Syawalan Seni was a celebration of two milestones: the 34th anniversary of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies program at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, and the 36 years of dedication by the beloved lecturer, G. R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang. Held over two days—8 and 9 May 2025—at GIK UGM, the event carried the theme “Performing Enchantment”, bringing together a diverse lineup of performers including Samba Sunda, the PSPSR Orchestra, and OM Jarang Pulang.
OM Jarang Pulang (OMJP) is a dangdut band formed by alumni and students of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies program. The current ensemble features Michael H. B. Raditya (percussion), Ribeth Nurvijayanto (keys), Agus Umbu (keys), Hata Nugraha (bass), Thalita Nur Fadillah (drums), Anbie Haldini (tambourine), Yuki Raudhul Rizky (guitar), and vocalists Selin Rimesu and Ratna Wulan Sari. Since its formation in 2018, OMJP has become known for its vibrant mix of dangdut, koplo, and ambyar, and has released three original tracks: “Baper,” “Udarasa,” and “Sajerone Segara Sajembare Samudera.”
Taking the spotlight at 10 PM, OMJP delivered four crowd-favorite songs: “Kopi Dangdut”, “Dumes”, “Pamer Bojo”, and “Koyo Jogja Istimewa.” From the first beat, they had the audience dancing and singing along. As the night reached its joyful climax, the band added a heartwarming surprise—inviting the audience to join in singing a lyric: “Pak Lono is so special,” cleverly swapped from the original “You are so special” (or “Koe ncen Istimewa”). The moment was magical. The crowd sang with delight, and Pak Lono smiled warmly from the back row, visibly moved by the spontaneous tribute.
The involvement of various parties in the Syawalan Seni event, including OM Jarang Pulang (OMJP), reflects PSPSR UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). (HB)
