UNS—Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta conducts an international-scale cultural event. The Center of Excellence in Science and Technology (PUI) Javanologi UNS organizes the UNS Jawametrik and the Javanese Cultural Awards 2025. The event took place at R. Ng. Yosodipuro Building, PUI Javanologi Pavilion UNS, on Tuesday (3/6/2025).
Various prominent national and international figures attended the conferral ceremony. One of them is the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Fadli Zon, S.S., M.Sc. His presence adds significant value and indicates the government’s support for preserving Javanese culture.
The event’s peak features cultural performances and awards for selected individuals and institutions. The event began with a ceremonial procession of honored guests led by Dr. Deniawan Tommy Chandra Wijaya, S.Sos., M.I.Kom., as the procession leader (cucuk lampah). The procession to the PUI Javanologi Pavilion was lively, accompanied by the Reog Ponorogo performance—a communal prayer led by dr. Nanang Wiyono, M.Kes followed the procession.
Reports and Remarks from Prominent UNS Figures
Afterward, the Head of PUI Javanologi UNS, Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., delivered a report. In his report, Prof. Sahid emphasizes the strategic role of Javanologi UNS in the development of Javanese culture. He states that the PUI Javanologi was established in 2011 as a reference center for Javanese culture. Nine professors, 13 doctors, six master’s degree holders, and four active research staff support the PUI Javanologi. They document, research, and reconstruct various Javanese traditions and cultures. He added that the institution continues strengthening national and international networks for sustainable cultural preservation.
“Javanologi UNS continues to grow and evolve as a reference center for Javanese traditions with various strategic fields of study, including Traditional Arts, Traditional Textiles, Scientification of Traditional Medicine, Biodiversity, Social and Humanities Studies, Javanese Culinary Field, Biodiversity Conservation, Preservation and Study of Javanese Manuscripts, Traditional Schools, Museum Development, Internationalization of Java on the Global Stage, and the Global Javanese Diaspora,” stated Prof. Sahid.
Following the report, the Acting Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Fitria Rahmawati, S.Si., M.Si., delivered her speech. In her remark, Prof. Fitria asserts UNS’s commitment to advancing Javanese culture through innovative programs. One such initiative is the UNS Jawametrik, launched in 2021. She explained that the UNS Jawametrik is a ranking system for institutions developing Javanese culture worldwide. She hopes that the Jawametrik will catalyze the global Javanese cultural network.
“Through the UNS Jawametrik and the Javanese Cultural Awards programs, we hope to establish a stronger, more relevant, and sustainable Javanese cultural ecosystem. May these programs strengthen the role of the PUI Javanologi UNS as a center for cultural knowledge, encourage collaboration among institutions, and advance Javanese culture as a dynamic and inspiring national identity on a global level,” she explained.
A Cultural Seminar from Prof. Sumarsam
Earlier in the evening, a cultural seminar was held on the theme “Nekara and Gong-Type Instruments in Indonesia/Southeast Asia”. The colloquium featured Prof. Sumarsam, M.A., Ph.D., from Wesleyan University, USA. The seminar occurred at the R. Ng. Ranggawarsita Hall, PUI Javanologi UNS. Prof. Sumarsam is a world-renowned gamelan maestro and has taught in the United States since 1972. He is a pioneer in gamelan education abroad. He also actively bridges Javanese culture with the international community. In the seminar, he discussed the philosophical values and distribution of gong instruments in Southeast Asia.
Cultural Performances Enliven the Event
The UNS Jawametrik and the Javanese Cultural Awards 2025 awarding ceremony continue the event. The ceremony was hosted by Prof. Dra. Diah Kristina, M.A., Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Sunny Ummul Firdaus, S.H., M.H. The warmth and various traditional art performances uplifted the event. The PUI Javanologi presented the Tari Gasir Ngenthir, Tayub, and Reog Ponorogo performances. Additionally, the Tari Gambyong Pareanom PKJT was performed by the UNS Coordinating Board of Traditional Arts (BKKT). The atmosphere grew even more enchanting with Gamelan Gadhon (the ‘soft’ instruments of the Javanese gamelan) by Takariadi Sapto Dibyo and his team.
Award Conferral in Several Categories
On this occasion, the Anugraha Praba Nawasena Bhudaya “Beacon for the Future of Culture” award in the Cultural Statements of Indonesia category was presented to the Minister of Culture, Dr. Fadli Zon, S.S., M.Sc. This award recognizes his dedication to preserving and promoting Indonesian, particularly Javanese, culture.
In addition, the Anugraha Praba Nawasena Bhudaya “Beacon for the Future of Culture” in the Javanese Cultural Ambassador to the World category was awarded to Winslow-Kaplan Professor of Music at Wesleyan University, USA, Prof. Sumarsam, M.A., Ph.D. The award acknowledges his role in introducing traditional Javanese arts to the international stage.
One of the event’s key moments was conferring the Top 10 UNS Jawametrik 2025 awards. These awards were divided into the Top 10 UNS Jawametrik Domestic Category and the Top 10 UNS Jawametrik Abroad Category. The domestic category was awarded to ten institutions in Indonesia that actively promote Javanese culture through education, research, and community service. Meanwhile, the international category recognized ten cultural institutions, educational organizations, and Javanese diaspora communities dedicated to preserving Javanese cultural heritage in various parts of the world. These awards have become a vital medium for mapping the global Javanese cultural network and serve as a form of appreciation for the tangible contributions of many parties in preserving ancestral traditions.
The event concluded with the Tayub dance performance by Java Mustika Blora, led by Warsidi Kedoel. The entire event ran smoothly, solemnly, and meaningfully. Through this occasion, UNS reaffirmed its position as a global pioneering institution preserving Javanese culture. This initiative aligns with the fourth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Quality Education.
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