The Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) has once again demonstrated its real-world impact in cultural development. FBS UNNES deployed one of its top lecturers, Sugiyanto, S.Sn., M.Sn., as the lead judge for the 2026 Grebeg Suro Macapat Competition for elementary, junior high, and senior high school students in Ponorogo Regency. This trust confirms that UNNES FBS’s excellent human resources are not only academically strong but also recognized and sought after by both industry and the wider community.
The two-day competition, held on June 9-10, 2026, saw participants from schools across all districts in Ponorogo. The first day (June 9) featured 48 elementary school students and 15 senior high school students, while the second day (June 10) involved 51 junior high school students. Awards were given in separate male and female categories: 10 winners for elementary, 6 for senior high, and 10 for junior high levels. Each winner received a trophy, cash prize, and certificate.
Sugiyanto, S.Sn.,M.Sn. – a lecturer in the Music Study Program at FBS UNNES – served alongside two other experienced judges: Sunarji, S.Sn. from Trenggalek and Putut Puji Agusseno, M.Sn. from Magetan. His expertise in traditional karawitan and vocal arts, as well as his contributions to music curriculum development, made him a key reference in this competition that tests students’ literary and vocal sensitivity in Macapat singing.
The head of the Grebeg Suro organizing committee expressed appreciation. “We deliberately invited a judge from FBS UNNES because their quality and independence are beyond doubt. Mr. Sugiyanto provided very profound assessments, not only in vocal technique but also in the philosophical understanding of Macapat poetry. This proves that the public and the cultural industry highly consider UNNES academics as main partners,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sugiyanto expressed pride in being directly involved in preserving local culture. “Competitions like this are crucial for young generations to cherish their ancestral heritage. FBS UNNES has a strong commitment to accompanying the community, not only on campus but also in various strategic events. This trust from Ponorogo is recognition that our lecturers are ready to compete and are relied upon in the real world,” he remarked.
The Dean of FBS UNNES, Prof. Dr. Tommi Yuniawan, M.Hum. , added that this achievement aligns with UNNES’s vision as a conservation university with a national perspective, while also supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “We strongly support our lecturers to actively engage in community activities. When FBS UNNES’s excellent human resources are asked to serve as judges at a major event like Grebeg Suro, it shows that their knowledge and experience are indeed considered and trusted by the public. We will continue to encourage this. This event directly contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through local culture-based arts learning, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by holding separate male and female categories, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage,” he stressed.
Through the professional and festive running of this competition, FBS UNNES continues to solidify its position as a center of excellence in arts and culture—not only achieving academic success but also serving as a primary reference for society and the national cultural industry.
