Amid the rapid changes of modern times, the harmonious sounds of gamelan once again filled the Karawitan Festival of the Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Through its two fostered karawitan groups, Pustaka Laras and Kidung Laksita, the UGM Library and Archives promoted cultural preservation by presenting Javanese karawitan works as part of the 59th Anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM on 18–19 July 2026.
More than a mere artistic performance, the participation of the UGM Library and Archives in the festival represented an effort to preserve the continuity of Indonesian cultural heritage. Through gamelan melodies and Javanese songs, the UGM Library and Archives created a space where tradition, knowledge, and the younger generation could come together.
As an institution responsible for preserving collective memory, the UGM Library and Archives view cultural preservation as part of an effort to maintain living knowledge within society. This commitment is realized through archival management as well as direct involvement in various cultural activities. Karawitan serves as one of the spaces where traditional values can continue to grow and be passed down across generations.
“For us, libraries and archives are spaces that preserve while also bringing knowledge to life. Through karawitan, cultural values can continue to be introduced and passed on through direct experiences with the campus community,” said Nugroho, coordinator of the Pustaka Laras karawitan group of the UGM Library and Archives.
The Karawitan Festival of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM was held on 18–19 July 2026 as part of the 59th Anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM. The event served as a platform for appreciating traditional arts while providing a collaborative space for various karawitan groups to preserve gamelan arts within the academic environment.
On Saturday (18 July), the Pustaka Laras karawitan group performed several Javanese karawitan repertoires, including Ldr. Mega Banjaran Laras Pelog Patet Barang, Ayak-ayak Giyargiyar Laras Pelog Patet Barang, Sluku-sluku Bathok Laras Pelog Patet Enem, and Prau Layar Laras Pelog Patet Enem.
The Pustaka Laras performance was supported by musicians who played various gamelan instruments and provided vocal performances, including Tulasmi (Bonang Barung), Y. Sarno (Bonang Penerus), Herman Setyawan (Kenong), Anas Fauzi (Kempul Gong), Nugroho Sayekti (Slenthem), Peni Bektiningsih (Peking), Safirotu Khoir, Ratna Setyawati, Haryanta, and Supriyono (Saron), Martina Uki and Nurhidayati (Demung), Trisnandi Bagas (Kendang), Heri Santoso and Dony (Gerong), and Shelvy (Sindhen).
The following day, Sunday (19 July), the Kidung Laksita karawitan group continued the UGM Library and Archives’ performance by presenting three works: Ldr. Kate-Kate Laras Pelog Patet Enem, Llg. Dhdyohe Teka Laras Pelog Patet Enem, and Lcr. Ayo Ngguyu Laras Pelog Patet Enem.
The Kidung Laksita group was strengthened by Fitria Agustina (Bonang Barung), Ratna Setyawati (Bonang Penerus), Ide Yunianto (Kenong), Nugroho Sayekti (Kempul Gong), Wasilatul Baroroh (Peking), Delta Ira Anggreanie and Nur Hidayati (Demung), Purwani Istiana, Isti Maryatun, Zuli Erma Santi, and Nining Indaryani (Saron), Uminurida Suciati (Slenthem), Pratiwi Wibowo (Kendang), and Emi Bowo (Sindhen).
Through these two performances, the UGM Library and Archives demonstrated that traditional arts continue to hold an important role in campus life. Karawitan serves as both an artistic expression and a medium for cultural learning that strengthens the connection between people, history, and local identity.
This activity also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening culture-based learning, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through efforts to preserve cultural heritage and strengthen community identity.
“Culture will continue to live when there are generations willing to learn about and continue it. We hope activities like this can become a small step in maintaining traditional arts so that they remain present and relevant in the future,” said Delta, coordinator of the Kidung Laksita karawitan group of the UGM Library and Archives.
From the stage of the Karawitan Festival, the sound of gamelan once again reminded us that culture is not merely a legacy of the past. Culture is knowledge that continues to move, be studied, and be passed on so that it remains meaningful for future generations.
Contributor: Wasilatul Baroroh