UNS — Center of Excellence (PUI) Javanologi, Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, hosted an international seminar under the theme ‘Djawa Soegih: Exploring the Old, Reaching the New,’ Monday (5/9/2022). This seminar was held virtually by presenting five speakers, including Prof. Dato Dr. Sukiman Sarmani from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Johan Raksawidjojo from the Java Suriname-Netherlands Diaspora; Prof. Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A., from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM); Suryakenchana Omar, Ph.D., Student/Sessional Lecturer from the Java-Singapore Diaspora; and Dr. Sutanto M.Sc., DEA from UNS. Additionally, this international seminar also presented Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Mayor of Surakarta; Taj Yasin Maimoen, Vice Governor of Central Java; and UNS Rector, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, delivered an opening speech.

In his remark, Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, the Head of PUI Javanologi UNS, said that the theme raised is noteworthy since Java is part of the emerald of the equator. “Java is the world’s manikkam (gemstone), which holds a thousand mountains of gold, fertile land, and prosperity. It is not only rich in tangible resources but also intangible resources such as knowledge, thought, and philosophy that grows and develops in cultural life. PUI Javanologi will strive to preserve Javanese cultures through research and studies,” he explained.

The Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, said that Java is also a center of culture with advanced ancient technology, thus, it holds a diverse cultural and historical heritage. “This cultural heritage includes temples, architecture, traditions, art, cuisine, clothing, and developed technology. This heritage is in line with human resources diversity blessed with various professions in the field of art and culture. The City Government of Solo strongly supports the preservation of the arts, culture, and traditions that we have,” said Gibran.

Meanwhile, Prof. Jamal said that there is a Javanese proverb saying “gemah ripah loh jinawi” (serene, prosperous, abundantly fertile), which refers to an ideal economy. Further, there were also sublime social institutions developed in the community for generations. “Traditions such as visiting each other, empathy, guyub rukun (harmony), mutual cooperation, and many others, as original Javanese values continue to grow and develop. Java also holds a diverse cultural heritage and superior products, such as batik, shadow puppets, gamelan, architecture, manuscripts, and daggers that have been internationally recognized by UNESCO as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity,” said Prof. Jamal.

The Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, said that the theme raised by PUI Javanologi was intriguing as a discussion subject. “When talking about Java, not only it has high potential human resources but also supported by rich natural resources. Fertile soil, earth mineral and material content, mountains, rivers, and others. Java is also rich in cultural and philosophical values, which remain applicable and highly respected to this day,” said the Vice Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin. Humas UNS

Reporter: Bayu Aji Prasetya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti