The UGM Faculty of Philosophy, under the Education for Sustainable Development grant scheme from the UGM Directorate of Community Service, organized a public speaking training in Javanese using ‘Tembang Macapat.’
The event was held in collaboration with the Bangunjiwo Village Youth Group and was attended by over 20 participants.
Dr. Rr. Siti Murtiningsih, the team leader, stated that this activity is an effort to develop the skills of young people to effectively communicate with the community using proper and authentic Javanese language.
The program responds to the current situation in which young generations often prefer foreign cultures over their rich, philosophically meaningful, and educationally valuable local heritage.
Dr. Iva Ariani, a lecturer at the Faculty of Philosophy, explained the techniques for becoming a good and proper MC.
This was done to provide an understanding to the participants, all youth group members, who are often involved in hosting events or delivering speeches in their community.
Budisutrisna, another lecturer from the Faculty of Philosophy, also discussed the philosophical values embedded in ‘Tembang Macapat.’
He emphasized that behind the songs are character values that serve as the foundation for proper social communication and behavior.
Additionally, Budisutrisna provided a practical demonstration of public speaking in Javanese using ‘Tembang Macapat.’
Several participants were also invited to practice during the session. The event received a positive response from participants and the local government of Bangunjiwo Village.
In the present era, cultural elements like ‘Tembang Macapat’ and the skill of MCing in Javanese are not widely practiced among the younger generation.
Author: Dr. Iva Ariani
Editor: Satria