On Sunday, August 4, 2024, the first community service activity by the 2023 batch of Master of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) students commenced. The event took place in Kenteng hamlet, Madurejo village, Prambanan sub-district, Sleman, D.I. Yogyakarta. This series of activities will continue from August 16 to 18. The first day’s event was a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on “Historiography of Local Knowledge Regarding the Kenteng Morobangun Site.” The main objective was to explore the knowledge from the Kenteng site in Kenteng hamlet, as a conservation effort and to preserve the collective memory of this historical site.
The event began with a welcome speech by the Head of the PSPSR Master’s Program, Dr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum. The FGD featured speakers such as Dr. Rudy Wiratama, S.I.P., M.A., a lecturer in the Javanese Language, Literature, and Culture Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Ky. Harjo Sudarmo (approx. 85 years old), an elder from Kenteng hamlet, and Ky. Damiri (approx. 80 years old), an elder from Morobangun hamlet. The discussion was moderated by Topan Bagus Permadi, S.Sn. The FGD was attended by local residents and officials from two villages, including Carik Madurejo and Carik Jokotirto.
The discussion focused on scientifically validating the oral traditions in the Kenteng community. Ky. Harjo Sudarmo highlighted the sacredness of the Kenteng site, previously used for offerings and rituals. Ky. Damiri shared that the site was historically a resting place for the horse of the Panji Asmorobangun figure. Rudy Wiratama verified these oral traditions, emphasizing the site’s historical ties to the Panji stories, symbolized by elements like horses, keris, and Punokawan.
The enthusiastic participants engaged actively, raising numerous questions about Panji. This engaging discussion contributed to the preservation of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, particularly the Panji stories. The event underscored PSPSR UGM’s commitment to community service, which is an integral part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, and also supports SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 15 (Life on Land), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (AZ)
