On October 19, 2024, the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program held the opening ceremony of Abhiseka Kramasisya and a talk show with lecturers and alumni who became speakers for new students. Abhiseka Kramasisya is a routine event organized by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. In 2024, Abhiseka Kramasisya invited speakers who have a lot of experience that can be shared with new students. All invited speakers have extraordinary careers in their respective fields. New students get motivation and an overview of the various professions undertaken by alumni. Starting from being a courtier to entering the entertainment world, the diversity of professions of alumni of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program shows that Javanese Literature and Culture can develop in any field.

Lecturers on study program workshop

Before entering the talk show with alumni, new students were first introduced to departmental materials delivered by lecturers who were present, both offline and online. The lecturers who attended offline included Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. delivered departmental material in accordance with their respective majors. Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M.Hum., accompanied by Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., explained the philology section. Starting from the definition of philology to the process of learning philology. Followed by a presentation by Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., explaining the specialization of linguistics, and the last one was delivered by R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.A., who explained the literature section. Then there were several lecturers who joined online because they were continuing their studies abroad, including Yosephin Priastuti Rahayu, S.S., M.Hum., who was continuing her studies at Leiden University. Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., who is in France to continue her studies at PSL University, and finally there is Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah, S.S., M.A., who is in Germany and studying at Universitat Hamburg.

Lecturers who attended online

This departmental session was well received by all Abhiseka Kramasisya participants. “The material makes me more familiar with the study program, so I understand more about the majors tomorrow, it's also fun to get to know all the lecturers,” said Andini Nuraini, one of the new students participating in Abhiseka Kramasisya. With this session, it is hoped that new students can find out information about the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, be able to guide their knowledge to achieve noble goals, and always preserve Javanese culture.

The event continued with an alumni talk show delivered by 3 speakers namely Sukma Putri, Razan Bahri, and Rizky Inggar. The first speaker, Sukma Putri, conveyed information related to her current profession as a servant of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. Sukma also conveyed the message and impression of being a student of Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program. The motivation given by Sukma to new students is very interesting, “Thank you for choosing Javanese Literature, because your first step in choosing here can already create a big step in the future. Cheer up to all of you, be healthy and sane always because you deserve a beautiful miracle from what you have chosen,” she wrote in one of the powerpoint slides shown.

Sukma Putri delivered her material

Razan Bahri as the second speaker, he attended this event online because he was abroad, to be precise he worked as a staff of the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne. Some new students get the view that being a student of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture does not limit them from having a job outside their major. Razan Bahri said that mastering English at this time is an important thing that must be done, without excluding the use of mother tongue and Indonesian. Using English to introduce Javanese culture in the international arena can initiate steps to preserve Javanese culture and promote it further.

Razan Bahri delivered his material

The third speaker was an alumni student of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program, which was then still called Sastra Nusantara class of 2003, she plunged into the world of Indonesian entertainment. She has participated in many television programs, she is famous as a female comedian who is very multitalented, in addition to her jokes that always succeed in making people laugh, she is a singer who can also play roles. Rizky Inggar Lukitovati, who is often called Mbak Kiky, was the speaker at the Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 alumni talk show. Entered in several award nominations and won one of them, Rizky Inggar told the beginning of her career until she could reach her current life. Rizky Inggar gave many views that the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program will one day create many great people who can be influential for the future. In fact, the image as a Javanese with his medhok dialect was able to bring Rizky Inggar to become a famous artist who has a strong identity and characteristics today. This shows that the existence of Javanese culture is valued and should be empowered, so that it does not become extinct. Rizky Inggar also emphasized to continue to be enthusiastic about achieving dreams even though there are many obstacles in the way, with confidence and determination, everything can be achieved.

Rafael Raga's conversation as moderator with Rizky Inggar

In the talk show with alumni, students get provisions to undergo the world of lectures. The three speakers also provided some motivation to students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program who might feel pessimistic about their job prospects after graduation. Emphasizing that Javanese Satra students must believe that their expertise is needed in various sectors, especially in the creative industry, media, and education. The warm and insightful discussion provided many valuable lessons for all participants, especially in facing an increasingly competitive professional world. The speakers who shared their experiences, challenges, and successes provided a broad perspective on the various opportunities that students can take advantage of after graduation. Through this talk show, it is hoped that students can be motivated to continue working and prepare themselves to face future challenges that are full of opportunities.

Handover of souvenirs represented by the Head of Study Program to Rizky Inggar

Abhiseka kramasisya is an annual event organized by the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program to inaugurate new students of the Javanese Literature Study Program. In 2024, Abhiseka Kramasisya was held in 2 days, on October 19-20, 2024 with 45 new students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program participating. Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 used the theme “Sedya, Darma, Guna” each word in the theme has its own sentence which means very deep and is expected to be in accordance with the new students who will be inaugurated.

“Sedya” in Sedya Tuhu Gayuh Widya means the full intention to reach knowledge. “Darma” in Darma Bekti Kang Utama means goodness that is prioritized. “Guna” in the sentence Guna Mring Nuswantara means useful for the country, nation, and all of Nusantara. With the formation of this philosophical theme, it is hoped that new students will always absorb the meaning so that they can carry out the “Sedya, Darma, Guna” and be able to preserve the noble values of Javanese culture and maintain the existence of culture in the Nusantara, especially Javanese culture.

Before the day of Abhiseka Kramasisya, all committees and participants conducted a First Gathering which was intended to establish good communication between the committee and participants. The First Gathering which was held on September 8, 2024 became a place for bonding and getting to know each other.

On September 21, 2024 a Technical Meeting was held to explain the technical implementation of the D-day of Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024. With the aim of introducing a little Javanese knowledge, all new students were divided into 4 groups with the names Damarwulan, Centhini, Wedharaga, and Ambiya. The naming of these groups comes from the names of manuscripts in Java. The Technical Meeting also explained some of the technical implementation of the entire series of Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024.

The first day of Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 was held in the Auditorium of Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada with a series of symbolic opening events with “Asa Lokatara”. A box containing balloons that will fly a piece of cloth with the inscription Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024. Asa Lokatara means a dream that flies high, a prayer for all new students so that their dreams can be achieved. Asa Lokatara was opened by Dr. Daru Winarti M.Hum, as the Head of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program and accompanied by Zidna Nabila as the Chief of Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024.

“Asa Lokatara” symbolic opening of Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024

After the symbolic opening, the event continued with the introduction of the study program which was filled by several representatives of the lecturers. Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 also invited alumnus as talk show speakers. One of the speakers presented was Rizky Inggar who plunged into the entertainment world and had several programs on television such as Main Hakim Sendiri and Rumah Bulekkk. The speaker conveyed the career he had gone through, aiming to motivate new students to have the enthusiasm to carry out education and find their talent interests. Entering the last part of Abhiseka Kramasisya on the first day, closed by Gilang Cahya Nusantara as the Head of the Kamastawa Association presenting material on the introduction of the Department Student Association (Himpunan Mahasiswa Jurusan) which will later be followed by new students.

Study program seminar by several lecturers

The second day of the Abhiseka Kramasisya series was held in the hallway of the Margono Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The rainy conditions made the committee have to think of ways to keep the event running smoothly. The plan for “Lelaya Wiyata” or cultural exploration had to be replaced with a quiz between groups. There were several changes to the plan. However, everything went smoothly. The event continued with the movement of all participants and committees to Pusaka Jawa (Javanese Studies Center) located on Jl. Bungur, Bulaksumur No. F9 to continue the Siraman inauguration procession. The Siraman procession is the main part of the Abhiseka Kramasisya. The procession was led by lecturer representative Dr. Sulistyowati, M.Hum. accompanied by the Head of the KAMASTAWA. With the implementation of the Siraman procession, participants have officially become part of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program Family. All participants also received the corsa of the Javanese Literature Student Family Department Student Association.

The event was closed with an art performance by Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024 participants. Participants displayed the creativity of each group performing dances, songs, dramas, and so on. This session was lively, warm, and showed the kinship of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. The end of the art performance was followed by the symbolic closing of “Abinawa Prasraya” in the form of a door that can rotate 180 degrees showing the acceptance of new students adding color to the Language, Literature and Culture Study Program.

The series of Abhiseka Kramasisya 2024, expects new students of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program to love local cultural products, especially Javanese culture, and to preserve them. Students who have been confirmed are expected to develop and improve educational, research, and community service activities so as to create superior, outstanding, and dignified student characters.

"Sartaka" Session

The next event was "Semedi" or a study program seminar. The "Semedi" session took place at 13.00 WIB-14.50 WIB. In the study program seminar, participants gained a deeper understanding of the three areas of specialization in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, namely philology, linguistics, and literature. The three areas of specialization were explained by the lecturers who taught each of these areas of specialization. The lecturers who attended the activity included Dr. Daru Winarti, M.Hum., Dr. Djarot Heru Santoso, M.Hum., Dr. Sri Ratna Saktimulya, M,Hum., Dr. Arsanti Wulandari, M.Hum., R. Bima Slamet Raharja, S.S., M.Hum., Nurmalia Habibah, S.S., M.A., and Imam Prakoso, S.S., M.A. Various questions were asked by the participants to the lecturers, illustrating a deep curiosity about each of the three areas of specialization.

"Semedi" Session

Afterward was the core event of Abhiseka Kramasisya, namely the inauguration. The inauguration session took place at 15.20 WIB-17.00 WIB and was carried out by carrying out the siraman procession. Participants took turns undergoing the siraman procession. With the implementation of the siraman procession, participants officially became part of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program Family. In addition, the participants also received the  Himpunan Mahasiswa Jurusan Keluarga Mahasiswa Sastra Jawa (HMJ Kamastawa) korsa. 

"Siraman" Session

The next session was "Kala Nrtya" or an art performance which was held at 18.20 WIB-19.30 WIB. In this session, the participants who had been divided into four groups had to present a performance, be it drama, music, dance, etc. The atmosphere at the art performance was very lively and so warm, and the appearance of the four groups was very stunning. After "Kala Nrtya", the next session was "Abhimata" or awarding. The Abhimata session contained several nominations, including the most exciting group, the most compact group, and other nominations. The last session was the closing which ended with a group photo, with the intention of capturing the moment of togetherness.

"Kala Nrtya" Session

With the implementation of the 2023 Abhiseka Kramasisya series, it is hoped that new students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program can love their homeland more and participate in the preservation of the archipelago's culture, especially Javanese culture. It is hoped that the inaugurated students can channel their concern for the archipelago's culture through educational, research, and community service activities so as to create superior, accomplished, dignified student characters, and participate in improving the quality of education in Indonesia.

As a form of community service, the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Student Association (Kamastawa) held another “Kamastawa Teaching and Sharing” event on Sunday, October 22, 2024. This event is the result of collaboration between the social and community division (sosmas) and the scientific division, with the aim of having a positive impact on society, especially for children at the Wirobrajan branch of the PYI Yatim and Zakat Orphanage, Yogyakarta.

There were 16 children from grade 1 elementary to 1 junior high school involved in the event. The event opened at 09.00 AM WIB with an opening session and introductions. During the event, students and children had the opportunity to play together, creating a cheerful atmosphere with jokes and laughter. This togetherness became an important foundation in building intimacy between students and participants.

Opening session and introductions

After the introductory session and games, the event continued with teaching and learning activities. Participants were divided into three groups according to educational level: group 1 for grades 1-2 elementary school, group 2 for grades 3-4 elementary school, and group 3 for grades 5 elementary school to 1 junior high school. Each group received materials tailored to their age and level of understanding, ranging from daily Javanese conversation, Javanese script writing, Javanese assignment consultation, and so on. Various teaching methods were used by the students to make learning fun and easy for the children to understand.

Teaching-learning session

After the learning session was over, it was time for ice breaking, where the participants were invited to sing together the song aja ndomblong aja and follow the guessing game with prizes. This session succeeded in sparking the children to be active in an exciting way.

Giving prizes to participants who won the guessing game

The children's enthusiasm could be felt from the beginning to the end of the activity, especially during the distribution of small gifts as an appreciation for the participants' activeness. In addition, Kamastawa also provided Pepak Basa Jawa books and reading books as a form of support for the participants future educational development. It is hoped that participants can easily access knowledge and enrich their insights, including those related to knowledge and preservation of Javanese culture.

Donation of reading books to the orphanage

The gifts given may be considered simple. However, prayers, hopes, and sincere intentions to share will live on and become the foundation in the implementation of the 'Kamastawa teach and share' program now and in the future.

Dening: M. Rafi Nur Fauzy

akeh wong kang padha têka

nggawa darma amêjang mring sireki

nyata goro kumatungkul

kagunggung sukeng tyasnya

datan dunung ing sarak sanyatanipun

mula sire den prayitna

nulya amundura kaki

Dening: Fauzan Adi Fadurrahman

Sinasmita sêrat iki

minangka criyos sih smra

pêpengêt kang wus kadados

wit ing wyata gajah mada

nagri Ngayogyakarta

kang candrasêngkalanipun

wrêkseng tlaga bêdhah tunggal

nendra raka laksanani

den wêwayang suryanira

kalaning rêm netra katon

manising esêm gupita

syara mrêdu bêbungah

pijana datan ngrêridhu

yahagen kang raka rasa

Quoted in full from: cebu.fkkmk.ugm.ac.id

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkeypox a global health emergency. The disease, which was first transmitted to humans in 1970 in the Republic of Congo, has been detected in Indonesia, and as of August 17, 2024, there were 88 confirmed cases (Rokom, 2024).  This incident reminds us of the COVID-19 pandemic that hit the world in 2020.

The history of disease outbreaks is not new. The Asian Flu (1957-1958), Spanish Flu (1918-1920), and The Black Death (1346-1353) (Kautsar, 2024), are just some examples of major outbreaks that have hit the world. In addition to major epidemics, various small endemics also often occur in certain regions.

Various disease outbreaks have been recorded in manuscripts and written records. Taruna Dharma Jati, Muhammad Ibu Prarista, Zalsabila Purnama, & Zakariya Pamuji Aminullah (2022) in a scientific article entitled Lawe Wĕnang Singid: The Red Thread of Pagĕblug Handling Continuity in the Perspective of Javanese Literature explains that Javanese written literature has contained information in the form of traces and handling of physical and cosmological plagues in Javanese oral and written literature.

Some manuscripts that contain information on the physical treatment of disease outbreaks include Naskah Ngelmu Kawarasan by Sardjita (1920), Naskah Lĕlĕmbut Kolerah by Samsimihardja (1914), and Naskah Lĕlara Gudhig by Sardjita (1921). These texts provide guidance on the prevention and treatment of various diseases that once plagued society in their day.

• Manuscript of Ngelmu Kawarasan

The Ngelmu Kawarasan manuscript contains knowledge about diseases such as malaria, smallpox, bubonic plague, and tuberculosis. One part of the manuscript explains how to deal with bubonic plague:

[...] Rekadaya kangge nanggulangi pes, botĕn wontĕn malih kajawi tikus-tikus punika kĕdah dipuntumpĕs. Griya-griya ingkang kĕrĕp dipunrĕsiki. Sarta sampun nyimpĕni sisa tedha

“There is nothing more effective against bubonic plague than culling rats, cleaning houses frequently, and not storing leftover food.”

This guide shows the importance of environmental hygiene as a preventive measure against infectious diseases such as bubonic plague, which is transmitted by rats.

• Manuscript of Lĕlĕmbut Kolerah

The Lĕlĕmbut Kolerah manuscript focuses on ways to avoid cholera. Here is one of the contents of the manuscript:

[...] Prentah nagara dikon ngombe banyu bening wedang ora kĕna mamangan kang ora matĕng, ora kalawan diratĕngi adus ing bangawan.

“The state commandment says to drink boiled water, not to eat raw food, and to bathe frequently in the river.”

Here, there is an emphasis on drinking boiled water and personal hygiene as preventive measures.

• Manuscript of Lĕlara Gudhig 

The Lĕlara Gudhig manuscript explains how to prevent and cure gudik (gudhig), a contagious skin disease. One of the quotes from this manuscript states:

[...] Supaya wong sing wis waras iku ora kumat maneh. Yen panyegahe lalara gudhig iku arĕp ditindakake supaya wong-wong bumi liya-liyane padha bisa milu. Dheweke kudu dipĕrdi rĕsikan, yaiku: ngrĕksa rĕsiking kulite ing panggonan-panggonan sing pĕrlu. Sedhiyan banyu adus kudu dibecikake. Sarta kudu ambudidaya supaya rĕgane sabun dimurah bangĕt, nganti wong miskin padha kelar sabunan. Wong-wong mau ditĕrangake sing tĕmĕnan, yen ora mung awake bae sing mesthi rĕsikan nanging sandhangan lan paturone uga mangkonoa. [...]

“So that people who are already healthy from scabies do not relapse, prevention of scabies should be carried out so that people in other areas can follow each other. They should be accustomed to clean living, keeping their skin and other places clean. Good water should be provided for bathing, and efforts should be made to reduce the price of soap so that the poor can use it. These people are to be explained seriously, that not only the self must be clean but also the clothes and bedding as well. [...]”

This message highlights the importance of personal hygiene with access to hygiene tools, such as soap, as well as ensuring that clothes and bedding are clean, to prevent skin diseases.

The above are just a few of the various explanations of plague prevention in Javanese literature. Although it can be said to be old stuff, the principles contained are still relevant today, especially in the context of preventing disease outbreaks that are transmitted through unsanitary environments.

Further exploration of ancient Javanese manuscripts is an important step to broaden our horizons on the history of health and medicine in Indonesia. Collaboration between academics, philologists, and health practitioners can help develop the knowledge recorded in these manuscripts, so that it can benefit the wider community.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bestari, N.P. (2022, July 24). ). Sejarah Perjalanan Cacar Monyet dari Afrika sampai Mendunia. Cnbcindonesia.com. Accessed from https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20220724153248-4-358100/sejarah-perjalanan-cacar-monyet-dari-afrika-sampai-mendunia.

Jati, T.D., Prarista, M.I., Purnama, Z. & Aminullah, Z.P. (2022). Lawe Wĕnang Singid: Benang Merah Kontinuitas Penanganan Pagĕblug dalam Perspektif Kesusastraan Jawa. Jumantara: Jurnal Manuskrip Nusantara,  13(01), 95-112, from https://doi.org/10.37014/jumantara.v13i1.2847.

Rokom. (2024, August 18). 88 88 Kasus Konfirmasi Mpox di Indonesia, Seksual Sesama Jenis jadi Salah Satu Penyebab. Sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id., Accessed from https://sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id/baca/rilis-media/20240818/1546252/88-kasus-konfirmasi-mpox-di-indonesia-seksual-sesama-jenis-jadi-salah-satu-penyebab/.

LIST OF IMAGES

Cebu.fkkmk.ugm.ac.id. (2020, August 19). ). CE&BU Bersama PKMK dan Cochrane Indonesia Menyelenggarakan Webinar Mengenai Bukti Ilmiah tentang Penanganan Wabah Pandemik COVID-19. Retrieved from https://cebu.fkkmk.ugm.ac.id/2020/08/19/cebu-bersama-pkmk-dan-cochrane-indonesia-menyelenggarakan-webinar-mengenai-bukti-ilmiah-tentang-penanganan-wabah-pandemik-covid-19/

On Monday night (08/19/2024), the Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a shadow puppet show in the framework of the anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy. The performance featured a special play, Gajah Mada Suci, which was performed collaboratively by UGM students who are members of the UGM Surakarta Style Javanese Arts Unit (UKJGS). One of the important roles in this performance was carried out by M. Rafi Nur Fauzy, a student of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program class of 2023, chosen to perform a play that was collaboratively worked on by the academics community of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The script for the performance of Gajah Mada Suci was written by Dr. Rudy Wiratama S.I.P., M.A., lecturer of Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program. Gajah Mada Suci tells the story of the scapegoating of Gajah Mada under the pretext of the failure of the Majapahit Kingdom expansion. The expansion also coincided with the kingdom's internal political turmoil. To make matters worse, Gajah Mada was accused by the elites of trying to remove him from the kingdom. As a result, Gajah Mada felt desperate and afterward he visited the residence of his friend, Mpu Tantular. After a long dialog, Gajah Mada was finally enlightened, that the efforts he had made so far were not in vain. The spirit of Amukti Palapa to unite the archipelago will continue in the next era. 

Handover of the Gajah Mada puppet from the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, S.S., M. Hum, to M. Rafi Nur Fauzy. (Quoted from the Faculty of Philosophy Youtube Channel (01:22:51): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03x2lmMinTY).

“The performance of the Gajah Mada Suci is a form of depiction of the Indonesian nation that has experienced an identity crisis by winning over an interest and power through any means. Gajah Mada, who was a knight, finally moksa due to the deviant behavior of the Majapahit elite. After that, the Majapahit Kingdom lost its authority and then receded until it reached its collapse,” explained Rafi in an interview (05/09/2024).

As a special play, Rafi and his fellow UKJGS students practiced hard for a maximum performance. “The performance of Gajah Mada Suci has its own challenges for us. We practiced preparing for the performance in only half a month. Plus, this is my first time to play the Gajah Mada puppet, so it must be carefully prepared.”

“With these challenges, Alhamdulillah, the show can run smoothly. It was a great experience for me,” he continued.  Rafi hopes that the Gajah Mada puppet show will be held continuously because it is the work and identity of UGM as well as containing values that need to be socialized.

The existence of the Gajah Mada puppet is a real effort to promote the history and culture of the archipelago while still applying its relevance to the times. Through culture, we are not only 'displaying' aesthetics, but also reaffirming the nation's identity through noble values for a better Indonesia.

Author: Haryo Untoro

Image Source

Fakultas Filsafat. (2024, August 19). Pagelaran Wayang Kulit Dies Natalis ke-57 Fakultas Filsafat UGM. [01:22:51]. Accessed from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03x2lmMinTY.

Thursday, August 29, 2024, became a special moment for the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) Universitas Gadjah Mada with the holding of the Mangayubagya Graduation of Undergraduates period IV of the 2023/2024 academic year. A total of 244 graduates celebrated their graduation, holding a bachelor's degree after completing their studies at FIB. The solemn graduation ceremony was made even more lively with a dance performance from Ratnaraya, a student dance unit of the Javanese Language, Literature and Culture Study Program.

Four students, Audrey Gisela, Ganes Larasati, Novalia Hidayatus S., and Wening Hidayati, presented Geol Denok Dance as part of the graduation ceremony. Geol Denok dance is a typical Semarang dance that depicts the joy of Semarang girls who dance with lively, energetic movements and accompanied by dynamic music. Etymologically, the word “geol” refers to the dance movements of the knees and hips, while “denok” is a term for girls in Semarang.

In an interview with Wening Hidayati, one of the performers, she said that Geol Denok Dance was a new dance for Ratnaraya members. “We try to give our best in this performance, and are very happy to be able to welcome the graduates of FIB UGM with Geol Denok Dance,” said Wening (09/05/2024).

Ratnaraya's performance is not only for entertainment, but also reflects the Faculty's commitment to preserving Nusantara culture, especially Javanese culture. This cultural preservation requires support and collaboration from various parties, and FIB UGM plays an active role by providing the widest possible space for art and cultural exploration, so that the nation's identity remains relevant and provides benefits to people's lives.

Good news came from the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). Kintan Dewinta Putri, a student of the program, has been selected as the Princess Cultural Ambassador of Yogyakarta 2024. She was selected along with Duta Andhika, the Son of Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador 2024, on May 4, 2024, at Sleman City Hall, Yogyakarta.

Based on an interview with Kintan (09/06/2024), being a Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador is not just a competition, but also must understand and participate in the preservation of Javanese culture, especially the cultural identity of Yogyakarta. “As Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassadors, it is our duty to contribute to the mission of recognizing and preserving arts and culture in Yogyakarta. Examples of activities include being a judge for the Krincing Manis dance studio's class promotion and participating in the Jamasan Pusaka 1 Suro ceremony at the top of Suroloyo, Kulonprogo. In the future, we plan to do community service in Gunung Kidul and other places by teaching about Yogyakarta's culture and arts,” she explained.

Kintan is grateful to have won the title of Yogyakarta Cultural Ambassador 2024 and is proud to be part of the agent of change in the effort to preserve Yogyakarta's culture. She explained that she is currently preparing to participate in the Indonesian Cultural Ambassador event. “Currently, I am preparing myself for the Indonesian Cultural Ambassador event to be held on September 19-21, 2024, in Surabaya. Please pray and support!”

Culture is the result of copyright, taste, and karsa and is an identity for its people. The existence of these various identities is an identity of the Indonesian nation, which is diverse and lives together in harmony. Kintan's achievements are an inspiration for Mahadaya to continue to explore, preserve, and explore the potential of Indonesian culture, and provide benefits to the community.