Academics from the Faculty of Philosophy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Philosophy UGM), who are part of the Community Service Team consisting of Dr. Sartini, Dr. Supartiningsih, Dr. Septiana Dwiputri Maharani, and Dr. Lailiy Muthmainnah, once again organized the Second Temanggung Karawitan Festival. The event took place on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Sasana Budaya Bumi Phala Maron in Temanggung.
This year’s festival featured 11 karawitan groups, including nine groups from Temanggung and two from Yogyakarta. The participating groups from Temanggung represented schools (SMP Alkaustar and SMA Negeri 2), community groups, and art collectives.
Meanwhile, UGM was represented by Philosvara, a student karawitan group from Philosophy UGM, and Puspanjali, a group comprising lecturers, members of the Dharma Wanita association, alumni, and retirees from the faculty and the wider UGM community.
Dr. Sartini, Head of the Community Service Team, expressed hope that the festival would serve as a platform for community members to showcase their karawitan practices.
“We aim to optimize the use of gamelan instruments as a means of building character and preserving our noble cultural heritage,” said Dr. Sartini in a statement sent on Tuesday (Oct. 28).
The event received positive support from the Temanggung Regency Government. Representing the regent, Expert Staff for Governance, Law, and Environment, Edy Cahyadi, conveyed the local government’s appreciation.
He stated that the Temanggung government consistently supports karawitan festivals as a form of cultural preservation and a platform for local artists.
“The local government strongly supports this initiative and hopes it will continue in the coming years,” said Cahyadi.
This year’s festival featured a special collaboration between karawitan and Kuda Lumping, a traditional dance that has become an artistic and cultural icon of Temanggung.
The performance by UGM students from Philosvara also inspired local youth to further develop their interest in karawitan.
Additionally, the event featured a performance by alumni of SMA Negeri 2 Temanggung, who are now pursuing studies or careers at various universities and institutions across the region.
The festival concluded with a certificate presentation, the distribution of appreciation funds from the UGM Community Service Team to the performing groups, and closing remarks by Tri Raharjo, Head of the Temanggung Office of Culture and Tourism.
He expressed gratitude to all parties involved for the smooth execution of the event and affirmed his commitment to supporting similar activities in the future.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photograph: Philosophy UGM