UNIPMA – Yunita Furinawati, S.Hum., M.A., a lecturer of the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program (PBSI), Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA), became a speaker at Ngobrol Nasional Metasastra (NGONTRAS) #59, which was held online through Zoom Meeting on Saturday (25/7).

The event, initiated by the Indonesian Literary Scholars Association (HISKI) Jember Chapter in collaboration with Universitas PGRI Madiun, Universitas Jember, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, carried the theme "Children’s Literature: From Oral Tradition to Creative Writing."

On the occasion, Yunita Furinawati, S.Hum., M.A., presented a topic entitled "Oral Tradition in the Perspective of Children’s Literature: Considering Cultural Values, Symbolic Violence, and Recontextualization Strategies." The material highlighted the importance of re-examining oral traditions as part of children’s literature so that they remain relevant to current developments.

"Oral traditions contain many cultural values that are important to pass on to children. The content of stories needs to be critically examined so that they no longer present symbolic violence that is less appropriate for children’s development today," she said.

She explained that recontextualization is one approach that can be applied to preserve cultural values without eliminating the educational function of folklore. Through contextual adjustments, oral traditions can continue to serve as learning media that are closely connected to children’s current lives.

"Recontextualization does not mean changing the identity of oral traditions, but rather presenting them again in a form that is more relevant, safe, and still meaningful for children," she added.

This national discussion served as a forum for exchanging ideas on the development of children’s literature while encouraging the creation of creative works rooted in oral traditions. The activity also represented the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the aspect of community service through the dissemination of knowledge to the younger generation.

NGONTRAS 59 was hosted by Monica Ayunda Hapsari, a student of the Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program (PBSI) at UNIPMA, as the master of ceremonies, while Dina Merdeka Citraningrum, M.Pd., from Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember, served as the moderator. The forum was attended by participants from various universities and literary communities to deepen academic discussions on children’s literature.

For information, Universitas PGRI Madiun has also opened the New Student Admission (PMB) for Regular and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programs for the 2026/2027 Academic Year. Information regarding study programs and registration requirements is available through the Instagram account @unipma_pmb, the website www.unipma.ac.id, or the PMB Office at Campus 1, Jalan Setiabudi No. 85 Madiun, and Campus 2, Jalan Raya Klitik Km 5 Ngawi.