UNU Jogja Opens Space for Student Expression Through “Lentera Kata at Panggung Jingga”

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Library of Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja) presents a meeting space between literacy and student creativity through a book discussion and expression stage titled Lentera Kata at Panggung Jingga, held at the Amphitheater, 2nd Floor of the UNU Yogyakarta Building, on Thursday, June 18.

The public event is a collaboration between the UNU Jogja Library Unit (UPT Perpustakaan) and the Primary School Teacher Education Study Program (PGSD), Faculty of Education UNU Jogja. It also involves Sahabat Perpustakaan (Bestlibu), student organizations, and the academic community as part of efforts to build a campus ecosystem that supports student creativity.

The event coordinator and librarian of UNU Jogja, Istiana, stated that the program is based on the belief that literacy is not only about reading and writing, but also about the courage to express ideas through various forms of media.

“The expression stage serves as a platform for students to channel their talents and creative thoughts through art forms such as music, poetry, monologues, and other performances. Meanwhile, the book discussion aims to strengthen critical literacy through in-depth reading and discussion of books relevant to contemporary issues,” she said.

She added that literacy and expression are two complementary elements in academic life.

“These two activities complement each other—literacy and expression. Both are important pillars in creating an academic atmosphere that is inclusive, reflective, and inspiring,” she explained.

During the book discussion talk show session, participants discussed the book Sekolah 3025: Wajah Pendidikan di Masa Depan, an anthology of thoughts written by PGSD UNU Jogja students of the 2024 cohort, published in 2025.

The 267-page book explores reflections on the future of Indonesian education. From the perspective of future educators, the contributors present ideas on hopes, challenges, and educational values that remain relevant amid technological advancement and rapid societal change.

The discussion featured PGSD lecturer and Indonesian literature writer, Risda Nur Widia, who encouraged participants to see the future of education not only in terms of technological progress but also in character building, morality, and human values.

Head of the UNU Jogja Library Unit, Abdulloh Badruzzaman, said that libraries continue to evolve in response to the needs of young generations.

“The library has a dream of becoming a hub for collaboration, innovation, and creativity. We aim to provide a medium for students to express their creativity,” he said.

He emphasized that libraries are no longer merely places to read and borrow books, but living spaces where ideas, collaboration, and various forms of academic expression come together.

A similar view was expressed by the Head of the PGSD Department, Dr. Dewi Masithoh. She hopes that activities like this can become a safe space for students to discover and develop their potential.

“Through this activity, students can express their hidden potential and articulate their thoughts in written form. Writing becomes history. We hope students become more motivated to achieve,” she said.

In addition to discussions, the event also featured an Expression Stage filled with performances by UNU Jogja students and student organizations. Various performances were showcased, including traditional dance, music, poetry performance, martial arts (pencak silat), solo singing, and K-Pop dance performances.

The event was further enlivened by the presence of a student who achieved Runner-Up 2 of Putri Nusantara DIY, Hisba Cahyani Irawan, along with the Founder of Putra Putri Nusantara DIY, Danang Triantoro. Visitors also enjoyed a “photo with ambassadors” session, interactive quizzes, and door prizes prepared by the committee.

In addition, visitors were treated to a book exhibition by Deepublish Publishing and UPP STIM YKPN, as well as an “Ecological Frames” exhibition by PGSD UNU Jogja students.

Meanwhile, Vice Rector for Cooperation, Business, and Creative Funding of UNU Jogja, Ian Agisti Dewi Rani, stated that the event reflects the university’s commitment to providing broad spaces for student growth.

“We hope students continue to write, develop leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, and creativity,” she said.

She added that every student has their own way of expressing themselves, and the university is responsible for providing space for that potential to grow.

“Some express themselves through academics, arts, and technology. Therefore, these doors of expression must always be opened. Through this activity, student creativity can be validated and appreciated,” she concluded. [Latifah]