UNS–The Center of Excellence in Science and Technology (PUI) Javanologi at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta announces the list of the top 20 universities from both domestic and international institutions through the UNS Jawametrik 2025 ranking system. UNS Jawametrik is a global ranking program that evaluates institutions involved in the advancement of Javanese culture around the world.
The pinnacle of the UNS Jawametrik 2025 Awarding Ceremony was held in conjunction with the Javanese Cultural Awards, taking place at the R. Ng. Yosodipuro Building, PUI Javanologi Pavilion, UNS, on Tuesday (3/6/2025). Among the distinguished attendees were the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Fadli Zon, S.S., M.Sc.; the Acting Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, S.Si, M.Si.; the Deputy Mayor of Surakarta, Astrid Widayani, S.S., S.E., M.B.A.; the renowned gamelan maestro, Prof. Sumarsam, M.A., Ph.D.; the Head of PUI Javanologi UNS, Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D.; the Chair of the UNS Jawametrik Ranking Program, Prof. Ir. Ary Setyawan, M.Sc., Ph.D.; as well as the representatives of UNS Jawametrik award recipients.
Prominent UNS Figures Talk about the UNS Jawametrik and the Javanese Cultural Awards
Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, the Head of PUI Javanologi UNS, explained that the UNS Jawametrik program has been held biennially since 2021, followed by 2023, and now in 2025. The program has successfully identified 164 national and international higher education institutions, the Javanese Cultural Art groups, and the cultural institutions from five continents actively developing the Javanese culture.
The Acting Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, stated that as part of its commitment to supporting the advancement of Javanese culture, UNS has initiated two flagship programs through the PUI Javanologi which are the UNS Jawametrik and the Javanese Cultural Awards. The Jawametrik program aims to objectively and systematically map and assess the integration of Javanese culture into various aspects of community life. It encourages cross-sector collaboration to create policies and work programs focusing on cultural strengthening. The program recognizes institutions actively promoting, protecting, and utilizing Javanese culture sustainably across the globe.
“Through the UNS Jawametrik program, we hope to establish a stronger, more relevant, sustainable Javanese cultural ecosystem. We also hope it will further strengthen the Javanologi’s position as a center of cultural knowledge and foster collaborations among educational institutions, government bodies, communities, and international partners to advance the Javanese culture as an adaptive and inspirational national identity on the global stage,” Prof. Fitria explained.
The UNS Jawametrik Ranking Program Chair, Prof. Ir. Ary Setyawan, M.Sc., Ph.D., explained the program’s purpose. He stated that it is designed to serve as institutional recognition. The recognition is given to universities that actively commit to preserving and developing Javanese culture. This commitment is reflected in implementing higher education’s threefold mission: teaching, research, and community service.
The UNS Jawametrik 2025 Ranking System and Its Recipients
The ranking process was carried out systematically and based on data. The first stage involved initial data collection through various open publications, resulting in data from 164 institutions of higher education, Javanese cultural art groups, and cultural institutions across five continents. The second stage involved voluntary data submissions from 50 institutions (25 domestic and 25 international). The third stage was a verification process examining the authenticity of supporting documents, the validity of cultural activities, and the institutions’ contributions to preserving Javanese culture. Based on this process, the Top 10 domestic and Top 10 international institutions were finalized.
Top 10 Domestic Universities according to the UNS Jawametrik 2025:
1. Universitas Sebelas Maret
2. Universitas Negeri Surabaya
3. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
4. Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta
5. Universitas Negeri Semarang
6. Universitas Indonesia
7. Institut Seni Indonesia Surakarta
8. Universitas Gadjah Mada
9. Universitas PGRI Semarang
10. Universitas Diponegoro
Top 10 International Universities according to the UNS Jawametrik 2025:
1. Leiden University
2. Australian National University
3. Yale University
4. Wesleyan University
5. Monash University, Australia
6. National University of Singapore
7. University of Oxford
8. University of Limerick
9. University College Cork
10. Michigan State University
This award is a form of appreciation expected to strengthen cultural networks between universities and foster sustainable inter-institutional collaboration. “By upholding the spirit of academic cooperation and cultural awareness, UNS Jawametrik grows as a barometer and driving force in advancing Javanese culture nationally and internationally. We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to institutions actively promoting Javanese culture,” Prof. Ary Setyawan said.
Remarks from the Deputy Mayor of Surakarta
Deputy Mayor of Surakarta, Astrid Widayani, S.S., S.E., M.B.A., praised UNS for initiating an award that motivates cultural practitioners and artists to continue creating and strengthening Indonesia’s cultural identity. As the batik capital, Surakarta bears a significant responsibility to preserve and develop the richness of Javanese culture. This award is both a hope and motivation for the younger generation and the general public to foster a deeper appreciation for Javanese heritage.
“I hope innovations in art and culture will emerge, nurturing pride in our noble heritage and enhancing the global competitiveness of Javanese culture. We also hope for stronger collaboration among the government, academics, artists, and cultural communities to endure cultural heritage over time. Let us together embrace the future with a spirit of preserving local wisdom values that unite and enrich Indonesia’s diversity,” Astrid concluded.
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