The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held Pionir Kampung Budaya on Wednesday–Thursday, 5–6 August 2026, as part of the Pionir Gadjah Mada series. The event served as an introduction to the faculty environment for the 2026 cohort of new students, known as Mahadaya, while also introducing them to various academic and student activities available during their studies at FIB UGM.
One of the activities featured during the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 was a performance by Gamelan Sastra Nusantara (Gamasutra). Several students from the Department of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture who are members of Gamasutra participated in the event through a traditional Javanese gamelan performance. Gamasutra is a student organization that provides a space for students interested in Javanese gamelan music to learn, practice, and develop their skills in the traditional performing art.
Gamasutra's gamelan performance accompanied the opening of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026 and welcomed the new Mahadaya students. The performance also accompanied the arrival of the Chair of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026, the 2026 President of the Student Executive Board (LEM), the Dean of FIB UGM and faculty leadership, as well as heads of departments across FIB UGM. Gamasutra's presence formed part of the event's activities introducing new students to faculty life through artistic and cultural experiences.
Gamasutra's performance continued during the official inauguration of Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026. The students' involvement in the ceremony demonstrated that the new student orientation program extends beyond introducing the academic environment, while also providing opportunities for students to take part directly in artistic and cultural activities within the faculty.
For Gamasutra, participation in Pionir Kampung Budaya provided an opportunity for its members to put their gamelan skills into practice while introducing the art of gamelan to the new students. For the 2026 Mahadaya cohort, the performance became part of their initial experience of student life at FIB UGM, including an introduction to various opportunities for developing their interests and participating in artistic activities during their studies.
The event also forms part of FIB UGM's efforts to provide students with opportunities to develop their interests, skills, and experience in the arts. As an academic environment dedicated to the study of language, literature, and culture, FIB UGM recognizes artistic and cultural activities as an important complement to students' educational experiences beyond the classroom. This effort is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of students' experiences and potential, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration in organizing activities within the faculty.
Through Pionir Kampung Budaya 2026, Gamasutra's participation brought together the introduction of new students to university life with artistic practice carried out by FIB UGM students. For the 2026 Mahadaya cohort, the experience marked part of their first steps in becoming familiar with the faculty environment, including opportunities to learn, create, and participate in student life at FIB UGM.
Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor : Haryo Untoro
