The opening with gending (traditional Javanese musical composition) enlivened the Sedasa Windu (Eighty) celebration of Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono, M.Sc., organized by the Performing Arts and Fine Arts Master Program at the School of Graduate Studies Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM). Held at the Auditorium of SPs UGM on Thursday, October 10th 2024, the event was filled with warmth and respect for Prof. Timbul’s long journey in the fields of academia, arts, and culture, attended by students, colleagues, and peers who came to honor his legacy.
In his remarks, Dr. techn. Khabib Mustofa, S.Si., M.Kom., Vice Dean of Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at SPs UGM, expressed profound appreciation for Prof. Timbul. “He is not only an extraordinary academic but also a figure who has made significant contributions to the development of arts, culture, and knowledge in Indonesia. His dedication has been exemplary and worthy of our admiration,” he said.
Prof. Timbul’s life story is full of inspiration. Born on October 5th 1944, as Suharno, he experienced a near-death illness during childhood, prompting a name change to Timbul Haryono according to the Javanese belief of “kabotan jeneng” (burdened by a name). From a young age, he had shown a deep interest in arts, ranging from traditional music to wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances. He also established a career as a dalang (puppeteer), performing full-day shows in Jember and four times in the United States. For his dedication, Prof. Timbul was awarded the Satyalancana Kebudayaan (Cultural Merit Medal) by the government. At the end of his speech during the tumpeng-cutting ceremony, he shared the philosophical meaning behind the tumpeng: “For me, the tumpeng symbolizes a connection with the Creator. Cutting it in the middle severed that connection with God, which is why I always cut from the bottom,” he explained.
Dr. Sugeng Nugroho, M.Hum., Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Cooperation, and Public Relations at ISI Surakarta, recalled Prof. Timbul’s advice when he graduated from the Graduate School. “He always emphasized the importance of living humbly, like rice— the fuller it becomes, the more it bows down,” said Dr. Sugeng. He also described Prof. Timbul as a devout, humble person who was always accepting of everything with a generous heart.
The Chief of the Cultural Preservation Center Region X, Manggar Sari Ayuati, S.S., M.A., added, “As a student of Prof. Timbul, I always felt that he was not just a lecturer but a ‘father’ to us. He was not only an academic guide but also a person we could turn to for life advice.”
Another student, Trisna Pradita Putra, who shares the same birthdate as Prof. Timbul, expressed his admiration for the professor’s work and concepts. “Prof. Timbul’s book on archaeology introduced me to the concept of ‘juru bano,’ a comedian paid by the kingdom. His improvisation in performing arts has greatly inspired my career in comedy,” said Trisna.
The joyous occasion was further enriched by a special performance of “Lawak Double S” by Bu Susi and her son, Trisna Pradita, who once shared the stage with Prof. Timbul in the play “Lembayung.” Additionally, a book titled Sekar Sinebar was launched during the event, chronicling Prof. Timbul’s life journey and the commitment of his students to continue the teachings and potential he passed on.
This Sedasa Windu celebration became a special moment, combining academic and artistic elements while honoring the extraordinary dedication of Prof. Timbul Haryono, whose influence has inspired many people.
Author: Arfikah Istari