The most popular are the ngoko and krama levels of speech. However, within the Javanese royal court, a specific language variety developed, used by courtiers within the palace: Basa Kedhaton and Basa Bagongan. What is Basa Kedhaton or Basa Bagongan?

Termically, basa means 'language,' while kedhaton refers to 'palace' or 'kingdom.' Basa Kedhaton or Basa Bagongan itself is used by the sentana (relatives of the king) and courtiers when attending the king, such as the Sultan or Sunan, as well as Pangeran Adipati Anom (crown prince) in the palace (Padmosoekotjo, 1953:16). The term used in the Surakarta Kasunanan Palace is Basa Kedhaton, while in the Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace it is known as Basa Bagongan (Padmosoekotjo, 1953).

The Serat Purwa Ukara manuscript records the use of Basa Bagongan as early as the reign of Hamengkubuwana (HB) I. However, its use was banned during the reign of HB V due to its perceived disapproval, before finally being reinstated by HB VI (Setyowijaya, 2015:61–63).

The term "Bagongan" itself is often associated with the character Bagong in the Yogyakarta puppet tradition. This character is known for his straightforward, matter-of-fact manner and lack of refinement in speech. This character is considered to represent the "half-middle" nature of Basa Bagongan, not as refined as krama, but still polite and well-intentioned (Padmosoekotjo, 1953:89). Meanwhile, the Serat Purwa Ukara manuscript explains that the term "Bagongan" was coined by Sri Sultan himself. This term is synonymous with pegoan, meaning "unusual Javanese language or a deviation from custom" (Setyowijaya, 2015:62–63).

The uniqueness of Basa Kedhaton and Basa Bagongan can be seen in their linguistic forms, namely their special terms, grammatical structures, and the use of literary forms with the addition of affixes typical of Kawi or Old Javanese literary varieties (Padmosoekotjo, 1953; Setyowijaya, 2015; and Poedjosoedarmo & Laginem, 2014).

The most prominent characteristic of Basa Kedhaton is its use of first-person pronouns (I) and second-person pronouns (you). The pronoun forms in Kasunanan Surakata are differentiated according to position: mara ‘I’ and para ‘you’ are used by putra sentana ‘children of palace officials’, manira ‘I’ and pakenira ‘you’ for retainer, kula ‘I’ and jengandika ‘you’ for panèwu ‘sub-district head’ and mantri ‘village head’, and robaja ‘I’ and pantèn ‘you’ for poet. Meanwhile, in Yogyakarta only the pair manira ‘I’ and pakenira ‘you’ are known (Padmosoekotjo, 1953:16).

In addition, there are a number of other distinctive vocabulary items. Poedjosoedarmo and Laginem (2014) noted that there are approximately 40 specific vocabulary items in Basa Kedhaton and 11 specific vocabulary items in Basa Bagongan. Some of these include:

• enggèh 'yes'
• wènten 'there is’
• wikana 'don't know'
• sumitra 'lion'.

Furthermore, this variety often utilizes literary nuances or Kawi affixes, for example, kakersake 'wanted', mangangge 'wear', sinerat 'written', and lumebet 'enter'.

Grammatically, there are differences between the grammatical structures of Basa Kedhaton from Surakarta and Basa Bagongan from Yogyakarta. Basa Kedhaton from Surakarta still uses krama sentence structure. Based on this, the prefixes and suffixes used remain variations of krama, namely the passive prefix {dipun-} and the suffix {-aken}.

This situation differs from the structure of Basa Bagongan, which exhibits a mixture of krama and ngoko in a single form. An example found in Serat Purwa Ukara is as follows:

Rawuhé Kanjeng Tuwan Panes, wènten ing negari Ngayugya minangka kumissarising gupermèn…
‘The arrival of Kanjeng Tuwan Panes, in Negari Yogyakarta as commissioner of gupermen…’.

In this case, the word rawuhé is derived from the root word rawuh 'to come' (krama inggil) to which the suffix {-é} (ngoko) is attached. This phenomenon demonstrates the blending of speech levels within a single word (Setyowijaya, 2015:57).

Furthermore, another difference is the usage of Basa Kedhaton and Basa Bagongan. Basa Kedhaton is not intended to create a sense of equality between speakers (Poedjosoedarmo & Laginem, 2014:21–22). Poedjosoedarmo & Laginem (2014:22) explain that there are several different levels, such as:

• Manungkara, used by nobles, such as His Majesty the King and the Prince's Treasurer
• Mangungkak basa, used by high-ranking courtiers to address one another
• Angagok wicara, used by high-ranking nobles to address those of lower rank.

This contrasts with Basa Bagongan in Yogyakarta, which still conveys respect while maintaining equality between speakers and interlocutors (Poedjosoedarmo & Laginem, 2014:10).

The function of Basa Bagongan extends beyond oral communication within the palace. This Javanese language variation is also found in written communication and correspondence. Apart from that, Basa Bagongan is also used in traditional palace ceremonies, specifically when the leader of the soldiers is ordered to deliver the gunungan in the Grebeg traditional procession (Setyowijaya, 2015:63-66).

Both Basa Kedhaton and Basa Bagongan have their own distinctive characteristics. Despite being a priceless cultural treasure, Basa Bagongan is becoming increasingly rare. Setyowijaya (2015:66–67) notes that active speakers are generally courtiers over 60 years old. The younger generation of the palace tends to use only ngoko and krama. Regeneration from outside the palace environment and the perceived impoliteness of using it to high-ranking officials have contributed to its rare use.

Bibliography

Padmosoekotjo, S. (1953). Ngéngréngan Kasusastran Djawa. Jogyakarta: Hien Hoo Sing

Poedjosoedarmo, S., dan Laginem. (2014). Bahasa Bagongan. Yogyakarta: Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan, Badan Pengembangan dan Pembinaan Bahasa, Balai Bahasa Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.

Setyowijaya, A. (2015). Teks Basa Bagongan dalam Naskah Sêrat Purwa Ukara: Suntinga Teks, Terjemahan, dan Deskripsi Kebahasaan. Skripsi. Yogyakarta: Universitas Gadjah Mada.

List of Figures

Verkaik, A. (t.t.). Abdi Dalem – Yogya [Gambar]. Pinterest. https://pin.it/5XmXoVqln

Widya. (t.t.). Keraton Kasunan Surakarta Hadiningrat / Surakarta Hadiningrat Royal Palace. Solo, Java [Gambar]. Pinterest.  https://pin.it/5Wm9RNcqm.

Wirasandjaya, F.R. (2019, 16 Agustus). Spiritualisme Masyarakat Jawa [Gambar]. Kompasiana.com. https://www.kompasiana.com/frwirasandjaya/5d56c9ff097f3675ad5e5bd4/spiritualisme-masyarakat-jawa.

Author: Haryo Untoro

Editor: Haryo Untoro

Thumbnail Maker: Nurul Fajri Rahmani

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.

Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program in the field of Philology, was one of the speakers at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) entitled “Islam in Javanese Babad: Efforts to Revitalize Mataraman Islam”. The event was organized by PPM Aswaja Nusantara in the PPM Aswaja Nusantara Mlangi Hall on Friday (February 6, 2026) from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

In her presentation, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. explained the connection between literary works, particularly Babad Ngayogyakarta, and the development and existence of Islam in the Yogyakarta Palace. She explained that Babad Ngayogyakarta was written during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana (HB) V and was transcribed again during the reign of HB VII. The manuscript was written in Javanese script and contains expressions of Islamic teachings that developed within the Yogyakarta Palace.

The chronicle covers the period of HB IV-V, starting from the childhood of HB IV until the coronation of HB V. During this period, Prince Diponegoro is also described as the guardian of HB IV until the outbreak of the Diponegoro war. Prince Diponegoro is also described as a figure who upheld Islamic teachings and revived them in the life of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

One example cited was Prince Diponegoro's role in providing Islamic education to Hamengkubuwana IV. This education included the obligation to study the Qur'an, understand fiqh, and instill values of struggle. Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum. also explained that Diponegoro's concept of struggle was reflected in the war against colonialism, which was based on the spirit of upholding Islamic teachings, including the call of sabilullah as a motivator for the troops.

Through a study of the literary work Babad Ngayogyakarta, various important information can be found, ranging from historical facts, literary forms, to information about the existence of Islam in Java. He described the existence of Islam at that time in three (3) words, namely manjing ‘enter’, ajur ‘melt’, and ajer ‘walk together’.

Information related to literature and history of the past can be found in various manuscripts. In this case, philology plays an important role in uncovering the information contained in ancient manuscripts so that it can be understood and utilized by today's society. In addition, philological studies are also part of efforts to preserve and protect regional languages, literature, and cultures in Indonesia.

This FGD activity is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly point 4 on quality education, point 11 on sustainable cities and communities, and point 17 on partnerships to achieve development goals.

Javanese script is one of the traditional writing systems in Indonesia that is still known and used today. This script is classified as an abugida or syllabic script and is part of the Kawi script family (Maulana, 2020). Since ancient times, Javanese script has played an important role in documenting various knowledge, cultural values, and literary works recorded in Javanese manuscripts.

Technological developments and globalization have had a significant impact on patterns of communication within society. The increasingly dominant use of the Latin alphabet, particularly among the younger generation, has led to the Javanese script and other regional scripts being marginalized. The lack of use in everyday life has the potential to result in a decline in the ability to read and write Javanese script among future generations.

This situation calls for revitalization efforts that can adapt regional scripts to the changing times. This revitalization is an effort to introduce the script symbolically and encourage its active use today.

One form of Javanese script revitalization that is relevant to technological developments is through the provision of Javanese fonts. Fonts are digital representations of scripts that enable their use on various platforms, such as computers, devices, digital documents, and online media.

The existence of Javanese fonts facilitates the learning and teaching process, as the script can be written, read, and studied in a practical manner. In addition, Javanese fonts also open up opportunities for the use of script as an aesthetic element in graphic design and creative works.

To date, various Javanese fonts are available and accessible through various media. However, in order for their use to be sustainable, both for writing and aesthetic purposes, the use of license-free Javanese fonts is a more appropriate choice.

License-free fonts allow for widespread use without legal barriers or licensing fees. This greatly supports the use of Javanese script by educational institutions, cultural communities, designers, and the general public.

As a form of support for the preservation of Javanese script, in 2020 the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Office released a Javanese font developed by Apri Nugroho. There are two types of fonts introduced, namely nyk Ngayogyan and nyk Ngayogyan Jejeg. Both fonts can be downloaded via the following links:

• Fon nyk Ngayogyan

https://aksaradinusantara.com/fonta/nyk-ngayogyan.font

• Fon nyk Ngayogyan Jejeg

https://aksaradinusantara.com/fonta/nyk-ngayogyan-jejeg.font

In addition to providing fonts, the developers also provide installation guidelines, typing instructions, and keyboard layouts. These guidelines are intended to make it easier for users to install and use Javanese fonts correctly and consistently.

The use of Javanese script is also linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 17. In the context of SDG 4 on quality education, the existence of Javanese script supports the provision of inclusive, contextual, and locally-based teaching materials, thereby facilitating the learning process and improving students' cultural literacy. Meanwhile, the achievement of these goals cannot be separated from SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, because the development and utilization of Javanese phonetic script requires collaboration between the government, academics, technology developers, cultural communities, and the wider community.

Author           : Haryo Untoro

Editor             : Haryo Untoro

Bibliography

Maulana, R. (2020). Aksara-Aksara di Nusatara: Seri Ensiklopedia. Writing Tradition Project

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

Quoted in full from: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZVAzRARUy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program officially recorded a change in leadership on January 7, 2026. The position of Head of the Study Program is now entrusted to Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., who will carry out this mandate for five years, namely for the 2026–2030 period.

Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., replaces Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., who previously served as Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program for the 2021–2025 period. During her leadership, Dr. Daru Winarti implemented various academic programs and contributed to strengthening the governance and scientific identity of the study program.

This change in leadership is expected to be a sustainable step in the development of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. With new leadership, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program is expected to continue to grow and enhance its role, particularly in the fields of teaching, preservation, and development of Javanese language, literature, and culture.

Author           : Haryo Untoro
Editor             : Haryo Untoro

List of Figures

Sastrajawaugm [@sastrajawaugm]. (2026, 12 Januari). [ NDHEREK MANGAYUBAGYA ] Pada tanggal 7 Januari 2026, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. resmi dilantik sebagai Kepala Program Studi S1 Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Jawa. Selamat mengemban jabatan akademik, Ibu Sulis🙌 [Foto]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZVAzRARUy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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