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.

During the 30th Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN), a new Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture student from the 2024’s batch took part in the competition as a delegate and immediately came out on top! Who is the winner? Let's take a peek at the story!

Ghibran Arsha Daffa' Musaffa' is the 3rd place winner of the Storytelling Competition held at the 30th TBN in 2024. Although Ghibran is a new student, this did not dampen his determination to compete in this national competition. Ghibran said that as soon as he heard that a national storytellers competition would be held and he could represent Universitas Gadjah Mada, he was immediately interested to join.

Initially, the theme he wanted to take was children's games (dolanan anak). Ghibran had even arranged the storyline of the story in such a way. However, after consulting with an elementary school teacher in Yogyakarta, it turned out that the story was considered less relevant to youngster. The teacher finally suggested a romance theme, but it could be connected to culture. Finally, the theme chosen was jathilan. Ghibran stated that this story was inspired by the story of Dr. Inggar Bagus Wibisono. A doctor, jathilan dancer and an Keraton’s abdi dalem all at once. The synopsis of the story is as follows.

There are 2 college students who are dating named Joko and Wati. Wati is said to like things that have to do with culture and has the opinion that she must take part in preserving and maintaining culture, especially Yogyakarta culture. The peak of the conflict takes place in Malioboro where Joko finally finds out that Wati is a jathilan player. Here Joko represents the thoughts of the people who like to swallow the stigma about jathilan raw. However, Wati still chooses to break up with Joko and preserves the jathilan dance and becomes a skilled dancer, to the point of being nicknamed Nyai Rangga Wati.

However, there is a unique fact, namely that Ghibran is actually afraid of jathilan! Even now, when he hears the accompaniment of jathilan gamelan, he still feels nervous because in the past there was an incident where a jathilan dancer almost wanted to enter his house, hihihi. So the process of making this fairy tale is one of Ghibran's ways to get out of his comfort zone. For the sake of this fairy tale, Ghibran was willing to observe and interview female jathilan figures.

Ghibran got a lot of things from this TBN XXX event. Ghibran is grateful because he became brave enough to try new things and put aside his fear. Ghibran also got new friends, even from Bali. Although at the beginning of the event Ghibran felt afraid, because of his father, Ghibran was convinced to try his best because winning or losing is a later matter.

From Ghibran we can learn that in order to achieve what we want, we must put in a lot of effort. In addition, as young people, Ghibran gives an example that we can create cultural-themed works and clear the negative stigma that has been attached to the culture. Finally, there is a message from Ghibran that young people should not be ashamed to preserve their own culture. Because if we don't preserve it, who else will?

In order to encourage the study of Indonesian art archaeology as well as to participate in the field of inclusive education, the scientific division of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Student Association (HMJ Kamastawa) collaborates with Artefak Magazine, a publication of the Archaeology Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). This collaboration resulted in the 2024 edition of Artifact Magazine which raised a theme entitled “Archaeology of Art.”

The magazine features a variety of interesting content, including a feature article, four scientific papers, six popular scientific papers, three opinions, and four essay photos. The presented material also varies from traditional to contemporary, so that the broad discussion can spark curiosity and open a deeper horizon about art archaeology.

So, what is discussed in this edition? How does art and archaeology relate? If students' minds have already come up with such questions, there is nothing wrong with visiting the Instagram account @artefak.hima.

The collaboration between two different academic programs—Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture, with Archaeology—is a joint effort to produce critical and in-depth studies of cultural objects. This collaboration not only enriches the educational landscape but also as a form of implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) points, especially in information gathering, innovation, and education, as well as a form of collaboration in realizing quality education, especially in the field of art archaeology.

Writer       : Haryo Untoro

Editor          : Fega Achillea M.

An innovative movement in the world of education is back through the implementation of the final exam for the 'Tata Cara' course in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture study program at Universitas Gadjah Mada. This exam is not only an academic assessment event, but also aims to train students' observation skills and strengthen their connection with local culture. With a learning method based on direct experience, students are invited to explore, understand, and document the traditions of the surrounding community as part of preserving cultural heritage.

In this final exam, students were asked to form groups and plan a reportation video of events and cultural products in the area around their homes. In approximately one month, the student groups successfully produced diverse and interesting outputs. Among them were those that discussed traditional herbal drinks, various forms of offerings, procedures for panggih manten, jathilan, and so on.

Mayla (class of 2023) said that she was very happy because this reportation assignment gave students more opportunities to learn more about related arts. She said that this was a completely different experience than just watching. Rachel (class of 2023) added that it was fun because she could watch the panggih procession live. There was a prayer for the bride and groom to be able to build a household. Then there was also Nadiffa (class of 2023) who stated that this activity was fun and taught many lessons about mutual tolerance.

This step is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially point 4 on Quality Education, which emphasizes relevant and skills-based learning. In addition, this exam also contributes to point 11, namely Sustainable Cities and Communities, by maintaining and appreciating cultural diversity in local communities. Not only that, the involvement of students in direct interaction with the community reflects the implementation of point 17, Partnerships for The Goals, through collaboration between educational institutions and local communities. 

This innovative approach is expected to strengthen the awareness of the younger generation towards the richness of Indonesian culture while honing their observation skills in understanding social phenomena around them.

Bibliography

Ana Safitri. (Dec 14, 2024). "Aja Waton Payu" Video Dokumenter Mata Kuliah Tata Cara & Pranatacara | UGM | Kelompok 7. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/doC4jVOlluY?si=KdF8wiuBkeBzyMjs

Asmarawijaya. (Dec 13, 2024). KEBUDAYAAN DALAM HARMONI PERNIKAHAN || RANGKAIAN TATACARA PERNIKAHAN GAYA SURAKARTA. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ETIavdVdAh8?si=u-aoJLJdEje8Uwr2

Fifi. (Dec 14 2024). "Sabaya Mukti, Sabaya Pati" - Upacara Panggih Manten Gaya Surakarta di Magelang. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/LlVSazdFAPo?si=WnU3AF8NuSvqvuGw

Rizki Saputro. (Dec 13, 2024). Sajen "Wujud Doa Tanpa Kata". [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/IILkq0dEGPc?si=3ol8mQkLMJyLNr91

As the host of Temu Budaya Nusantara (TBN) XXX Imbasadi, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) remains serious in the competition that is part of the big series. The earnestness of the UGM delegation, represented by ten students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, paid off with championships in three branches of the competition, including the following:

1. 1st place in the National Scientific Writing Competition (LKTIN) - Haryo Untoro, Daffa Pharaja Mustofa, and Miktahul Ulumudin

The work competed in LKTIN has the title Implementation of Asthabrata Concept as the Foundation of Generation Z Life. This study raises the material object in the form of Asthabrata's leadership concept in Yasadipura I's Serat Rama, which turns out to be relevant and can be a life guide for generation Z.

2. 1st place in Batik Design Competition - Meifira Arini Pitaloka

The batik designed by Meifira Arini Pitaloka presents a butterfly with various batik motifs on its wings, as well as other supporting motifs. From her work, there is an in-depth philosophy of Indonesian culture as the identity of the people of the archipelago, with its various forms, patterns, and philosophies, and continues to live and develop throughout the ages.

3. 3rd Place in Storytelling Competition - Ghibran Arsha Daffa' Musaffa'

Ghibran Arsha Daffa' Musaffa' presented a story entitled Nyai Rangga Wati. The story focuses on the quarrel between a couple, Joko and Wati, in Malioboro. During the argument, Joko did not want Wati to continue her desire to become a Jathilan player, which he considered an ancient and backward art. The argument ended with their relationship breaking down. In the end, Wati continued to pursue her dream as a Jathilan dancer and was dubbed by the community as Nyai Rangga Wati.

Imbasadi's XXXth Nusantara Cultural Gathering took place over five days, from November 11-15, 2024. The event themed Manggala Gajah Mada: Ancala Raksi Budaya 'Pioneer Gajah Mada: Bagai Gunung Pengharum Budaya' took place with a variety of events, such as various competitions, batik, tilik UGM, until the peak night in the form of awarding champions, wayang kulit performance of the Gajah Mada Kridha play, and cultural tours to Pura Pakualaman.

There are seven (7) competitions held, namely cultural performances, National Scientific Writing Competition (LKTIN), fairy tale competition, batik design competition, Tiktok archipelago competition, documentary film competition, and essay competition.

The delegates who participated in the event consisted of the 3 youngest batches, from the batch of 2022 there was Haryo Untoro, then from the batch of 2023 represented by Meifira Arini Pitaloka and Nisrina Almasevi, while the batch of 2024 was represented by Dhaffa Pharaja Mustofa, Ghibran Arsha Daffa' Musaffa', Harvesto Qodam Sahaja, Miktahul Ulumudin, Nurcholish Ramadhan, Noviyanti Alfitri, and Shabrina Fitra Azzahra.

With the implementation of the XXXth National Cultural Meeting, it is hoped that it can generate enthusiasm for students to continue to appreciate, explore, preserve, and develop traditional and cultural heritage in Indonesia. The existence of the TBN-XXX can also be a place to strengthen the relationship of students of regional language and literature study programs throughout Indonesia, and unite the spirit to realize the goals of sustainable development for the advancement of national civilization.

Our gratitude goes to all parties who participated in supporting and organizing this activity. Thank you also to all students majoring in regional literature throughout Indonesia who have attended and tried together to preserve and enliven the diversity of Indonesia in full harmony. Hopefully in the future, Imbasadi can present real efforts in cultural preservation and spread benefits to the people of Indonesia.

Indonesia is diverse, Imbasadi unites.

Writer        : Haryo Untoro

Editor         : Fega Achillea Maydena

In the midst of a busy academic routine, a number of students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program have made extraordinary achievements in the non-academic field. They are members of a band called Band Wangoen which has recently stolen a lot of attention with its keroncong genre. The band, which consists of 7 students, has shown dedication, creativity, and a high spirit of teamwork. Band Wangoen means “to be appropriate (in terms of goodness)” it is hoped that with this name Band Wangoen can entertain with wangun in every performance.

At one of Gadjah Mada University's events, Integrated Career Days held in November, Band Wangoen managed to present a beautiful performance. Performing pop songs with keroncong arrangements made them appear different from the others. This achievement not only shows their talent, but also their ability to manage time well between studies and non-academic activities.

“Actually, we all have busy schedules, but making music and being an artist is a fun thing to do. We learn to manage our time well, take advantage of every opportunity to practice, and stay focused on our academic assignments,” said Amtenaring Gulang, the cak’s player and student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2022 who initiated the formation of the band, adding that it was not easy to find group members who had an interest in keroncong music and were talented to play and sing Javanese songs.

The keroncong genre and Javanese songs performed also show the role of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program students in preserving Javanese culture. Keroncong music and Javanese songs are rare to be heard by the current generation, it is fitting to preserve and introduce them so that their existence does not decline. One of the Javanese dolanan songs was also performed on stage, entitled “Gethuk” the song was sung beautifully by the vocalist Dian Patmisari. Tembang dolanan has an important role in Javanese society, especially for children, indirectly the content of dolanan songs contains moral and life values that can be a teaching of character building.

Wangoen Band performance in Integrated Career Days event

Apart from performing at Integrated Career Days 2024, Band Wangoen also had the opportunity to perform 8 songs at the Malam Alumni event as a series of Nitilaku 2024, namely the 75th Anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada and the 15th lustrum. This time, Band Wangoen invited Lala Atila, a sinden, singer, and student of the Language, Literature and Culture Study Program class of 2021 as a vocalist. Lala Atila's melodious voice managed to create an intimate atmosphere among the alumni of Universitas Gadjah Mada who were present. The event, which was also attended by Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the 2nd Nusantara Capital Authority, went smoothly with the warm accompaniment of keroncong music by the Wangoen Band.

Wangoen Band's performance at Alumni Night 2024

The success of Band Wangoen also shows the importance of balance between academic and non-academic activities. The band members proved that with good time management, they can excel not only in the classroom but also outside the classroom. It is hoped that their success will become an example for all students to be more active in exploring their potential in various fields. With increasingly steady steps, Band Wangoen shows that the world of lectures is not only a place to gain knowledge, but also a place to develop talents and achieve success in various aspects of life.