Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR), through its Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program (PBSJ), has once again demonstrated its commitment to preserving local culture by organizing a cultural event titled “Manten Gagrak Jogja.” The event, which was part of the Final Semester Exam (FSE) for the Wedding Ceremony Protocol course for sixth-semester students, was held in the Seminar Room of the Rectorate Building on the UMPWR East Campus on Thursday (June 25, 2026).
The cultural performance presented a complete series of traditional Javanese wedding rituals in the Yogyakarta style. In addition to involving sixth-semester students as final exam participants, the event was also supported by fourth-semester students and students participating in theater activities. All students actively participated by portraying various roles in the ceremony, ranging from the bride and groom, family members, wedding officiants, singers (sinden), to musicians (pengrawit).
Through this performance, the students not only demonstrated their ability to carry out traditional rituals but also showed a deep understanding of Javanese cultural values, both in terms of philosophy and practical application.
The instructor for the “Pranatacara Manten” course, Zuly Qurniawati, S.Pd., M.Hum., explained that this cultural practice is designed to foster students’ love for local culture while strengthening their competencies as future educators and cultural preservers.
“This practice provides a concrete space for students to experience and internalize the philosophical meaning behind Javanese wedding traditions, rather than merely learning about them in theory,” she said.
She added that the experience students gain through this activity can also serve as a foundation for them to work as Event Organizers (EOs) for traditional Javanese weddings. Additionally, the PBSJ Program is expected to provide broader benefits to the community by disseminating an understanding of authentic traditional Javanese wedding customs, while also serving as a learning tool for students in subsequent academic levels.
This event received appreciation from the UMPWR academic community who were present to witness the proceedings. Through the organization of cultural practices such as this, the PBSJ Program at UMPWR is expected to continue playing a leading role in safeguarding, preserving, and introducing the richness of Javanese culture to the younger generation amid the rapid pace of globalization.
