Yogyakarta (05/22/2024) -Universitas Gadjah Mada won the overall champion in the Sarasehan Nusantara XI Imbasadi event. Sarasehan Nusantara XI was held at the State Hindu College Mpu Kuturan Singaraja (STAH N Mpu Kuturan Singaraja) on May 17-19, 2024 offline.  The three-day event raised the theme "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika: Harmony in Diversity" and included various events, such as various competitions, lontar seminars, and the culmination of the event in the form of the awarding night and the election of Putra and Putri Imbasadi 2024.

The competitions held during Sarasehan Nusantara XI were quite diverse. There were six (6) competitions, including the National Scientific Writing Competition (LKTIN), the election of Putra and Putri Imbasadi 2024, national typography competition, poetry musicalization competition, cultural poster competition, and cultural documentary video.

The Universitas Gadjah Mada contingent represented by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) sent eight (8) students to participate in the entire series of events. The eight students included Bima Muslih Wicaksono (class of 2022) as the head of the delegation, Haryo Untoro (class of 2022), Muhammad Siswoyo (class of 2022), Kintan Dewinta Putri (class of 2022), Ganes Larasati (class of 2023), Meifiri Arini Pitaloka (class of 2023), Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy (batch 2023), and Rafif Wicaksono (class of 2023).

After participating in a series of events, the delegation of Universitas Gadjah Mada brought good news by getting several nominations for champions in several competitions, namely:

1. 1st place in the Cultural Poster Competition - Meifira Arini Pitaloka

The Cultural Poster Competition illustrates the diverse backgrounds of Indonesian society, namely ethnicity, religion, and race, which live in harmony.

2. 1st Runner-up Putri Imbasadi 2024 - Ganes Larasati

The selection of Putra and Putri Imbasadi went through a rigorous selection, starting from filing, talent interest test, public speaking, to the grand final stage. After going through a long series of processes, Ganes Larasati paired with Reidha Prastya from Universitas Sebelas Maret Regional Literature Study Program was given the mandate as the 2nd Runner-up 1.

3. 2nd place in the National Scientific Writing Competition - Haryo Untoro and Muhammad Siswoyo

The National Scientific Writing Contest that was written contained the title Representation of Jagat Harmony in Syair Drojogan Wayang Kulit Jawa Timuran Subgagrag Surabaya. This research raised the material object in the form of Drojogan poem, a suluk or sulukan that is developed by a puppeteer before the Surabaya subgagrade Timuran Javanese shadow puppet begins. The disclosure of the language style in the Drojogan poem which contains a description of the means, media, and actors of the shadow puppet performance and its preservation is the focus of this Scientific Paper.

4. 3rd place in National Typography Competition - Muhamad Rafi Nur Fauzy

National Typography Competition in the form of a painting of Joglo, a Javanese traditional house, which is decorated with beautiful and precise Javanese script writing. 

5. General Champion of Sarasehan Nusantara XI - Universitas Gadjah Mada

In addition to the four competitions above, Universitas Gadjah Mada was crowned the overall champion in the Sarasehan Nusantara XI Imbasadi event.

Coronation of 1st Runner-up Putra and Putri Imbasadi 2024

The awarding of the General Champion trophy to the delegation of Universitas Gadjah Mada

These achievements are inseparable from the spirit of the students of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, UGM, in promoting, appreciating, preserving, and enlivening the various cultures that live in Indonesia in a bond of harmony. With the implementation of Sarasehan Nusantara XI and the title obtained, it is hoped that it can spark the enthusiasm of students to continue to maintain and promote existing cultural heritage and can strengthen relations between students of regional literature study programs throughout Indonesia.

Our gratitude goes to all parties who participated in supporting and organizing this event. We also ask for support and blessings so that the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX activities held at Universitas Gadjah Mada can run successfully.

Indonesia is diverse, Imbasadi unites

Yogyakarta (05/20/2024) - Wayang kulit / Puppetry, a traditional art recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Human Cultural Heritage, has high historical, philosophical, and artistic value. The art of puppet is considered one of the pinnacles of Javanese culture, so it is important for the younger generation to recognize, understand, and preserve this noble heritage.

In order to deepen the understanding of shadow puppets, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program organized a field study for the Puppet Literature course on May 16, 2024. This activity was held at the Sonobudoyo Museum in Yogyakarta, giving students the opportunity to see puppets and manuscripts related to puppets.

A group photo of the field course participants observing the puppet collection.

This field study was attended by students participating in the Puppet Literature course and guided by the lecturers, namely R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., and Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. During the activity, students had direct access to observe various puppet collections and manuscripts related to wayang kulit. The enthusiasm of the students was visible throughout this activity, showing their interest in knowing more about the cultural wealth of the nation.

The output of this field study is not only a presentation of what has been learned but also an introduction and growth of love and pride for the nation's culture. In addition, this activity is expected to add experience and become a means of developing the scientific competence of the participants. Thus, the field course is in line with the fourth point of the sustainable development goals, namely improving the quality of education within the scope of the preservation and development of the nation's culture.

Author: Nanda Nursa Alya

Editor: Haryo Untoro

Yogyakarta (05/14/2024) - The first day of the 13th Gugur Gunung was successfully held on Monday, May 13, 2024, at Margono Hall, 1st floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Jawaisme Fest, which is part of this event, managed to attract the attention of various groups, ranging from mahadaya, inculs students, FIB staff, to high school students visiting FIB UGM.

Jawaisme Fest is an exhibition of Javanese art, literature and culture. Some of the cultural products on display are archipelago manuscripts, Javanese traditional daily clothing or Yogyakarta-style padintenan, shadow puppets, gamelan sets, weton procedures, traditional games, and various other cultural products.

The Nusantara manuscripts on display include Javanese manuscripts, illustrated lontar manuscripts from Bali, and imitations of Batak manuscripts. Shadow puppets with Pandawa (Yudistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa) and Punakawan (Semar, Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong) characters were also present to welcome visitors. Some of the gamelan instruments displayed included saron, kendhang ciblon, kethuk, kempul, and gong. Traditional games such as yoyo, othok-othok hammer, othok-othok boat, bekel, ketapel or plintheng, bas basan, gasing, and various other games bring a nostalgic impression of the past. The Javanese procedures displayed, including the life cycle from birth to death and an introduction to weton, succeeded in sparking visitors' curiosity to find out more.

Javanese Shadow Puppet

Gamelan Instruments

Javanese Traditional Fashion Yogyakarta Style

Replika Naskah Batak

The various cultural products on display attracted the interest of the visitors. They showed their enthusiasm through various questions asked to the stand guards. Visitors were also given the opportunity to try various traditional games, hold and play shadow puppets, sound gamelan instruments, see Nusantara manuscripts, and try their luck at the lucky draw booth.

Two high school students learning about shadow puppets

Traditional othok-othok boat game attracts the attention of inculs students

Weton introduction to female students

Jawaisme Fest will still take place on the second day of Gugur Gunung 13, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from 09.00 to 15.00 WIB. The second day will be even more special with the performance of a Jathilan dance drama entitled “Turangga Sastra Nuswantara” by the students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. The Jathilan dance drama performance will be even more interesting with the presence of Lala Atila, a famous campursari singer, who will sing in the performance. So, let's get ready for Gugur Gunung 13!

Yogyakarta (05/16/2024) - The second day of Gugur Gunung 13, precisely on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, became an unforgettable moment for all residents of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). Not without reason, because students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program collaborated in a team called 'Turangga Sastra Nuswantara' to perform Jathilan Dance Drama on the peak day of Gugur Gunung 13.

The Jathilan Dance Drama performance was held at 04.00 PM –05.30 PM WIB on the stage located in Greenland. Each side of the stage was packed with members of the academic community who were interested in the Jathilan Dance Drama performance. The performance of popular art became livelier with the presence of Lala Atila as the sinden of the Jathilan Dance Drama.

Jathilan Dance Drama is a performance of Jathilan dance, an art that is closely related to the use of jaran kepang, or lumping horse, and contains drama about Javanese mythology. The legend of Javanese mythology is the legend of Ajisaka and his battle with Dewata Cengkar, a giant king in the kingdom of Medang Kamulan. The production of the Jathilan Dance Drama was led by R. Raga Budi Panuntun, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2021, and directed by Yulian Kethus from the Kidung Cakrawala Art Studio.

Enthusiasm of mahadaya

Before the performance began, at 03.00 PM WIB, the performers and staff held a jaran bath and prayer together at Wisdom Park. Afterward, a cultural procession was carried out along the route from Wisdom Park to FIB through the north door.

Kirab Budaya to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences

The folk-art performance was opened by R. Sukoco, an alumnus of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as the narrator. There were various speeches delivered by Idharul Huda, as the chairman of Gugur Gunung 13, Dr. Daru Winarti, Head of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, and Prof. Dr. Setiadi, S.Sos., M.Si, dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. The event continued with the traditional ceremony of kupat luwar or luwaran kupat, as a form of releasing all things that are not good so that the event can run smoothly.

Kupat Luwar or Luwaran Kupat Procession

The next event was the presentation of the Jathilan Dance Drama which managed to amaze the entire audience. The audience seemed to really enjoy it, even dancing to the music of the Jathilan dance. The highlight of this presentation was the scene of the battle between Aji Saka and Dewata Cengkar. The thrilling battle and Aji Saka's stunning victory drew thunderous applause from all directions.

The end of the Jathilan Dance Drama performance also marked the end of the 13th Gugur Gunung. Various beautiful and fun moments have occurred during Gugur Gunung 13. We would like to thank the enthusiasm and support from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, sponsors, mahadaya, and the entire academic community of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. May the culture of the archipelago be preserved and continue to live from time to time. See you at Gugur Gunung 14.

It's been a year since the 12th Gugur Gunung successfully hit the stage with the lively and spectacular ketoprak wayang gedhog titled Panji Kudanarawangsa. Now, proudly, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program presents the 13th Gugur Gunung to all, especially the mahadaya!

Gugur Gunung is an annual event held to commemorate the anniversary of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. In the event, the students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program collaborate to present various cultures of the Nusantara, especially Javanese culture.

This time, the theme is "Holopis Kuntul Baris", a Javanese philosophy that is close to Gugur Gunung activities. "Holopis Kuntul Baris" depicts a line of egrets flying in a pointed pattern. This philosophy is a symbol of joint efforts to solve problems, or what we know as gotong royong. Gotong royong is a manifestation of the Javanese sociocultural society that upholds patembayatan, which means living side by side in harmony,

There are two major events that will enliven the 13th Gugur Gunung:

1. Jawaisme Fest

Jawaisme Fest is a Javanese cultural exhibition featuring all things traditional such as traditional games, traditional clothing, performing arts, customs, tata cara, weton, and so on. There are also traditional food tenants that are appetizing. Jawaisme Fest was held on May 13-14, 2024, 09.00 AM-06.00 PM WIB, at Margono Hall, 1st floor, Faculty of Cultural Science, UGM.

2.Popular Arts Performance

The Popular Arts Performance will feature a Jathilan Dance Drama entitled "Turangga Sastra Nuswantara" presented by a collaboration of students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. This art performance will take place in Greenland, Faculty of Cultural Science, UGM, on May 14, 2024, starting at 03.00 PM until completion. Oh, I almost forgot, the Popular Arts Performance will be enlivened by a performance from Lala Atila.

So, don't miss this exciting moment!

Yogyakarta (06/03/2024) - After spending the month of Ramadan full of wisdom, it is time to celebrate the blessings and warmth of Syawalan. The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program held a Syawalan event with great joy and a spirit of togetherness. This event took place in the hallway of the 4th floor of the Margono building on May 2, 2024, starting at 04.00 PM WIB until completion, attended by students from the 2020-2023 batch along with all the lecturers.

The festivity of the syawalan event was warmly opened by Bagus Ulin Nuha, a student from the class of 2023 who acted as the announcer of the event. Followed by remarks from Gilang Cahyo Nusantara, as the head of the Kamastawa Department Student Association (HMJ), and Dr. Daru Winarti, M. Hum. as the head of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In her speech, Dr. Daru Winarti, M. Hum. expressed her gratitude for the presence and togetherness that was established in this special moment.

After the speeches, it was followed by the reading of the Syawalan pledge led by M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, a 2023 student, and followed by all attendees. The syawalan event was also enlivened with a tausiah delivered by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer in literary studies. The tausiah brought an important theme about the true meaning of Eid al-Fitr, inviting the audience to reflect and interpret the moment of fitri more deeply. After the sermon, the event continued with a joint prayer led by Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A. The peak of the warmth of the event occurred during the halal bi halal session, where all attendees jointly expressed their apologies and forgiveness, strengthening the ties of brotherhood among them. The moment of joy was immortalized in a group photo session which was also the closing session of the syawalan activity.

Syawalan is not only a religious ritual, but also a place to strengthen the relationship between students and lecturers as part of the family in the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. This syawalan activity is also interpreted to be self-reflective, learn to forgive, and build harmonious relationships. Through this moment, it is hoped that awareness of the importance of good relationships and respect for others will continue to be instilled, become part of the formation of a quality person, and be ready to face a bright and challenging future.

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), together with the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Association (HMJ Kamastawa), held a sharing session entitled 'The Existence of Javanese Culture in Foreign Countries'. The event was held offline at the Soegondo Auditorium, 7th floor, at 15.00 WIB until completion.

This sharing session featured two main speakers, Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., and R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., both lecturers of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program with a field of literary studies. Alma Syahwalani and Muhammad Bagus Ulin Nuha also participated as speakers and moderators. The participants consisted of students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program batches 2021, 2022, and 2023, as well as other participants who were interested in the existence of Javanese culture in foreign countries.

In the presentation session, R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., and Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., shared their experiences when working on a project organized by the British Museum. The project is a study that departs from a question: is it true that Raffles' belongings that are now in the British Museum were looted?

"At the British Museum, we found a lot of manuscripts and puppet collections, such as wayang kulit, wayang topeng, wayang krucil, and wayang klithik, to a puppet whose existence has been lost in Java," explained R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., in his presentation. "This can be an opportunity for Javanese literature students to study and continue their education abroad," he added.

In line with R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., reviewed research opportunities for students through the perspective of post-colonialism. "The current cultural perspective adopts a post-colonialism perspective. This means that the British Museum gives access to the owners of culture, namely us, to research and study according to their own cultural knowledge and taste." In addition, he also highlighted the lack of Javanese manuscript experts in the UK. "In the UK, there are various manuscripts and cultures typical of the archipelago, but the scholars are very few and have not experienced significant regeneration," he explained.

After the presentation session ended, the announcer opened a discussion session and gave participants the opportunity to ask questions of the two speakers. The participants responded enthusiastically. This was evident from the variety of questions asked of the speakers. The last series of events was the closing, with a group photo session to capture the moment.

The Sharing Session event entitled 'The Existence of Javanese Culture in Foreign Countries' is expected to motivate and arouse the enthusiasm of students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. "This is to motivate all Javanese Literature friends that departing from pleasure or hobbies, if done seriously, can lead to dreams or ideals, especially about Java, and that opportunities are wide open for all students," said R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A.

Research and study of the traditions and culture of the archipelago need to be carried out continuously to maintain its sustainability because it is the identity and heritage of the Indonesian nation. Synergy from various parties is needed in disseminating this knowledge to academics and the community so that knowledge and culture are not lost and can continue to be developed in accordance with the times. This is in line with the goals of sustainable development, especially in organizing superior-quality education and establishing partnerships to achieve certain goals.

After going through a series of processes, from registration to announcement, it was time for the selected organizers of Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX to meet and interact with each other. The first gathering of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX committee was held offline on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the University Fire Department garage, from 08.00 to 09.00 PM WIB.

The first gathering was attended by the entire Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX committee from various divisions, such as events, public relations (PR), creative media, equipment, consumption, business funds, security, sponsors, and liaison officers, as well as student delegates from Universitas Gadjah Mada. In addition, this inaugural meeting was attended by special figures such as Ardhani Indri, a student of the Javanese Language Education Study Program at UNS, as President of Imbasadi for the 2022-2023 period, Zainal Fanani, an alumni student of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2019, as President of Imbasadi for the 2020-2021 period, Nur Laeli Wijayanti (online), an alumni student of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2017, as the coordinator of the cultural arts division for the 2019/2020 period, and Vighna Rivattyannur Hernawan, a student of the UGM Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2020, as the Secretary of Imbasadi for the 2022-2023 period and currently serves as a supervisor in Imbasadi for the 2024-2025 period.

This inaugural meeting was not only a place to get to know each other but also filled with briefings and understanding about Imbasadi. Ardhani Indri, Zainal Fanani, Nur Laeli Wijayanti, and Vighna Rivattyanur Hernawan gave a glimpse into their experiences while involved in Imbasadi. Meanwhile, Bima Muslih Wicaksono, chairman of the Temu Budaya Nusantara XXX committee, explained the planning timeline and the main programs to be implemented.

As a result of the XXIX Nusantara Cultural Gathering National Conference at I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University, Bangli, on November 8, 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was chosen as the host of the Nusantara Cultural Gathering XXX in 2024. With the selection of UGM as the host of the Nusantara Cultural Gathering XXX, it is expected that the event can run smoothly and provide positive experiences for all participants. In addition, the implementation of Nusantara Cultural Gathering XXX is expected to contribute to the study and preservation of the cultural diversity of the archipelago and remain relevant in the times. Thus, the activity is in line with the sustainable development goals, especially point 4 regarding quality education and point 17 regarding partnerships to achieve goals.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, at 09.30 AM WITA, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, S.S., M.Hum, a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, became a speaker in a public lecture entitled 'Philology in the Study of Javanese Manuscripts'. This activity was held through the Zoom Meeting platform and initiated by the Javanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Udayana University (FIB UNUD).

In the public lecture, Dr. Arsanti Wulandari presented an introduction to philology, reviewed the concept of philology, the object of study, the tasks of philologists, and the final product produced. The presentation is complemented by examples of Javanese manuscripts and their identification, so that the audience can understand philology more easily.   The discussion session that followed provided space for participants to ask various questions, showing their high enthusiasm for the topics discussed.

This public lecture on philology was held in response to the diminishing interest of students in the field of philological studies. However, the government is currently seriously encouraging the excavation of knowledge and values contained in ancient manuscripts. Hopefully, through this kind of activity, interest in and understanding of philology can grow again among students.

The importance of understanding and maintaining the sustainability of knowledge and cultural values contained in ancient manuscripts is the focus of this public lecture. By providing knowledge, enthusiasm, and establishing good cooperation, it is hoped that the knowledge and cultural values in ancient manuscripts can be preserved and then developed according to the needs of the times. This is in line with the goals of sustainable development, especially in improving the quality of education (point 4) and strengthening cooperation to achieve common goals (point 17).

Based on the results of the XXIX National Deliberation (munas) of Temu Budaya Nusantara at I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa State Hindu University, Bangli, on November 8, 2023, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) was chosen as the host of the XXX Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), which will be held in 2024.

Imbasadi is a special organization for students majoring in or studying regional languages and literature held by universities in Indonesia. There are 36 universities that are members of this organization. In its implementation, Imbasadi is divided into several Regional Division areas, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Sulawesi.

Every year, Imbasadi has two regularly organized activities, namely Sarasehan Nusantara (SN) and Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN). Regarding TBN, this activity is held around November or December. The main purpose of TBN is the national deliberation, demission, and reorganization of the Imbasadi board. The supporting activities that are held are the Archipelago Cultural Performance and the National Scientific Writing Competition. Other activities depend on the TBN organizing committee.

In order to organize TBN XXX, the organizing committee of Temu Budaya Nusantara activities from Gadjah Mada University opens opportunities for mahadaya to participate in various divisions, such as events, public relations (PR), creative media, equipment, consumption, business funds (Danus), security, sponsors, and liaison officers. By joining the committee of Temu Budaya Nusantara, Mahadaya has the opportunity to get a national certificate, extensive new relationships, and experience in organizing events.

Here is the open recruitment timeline:

1. Registration: March 10–14, 2024
2. Interview: March 16–17, 2024
3. Announcement: March 19, 2024
4. First Gathering: March 23, 2024

Interested students can register via the registration link and access the guidebook for more information. For any questions, Mahadaya can contact Mayla (08998001072 via WhatsApp) or Gulang (Rickrowens01 via Line) as contact persons.

Imbasadi, as an organization, aims to study, preserve, develop, and introduce regional cultures in Indonesia. Through the good cooperation of the host committee and the support of various parties, it is hoped that Imbasadi's XXX Nusantara Cultural Gathering activities can be well organized. This activity is in line with the sustainable development goals, especially in point 4 (improving the quality of education) and point 17 (partnerships to achieve goals).