The Student Creativity Program – Social Humanities Research (PKM-RSH) team, consisting of students from the Science Education, Statistics, Javanese Language Education, and Psychology programs at Yogyakarta State University (UNY), has successfully received funding from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in 2025. Their project centers on the theme of self-awareness among Generation Z and the preservation of Javanese philosophy through Virtual Reality (VR) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

The team leader, Choirrunisa, explained that their research, titled “Sangkan Paraning Dumadi: A Self-Exploration Effort for Generation Z to Achieve Mental Well-being and Preserve Traditional Javanese Philosophy through Virtual Reality,” represents an innovation that integrates modern technology with local wisdom rooted in Javanese philosophy.

“The increasing prevalence of stress, anxiety, and existential crises among Generation Z needs to be addressed through approaches that resonate with their daily lives—namely, digital technology. Through this research, we aim to reintroduce the profound philosophy of Sangkan Paraning Dumadi in the form of an immersive Virtual Reality experience, allowing users to engage in enjoyable yet meaningful self-reflection,” explained Nisa.

The philosophy of Sangkan Paraning Dumadi carries a deep meaning about the origin and purpose of human life. It emphasizes self-awareness, life balance, and harmonious relationships among humans, nature, and the Creator. However, these noble values are increasingly being forgotten by Generation Z due to the rapid influence of globalization and digitalization.

The research team—comprising Choirrunisa, Siti Indah Yulianti, Ajeng Ranaya Syah, Afifah Nur Hasanah, and Anisa Zulfa Nabila—adopted an interdisciplinary approach to develop a Virtual Reality-based medium that is not only informative but also capable of fostering spiritual and psychological awareness.

In its development, the team designed a virtual environment inspired by Sangkan Paraning Dumadi, where users can explore symbolic stages of human life—from creation, through the journey of living, to the return to one’s origin. Narratives and settings are integrated with modern visual elements to create a reflective and engaging experience for Generation Z.

According to team member Siti Indah Yulianti, the project also aims to strengthen cultural awareness through technology.

“We want to demonstrate that technology does not have to distance Generation Z from their cultural roots. On the contrary, through media like this, they can rediscover the meaning of life while helping preserve traditional values,” she said.

The user perception test of the Sangkan Paraning Dumadi VR medium produced highly positive results. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded a p-value < 0.001, indicating a significant difference between users’ perception scores and the median scale value. This suggests that participants rated the experience significantly higher than average, demonstrating the effectiveness of the VR medium in enhancing self-reflection and interest in Javanese philosophy.

“Through this approach, we hope Generation Z can find a balance between the digital world and local wisdom. Self-exploration through the Sangkan Paraning Dumadi philosophy is not only about cultural preservation but also about achieving mental well-being,” added Ajeng.

In a research discussion with their faculty supervisor, Dr. Ali Mahmudi, M.Pd., it was emphasized that such innovations serve as a strategic step in integrating science, technology, and culture within a reflective learning framework.

“This project is not only academically relevant but also deeply humanitarian. It helps Generation Z understand themselves while preserving Javanese philosophical heritage,” he remarked.

The team hopes that their research will inspire both the educational community and the wider society to develop culture-based learning media that remain adaptive to the times.

“Sangkan Paraning Dumadi teaches that true well-being is not merely about happiness in the digital world but about understanding the direction and meaning of life itself,” concluded Nisa.