Bulaksumur is recognized as the main campus area of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The eastern part of this area serves as a housing complex for UGM lecturers. While some of the houses are still occupied as residences, others have been converted into offices. This housing complex holds many memories for the children of UGM lecturers. Interestingly, former United States President Barack Obama lived in this neighborhood during his childhood.
A total of 41 children of UGM lecturers who once lived in the Bulaksumur housing complex launched an anthology book titled “Celoteh Cah Bulaksumur” (Chatter of Bulaksumur Kids) at the UGM Museum on Saturday, Sep. 13, 2025.
The 412-page book features 93 essays capturing teenage life in Bulaksumur between 1965 and 1985, reviving the portraits of togetherness and the sociocultural dynamics of the community.
In Celoteh Cah Bulaksumur, book editor Sri Rudiatin Siswanto (Tenong) explained that the contributors shared their childhood and teenage memories in Bulaksumur, ranging from playing in the housing alleys, attending nearby high schools in Yogyakarta, to their experiences studying at UGM.
“This book is like a photo album coming back to life. Anyone who grew up in Yogyakarta during the 1960s to 1980s will find themselves in these stories,” she said.
Although it primarily targets the generation that grew up during 1965-1985, the stories remain relevant for a wider audience.
Themes of togetherness, friendship, and a simple campus life without advanced technology are vividly reflected in every essay.
“Through this book, we hope younger generations can learn from the values we experienced back then, the solidarity, companionship, and joy that blossomed out of simplicity,” Tenong added.
On the same occasion, Professor Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra from the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), remarked that the book is not merely an anthology, but rather a collective biography capturing the lives of an intellectual community in Bulaksumur.
“This book is essentially a tribute to our fathers and mothers. It is our way of expressing gratitude to them. The book reflects our appreciation and thankfulness for the dedication of our parents who raised us in Bulaksumur,” he said.
Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, expressed his appreciation for the publication of Celoteh Cah Bulaksumur.
He mentioned that besides the UGM Museum building, Balairung, and Panca Dharma, the Bulaksumur area will continue to be preserved as part of UGM’s heritage.
“I imagine this book will be fascinating because the past and present eras are so different. Perhaps it contains stories of childhood games that shaped the authors’ experiences,” he said.
The book launch was attended by the authors, the extended families of former Bulaksumur residents, and guests from academic circles.
The event featured story readings from the book and a sharing session among former residents of Bulaksumur.
Some of the contributors present and sharing their experiences included Professor Heddy Shri Ahimsa-Putra, Wihana Kirana Jaya, Yanri, Wijayanti Subroto, Tyas Utami, and Rizon Pamardhi Utomo.
Authors: Leony and Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Salwa