Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is once again implementing the Community Empowerment Field Study Program (KKN-PPM), a student service program that is both an academic tradition and a form of social responsibility for universities towards the community. The 50-day program, running from June 20 to August 8, 2025, places students in various regions to interact with the community, identify needs, and provide creative, science-based solutions. Among the many programs initiated by students, one that stands out is P4 Carakan (Introduction, Learning, Training, and Application of Carakan), a concrete effort to preserve and promote Javanese script in Pacitan Regency, East Java.

This program was conceived by Dhiny Maulina Mahanani, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, and implemented at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN) 2 Pacitan, Bungur Village, Tulakan District, Pacitan Regency, East Java.

Dhiny explained that the background of this program stems from the low interest of students in learning local content, especially Javanese script, which is often considered complicated. Therefore, he developed a more interactive and enjoyable learning method. The activity began with the screening of an animated video about the history of Javanese script, followed by an introduction to the basics of Carakan, its rules of use, and an interactive quiz with prizes to encourage students to express their opinions. This resulted in increased enthusiasm among students, as evidenced by their active participation and various questions.

“The goal of this program is to dispel the notion that learning Javanese script is difficult, while also increasing young people's interest in local knowledge. This is part of a real effort to preserve Javanese culture,” said Dhiny in an online interview on September 30, 2025.

Initially, the program was planned to be targeted only at third-grade students. However, thanks to the support of the school, the teaching target was expanded to include all students in grades 1-6, with a total of 109 participants. This situation presented its own challenges in implementing the program.

Despite facing challenges in managing a large number of students, Dhiny admitted that interactive methods helped her maintain the participants' focus and enthusiasm. Support from the school was also key to the success of this program. “I am proud and happy to be able to share my knowledge and successfully attract students to learn about local knowledge. I am also touched because all the teachers and students have noticed a change in the students' enthusiasm for learning,” she added.

The presence of the P4 Carakan program is an example of how community service activities can serve to empower the community while also promoting local culture that has begun to be marginalized. The P4 Carakan program is proof that efforts to preserve and revive culture can begin in small classrooms in rural areas. Through continuous cooperation, cultural preservation does not only remain at a symbolic level, but can also find its relevance in the midst of community life, namely as a form of national identity and the cultural wealth of the archipelago.

Universitas Gadjah Mada is holding a 50-day Community Empowerment Field Study Program (KKN-PPM) from June 20 to August 8, 2025. In its implementation, students are assigned to serve by carrying out programs aimed at community empowerment. This includes Yudha Adhistira, a student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, who is implementing the “Sira Saraja” (Sinau Rame Aksara Jawa) program in Blitar Regency, East Java. This program focuses on socializing the use of Javanese script and language to elementary to high school students in Bululalang Village and Bakung District, highlighting a number of common mistakes, such as the use of the words “makempal” and “tedhak sungging,” as well as errors in writing the names of villages and public places on digital platforms such as Google Maps.

In an online interview on August 31, 2025, Yudha explained that the aim of this program is to reduce misconceptions about the use of Javanese script and language, while fostering motivation and interest among the younger generation in  Javanese language objects. “To attract this interest, the material has been designed to be appealing, such as displaying examples of beautiful Javanese manuscripts, conducting case studies of Javanese-language pop works, and introducing the potential of Javanese cultural objects and tourism in the Blitar area,” he explained.

However, the implementation of this program is not without challenges. Yudha revealed that there is still a lack of educators who are experts in the Javanese language and a limited number of student worksheets (LKS) that focus on Javanese script. Nevertheless, the students' enthusiasm was evident through their active questioning and interaction during the activities. "The situation was quite exciting and challenging, especially when presenting new things that could attract the children's interest. Despite some difficulties, the children's enthusiasm through their interactions and many questions about this teaching method is a joy in itself," he added.

The Sira Saraja program also reflects the importance of preserving regional languages as part of national identity. The slogan “language is the soul of a nation” is relevant in efforts to preserve and develop regional languages. The conditions in Bululalang Village and Bakung District are concrete examples of the current state of regional languages, which are becoming increasingly “foreign” to their speakers.

In line with this, in his lecture, Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and professor of Linguistics at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, emphasized the importance of a flexible, enjoyable, and relevant approach to learning regional languages (Hendrokumoro 2025, May 8). This is an important strategy so that regional language learners, especially native speakers, can continue to preserve and revive regional languages as a form of national identity. Therefore, synergy between various parties is needed as a joint effort in the preservation and development of regional languages in Indonesia.

Bibliography

Hendrokumoro. [Universitas Gadjah Mada]. (2025, May 8). Pengukuhan Prof. Dr. Hendrokumoro, M.Hum., Guru Besar Fakultas Ilmu Budaya UGM. [Video]. Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d6PJDguBFk.

On Sunday (August 24, 2025), HMJ Kamastawa conducted social service and teaching activities at the Darun Najah Orphanage and Shelter for the Poor in Maguwoharjo Village, Depok, Sleman. This initiative, organized by the Social Community Division and the Academic Division, reflects the students' social responsibility and dedication to the community as part of implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. The target audience for the activity was orphaned and underprivileged children, with a focus on educational support for female high school students.

Prior to the social service activity, the Social Community Division opened donations of money and goods, including reading books, stationery, and cleaning supplies. These donations were then distributed to meet the needs of the Darun Najah Orphanage.

The series of events began with a teaching activity guided by the Academic Division with the theme of Javanese script and how to write it. In this session, students presented interactive group games. Participants were asked to answer questions competitively, and each correct and quick answer would earn points. After the game ended, the group with the most points was entitled to a prize.

The event continued with a social service activity by the Social Community Division, which donated snacks and necessities for the orphanage, such as brooms, boxes, and so on. The funds for these necessities were obtained from an open donation that had been opened previously.

The event concluded with a symbolic presentation of commemorative plaques and the handover of donations from the chairman of HMJ Kamastawa to representatives of the Darun Najah Orphanage management. Students and orphanage children also took part in a group photo session to commemorate the occasion and share stories.

Kamastawa's community service activities are not merely about carrying out work programs, but also provide a shared learning space that offers valuable experiences for both students and children at the orphanage. In addition, these activities support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the areas of health, education, equality, and sustainable communities and partnerships.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program, class of 2023, Maysa Putri Fatihah, won the 1st runner-up prize in the Javanese Script Literacy competition. This competition was held by Pura Pakualaman in the framework of the 219th (in Javanese year) Hadeging Kadipaten Pakualaman Ngayogyakarta. This year, the Hadeging Kadipaten Pakualaman event carries the theme 'Manggala Gati Wiwaraning Rat'.

This Javanese Script Literacy Competition is divided into two categories, namely General and Students. For the general category, the competition is to translate Latin text into Javanese script and draw rerenggan/illustrations according to the participants' interpretation of the contents of the text. The questions are in the form of macapat songs from the Sestra Ageng Adidarma manuscript text collected by the Widyapustaka Pakualaman Library. This text contains 6 verses of the Durma song, all of which must be depicted in the renggan, but only the first verse is translated. The text was given when the registration was announced, so participants could prepare illustration ideas well in advance.

On the day of the event, participants were given 5 hours to complete the work. During the process, participants were prohibited from opening their cellphones, copying letters, or plagiarizing images. The committee only provided drawing paper with Pakualaman stickers to minimize cheating.

Maysa's work itself has a deep meaning. She mentioned in the description of her rerenggan that the color red symbolizes courage, while blue symbolizes peace and noble character. In the ornament under the renggan, a circle is depicted which has the meaning of rat or universe. In addition, there are ornaments of cannons, arrows, and spears as weapons of war. These weapons of war symbolize a source of strength or support to achieve victory.

Apart from Maysa, there were 2 other students from the 2023 batch who took part in this competition, namely Rafi Nur Fauzy and Rafif Wicaksono. Both are among the top 10 nominees with the best works. By participating in this competition, it is hoped that students can love and appreciate the literary works left by our ancestors more.

"It certainly feels happy to have the opportunity to participate in the Javanese script literacy competition and win. It's great to meet great people there (especially philologists). Alhamdulillah, I was able to bring home the trophy from Pakualaman and make my parents proud. Hopefully, my other friends will be motivated so that in the next opportunity they can participate and compete together," said Maysa.

Ahead of the first course registration through the Simaster system, the Student Association of the Study Program of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, (HMJ Kamastawa), held an information session on the Credit Study Plan (KRS) system and curriculum for new students of the 2025 cohort. The event took place on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time in room M403, 4th floor, Margono Building, FIB UGM. The socialization aimed to reduce confusion among new students in filling out the KRS, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday–Friday, August 14–15, 2025.

The information session was presented by Meifira Arini Pitaloka, or familiarly known as Fifi, as the Head of the Academic Division of HMJ Kamastawa. She explained various important information related to lectures, ranging from courses and the number of credits, the mechanism for taking and canceling courses, the use of Simaster, to understanding the curriculum.

In her presentation, Fifi used a creative method by presenting comic strips as visual aids. This method succeeded in increasing the attention and enthusiasm of the new students. The socialization atmosphere was serious but still interactive, as evidenced by the many questions asked by participants to the presenter.

Through this activity, new students are expected to have a clear understanding of how to fill out their course registration forms and gain initial knowledge about the dynamics of university life. HMJ Kamastawa affirms its commitment to continue assisting students in their academic adaptation and campus life.

Asosiasi Pendidikan Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Daerah (ADISABDA) held its 4th National Coordination Meeting (RAKORNAS) and INCOLWIS International Seminar at the Santika Hotel, Surabaya, on August 12–14, 2025. This national forum was attended by the heads of study programs and administrators of regional language, literature, and culture study programs from various universities in Indonesia. The three-day event discussed the papers and presentations of the seminar participants, followed by a national coordination meeting (RAKORNAS). The RAKORNAS activity was carried out to align perceptions and formulate Graduate Learning Outcomes (CPL) so that regional language, literature, and culture education standards can be integrated nationally.

The Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program was present to represent the program at the Incolwis seminar and the ADISABDA IV National Working Meeting. On this occasion, the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program at Surabaya State University (UNESA). This signing is a concrete step to strengthen academic cooperation and curriculum development, while also reinforcing a shared commitment to preserving and developing regional languages, literature, and culture at the national level.

Another proud achievement has been made by cultural studies students (mahadaya) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Muhammad Siswoyo, a student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, won second place in the Kencana Sastra essay competition held by the Javanese Language Education Study Program Student Association, Sebelas Maret University (UNS).

The competition carried the theme “Kabudayan Jawa Nut Larasing Jaman, Tan Bisa Sirna Ing Kasejaten” (Javanese Culture Remains Relevant, Cannot Be Erased from Reality) with three main sub-themes, namely tradition, Javanese cultural values, and knowledge and technology. The series of activities began on May 3, 2025, with the winners announced on May 31, 2025.

In this event, Siswoyo wrote an essay titled “Tutur-Tulis-Pakeliran-Visual: Ekranisasi Repertoar Wayang sebagai Kontinuitas Inovasi Manuscript Digitazion menuju Pertunjukan Kontemporer berbasis Technological.” (Tutur-Tulis-Pakeliran-Visual: The Screen Adaptation of Wayang Repertoire as a Continuation of Manuscript Digitization Innovation toward Contemporary Performances Based on Technology). The work highlights the process of screen adaptation of wayang, starting from old digitized manuscripts, then staged in the form of conventional wayang, to being transformed into cinema wayang. This idea is considered a form of innovation and an offer of renewal so that wayang remains relevant and can be enjoyed by various groups in Indonesia.

In an online interview on August 20, 2025, Siswoyo expressed his deep impression of participating in the competition. “It was exciting. The new theme emphasized cultural relevance. More than relevance and innovation, basic cultural knowledge should be the main point in writing,” he said.

Furthermore, he encouraged his fellow students not to hesitate to participate in various competitions and external activities. “Stay enthusiastic. Don't be shy to be dynamic in competitions or external activities. All students have the same rights. There are many opportunities waiting for you,” he added (08/20/2025).

Siswoyo's achievement is expected to inspire students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as well as the younger generation in general, to continue to excel while preserving the cultural heritage of the archipelago. Culture, as the intellectual wealth of the nation, needs to be continuously preserved and revitalized so that it can continue to benefit society. This is in line with the goals of sustainable development (SDGs), particularly quality education (point 4), sustainable cities and communities (point 11), and partnerships to achieve goals (point 17).

In mid-June, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program received a special visit! This visit was carried out by the University of Indonesia Javanese Literature Student Family (KMSJ UI), in the context of a sowankadang between student associations.

Sowankadang is one of the work programs of the Public Relations and Organization Division (RPO) KAMASTAWA. This activity aims to establish relations and collaboration between the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Family (KAMASTAWA) and student associations of related departments from other universities. This year, KAMASTAWA was visited by KMSJ UI as its guest. The activity that had been planned since March was finally carried out on June 11, 2025 at FIB UGM.

The event began with a cokekan to welcome the arrival of KMSJ UI friends. Then it was opened with remarks from the head of KAMASTAWA, representatives of the Head of Study Program, the head of KMSJ, then representatives of lecturers from the Regional Literature Study Program for Javanese Literature. The next agenda was to exchange information about each organization, including showing a video profile of the study program.

The lecturers who attended this event also missed each other after not seeing each other for so long. Along with that, UI and UGM students were asked to sit alternately so they could get to know each other and establish communication.

The last agenda of Sowan Kadang was a group photo on the entrance stairs of the Hall. All students walked together to the Hall, enjoying the serenity of the afternoon and taking memories in the form of photos and videos.

With this activity, it is hoped that the purpose of holding Sowan Kadang can be achieved, namely to make the relationship between the two student associations close and to be able to establish good communication. Maybe in the future they can even collaborate to create a joint event.

Until the Final Semester Exam period, the excitement of the Codicology course never ends. After taking students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program to visit three libraries in Yogyakarta, this time the students are invited to practice making manuscript protectors and creating manuscripts.

As the name implies, a manuscript protector is a box specially designed to protect ancient manuscripts from physical damage and degradation due to environmental exposure. This box is usually made of non-acidic and neutral materials, such as sirio black cardboard, to prevent further damage to ancient manuscripts. This manuscript protector box is usually made for rare books, manuscripts, or libraries that are old and fragile.

Students learn to make this manuscript protector with the aim that students understand the basic dimensions of making a protective box and can apply it one day if needed. Many places or libraries need this skill.

In addition to making manuscript protectors, in the following week, students are invited to create manuscripts. The manuscripts of these students' works will later be published in a book published in the context of the retirement of a senior lecturer, namely Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum. Students are free to create and work on their own manuscripts. Text materials can be taken from existing manuscripts, or self-made. However, in the process, students are required to add illustrations in the form of rerenggan, gapura renggan, wedana renggan, or rubrication.

Students are divided into 16 groups, with each group creating one work. With these practices, students can apply the material obtained during one semester into their own handmade work. Of course, this will be very impressive, especially if it will be published later.

Together with the Center for Cultural Studies and the Center for Disaster Studies UGM, students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program had the opportunity to dive directly into the community environment in the context of community service. This activity involved the 2023 and 2024 batches, namely Abimanyu Mahendra, Yanuar Agung, Noviyanti Alfitri, Bayu Seta Ardiansyah, Maylafaizza Nafisha, Fega Achillea, Rafi Nur Fauzy, and Rafif Wicaksono.

This activity was led by a lecturer in philology, Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum. who also serves as the current Head of the UGM Center for Cultural Studies. For two days (22-23 June 2025), this team carried out activities in Padukuhan Wotawati, Pucung District, Gunungkidul Regency, DI Yogyakarta.

Wotawati Village, which is located in a unique valley of the former flow of the Ancient Bengawan Solo, has historical and cultural potential but faces significant problems. The main challenges include the absence of a comprehensive and credible narrative regarding the identity of the village that is vulnerable to misinformation, minimal education and preparedness for hydrometeorological disasters, and suboptimal preservation of local culture. This community service aims to empower Wotawati through an approach based on local wisdom and participatory education.

Therefore, this joint team intends to compile a literary work Babad Wotawati which contains history, geography, cultural potential, and disaster education holistically. This Babad is expected to become an official reference source regarding information and the identity of Wotawati village and can become a valuable cultural heritage in the future. This Babad is not only a medium for preserving identity, but also a disaster education tool that is easily accessible to the public. Macapat song training will also complement this effort, reviving oral traditions as a means of conveying messages to the younger generation. Thus, Wotawati can rise as an independent, empowered, and widely known community with a complete and accurate narrative, while being ready to face future challenges.

Thus, in-depth research efforts are needed by visiting and observing directly at the research location. Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture students are given the task of practicing karawitan, introducing tembang dolanan, practicing macapatan, interviewing residents, or documenting activities.

With this activity, it is hoped that students can apply the knowledge and skills they have gained during their studies and can provide benefits to the community directly.