On Sunday (02/11/2024), Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was a guest speaker in the Culture Webinar. The webinar is one of a series of events commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Association of Regional Language and Literature Students throughout Indonesia (Imbasadi). The event was held at 14.00 WITA (13.00 WIB) with the theme "Synergy of Nusantara Performing Arts in the Era of Globalization." The theme raised a reality about the role, function, and position of the archipelago's performing arts in the era of free and open globalization.

Together with Prof. Dr. Drs. I Wayan Sugita, M.Si., a professor from the State Hindu University, I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa Denpasar, both presented informative and educational material about the Nusantara performing arts to the webinar participants.

Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., explained his material entitled "Art, Tradition, and Globalization." In his presentation, he highlighted how globalization can affect a tradition

One of the interesting aspects of his presentation was the changes in Kecak dance over time. "Kecak dance initially did not contain a particular story. Later, Walter Spies, a Western artist, worked with Balinese artists and inserted the Ramayana epic into the Kecak Dance performance. At this point, Kecak Dance, which was originally part of the communal culture of the community, was transformed into an attraction for tourist consumption," he explained.

The Cultural Webinar organized by Imbasadi is aimed at inviting the younger generation of Indonesia to understand the potential of the archipelago's arts and culture in the midst of globalization. By preserving and enlivening the archipelago's culture, the community can contribute to developing knowledge and abilities and participate in protecting the nation's cultural heritage. This effort is in line with the sustainable development goals, especially point 4, which highlights the provision of quality education.

On Monday, (02/12/2024), the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program received a visit from students of Reitsumeikan University, Japan. The event took place in Room 405 (gamelan room), Margono Building, 4th floor, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The participants of this visit were 20 students, one supervisor, and 14 friends from the Buddy Club Student Activity Unit.

(Introduction of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and HMJ Kamastawa)

During the visit, seven student representatives from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program gave a presentation about the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program and the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Family Organization (HMJ Kamastawa). Furthermore, student representatives introduced Karawitan musical instruments as part of Javanese culture. The introduction was carried out by explaining the musical instruments, demonstrating playing the instruments, and presenting a traditional Javanese song entitled "Suwe Ora Jamu." After the presentation, Reitsumeikan University students were allowed to try playing various gamelan musical instruments available, guided by student representatives.

(Demonstration of gamelan musical instruments)

(Introduction of Javanese gamelan instruments to Reitsumeikan University students)

The visit was then closed with a group photo and the handover of souvenirs to Reitsumeikan University.

(Handover of souvenirs)

With this visit, Reitsumeikan University students had the opportunity to better understand Indonesian culture, especially Javanese culture. This activity can be an effort to introduce the beauty of the archipelago's culture to the international community. Efforts to introduce and explore the traditions and culture of the archipelago are in line with the fourth point in the sustainable development goals, namely the provision of quality education.