The Student Association of the Department of Javanese Literature (Himpunan Mahasiswa Jurusan, HMJ) Keluarga Mahasiswa Sastra Jawa (Kamastawa) organized a community service activity entitled “Kamastawa Mengajar dan Berbagi” (Kamastawa Teaches and Shares) at Sanggar Puspa Budaya, Kapanewon Minggir, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Saturday (10/31/2026). This activity represents a tangible expression of students’ concern for education and the preservation of local culture, as well as an effort to revive the practice of using polite Javanese (unggah-ungguh) among children.
This community service program was the result of a collaboration between the Scientific Division and the Social and Community Division of HMJ Kamastawa. This interdivisional synergy was designed to ensure that the programs implemented could generate a tangible and sustainable social impact on the wider community.
A total of 30 elementary school-aged children who are members of Sanggar Puspa Budaya participated in this activity. From the opening of the event in the morning, the children’s enthusiasm and cheerful expressions were evident as they prepared to take part in the entire series of activities.
The event began with an educational session on unggah-ungguh basa Jawa, or Javanese language etiquette. An understanding of language etiquette and speech levels is considered very important to instill from an early age so that younger generations continue to recognize and uphold their cultural roots amid the onslaught of modernization.
To make the material easier for children to understand, the Scientific Division adopted an interactive approach through a game in which participants filled in missing letters in Javanese vocabulary. Through this learning by playing concept, the children were encouraged to participate actively without feeling pressured or bored. The atmosphere at the cultural center became lively as the participants enthusiastically competed to answer questions and complete the challenges presented.
Left: HMJ Kamastawa members distribute gift packages to participants.
Right: A glimpse of the participants’ enthusiasm during the learning session.
Following the interactive learning session, the activity continued with a social initiative involving the provision of learning facilities and supporting equipment for the cultural center. HMJ Kamastawa donated various school supplies, including a whiteboard, markers, notebooks, pencils, pens, and other supporting materials to support operations and teaching and learning activities at Sanggar Puspa Budaya.
Through this community service activity, HMJ Kamastawa hopes to continue inspiring children’s enthusiasm for learning the Javanese language and culture. In addition, the activity is also expected to strengthen students’ empathy and social awareness toward the surrounding community.
Writer: Nindy Rosalina Ekaputri
Editor: Haryo Untoro
