Javanese script is one of the traditional writing systems in Indonesia that is still known and used today. This script is classified as an abugida or syllabic script and is part of the Kawi script family (Maulana, 2020). Since ancient times, Javanese script has played an important role in documenting various knowledge, cultural values, and literary works recorded in Javanese manuscripts.

Technological developments and globalization have had a significant impact on patterns of communication within society. The increasingly dominant use of the Latin alphabet, particularly among the younger generation, has led to the Javanese script and other regional scripts being marginalized. The lack of use in everyday life has the potential to result in a decline in the ability to read and write Javanese script among future generations.

This situation calls for revitalization efforts that can adapt regional scripts to the changing times. This revitalization is an effort to introduce the script symbolically and encourage its active use today.

One form of Javanese script revitalization that is relevant to technological developments is through the provision of Javanese fonts. Fonts are digital representations of scripts that enable their use on various platforms, such as computers, devices, digital documents, and online media.

The existence of Javanese fonts facilitates the learning and teaching process, as the script can be written, read, and studied in a practical manner. In addition, Javanese fonts also open up opportunities for the use of script as an aesthetic element in graphic design and creative works.

To date, various Javanese fonts are available and accessible through various media. However, in order for their use to be sustainable, both for writing and aesthetic purposes, the use of license-free Javanese fonts is a more appropriate choice.

License-free fonts allow for widespread use without legal barriers or licensing fees. This greatly supports the use of Javanese script by educational institutions, cultural communities, designers, and the general public.

As a form of support for the preservation of Javanese script, in 2020 the Yogyakarta Special Region Cultural Office released a Javanese font developed by Apri Nugroho. There are two types of fonts introduced, namely nyk Ngayogyan and nyk Ngayogyan Jejeg. Both fonts can be downloaded via the following links:

• Fon nyk Ngayogyan

https://aksaradinusantara.com/fonta/nyk-ngayogyan.font

• Fon nyk Ngayogyan Jejeg

https://aksaradinusantara.com/fonta/nyk-ngayogyan-jejeg.font

In addition to providing fonts, the developers also provide installation guidelines, typing instructions, and keyboard layouts. These guidelines are intended to make it easier for users to install and use Javanese fonts correctly and consistently.

The use of Javanese script is also linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 17. In the context of SDG 4 on quality education, the existence of Javanese script supports the provision of inclusive, contextual, and locally-based teaching materials, thereby facilitating the learning process and improving students' cultural literacy. Meanwhile, the achievement of these goals cannot be separated from SDG 17 on partnerships for the goals, because the development and utilization of Javanese phonetic script requires collaboration between the government, academics, technology developers, cultural communities, and the wider community.

Author           : Haryo Untoro

Editor             : Haryo Untoro

Bibliography

Maulana, R. (2020). Aksara-Aksara di Nusatara: Seri Ensiklopedia. Writing Tradition Project

SMAN 1 Bantul held the Saba Tilik 6.0 X Saba Education Fair on Thursday (January 22, 2026). This event aimed to provide motivation and further educational information to students, especially final-year students, so they could gain a broader understanding of the world of higher education and study program options.

Two students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, class of 2025 at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), who are also alumni of SMAN 1 Bantul, Nurul Fajri Rahmani and Tri Wulandari, participated as speakers. Their presence allowed them to share their academic experiences and introduce the various study programs at Universitas Gadjah Mada to the students.

In an online interview with Nurul Fajri Rahmani on Friday (January 23, 2026), the material focused on introducing the literary and cultural groups, specifically the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. Fajri also shared his experiences in pursuing higher education through the National Achievement-Based Selection (SNBP) and National Test-Based Selection (SNBT) pathways.

Fajri revealed that the main challenge in the event was students' low interest in the Literature and Culture field. "Therefore, we strive to explain as well as possible the job prospects, academic potential, and the various benefits and interesting experiences that can be gained while studying in the Literature and Culture field," he explained. This explanation is expected to broaden students' horizons and change their perspectives on the study of literature and culture.

For Fajri, participating in the Saba Tilik 6.0 X Saba Education Fair was a truly memorable experience. Besides returning to his alma mater and meeting his classmates, he also had the opportunity to share stories and information about the world of college. He hopes that similar events can continue to be held on an ongoing basis to spark students' interest and enthusiasm in pursuing higher education.

The Saba Tilik 6.0 X Saba Education Fair aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which focuses on quality education through providing inclusive and equitable access to information on higher education. Providing this information helps students make more conscious and informed educational decisions. More broadly, this activity also intersects with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements), namely by increasing literacy and insight in educational communities, which are the foundation for the formation of an informed and sustainable society. The collaboration between secondary schools and universities in this activity also reflects the implementation of SDG 17, namely partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals through synergy between educational institutions.

Author : Haryo Untoro
Editor  : Haryo Untoro

Students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Class of 2025, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Gadjah Mada University, staged a drama titled Weton Waton on Tuesday (12/16/2025). The performance took place at the Poerbatjaraka Auditorium, FIB UGM, at 6:00 p.m.

This activity was organized as part of the final exam assignment for the Communicative Spoken Javanese Language course taught by Dr. R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A. The performance of Weton Waton was directed by Safa Rahmatul H. as the production manager.

The drama Weton Waton tells the story of a domestic conflict between a husband and wife triggered by financial problems. The root of the problem lies in the husband's decision to quit his job and get involved in cockfighting gambling. The ongoing conflict then prompts the wife's parents to take the matter to a shaman. In the story, the shaman says that the couple's domestic quarrels are caused by an incompatibility in their weton, which is called tiba pegat.

Through this performance, students sought to convey the message that problems should not be automatically attributed to a person's character or nature based on their weton. In addition, this performance also presented knowledge about the concepts of dina, pasaran, and wuku, which are still believed by some Javanese people to be part of their tradition.

Based on an online interview with Yogi Setiyawan on December 28, 2025, the Weton Waton performance was a final exam assignment that required all students enrolled in the course to be directly involved in the performance. The theme of weton was chosen as an effort to highlight the tradition of calculating weton, dina, pasaran, and wuku that has developed in Javanese society.

“In preparing for the Weton Waton performance, our preparations can be said to still have a number of limitations. The challenges faced include script writing, group division, and funding constraints. From this process, we learned that good and open communication between members is very important in a performance,” said Yogi.

Yogi also expressed his pride in being involved in the premiere performance of the 2025 batch of students from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. He hopes that this activity can be a first step towards producing better works in the future.

The performance of the Weton Waton drama was not only a means of practicing Javanese language skills orally, but also a platform for students to create and apply their language skills in the form of a performance. In line with the teachings of KGPAA Mangkunegara IV in Serat Wedhatama, which states that ngelmu iku kalakone kanthi laku or knowledge must be implemented through practice, this performance is a tangible manifestation of reviving enthusiasm for the Javanese language while honing students' creativity. Through activities such as this, students are expected to continue to preserve and revive Javanese culture through concrete efforts that benefit the community.

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

Quoted in full from: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZVAzRARUy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program officially recorded a change in leadership on January 7, 2026. The position of Head of the Study Program is now entrusted to Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., who will carry out this mandate for five years, namely for the 2026–2030 period.

Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum., replaces Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., who previously served as Head of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program for the 2021–2025 period. During her leadership, Dr. Daru Winarti implemented various academic programs and contributed to strengthening the governance and scientific identity of the study program.

This change in leadership is expected to be a sustainable step in the development of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. With new leadership, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program is expected to continue to grow and enhance its role, particularly in the fields of teaching, preservation, and development of Javanese language, literature, and culture.

Author           : Haryo Untoro
Editor             : Haryo Untoro

List of Figures

Sastrajawaugm [@sastrajawaugm]. (2026, 12 Januari). [ NDHEREK MANGAYUBAGYA ] Pada tanggal 7 Januari 2026, Dr. Sulistyowati, S.S., M.Hum. resmi dilantik sebagai Kepala Program Studi S1 Bahasa, Sastra, dan Budaya Jawa. Selamat mengemban jabatan akademik, Ibu Sulis🙌 [Foto]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DTZVAzRARUy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==