Online Seminar on Javanese Culture, Heritage, and Identity
On behalf of the Diaspora in Beweging project, we are delighted to invite you to our second online International seminar about:
Javanese Culture, Heritage and Identity
When: Saturday, 27 September 2025
Time: 13:00 – 14:30 CET | 08:00 – 09:30 SRT | 18:00 – 19:30 WIB
Place: Online (Scroll down to register, and you'll receive the link)
This seminar is part of the ongoing research project Diaspora in Beweging, which explores postcolonial heritage among diasporic communities in the Netherlands. The project is a collaboration between Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (RCE) and Utrecht University.
In the first phase of this project, we engaged with heritage communities in the Netherlands, including the Surinamese Javanese, with whom we organized two sessions on Surinamese Javanese Gamelan and Janur Kuning. Building on these dialogues, we are now extending the conversation with experts who will share insights on the dynamics of cultural heritage of Javanese communities in the diaspora.
Our speakers
- Prof. Sahid Teguh Widodo, M.Hum, Head of University Centre of Excellence Javanology for Javanese Traditions, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Dr. Dewi Cahya Ambarwati, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
Dr. Arifah Arum Candra Hayuningsih, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia
Mr. Warsodikromo, Director, Directorate of Culture, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Suriname
What to Expect
This 90-minute session includes short presentations (10–12 minutes each) by each invited experts, followed by an open discussion. Together, we will explore key questions such as:
How do Javanese cultural practices and artistic expressions connect, change, and adapt between and beyond home and host countries?
How does the concept of heritage function in diaspora processes?
What local policy frameworks – or gaps – exist in relation to this form of heritage?
Register here: https://diaspora-erfgoed.sites.uu.nl/registration-online-seminar-javanese-culture-and-heritage-in-diaspora/
After registration you will receive the participation link.
About the speakers
Dr. Dewi Cahya Ambarwati teaches Arts and Cultural Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Vocational College. With a background in political science, religious and cross-cultural studies, and inter-religious studies, she combines scholarship with her practice as a professional Javanese classical dancer. Her work explores Ramayana and Mahabharata dance dramas, intercultural exchange, and the creation of edu-cultural programs and art productions that connect local and international communities.
Dr. Arifah Arum Candra Hayuningsih is assistant professor in the French Language and Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). She completed her bachelor’s and master’s degree at UGM. She obtained her doctorate at the Department of Anthropology University of Amsterdam in 2023. Her fields are diaspora, migration, and memory.
Mr. Dwight Warsodikromo is a Surinamese choreographer, theater maker, and cultural leader. He is Director at the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture in Suriname and founder of 4S-Dance Company. Trained in Suriname and Indonesia, his work bridges ballet, Javanese and Indonesian dance, and Surinamese folklore, with a strong commitment to cultural heritage and community.
We look forward to welcoming you online for this exchange on Javanese art, culture, and identity within the global diaspora!
Team Diaspora in Beweging