Graduating in 3.5 years is no longer impossible for students. This is proven by three students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at UGM, namely Yasmin Nabiha Sahda, Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay, and Hanundita Salma. The three students officially graduated on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, after completing their education in only seven semesters.

During an interview on Friday, February 27, 2026, the three shared tips on how students can complete their thesis and graduate quickly. Yasmin Nabiha Sahda (Yasmin) advised students to finalize their research topic by the sixth semester. According to her, this strategy is very effective so that students can immediately focus on studying the literature and developing a research framework without wasting time during the thesis writing process.

In addition to early preparation, interest and time management also greatly influence the thesis writing process. Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay (Pesdhi) emphasized that choosing a research topic that suits one's abilities and personal interests will make the research process run more smoothly. She also added that setting clear work targets and mastering relevant theories can help students stay focused during the research process.

Meanwhile, Hanundita Salma (Hanun) said that a thesis that seems difficult should be broken down into several small stages so that the work feels more focused. Hanundita also highlighted the importance of a supportive group of friends and active communication with lecturers as discussion partners to speed up the process of completing the final assignment.

In addition, these three graduates also shared messages for their fellow students who are still struggling. Yasmin encouraged them to truly use their time in college to enrich themselves with a deep understanding of Javanese literature. Meanwhile, Pesdhi and Hanun agreed that the key to completing a final project is not speed alone, but perseverance in tackling the thesis without losing the joy of the process.

Their experiences demonstrate that a thesis can be completed gradually with proper planning. Through these tips and experiences, it is hoped that they can serve as a reference and inspire students who are planning and completing their thesis projects.

Author                        : Haryo Untoro
Editor                         : Haryo Untoro & Nanda Nursa Alya
Thumbnail Maker    : Haryo Untoro

Good news comes from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Three students from the program successfully completed their undergraduate studies in 3.5 years or seven semesters, faster than the usual study period of four years or eight semesters. The three students are Yasmin Nabiha Sahda, Hanundita Salma, and Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay. They participated in the graduation ceremony for Period II of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, which was held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The topics of their final projects were related to various aspects of Javanese language, literature, and culture. Yasmin Nabiha Sahda researched the folklore of Putri Ayu Limbasari as part of her oral literature study. Hanundita Salma examined the language used by fishermen in the Cilacap region, which shows the dynamics of language use in coastal communities. Meanwhile, Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay researched the toponymy of hamlets in Kapanewon Samigaluh, located in the Kulon Progo region, highlighting aspects of place naming from a local cultural and historical perspective.

Through dedication and commitment to completing their research, the three students were able to successfully complete their theses in a relatively short period of time. This achievement is expected to inspire and motivate other students, especially those in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, to continue to excel and plan their studies well so that they can complete their education optimally.

Author: Haryo Untoro
Editor: Haryo Untoro

The Student Association of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture (HMJ Kamastawa) held a handover ceremony for the 2026/2027 management on Monday (06/23/2026) at Poerbatjaraka Building 203, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. The event was attended by the HMJ Kamastawa executive board for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 periods, as well as faculty representatives from the study program.

Also present at the event were the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., and the advisor to HMJ Kamastawa, Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. The presence of the study program leaders emphasized the program's support for the continuity of student organizations.

The event began at 4:15 PM and was hosted by Muhammad Bagus Ulinnuha. The series of activities began with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem and the Gadjah Mada hymn.

Opening remarks by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., as advisor to HMJ Kamastawa

In his speech, Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. emphasized the importance of maintaining achievements in a positive manner and building the widest possible network. He also advised the administrators to always apply the values of guidance, compassion, and nurturing, both with fellow administrators, seniors, and alumni.

Opening remarks by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum. reminded the administrators to remain resilient in facing the dynamics and challenges of the organization. She emphasized the importance of coordination with lecturers and maintaining a balance between achievement, physical and mental health, and harmonious communication within the management.

The main procession of the event consisted of the reading and signing of the minutes by the Chair of HMJ for the 2025/2026 period, Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan, followed by the symbolic handover of office by the Head of the Study Program. Next, the inauguration script was read by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., and the oath of office was led by the Chair of HMJ for the 2026/2027 period, Wreksi Awinanggya Pinandhita.

Handover of positions to the Kamastawa HMJ management

The event then continued with a symbolic handover of positions to the Kamastawa HMJ management, a message and impressions from the 2025/2026 HMJ period, and a speech from the Chair of the 2026/2027 HMJ period. The series of activities was closed with a group photo session to capture the moment of togetherness.

The handover ceremony for the Kamastawa Student Association for the 2026/2027 period is an important moment for the new board to continue and improve the quality of the organization. It is hoped that the new board will be able to implement flagship programs optimally. Thus, HMJ Kamastawa can continue to play an active role, making positive contributions to nguri-uri ‘preserving’ and ngurip-urip ‘revitalizing’ Javanese culture, as well as maintaining the good reputation of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Congratulations and success to the HMJ Kamastawa management for the 2026/2027 period.

SMAN 1 Bantul held the Saba Tilik 6.0 X Saba Education Fair on Thursday (January 22, 2026). This event aimed to provide motivation and further educational information to students, especially final-year students, so they could gain a broader understanding of the world of higher education and study program options.

Two students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, class of 2025 at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), who are also alumni of SMAN 1 Bantul, Nurul Fajri Rahmani and Tri Wulandari, participated as speakers. Their presence allowed them to share their academic experiences and introduce the various study programs at Universitas Gadjah Mada to the students.

In an online interview with Nurul Fajri Rahmani on Friday (January 23, 2026), the material focused on introducing the literary and cultural groups, specifically the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Fajri also shared his experiences in pursuing higher education through the National Achievement-Based Selection (SNBP) and National Test-Based Selection (SNBT) pathways.

Fajri revealed that the main challenge in the event was students' low interest in the Literature and Culture field. "Therefore, we strive to explain as well as possible the job prospects, academic potential, and the various benefits and interesting experiences that can be gained while studying in the Literature and Culture field," he explained. This explanation is expected to broaden students' horizons and change their perspectives on the study of literature and culture.

For Fajri, participating in the Saba Tilik 6.0 X Saba Education Fair was a truly memorable experience. Besides returning to his alma mater and meeting his classmates, he also had the opportunity to share stories and information about the world of college. He hopes that similar events can continue to be held on an ongoing basis to spark students' interest and enthusiasm in pursuing higher education.

The Saba Tilik 6.0 X Saba Education Fair aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on quality education through providing inclusive and equitable access to information on higher education. Providing this information helps students make more conscious and informed educational decisions. More broadly, this activity also intersects with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements), namely by increasing literacy and insight in educational communities, which are the foundation for the formation of an informed and sustainable society. The collaboration between secondary schools and universities in this activity also reflects the implementation of SDG 17, namely partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals through synergy between educational institutions.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor  : Haryo Untoro

Students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Class of 2025, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, staged a drama titled Weton Waton on Tuesday (12/16/2025). The performance took place at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM, at 6:00 p.m.

This activity was organized as part of the final exam assignment for the Communicative Spoken Javanese Language course taught by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A. The performance of Weton Waton was directed by Safa Rahmatul H. as the production manager.

The drama Weton Waton tells the story of a domestic conflict between a husband and wife triggered by financial problems. The root of the problem lies in the husband's decision to quit his job and get involved in cockfighting gambling. The ongoing conflict then prompts the wife's parents to take the matter to a shaman. In the story, the shaman says that the couple's domestic quarrels are caused by an incompatibility in their weton, which is called tiba pegat.

Through this performance, students sought to convey the message that problems should not be automatically attributed to a person's character or nature based on their weton. In addition, this performance also presented knowledge about the concepts of dina, pasaran, and wuku, which are still believed by some Javanese people to be part of their tradition.

Based on an online interview with Yogi Setiyawan on December 28, 2025, the Weton Waton performance was a final exam assignment that required all students enrolled in the course to be directly involved in the performance. The theme of weton was chosen as an effort to highlight the tradition of calculating weton, dina, pasaran, and wuku that has developed in Javanese society.

“In preparing for the Weton Waton performance, our preparations can be said to still have a number of limitations. The challenges faced include script writing, group division, and funding constraints. From this process, we learned that good and open communication between members is very important in a performance,” said Yogi.

Yogi also expressed his pride in being involved in the premiere performance of the 2025 batch of students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. He hopes that this activity can be a first step towards producing better works in the future.

The performance of the Weton Waton drama was not only a means of practicing Javanese language skills orally, but also a platform for students to create and apply their language skills in the form of a performance. In line with the teachings of KGPAA Mangkunegara IV in Serat Wedhatama, which states that ngelmu iku kalakone kanthi laku or knowledge must be implemented through practice, this performance is a tangible manifestation of reviving enthusiasm for the Javanese language while honing students' creativity. Through activities such as this, students are expected to continue to preserve and revive Javanese culture through concrete efforts that benefit the community.

Gamasutra ‘Gamelan Mahasiswa Sastra Nusantara’ is a forum for developing the creativity of students in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Operating under the auspices of the Arts Interest and Talent Division of the Student Association (HMJ) of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Community (Kamastawa), this community is committed to preserving gamelan music as part of the cultural wealth of the Indonesian archipelago.

Gamasutra's commitment to traditional arts not only serves as a learning tool for students, but also represents cultural identity in the academic environment. Through its ongoing dedication, Gamasutra has consistently served as an ambassador for the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in various official forums and art festivals, both at the faculty and university levels.

Gamasutra's performance at the UGM Faculty of Philosophy Karawitan Festival

Throughout its journey, Gamasutra has participated in a number of strategic and ceremonial events at Gadjah Mada University. These include the Faculty of Philosophy's Karawitan Festival, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Faculty of Cultural Sciences building, and supporting the inauguration of the organization through the Grand Launching of HMJ KAMASTAWA. Additionally, Gamasutra is actively involved in inter-institutional networking activities through the Sowan Kadang Sastra Jawa UGM x Universitas Indonesia agenda.

Gamasutra's performance at the UGM X UI Javanese Literature gathering

Amidst the challenges of modernity, Gamasutra continues to demonstrate its existence as a preserver of Javanese culture. This is evidenced by the trust given to Gamasutra as the opening and accompanying act for the 2025 Pionir Kampung Budaya (Pioneer Cultural Village) event and the 4th Semeja International Forum (Malay Javanese Seminar). The international forum will be held at Gadjah Mada University in 2025.

Gamasutra's performance at the Semeja international seminar

By combining technical expertise in karawitan art and cultural literacy, Gamasutra is committed to keeping traditional music alive. This effort is part of strengthening the nation's identity so that it remains dynamic, relevant, and can be passed on to future generations.

Gamasutra's work is in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, namely quality education, through its role as a learning space that encourages the development of student competencies in the fields of traditional music, cultural literacy, and the strengthening of scientific identity in the academic environment. In addition, Gamasutra's involvement in various cross-faculty, institutional, and international forum activities, such as the collaboration between UGM and the University of Indonesia and participation in the Semeja IV International Forum, reflects the implementation of SDG 17, namely strengthening partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals. Through these collaborations, Gamasutra not only expands its academic and cultural networks but also contributes to collective efforts to preserve the inclusive and sustainable culture of the Indonesian archipelago.

Author            : Maysa Putri Fatihah & Haryo Untoro
Editor             : Haryo Untoro

The Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is collaborating with the Student Association of the Department of Puppetry (HMJ Pedhalangan) of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta to hold a collaborative Wayang Gedhog performance in commemoration of National Puppetry Day. The performance will take place on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. WIB at the Pendapa Tari ISI Yogyakarta. This event is a collaborative synergy between young artists from UKJGS UGM and HMJ Pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta in preserving this rare performing art.

The Wayang Gedhog performance to commemorate National Wayang Day was organized by HMJ Pedalangan ISI Yogyakarta, inviting UKJGS UGM to participate. As the coordinator of the Pedhalangan division at UKJGS UGM and a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program at UGM, Muhammad Rafi Nur Fauzy explained that this is a great opportunity to introduce UKJGS's work in the field of pedalangan, while also enlivening the National Wayang Day celebration.

The role of puppeteer in this Wayang Gedhog performance was entrusted to Rafi, accompanied by music from other UKJGS members. This performance featured Wayang Gedhog because Wayang Gedhog performances are rarely staged. This type of puppet show had been dormant for a long time and was revived several decades ago. Wayang Gedhog performances are actually considered stiff because they are constrained by the palace hierarchy in their content. Wayang Gedhog was also featured as an introduction to the rich heritage of puppetry to the general public.

The story of Panji Laleyan Duta (Sayembara Keris Jaka Piturun) was chosen to be performed because it was relevant to the current situation and information that was happening and becoming a hot topic of discussion in society, namely the polemic over the change of king in the Surakarta (Solo) Palace. According to Rafi, we need to question how this Javanese monarchy can survive in the midst of a democratic situation. Not only in the Surakarta Palace, but also in Yogyakarta.

As a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at UGM, Rafi expressed his joy and pride at having the opportunity to perform Wayang Gedhog. Currently, not many puppeteers are willing to perform Wayang Gedhog because the performance is considered difficult due to its fixed accompaniment. Only a few puppeteers understand the performance. With the guidance of Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program, Rafi was able to successfully perform Wayang Gedhog, which is considered difficult.

The Wayang Gedhog performance supports the achievement of SDG point 4 Quality Education and point 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, namely as a medium of education and introduction to the treasure trove of wayang and enriching knowledge about cultural heritage in the academic environment, as well as an opportunity for the regeneration of performing arts and livelihoods for young artists. Not only that, this performance contributes to the achievement of SDG point 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by using the role of art as a means to voice constructive criticism of the leadership polemic in the Surakarta Palace. The participatory collaboration between UKJGS UGM and HMJ Pedhalangan ISI Yogyakarta supports the achievement of SDGs and point 17 Partnerships for the Goals.

Author: Maysa Putri Fatihah

Editor: Haryo Untoro

The Grand Meeting of the Student Association of the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture (HMJ Kamastawa) was held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, in the Auditorium of the Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University. During this General Meeting, a report on the activities of the 2025 management was presented, followed by a session on the Articles of Association/Bylaws (AD/ART), and concluded with a deliberation to elect the chairperson of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2026 term.

The General Assembly of HMJ Kamastawa is an annual mandatory event aimed at creating a forum for discussion among students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program. This forum was created as a platform for aspirations, opinions, and openness of HMJ Kamastawa as a special member organization under the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Program. The General Meeting was attended by offline participants present at the forum and online participants via Google Meet.

This Grand Meeting was opened by the Master of Ceremony (MC). This was followed by a speech by the Chairman of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2025 period, Dwiyan Teguh Darmawan, and a speech by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum. After the speeches, the election of chairpersons I and II was held with the approval of the participants of the Grand Meeting. The chair of session I began the first session of the Grand Meeting with a report on the activities of the 2025 management. The first session of the Grand Meeting went well and quickly, with a few evaluations and suggestions from the participants of the Grand Meeting adding to the report.

The second session was marked by the handover from chairperson I to chairperson II. The second session was a hearing on the Articles of Association/Bylaws (AD/ART) of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2026 management period. The majority of participants in the second session of the Grand Meeting actively debated crucial points in the AD/ART that required adjustments to the situation and conditions. The decisions of the meeting were made through deliberation, voting, and unanimous approval by the participants of the Grand Meeting.

The inal session of the HMJ Kamastawa Grand Meeting was the election of the chairperson of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2026 term. This election was carried out in the following stages.

1. Reading of the requirements for the chairperson of HMJ Kamastawa,
2. Nomination of chairperson candidates by participants of the Grand Meeting present at the forum,
3. Verification of the eligibility of chairperson candidates,
4. Presentation of personal statements by each chairperson candidate,
5. Question and answer session by participants of the Grand Meeting present at the forum with the chairperson candidates,
6. Deliberation on the election of the chairperson,
7. Announcement of the elected chairperson, and
8. Remarks by the elected chairperson.

The candidates for chairperson of HMJ Kamastawa nominated by the participants of the Grand Meeting were Wreksi Awinanggya Pinandhita, Bayu Seta Ardiansyah, Nurcholish Ramadhan, Inoora Putri Haliza, Muhammad Jundy Ashiddiqie, and Zahra Nova Putri. During the verification of the requirements for chairperson candidates, candidate Nurcholish Ramadhan was disqualified because he did not meet one of the requirements for chairperson candidates, namely not serving as chairperson in a student organization at Gadjah Mada University. After going through the deliberation stage for the election of the chairperson, a unanimous vote resulted in the election of Wreksi Awinanggya Pinandhita as the chairperson of HMJ Kamastawa for the 2026 period.

Wreksi Pinandhita stated that his election as chairman of HMJ Kamastawa would be a new challenge and must be carried out as well as possible as a mandate from the students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Wreksi hopes that the management he will lead in the next year will run smoothly and better than the previous period with the support of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture student family.

The HMJ Kamastawa Grand Meeting directly contributes to the achievement of SDG point 4, Quality Education, which supports and develops students' leadership and soft skills. Not only that, the Grand Meeting also supports the achievement of SDG point 16, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by practicing the grand meeting as the highest democratic and transparent forum. Finally, this activity is also in line with SDG point 17, Partnerships for the Goals. The presence of the HMJ Kamastawa Grand Deliberation is also a form of commitment by students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program to nguri-uri ‘preserve’ and ngurip-urip ‘revitalize’ the culture of the archipelago, especially Javanese culture.

Author: Maysa Putri Fatihah

Editor: Haryo Untoro

The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program held a workshop titled “Exploring the Types and Meanings of Culture from Sesajen” on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Margono 4th floor lobby. This event was attended by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., as the lecturer in charge of the course, as well as students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and various other study programs. The guest speaker was Faizal Noor Singgih, S.T.P., a cultural practitioner and ceremonial master of ceremonies.

In his presentation, Faizal Noor Singgih explained various aspects of offerings, ranging from types and functions to cultural meanings. He emphasized that offerings in Javanese tradition are essentially a form of prayer or hope to God Almighty through a series of symbols contained within them. In addition to being a spiritual tool, offerings also serve as a medium of social communication, a form of respect from the Javanese people towards their environment, and an expression of the local community's culture.

The participants were enthusiastic, saying that this activity provided them with new insights into offerings as part of Javanese culture. The workshop was closed with a prayer and a meal together.

Through this workshop, it is hoped that students will gain a deeper understanding of Javanese culture. The presence of speakers from the cultural sector is considered to enrich perspectives, both in terms of theory and practice. Thus, cooperation from various parties is essential to continue studying, preserving, and reviving Javanese culture.

Yogyakarta, November 12, 2025 — The Javanese Literature Study Program, Semarang State University (UNNES), conducted a comparative study with the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event, held in the Multimedia Room on the 2nd floor of Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM, served as a platform for networking and knowledge exchange among students from both universities.

Forty UNNES Javanese Literature students from the class of 2023 attended the event and were welcomed by nine UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students from the class of 2022, including Alfonsus Dipa Wicaksana, Anggit Galuh Ajar Amanah, Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman, Haryo Untoro, Muhammad Siswoyo, Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah, Pesdhi Sekar Hayumay, Saktia Hidayah, and Yasmin Nabiha Sahda.

The event was opened by Yasmin Nabiha Sahda, who introduced the agenda. Next, Novia Hikmatul Mubarokah presented the profile of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, including the curriculum, student activities, and various academic and non-academic programs that have been organized. A similar presentation was then delivered by a representative of UNNES students who introduced the structure and activities of the Javanese Literature Study Program.

The next session was filled with a “Study Interest Discussion” activity, featuring three UGM student representatives: Fauzan Adi Fadlurahman (Philology), Muhammad Siswoyo (Linguistics), and Saktia Hidayah (Literature). They gave an introduction to their respective fields of study, followed by an interactive discussion. UNNES students enthusiastically asked various questions about learning methods, tips for completing assignments, and the direction of studies in these fields. A warm and friendly atmosphere was created through dialogue, jokes, and the sharing of experiences among participants.

Towards the end of the event, remarks were delivered by the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at UGM, Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., and a representative from the Javanese Literature Study Program at UNNES, Dr. Prembayun Miji Lestari, M.Hum. Both emphasized the importance of collaboration between students and educational institutions in strengthening the development of knowledge and preservation of Javanese culture.

Opening remarks from the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum.

Opening remarks from the representative of the UNNES Javanese Literature Study Program lecturers, Dr. Prembayun Miji Lesatri, M.Hum.

The event concluded with a joint documentation session as a symbol of unity and commitment to continue cooperation.

Through this comparative study, it is hoped that the relationship between the two study programs will become closer and more productive. In addition to broadening the academic horizons of students, this activity is also a concrete step in the joint effort to preserve and develop Javanese cultural heritage in higher education.