The Performing Arts and Fine Arts Master Program (PSPSR), UGM Graduate School, participated in the Karawitan Festival held as part of the 59th Anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) under the theme “Preserving the Arts, Sustaining Harmony.” The festival took place on 18th – 19th July 2026 at the Central Courtyard of the Faculty of Philosophy, UGM, bringing together 52 gamelan ensembles from various faculties, communities, institutions, and cultural organizations.
PSPSR UGM was represented by the Asthamiswala Gamelan Ensemble, comprising lecturers, students, and arts instructors. The ensemble was officially appointed to represent the Performing Arts and Fine Arts Master Program at the festival.
The Asthamiswala Ensemble of PSPSR UGM, on the festival’s opening day, Saturday, 18th July, performed from 3:45 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. Led by Redian under the artistic guidance of Anon Suneko, M.Sn., the group presented Ladrang Pamularsih in the Pelog Pathet Barang tuning system, accompanied by the classical dance performance Klana Topeng Sembung Langu/Menak Jingga – Dhayun. The combination of gamelan music and traditional dance perform the richness of Javanese performing arts, offering a harmonious and captivating performance for the audience.
PSPSR’s participation in the festival reflected the program’s commitment to preserving, developing, and disseminating Indonesia’s traditional performing arts. The active involvement in cultural events such as the Karawitan Festival made students gain valuable opportunities not only to perform in public but also to strengthen their collaboration, creativity, and professionalism in the field of performing arts.
The 59th Faculty of Philosophy Karawitan Festival also served as a platform for cultural exchange and appreciation among artists from diverse backgrounds. The event was expected to reinforce the spirit of cultural preservation, strengthen networks among arts communities, and inspire younger generations to appreciate and sustain Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage in the midst of an ever-evolving society.
Author: Arfikah I