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
