A team of UGM students researched the influence of “weton” (Javanese birthdate and its significance on a person’s character and destiny) on academic achievement.
Led by Laras Tristant, the team consisted of Muhammad Fernanda Dhiyaul Hak (Faculty of Cultural Sciences), Nurvania Rachmah (Faculty of Cultural Sciences), and Sutan Adam Kusuma Tanaka (Faculty of Philosophy).
Guided by Fahmi Prihantoro, they also developed mitigation measures to enhance awareness among UGM students.
Laras Tristant explained that the research stemmed from the diminishing Javanese culture in society, including the ancient Javanese dating known as “weton.”
Weton is now understood merely as a determinant for auspicious days for particular events, such as wedding days, often linked to mystical or supernatural occurrences. This perception is reinforced by horror movies that revolve around the concept of “weton.”
However, the Javanese dating culture isn’t just about predictions, compatibility, or determining auspicious days.
The concept of weton in the Javanese society of the past was used as guidance to improve one’s luck in achieving a goal. Weton is a Javanese cultural product based on their habits of employing “titen” or knowledge in observing environmental situations.
“From this phenomenon, we raised the topic of weton to observe the connection between the ancient Javanese dating system and the process of everyday life achievements,” she explained.
Tristant conveyed that they attempted to link the belief in weton with the process of academic achievement. Furthermore, they devised measures to assist people in taking action regarding the interpretation of beliefs to enhance their self-improvement.
The research involved 100 respondents who were Javanese students from UGM. They formulated three measures to enhance students’ awareness in the process of academic achievement, including motivation, reminders, and warnings.
Based on the interpretation of weton, Tristant mentioned that a person with inherently positive traits could use the interpretation as motivation to drive the process of academic achievement.
Conversely, individuals with inherently negative traits could use the interpretation as a warning to anticipate potential academic challenges.
Meanwhile, those with a balanced mix of positive and negative traits could use the interpretation as a reminder for motivation or self-warning.
Author: The Weton Team
Editor: Ika