Another proud achievement has been made by cultural studies students (mahadaya) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). Muhammad Siswoyo, a student in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, won second place in the Kencana Sastra essay competition held by the Javanese Language Education Study Program Student Association, Sebelas Maret University (UNS).
The competition carried the theme “Kabudayan Jawa Nut Larasing Jaman, Tan Bisa Sirna Ing Kasejaten” (Javanese Culture Remains Relevant, Cannot Be Erased from Reality) with three main sub-themes, namely tradition, Javanese cultural values, and knowledge and technology. The series of activities began on May 3, 2025, with the winners announced on May 31, 2025.
In this event, Siswoyo wrote an essay titled “Tutur-Tulis-Pakeliran-Visual: Ekranisasi Repertoar Wayang sebagai Kontinuitas Inovasi Manuscript Digitazion menuju Pertunjukan Kontemporer berbasis Technological.” (Tutur-Tulis-Pakeliran-Visual: The Screen Adaptation of Wayang Repertoire as a Continuation of Manuscript Digitization Innovation toward Contemporary Performances Based on Technology). The work highlights the process of screen adaptation of wayang, starting from old digitized manuscripts, then staged in the form of conventional wayang, to being transformed into cinema wayang. This idea is considered a form of innovation and an offer of renewal so that wayang remains relevant and can be enjoyed by various groups in Indonesia.
In an online interview on August 20, 2025, Siswoyo expressed his deep impression of participating in the competition. “It was exciting. The new theme emphasized cultural relevance. More than relevance and innovation, basic cultural knowledge should be the main point in writing,” he said.
Furthermore, he encouraged his fellow students not to hesitate to participate in various competitions and external activities. “Stay enthusiastic. Don't be shy to be dynamic in competitions or external activities. All students have the same rights. There are many opportunities waiting for you,” he added (08/20/2025).
Siswoyo's achievement is expected to inspire students of the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Study Program, as well as the younger generation in general, to continue to excel while preserving the cultural heritage of the archipelago. Culture, as the intellectual wealth of the nation, needs to be continuously preserved and revitalized so that it can continue to benefit society. This is in line with the goals of sustainable development (SDGs), particularly quality education (point 4), sustainable cities and communities (point 11), and partnerships to achieve goals (point 17).
