Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo (UMPWR) – through its Library Unit – held a Literary Writing Workshop titled “Talking Literature” with Dr. Herlina Setyowati, M.Pd., a lecturer in the Javanese Language and Literature Education Programme, as well as announcing the winners of the 2025 Poetry and Short Story Writing Competition.
This event was part of the 61st anniversary celebrations of UMPWR and was enthusiastically attended by students from various senior high schools/vocational schools/Islamic senior high schools throughout Purworejo Regency. A total of 27 schools participated in this event, with 32 participants in the Poetry Writing Competition and 56 participants in the Short Story Writing Competition. Through this event, UMPWR strives to foster young people's love for literature and hone their creativity and sensitivity to life and the environment.
The Rector of UMPWR, Associate Professor Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., highlighted several important roles of this workshop, namely developing creativity and imagination, improving language skills, building character and empathy, and fostering students' interest in reading. The Rector also emphasised the development of AI in composing short stories and poetry.
‘The development of digital technology is currently very rapid, especially the development of AI. We cannot reject AI, but we must use it wisely. AI should be used as a tool, not as a substitute for human creativity. AI is capable of writing but cannot feel, so literary works in the digital age will remain alive and the complete works will remain with the author themselves,’ explained the Rector.
The Rector also emphasised the importance of instilling honesty in creative work. Teachers are expected to guide students and help them distinguish between creative works and plagiarised works.
During the workshop, Dr Herlina Setyowati, M.Pd., conveyed the importance of literature as a medium for self-expression and reflection on human values. Herlina emphasised the importance of students daring to express themselves. ‘Writing is not just about stringing words together, but about how we voice our experiences and conscience,’ she said.
The list of winners of the 2025 Short Story Writing Competition in commemoration of the 61st anniversary of UMPWR is as follows:
1. Permata Asta Fridatama (SMAN 1 Purworejo) Title: Forgive Me: My First Love, Soekinem — Theme: Life and Experience
2. Shine Joice Effeline Devita Putri (Purworejo State Senior High School 7) Title: Sasmita Segara — Theme: Memories and Nostalgia
3. Cinta Putri Lestari (Purworejo State Senior High School 10) Title: Keeping the Light at the End of the Village — Theme: Life and Experience
The list of winners of the 2025 Poetry Competition in commemoration of the 61st anniversary of UMPWR is as follows:
1. Siti Rahma Fadila (SMAN 10 Purworejo) Title: Langit Doa Wonosido — Theme: Nature and Environment
2. Hajjah Salma Mabruroh (SMKN 1 Purworejo) Title: Love That Never Dies — Theme: Memories and Nostalgia
3. Saskia Melawati (SMAN 8 Purworejo) Title: Green Tears Behind Concrete — Theme: Nature and Environment
Dr. Junaedi Setiyono, M.Pd., as one of the judges, expressed his deep appreciation to all students who participated in this poetry and short story writing competition. He said that people who like to write must also like to read. Dr. Junaedi also advised those who did not win not to be discouraged, saying that works that did not win in one place could win in another.
Through this activity, UMPWR reaffirmed its commitment to developing literary and artistic talents among students, and to using literature as a medium for fostering character, empathy, and a spirit of creativity in the digital age.
