provide positive experiences for all participants. In addition, the implementation of Nusantara Cultural Gathering XXX is expected to contribute to the study and preservation of the cultural diversity of the archipelago and remain relevant in the times. Thus, the activity is in line with the sustainable development goals, especially point 4 regarding quality education and point 17 regarding partnerships to achieve goals.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, at 09.30 AM WITA, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, S.S., M.Hum, a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, became a speaker in a public lecture entitled 'Philology in the Study of Javanese Manuscripts'. This activity was held through the Zoom Meeting platform and initiated by the Javanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Udayana University (FIB UNUD).

In the public lecture, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari presented an introduction to philology, reviewed the concept of philology, the object of study, the tasks of philologists, and the final product produced. The presentation is complemented by examples of Javanese manuscripts and their identification, so that the audience can understand philology more easily.   The discussion session that followed provided space for participants to ask various questions, showing their high enthusiasm for the topics discussed.

This public lecture on philology was held in response to the diminishing interest of students in the field of philological studies. However, the government is currently seriously encouraging the excavation of knowledge and values contained in ancient manuscripts. Hopefully, through this kind of activity, interest in and understanding of philology can grow again among students.

The importance of understanding and maintaining the sustainability of knowledge and cultural values contained in ancient manuscripts is the focus of this public lecture. By providing knowledge, enthusiasm, and establishing good cooperation, it is hoped that the knowledge and cultural values in ancient manuscripts can be preserved and then developed according to the needs of the times. This is in line with the goals of sustainable development, especially in improving the quality of education (point 4) and strengthening cooperation to achieve common goals (point 17).

Based on the results of the XXIX National Deliberation (munas) of Temu Budaya Nusantara at I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University, Bangli, on November 8, 2023, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) was chosen as the host of the XXX Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), which will be held in 2024.

Imbasadi is a special organization for students majoring in or studying regional languages and literature held by universities in Indonesia. There are 36 universities that are members of this organization. In its implementation, Imbasadi is divided into several Regional Division areas, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi.

Every year, Imbasadi has two regularly organized activities, namely Sarasehan Nusantara (SN) and Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN). Regarding TBN, this activity is held around November or December. The main purpose of TBN is the national deliberation, demission, and reorganization of the Imbasadi board. The supporting activities that are held are the Archipelago Cultural Performance and the National Scientific Writing Competition. Other activities depend on the TBN organizing committee.

In order to organize TBN XXX, the organizing committee of Temu Budaya Nusantara activities from Gadjah Mada University opens opportunities for mahadaya to participate in various divisions, such as events, public relations (PR), creative media, equipment, consumption, business funds (Danus), security, sponsors, and liaison officers. By joining the committee of Temu Budaya Nusantara, Mahadaya has the opportunity to get a national certificate, extensive new relationships, and experience in organizing events.

Here is the open recruitment timeline:

1. Registration: March 10–14, 2024
2. Interview: March 16–17, 2024
3. Announcement: March 19, 2024
4. First Gathering: March 23, 2024

Interested students can register via the registration link and access the guidebook for more information. For any questions, Mahadaya can contact Mayla (08998001072 via WhatsApp) or Gulang (Rickrowens01 via Line) as contact persons.

Imbasadi, as an organization, aims to study, preserve, develop, and introduce regional cultures in Indonesia. Through the good cooperation of the host committee and the support of various parties, it is hoped that Imbasadi's XXX Nusantara Cultural Gathering activities can be well organized. This activity is in line with the sustainable development goals, especially in point 4 (improving the quality of education) and point 17 (partnerships to achieve goals).

Developing interest in learning Javanese fiction writing among students is one of the good efforts made by the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. This effort is reflected through the organization of structured courses. However, the study program makes other efforts to identify hidden talents, improve students' basic competencies, and ensure the sustainability of this interest. One of them is to bring students closer to writers and authors who are qualified in this field through writing training and mentoring activities.

The open offer was conveyed to students through a class communication group. The class community has been formed in the context of training activities in writing children's stories by Budi Sardjono (Gubug Nyawang Giri), a qualified author under the pseudonym Agnes Yani Sardjono. This activity was held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, starting at 07.30 WIB until completion at Gubug Nyawang Giri-Sleman, in collaboration with PASBUJA (Paguyuban Sastra dan Budaya Jawa) Kawi Merapi Sleman through its Sleman School of Literature (S3). This community is supported by the community service program organized by Wiwien W. Rahayu, a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program since 2022, on an ongoing basis.

The offer did not receive a variety of responses, except from six students who were interested in seizing the opportunity. These students are Dian Nitami, Maysa Putri, Siti Nurhayati, Pingky Putri, Ilman Nafia, and Nisrina Dyah.

"I want to learn to be a writer, develop ideas, and be interested in writing children's stories," was Nisrina's reason for accepting the offer. Another reason for Maysa's participation was ".to use it to raise my intention, enthusiasm, and motivation to write," she explained. The same thing was also conveyed by Ilma Nafia and Dian Nitami. The positive energy given by the author through the story of his experience is one of the attractions of the students' participation.  It could be that this can trigger a passion for fiction writing among Javanese Literature Study Program students. So that in the future, the response to existing opportunities will be more optimal.

Not just a hobby, the choice to become a writer is one of the offers made to students. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program is committed to providing strategic programs to support the development of fiction writing skills. The fulfillment of this is done seriously and continuously through the development of partnerships with various parties. Through the implementation of the tri dharma of higher education, this goal is expected to be achieved.

On Sunday, (02/25/2024), the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Association (HMJ Kamastawa) for the 2024/2025 period held a first gathering with the aim of getting to know and interacting between board members and knowing the programs that have been planned. This event took place in room 302-303, Margono Building, third floor, at 02.00–04.00 pm WIB.

The first gathering is an important moment for new board members. A warm atmosphere emanated throughout the event, allowing each member to get to know each other, whether from their fellow divisions or from different divisions. In addition, this event provides an opportunity for each division to present program plans that will be carried out during management.

The event was hosted by two presenters, Septi Indah Lestari, a 2022 student, and Bagus Ulin Nuha, a 2023 student. The series of first gathering activities included introductions to each division and division members, presentations of various programs by each division, games or interactive games, and ended with a group photo session to capture the moment.

Through the First Gathering, it is hoped that a close relationship and intense interaction between the members of the HMJ Kamastawa 2024/2025 board can be established. Furthermore, by knowing the programs of each division, it is expected to increase understanding of the objectives and implementation strategies. With the establishment of good communication, it is expected that the students of HMJ Kamastawa management for the 2024/2025 period can work together effectively in planning, implementing, and evaluating the programs that have been launched. This approach is in line with the principles of sustainable development, especially in points 4 (improving the quality of education) and 17 (partnerships to achieve common goals).

The Sleman Regency Culture Office (Kundha Kabudayan) holds a Memetri Magazine Writing Training Workshop every year. This year, the workshop took place on Thursday, (02/15/2024) at Floating Resto Sleman. This workshop was attended by various groups, including Pasbuja (Javanese Literature and Art Society), FGSM (Sleman Teachers Forum), and five students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2023. They are Rafif Wicaksono, M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, Audrey Gizella Islamey, Rela Sazkia, and Zidna Nabila.

This year's "Memetri" Magazine Writing Training Workshop was devoted to writing Javanese-language feature works. The goal was to train the participants to write features, increase creativity, and preserve the Javanese language. There were various materials presented by the speakers, such as formulas for writing features, methods of writing features, and how to choose references for features to be written. Wiwien Widyawati Rahayu, lecturer of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, was also a resource person in this workshop. She conveyed the method for finding feature sources.

Audrey Gizella expressed her opinion on the workshop. "Alhamdulillah, this workshop was very fun, not boring, and I gained new knowledge to write features." Rafif Wicaksono added, "This activity is very useful for us, especially since our study program is also related to literature. Therefore, we can know the intricacies of good and correct feature writing," he said.

The workshop ended with a practice of writing a feature on the topic of Floating Resto Sleman. Five writers with the best work will have the opportunity to become journalists for the magazine "Memetri" by the Sleman Regency Cultural Office. With this, it is hoped that there will be many people who like to write in Javanese, especially features, for "Memetri" magazine.

The organization of the "Memetri" Magazine Writing Training Workshop is a concrete effort to train the younger generation to be able to write features as well as participate in the preservation of Javanese culture. Educational efforts and cooperation from various parties in preserving culture are in accordance with the goals of sustainable development, namely improving the quality of education (point 4) and partnerships to achieve goals (point 17)

Author: Zidna Nabila

Editor  : Haryo Untoro

On Sunday (02/11/2024), Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was a guest speaker in the Culture Webinar. The webinar is one of a series of events commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Association of Regional Language and Literature Students throughout Indonesia (Imbasadi). The event was held at 14.00 WITA (13.00 WIB) with the theme "Synergy of Nusantara Performing Arts in the Era of Globalization." The theme raised a reality about the role, function, and position of the archipelago's performing arts in the era of free and open globalization.

Together with Prof. Dr. Drs. I Wayan Sugita, M.Si., a professor from the State Hindu University, I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar, both presented informative and educational material about the Nusantara performing arts to the webinar participants.

Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., explained his material entitled "Art, Tradition, and Globalization." In his presentation, he highlighted how globalization can affect a tradition

One of the interesting aspects of his presentation was the changes in Kecak dance over time. "Kecak dance initially did not contain a particular story. Later, Walter Spies, a Western artist, worked with Balinese artists and inserted the Ramayana epic into the Kecak Dance performance. At this point, Kecak Dance, which was originally part of the communal culture of the community, was transformed into an attraction for tourist consumption," he explained.

The Cultural Webinar organized by Imbasadi is aimed at inviting the younger generation of Indonesia to understand the potential of the archipelago's arts and culture in the midst of globalization. By preserving and enlivening the archipelago's culture, the community can contribute to developing knowledge and abilities and participate in protecting the nation's cultural heritage. This effort is in line with the sustainable development goals, especially point 4, which highlights the provision of quality education.

On Monday, (02/12/2024), the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program received a visit from students of Reitsumeikan University, Japan. The event took place in Room 405 (gamelan room), Margono Building, 4th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The participants of this visit were 20 students, one supervisor, and 14 friends from the Buddy Club Student Activity Unit.

(Introduction of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and HMJ Kamastawa)

During the visit, seven student representatives from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program gave a presentation about the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Family Organization (HMJ Kamastawa). Furthermore, student representatives introduced Karawitan musical instruments as part of Javanese culture. The introduction was carried out by explaining the musical instruments, demonstrating playing the instruments, and presenting a traditional Javanese song entitled "Suwe Ora Jamu." After the presentation, Reitsumeikan University students were allowed to try playing various gamelan musical instruments available, guided by student representatives.

(Demonstration of gamelan musical instruments)

(Introduction of Javanese gamelan instruments to Reitsumeikan University students)

The visit was then closed with a group photo and the handover of souvenirs to Reitsumeikan University.

(Handover of souvenirs)

With this visit, Reitsumeikan University students had the opportunity to better understand Indonesian culture, especially Javanese culture. This activity can be an effort to introduce the beauty of the archipelago's culture to the international community. Efforts to introduce and explore the traditions and culture of the archipelago are in line with the fourth point in the sustainable development goals, namely the provision of quality education.

On Friday (02/02/2024), the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program received a visit from students and teachers of State Junior High School (SMPN) 1 Munjungan, Trenggalek, East Java. This activity took place in the Auditorium Room, Soegondo Building, 7th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The participants of this visit were 130 students and 10 teachers.

The Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Daru Winarti, M.A., gave a speech at the beginning of the event. Then it was followed by remarks from Raditya Bagus G.P., a teacher representative from SMPN 1 Munjungan. In his speech, Raditya Bagus G.P. revealed that the purpose of this visit was to motivate students of SMPN 1 Munjungan to keep studying hard and be serious about pursuing their dreams.

(Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., gave a speech.)

(Raditya Bagus G. P. gave a speech.)

At the core event, Nila Okta Pawestri, an educator and alumnus of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2019, became the narrator of the activity. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., is the lecturer of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as the main speaker. The lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program introduced the faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada. One of them is the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.

One of the interesting things from his presentation was when Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., discussed the misconceptions of public perception regarding the study program. "So what then are the prospects for students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program? Will they be directed to become shamans in the future? Of course not. Here, we study Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture in a scientific corridor. There will be many things that can be studied from the perspective of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture because it involves various things, from the perspective of the way of life of the Javanese people, "he explained.

(Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., introduces Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, and Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program.)

After the audience ended, the announcer opened a discussion session that took place between the speaker and students of SMPN 1 Munjungan. The variety of questions asked showed the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students about the topic. Some of the questions asked included the requirements to become a UGM student, learning motivation, and phenomena that occur in Javanese society. The next series of events was the handover of mementos from SMPN 1 Munjungan to the speakers, which closed with a group photo session as a memento.

This visit is not only a learning moment for SMPN 1 Munjungan students but also in line with the mission of providing quality education for the community, namely in the fourth point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).