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INA
Faculty of Humanities Udayana University Collaborates with Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
The Faculty of Humanities Udayana University collaborated with the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) held two fringe events featuring two renowned Indonesian writers, Mhyajo and Dr. Andreas Kurniawan. The event took place on Friday, October 31, at the Faculty of Humanities, Udayana University. Through this activity, participants were invited to explore the creative process of two interdisciplinary writers, from the writing of the Majapahit trilogy to reflections on humor, grief, and mental health in an inspiring and open atmosphere.
The first session opened with an introduction from the moderator, Mr. Jalu Norva, who sparked the discussion. The first speaker, Mhyajo, shared the creative story behind the writing process of the Majapahit trilogy, which consists of Gayatri and Gitarja. In his presentation, Mhyajo revealed that his book was published in three languages, namely Indonesian, English, and Old Javanese, and emphasized that his work was not just a collection of poems, but the result of historical research born from in-depth research on the Majapahit kingdom era. He explained that each of his works began with qualitative research, visiting historical sites, and searching through various references in libraries. This creative process is then poured into powerful writing and visualizations. Mhyajo also shared his personal experiences while conducting research, from Solo to Yogyakarta, where he met Old Javanese philologists from Gadjah Mada University. He heard the name Gayatri during these meetings, which he described as a moment of “ the ”shock that made him fall in love with the figure, which then inspired the creation of Gayatri.
The second session featured Dr. Andreas Kurniawan with moderator Mr. Isnan Waluyo, S.Pd., M.A., staff member of the Bachelor of Indonesian Literature. In a session entitled Humor, Grief, and Mental Health, Dr. Andreas discussed reflections from his two works, Seorang Wanita yang Ingin Menjadi Pohon Semangka di Kehidupan Berikutnya and Seorang Pria yang Melalui Duka dengan Mencuci Piring. He explained that both books use simple language so that they are easy to understand and can directly touch the reader's experience. Through the analogy of Mencuci Piring (washing dishes), Dr. Andreas emphasized the importance of mindfulness, which is full awareness of every activity performed. Even small things like washing dishes can be a form of relaxing meditation because it invites a person to be fully present in the moment.
Furthermore, he linked this concept to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) theory, Stoic philosophy, and even the Ship of Theseus paradox to show how humans often suffer more in their imagination than in reality. He also highlighted that attachment is often a source of suffering, and that removing grief also means removing the love that gave birth to it. According to Dr. Andreas, the key to healing is not to minimize the wound, but to strengthen the vessel that holds it. We are invited to learn to accept, understand, and continue to grow from every life experience.
Both sessions were interactive and enthusiastic. Participants actively asked insightful questions to each speaker, showing great interest in the topics discussed. As a token of appreciation, several lucky questioners received books from the speakers. Each session concluded on a warm note with a group photo session between the speakers, moderator, and attendees, marking the end of a series of events that not only enriched knowledge but also strengthened the relationship between writers and readers in an inspiring dialogue space.
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY