69 years of existence as part of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program held a celebration for its anniversary on Saturday, October 12, 2024. This event invited all lecturers and students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. This event also invited several retired lecturers, such as ⁠Drs. Soeharto Mangkusudarmo, M.Hum. and ⁠Drs. Anung Tedjowirawan, M.A.

Like a long-lost family reunion, all the invited guests were seen enjoying the Ambal Warsa event. The arrival of retired lecturers also became an opportunity to relieve longing for lecturers who had not seen each other for a long time. Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum as the Head of Study Program expressed proudness in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program which has been established for 69 years and has reached this point by producing many very talented and accomplished undergraduates.

Greetings from the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program

Drs. Soeharto Mangkusudarmo, M.Hum and ⁠Drs. Anung Tedjowirawan, M.A. as retired lecturers provided a lot of motivation, experience, and lessons. They convey many things related to the interests of the Linguistics, Literature, and Philology majors. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program has created great undergraduates and Human Resources who are able to plan the future well, said one of the retired lecturers.

Sharing with the Head of Study Program and retired lecturers

A birthday celebration event would not be complete without cutting tumpeng. In Javanese culture, cutting tumpeng is better known as kedhuk tumpeng. The reason for choosing kedhuk tumpeng instead of cutting tumpeng lies in its meaning, the meaning of cutting tumpeng is like cutting the relationship between humans and their God.

Kedhuk tumpeng  by the Head of Study Program and retired lecturers

This Ambal Warsa was also entertained by special performances from students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program from the 2022 to 2024 intake. Abimanyu Mahendra, one of the performing students, said that he was very happy to be able to entertain the invited guests. It felt nostalgic to sing old songs that were hits in their time. Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., one of the lecturers from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, also enlivened the entertainment by contributing a song entitled Sewu Kutha, created by Didi Kempot.

Entertainment performance by students

Ambal Warsa was ended with a poetry reading by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. The poem was taken from an anthology of poems created by lecturers while they were students. Many prayers were said for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program for the future, "Hopefully the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program will always be successful, continue to advance, and create great undergraduates, aamiin," said Maylafaizza, a student from the class of 2023.

Group photo of all invited guests

For 69 years, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program has contributed to the exploration, development, preservation, and utilization of a national identity in the form of Nusantara culture, especially Javanese culture. Contributions to knowledge and benefits that have been carried out by the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. In addition, collaboration from various activities also participates in the development and dissemination of this knowledge. This Ambal Warsa activity is not just a commemorative event, but also a self-reflection and a spark of enthusiasm to continue to provide the best for Gadjah Mada University and our country, Indonesia.

As a form of community service, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Association (Kamastawa) held another “Kamastawa Teaching and Sharing” event on Sunday, October 22, 2024. This event is the result of collaboration between the social and community division (sosmas) and the scientific division, with the aim of having a positive impact on society, especially for children at the Wirobrajan branch of the PYI Yatim and Zakat Orphanage, Yogyakarta.

There were 16 children from grade 1 elementary to 1 junior high school involved in the event. The event opened at 09.00 AM WIB with an opening session and introductions. During the event, students and children had the opportunity to play together, creating a cheerful atmosphere with jokes and laughter. This togetherness became an important foundation in building intimacy between students and participants.

Opening session and introductions

After the introductory session and games, the event continued with teaching and learning activities. Participants were divided into three groups according to educational level: group 1 for grades 1-2 elementary school, group 2 for grades 3-4 elementary school, and group 3 for grades 5 elementary school to 1 junior high school. Each group received materials tailored to their age and level of understanding, ranging from daily Javanese conversation, Javanese script writing, Javanese assignment consultation, and so on. Various teaching methods were used by the students to make learning fun and easy for the children to understand.

Teaching-learning session

After the learning session was over, it was time for ice breaking, where the participants were invited to sing together the song aja ndomblong aja and follow the guessing game with prizes. This session succeeded in sparking the children to be active in an exciting way.

Giving prizes to participants who won the guessing game

The children's enthusiasm could be felt from the beginning to the end of the activity, especially during the distribution of small gifts as an appreciation for the participants' activeness. In addition, Kamastawa also provided Pepak Basa Jawa books and reading books as a form of support for the participants future educational development. It is hoped that participants can easily access knowledge and enrich their insights, including those related to knowledge and preservation of Javanese culture.

Donation of reading books to the orphanage

The gifts given may be considered simple. However, prayers, hopes, and sincere intentions to share will live on and become the foundation in the implementation of the 'Kamastawa teach and share' program now and in the future.

Dening: M. Rafi Nur Fauzy

akeh wong kang padha têka

nggawa darma amêjang mring sireki

nyata goro kumatungkul

kagunggung sukeng tyasnya

datan dunung ing sarak sanyatanipun

mula sire den prayitna

nulya amundura kaki

Dening: Fauzan Adi Fadurrahman

Sinasmita sêrat iki

minangka criyos sih smra

pêpengêt kang wus kadados

wit ing wyata gajah mada

nagri Ngayogyakarta

kang candrasêngkalanipun

wrêkseng tlaga bêdhah tunggal

nendra raka laksanani

den wêwayang suryanira

kalaning rêm netra katon

manising esêm gupita

syara mrêdu bêbungah

pijana datan ngrêridhu

yahagen kang raka rasa

Quoted in full from: cebu.fkkmk.ugm.ac.id

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox a global health emergency. The disease, which was first transmitted to humans in 1970 in the Republic of Congo, has been detected in Indonesia, and as of August 17, 2024, there were 88 confirmed cases (Rokom, 2024).  This incident reminds us of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world in 2020.

The history of disease outbreaks is not new. The Asian Flu (1957-1958), Spanish Flu (1918-1920), and The Black Death (1346-1353) (Kautsar, 2024), are just some examples of major outbreaks that have hit the world. In addition to major epidemics, various small endemics also often occur in certain regions.

Various disease outbreaks have been recorded in manuscripts and written records. Taruna Dharma Jati, Muhammad Ibu Prarista, Zalsabila Purnama, & Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah (2022) in a scientific article entitled Lawe Wĕnang Singid: The Red Thread of Pagĕblug Handling Continuity in the Perspective of Javanese Literature explains that Javanese written literature has contained information in the form of traces and handling of physical and cosmological plagues in Javanese oral and written literature.

Some manuscripts that contain information on the physical treatment of disease outbreaks include Naskah Ngelmu Kawarasan by Sardjita (1920), Naskah Lĕlĕmbut Kolerah by Samsimihardja (1914), and Naskah Lĕlara Gudhig by Sardjita (1921). These texts provide guidance on the prevention and treatment of various diseases that once plagued society in their day.

• Manuscript of Ngelmu Kawarasan

The Ngelmu Kawarasan manuscript contains knowledge about diseases such as malaria, smallpox, bubonic plague, and tuberculosis. One part of the manuscript explains how to deal with bubonic plague:

[...] Rekadaya kangge nanggulangi pes, botĕn wontĕn malih kajawi tikus-tikus punika kĕdah dipuntumpĕs. Griya-griya ingkang kĕrĕp dipunrĕsiki. Sarta sampun nyimpĕni sisa tedha

“There is nothing more effective against bubonic plague than culling rats, cleaning houses frequently, and not storing leftover food.”

This guide shows the importance of environmental hygiene as a preventive measure against infectious diseases such as bubonic plague, which is transmitted by rats.

• Manuscript of Lĕlĕmbut Kolerah

The Lĕlĕmbut Kolerah manuscript focuses on ways to avoid cholera. Here is one of the contents of the manuscript:

[...] Prentah nagara dikon ngombe banyu bening wedang ora kĕna mamangan kang ora matĕng, ora kalawan diratĕngi adus ing bangawan.

“The state commandment says to drink boiled water, not to eat raw food, and to bathe frequently in the river.”

Here, there is an emphasis on drinking boiled water and personal hygiene as preventive measures.

• Manuscript of Lĕlara Gudhig 

The Lĕlara Gudhig manuscript explains how to prevent and cure gudik (gudhig), a contagious skin disease. One of the quotes from this manuscript states:

[...] Supaya wong sing wis waras iku ora kumat maneh. Yen panyegahe lalara gudhig iku arĕp ditindakake supaya wong-wong bumi liya-liyane padha bisa milu. Dheweke kudu dipĕrdi rĕsikan, yaiku: ngrĕksa rĕsiking kulite ing panggonan-panggonan sing pĕrlu. Sedhiyan banyu adus kudu dibecikake. Sarta kudu ambudidaya supaya rĕgane sabun dimurah bangĕt, nganti wong miskin padha kelar sabunan. Wong-wong mau ditĕrangake sing tĕmĕnan, yen ora mung awake bae sing mesthi rĕsikan nanging sandhangan lan paturone uga mangkonoa. [...]

“So that people who are already healthy from scabies do not relapse, prevention of scabies should be carried out so that people in other areas can follow each other. They should be accustomed to clean living, keeping their skin and other places clean. Good water should be provided for bathing, and efforts should be made to reduce the price of soap so that the poor can use it. These people are to be explained seriously, that not only the self must be clean but also the clothes and bedding as well. [...]”

This message highlights the importance of personal hygiene with access to hygiene tools, such as soap, as well as ensuring that clothes and bedding are clean, to prevent skin diseases.

The above are just a few of the various explanations of plague prevention in Javanese literature. Although it can be said to be old stuff, the principles contained are still relevant today, especially in the context of preventing disease outbreaks that are transmitted through unsanitary environments.

Further exploration of ancient Javanese manuscripts is an important step to broaden our horizons on the history of health and medicine in Indonesia. Collaboration between academics, philologists, and health practitioners can help develop the knowledge recorded in these manuscripts, so that it can benefit the wider community.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bestari, N.P. (2022, July 24). ). Sejarah Perjalanan Cacar Monyet dari Afrika sampai Mendunia. Cnbcindonesia.com. Accessed from https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20220724153248-4-358100/sejarah-perjalanan-cacar-monyet-dari-afrika-sampai-mendunia.

Jati, T.D., Prarista, M.I., Purnama, Z. & Aminullah, Z.P. (2022). Lawe Wĕnang Singid: Benang Merah Kontinuitas Penanganan Pagĕblug dalam Perspektif Kesusastraan Jawa. Jumantara: Jurnal Manuskrip Nusantara,  13(01), 95-112, from https://doi.org/10.37014/jumantara.v13i1.2847.

Rokom. (2024, August 18). 88 88 Kasus Konfirmasi Mpox di Indonesia, Seksual Sesama Jenis jadi Salah Satu Penyebab. Sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id., Accessed from https://sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id/baca/rilis-media/20240818/1546252/88-kasus-konfirmasi-mpox-di-indonesia-seksual-sesama-jenis-jadi-salah-satu-penyebab/.

LIST OF IMAGES

Cebu.fkkmk.ugm.ac.id. (2020, August 19). ). CE&BU Bersama PKMK dan Cochrane Indonesia Menyelenggarakan Webinar Mengenai Bukti Ilmiah tentang Penanganan Wabah Pandemik COVID-19. Retrieved from https://cebu.fkkmk.ugm.ac.id/2020/08/19/cebu-bersama-pkmk-dan-cochrane-indonesia-menyelenggarakan-webinar-mengenai-bukti-ilmiah-tentang-penanganan-wabah-pandemik-covid-19/

On Monday night (08/19/2024), the Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a shadow puppet show in the framework of the anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy. The performance featured a special play, Gajah Mada Suci, which was performed collaboratively by UGM students who are members of the UGM Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS). One of the important roles in this performance was carried out by M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2023, chosen to perform a play that was collaboratively worked on by the academics community of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The script for the performance of Gajah Mada Suci was written by Dr. Rudy Wiratama S.I.P., M.A., lecturer of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. Gajah Mada Suci tells the story of the scapegoating of Gajah Mada under the pretext of the failure of the Majapahit Kingdom expansion. The expansion also coincided with the kingdom's internal political turmoil. To make matters worse, Gajah Mada was accused by the elites of trying to remove him from the kingdom. As a result, Gajah Mada felt desperate and afterward he visited the residence of his friend, Mpu Tantular. After a long dialog, Gajah Mada was finally enlightened, that the efforts he had made so far were not in vain. The spirit of Amukti Palapa to unite the archipelago will continue in the next era. 

Handover of the Gajah Mada puppet from the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, S.S., M. Hum, to M. Rafi Nur Fauzy. (Quoted from the Faculty of Philosophy Youtube Channel (01:22:51): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03x2lmMinTY).

“The performance of the Gajah Mada Suci is a form of depiction of the Indonesian nation that has experienced an identity crisis by winning over an interest and power through any means. Gajah Mada, who was a knight, finally moksa due to the deviant behavior of the Majapahit elite. After that, the Majapahit Kingdom lost its authority and then receded until it reached its collapse,” explained Rafi in an interview (05/09/2024).

As a special play, Rafi and his fellow UKJGS students practiced hard for a maximum performance. “The performance of Gajah Mada Suci has its own challenges for us. We practiced preparing for the performance in only half a month. Plus, this is my first time to play the Gajah Mada puppet, so it must be carefully prepared.”

“With these challenges, Alhamdulillah, the show can run smoothly. It was a great experience for me,” he continued.  Rafi hopes that the Gajah Mada puppet show will be held continuously because it is the work and identity of UGM as well as containing values that need to be socialized.

The existence of the Gajah Mada puppet is a real effort to promote the history and culture of the archipelago while still applying its relevance to the times. Through culture, we are not only 'displaying' aesthetics, but also reaffirming the nation's identity through noble values for a better Indonesia.

Author: Haryo Untoro

Image Source

Fakultas Filsafat. (2024, August 19). Pagelaran Wayang Kulit Dies Natalis ke-57 Fakultas Filsafat UGM. [01:22:51]. Accessed from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03x2lmMinTY.

Thursday, August 29, 2024, became a special moment for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada with the holding of the Mangayubagya Graduation of Undergraduates period IV of the 2023/2024 academic year. A total of 244 graduates celebrated their graduation, holding a bachelor's degree after completing their studies at FIB. The solemn graduation ceremony was made even more lively with a dance performance from Ratnaraya, a student dance unit of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program.

Four students, Audrey Gisela, Ganes Larasati, Novalia Hidayatus S., and Wening Hidayati, presented Geol Denok Dance as part of the graduation ceremony. Geol Denok dance is a typical Semarang dance that depicts the joy of Semarang girls who dance with lively, energetic movements and accompanied by dynamic music. Etymologically, the word “geol” refers to the dance movements of the knees and hips, while “denok” is a term for girls in Semarang.

In an interview with Wening Hidayati, one of the performers, she said that Geol Denok Dance was a new dance for Ratnaraya members. “We try to give our best in this performance, and are very happy to be able to welcome the graduates of FIB UGM with Geol Denok Dance,” said Wening (09/05/2024).

Ratnaraya's performance is not only for entertainment, but also reflects the Faculty's commitment to preserving Nusantara culture, especially Javanese culture. This cultural preservation requires support and collaboration from various parties, and FIB UGM plays an active role by providing the widest possible space for art and cultural exploration, so that the nation's identity remains relevant and provides benefits to people's lives.

Good news came from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). Kintan Dewinta Putri, a student of the program, has been selected as the Princess Cultural Ambassador of Yogyakarta 2024. She was selected along with Duta Andhika, the Son of Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador 2024, on May 4, 2024, at Sleman City Hall, Yogyakarta.

Based on an interview with Kintan (09/06/2024), being a Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador is not just a competition, but also must understand and participate in the preservation of Javanese culture, especially the cultural identity of Yogyakarta. “As Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassadors, it is our duty to contribute to the mission of recognizing and preserving arts and culture in Yogyakarta. Examples of activities include being a judge for the Krincing Manis dance studio's class promotion and participating in the Jamasan Pusaka 1 Suro ceremony at the top of Suroloyo, Kulonprogo. In the future, we plan to do community service in Gunung Kidul and other places by teaching about Yogyakarta's culture and arts,” she explained.

Kintan is grateful to have won the title of Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador 2024 and is proud to be part of the agent of change in the effort to preserve Yogyakarta's culture. She explained that she is currently preparing to participate in the Indonesian Cultural Ambassador event. “Currently, I am preparing myself for the Indonesian Cultural Ambassador event to be held on September 19-21, 2024, in Surabaya. Please pray and support!”

Culture is the result of copyright, taste, and karsa and is an identity for its people. The existence of these various identities is an identity of the Indonesian nation, which is diverse and lives together in harmony. Kintan's achievements are an inspiration for Mahadaya to continue to explore, preserve, and explore the potential of Indonesian culture, and provide benefits to the community.

Source: rumahmesin.com/bumbu-dapur/

Recently, the “back to nature” lifestyle has become increasingly popular. Not only are people looking for instant results, but they are now increasingly concerned with the process of achieving optimal health. This trend can be seen in the increasing number of people who exercise diligently, pay attention to nutritional intake, and utilize herbal and traditional medicine.

When it comes to traditional medicine, our ancestors already had the right recipe to maintain health. Referring to Wulandari (2011), there is a book entitled Serat Primbon Jampi Jawi published in 1933 by the publisher Tan Khoen Swie, which collects valuable knowledge about traditional medicine, including the efficacy of various kitchen spices for health. Let's discuss some of these herbs that have amazing benefits:

• Black Cumin

Black cumin is known to have hot properties but feels cool for a while. The benefits of black cumin are very diverse, ranging from removing mucus and dirt in the stomach, to overcoming soreness in the back or joints. To experience its benefits, Mahadaya can try a mixture of crushed black cumin with honey. In addition, black cumin can also be used to cure colds and dizziness due to colds by inhaling black cumin wrapped in mori cloth.

• Nutmeg

This kitchen spice is not only a flavoring agent but also has health benefits. Nutmeg is known to strengthen the heart, strengthen semen, and treat eye and bone pain.

• Red Onion

Apart from being a spice that is often used daily, shallots have various health benefits. Dripping crushed shallot water into the eyes can cure blurred vision. In addition, shallots are also effective for preventing hair loss if applied to the head, which often experiences hair loss.

• Tamarind

This plant, which is often the main ingredient in herbal medicine, has many health benefits. Tamarind is known to reduce body heat if consumed directly. Furthermore, tamarind is effective for relieving shortness of breath and nausea. The trick is to soak the tamarind for three days, then mix the water with sugar and drink it.

• Lime

Lime, which is commonly used as a complement to soto, has health benefits that are no less great. By drinking a mixture of lime juice and sugar in the morning after waking up, the kitchen spice can neutralize toxins in the stomach. In addition, lime juice can also warm the body.

Some of the explanations above are a small part of the various properties of herbal medicine with this kitchen spice. This then opens our perspective, showing that old manuscripts actually contain a variety of information, one of which is in the health sector. By extracting information from these manuscripts, we are expected to be able to utilize these instructions, disseminate them, and develop them in order to bring goodness to ourselves and our environment.

LITERATURE

Wulandari, A. (2011, December). ). Serat Primbon Jampi Jawi Koleksi Perpustakaan Dewantara Kirti Griya (Taman Siswa): Sebuah Dokumentasi Pengobatan Tradisional. Jumantara: Jurnal Manuskrip Nusantara,2(2), 30-56. https://doi.org/10.37014/jumantara.v2i2.135

LIST OF IMAGES

Vandro. (2016, April 10). Ssst…! Ini Dia 35 Bumbu Dapur Masakan Indonesia, Incaran Dunia... Rumahmesin.com. Accessed from https://www.rumahmesin.com/bumbu-dapur/.

Monday (08/05/2024), - The Departmental Student Association (HMJ) of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Student Family (Kamastawa) successfully held a socialization of the Study Plan Card (KRS) for new students of class 2024. The activity which took place in the Margono 303 room aims to provide new students with an understanding of the KRS filling procedure and lecture guidelines that will be undertaken in the future.

The event, which began at 08.30 AM WIB, was opened by the Head of the Scientific Division of HMJ Kamastawa, Fauzan Adl Fadlurrahman, who explained in detail the process of filling out KRS, including the use of the Simaster application, the main platform in academic management at Gadjah Mada University. In addition, Fauzan also gave an explanation of the applicable curriculum and the various courses that students will take during the study period. Lecture ethics that are important to apply were also part of the presentation.

Lecture ethics exposure to class of 2024 students

Furthermore, Haryo Untoro, a member of the Scientific Division of HMJ Kamastawa, provided tips and tricks for undergoing lectures. In this session, new students were introduced to the study program library facilities, the Digital Library of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), as well as other digital resources such as the Javanese online dictionary and the Old Javanese online dictionary.

The socialization was conducted in a serious yet relaxed atmosphere, allowing new students to actively ask questions and interact. Several questions were asked by participants, showing enthusiasm and curiosity about the KRS system and aspects of the lectures they will face.

With this socialization, it is hoped that the new batch of 2024 students can clearly understand the KRS filling process which will be carried out on Saturday (08/10/2024) to Sunday (08/11/2024), as well as the lecture insights that will be used for dynamics in the future.