A vibrant cultural atmosphere filled the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) campus in celebration of the 58th Anniversary of the Faculty of Philosophy. As part of the festivities, the Gamelan Festival was held on Saturday–Sunday, July 19–20, 2025, featuring dozens of gamelan ensembles from various UGM units and cultural communities across the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).
One standout performance came from Pustaka Laras, the gamelan group of UGM Library and Archives. Their rendition of traditional pieces such as Ladrang Lere-Lere Sumbangsih, Ketawang Gambuh, Glopa Glape, and Lagon Si Kucing captivated the audience. The performance not only showcased their dedication to cultural preservation but also highlighted the Library and Archives' commitment to fostering a living and inclusive space for artistic expression within an academic institution.
The performance of Pustaka Laras was supported by a team of performers who are staff members of the UGM Library and Archives. Peni Bektiningsih played the peking; Haryanta, Ratna Setyawati, and Safirotu Khoir played the saron; Martina Uki Emiliasanti and Nur Hidayati performed on the demung; Nugroho Sayekti played the slenthem; Herman Setyawan on the kenong; Tulasmi on the bonang barung; and Anas Fauzi on the gong. Meanwhile, Heri Santosa served as the wiraswara (vocalist). The entire ensemble was directed by gamelan coach Feri Darmawan, who has consistently guided the group with dedication.
Nugroho Sayekti, S.Sos., Head of the Pustaka Laras Ensemble, stated that their participation in the festival represents the institution’s concrete contribution to preserving the nation's cultural heritage. “Gamelan is a form of living knowledge that deserves to be revitalized within academic spaces. Through Pustaka Laras, we want to demonstrate that libraries and archives do not merely preserve culture through texts, but also bring it to life through direct practice,” he said.
The festival served not only as a platform for artistic expression but also as a space for social interaction, fostering solidarity among communities. With active involvement from academic institutions like UGM Library and Archives, the event reinforced the role of higher education in cultural preservation, character development, and the strengthening of cultural identity.
Furthermore, this participation aligns with UGM Library and Archives' commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by integrating cultural values into lifelong learning; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, by preserving traditional culture as part of community life; and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by embracing the arts as a medium for enhancing mental and emotional well-being.
With a spirit of collaboration, harmony, and sustainability, Pustaka Laras’ presence affirmed that the Library and Archives is not only a guardian of collections but also a custodian of the noble values embedded in the melodies and rhythms of the nation's cultural heritage.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh