Universitas Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR), through the Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program (PBSJ) of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), held a Cultural Seminar themed “Introduction to Jogja and Solo Style Wayang as a Cultural Education Medium for the Young Generation” on Wednesday, March 20, 2026, at the Seminar Room of UMPWR East Campus.
The event featured Ki Anom Sucondro, a puppeteer and campursari artist from Yogyakarta who is widely recognized for his active role in preserving Javanese culture. The seminar was attended by second, fourth, and sixth-semester PBSJ students, delegates from student organizations and Muhammadiyah autonomous organizations (Ortom), representatives from junior high schools, senior high schools, vocational schools in Purworejo Regency, and members of the public.
This cultural seminar was organized as an effort to strengthen the younger generation’s understanding of the importance of Javanese culture as a national identity amidst the rapid flow of globalization. In addition, the activity aimed to encourage PBSJ students to actively participate in cultural activities as a platform for developing creative and innovative ideas in the fields of language, literature, and Javanese culture.
Through this seminar, PBSJ FKIP UMPWR also encouraged the emergence of students’ creative ideas that could make tangible contributions to the preservation and development of Javanese culture based on local wisdom. Furthermore, the event was expected to foster a deeper love for Javanese culture among young people so that they can actively participate in preserving and developing culture sustainably.
The Head of the Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program, Dr. Aris Aryanto, emphasized in his remarks the importance of cultural preservation in the era of globalization. According to him, the younger generation has a strategic role in maintaining the continuity of Javanese culture so that it remains alive and relevant amidst modern developments.
In his presentation, Ki Anom Sucondro explained the differences between Yogyakarta and Surakarta style wayang, covering their history, sources of traditional references, and presentation characteristics. He stated that the Yogyakarta style originates from Purwakarta and Habiranda, which are closely connected to the Ngayogyakarta Palace tradition, while the Surakarta style derives from Rajapurwa, which developed within the Surakarta Palace tradition.
Ki Anom Sucondro also emphasized that the diversity of wayang styles is a cultural treasure that should be appreciated collectively. “All cultures and all styles are equally valuable and none are wrong,” he stated before the seminar participants.
Through this activity, UMPWR once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the preservation of regional culture while also building awareness among the younger generation to continue loving and developing the nation’s cultural heritage.
Contributor: Sarifatul Ulya / PBSJ
Editor: Akbar / KP
