Students from the Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program and the Javanese Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Arts, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) held the “UNNES Mantu” event as part of the Pranatcara course exam, Saturday (1 June 2024), at the UNNES Cultural Village, Sekaran , Gunungpati, Semarang City.
“UNNES Mantu” is a simulation of a Javanese traditional wedding ceremony which is held to test students’ abilities in acting as celebrants or master of ceremonies in Javanese traditional ceremonies. This event is designed to apply the theories learned in class in real situations, as well as preserving and re-evaluating the values of Javanese culture.
The event which took place at the UNNES Cultural Village was guided by the course lecturers, Dr Widodo MHum and Didik Supriadi MPd. Also present were Deputy Dean II of FBS Muhamad Burhanudin MA, Javanese Language and Literature Education Study Program Coordinator Mujimin MPd, and Javanese Literature Study Program Coordinator Dr Prembayun Miji Lestari.
According to Burhanudin, this performance provides valuable experience for students because they directly practice the procedures for Javanese wedding customs. Students are not only tested in terms of their mastery of the Javanese language and public speaking skills, but also in understanding and applying the procedures and ethics in Javanese traditional ceremonies.
This activity also aims to foster students’ love of Javanese culture. According to him, in line with UNNES’s mission as a university that promotes cultural conservation, FBS is committed to encouraging students to maintain these values in society. “In this way, they can appreciate and preserve this tradition and are ready to carry out their role as cultural preservers in society,” he said.
