Universitas Gadjah Mada inaugurated 1,781 Sarjana and Diploma graduates. Average study time for Sarjana level is four years and five months, for Diploma 3 years. In Sarjana level, Claudia Hanny (Accounting) finished the quickest in 4 years and 18 days; in Diploma level, Griselda Junianda Velantika (Civil Engineering) in 2 years and 6 months.
Youngest graduate in Sarjana level is Abida Hasna Laila (Medical Education) who is 19 years old. In Diploma level, Nadia Amalina Bunga Massita (Agro-Industry) is 19 years and 7 months old.
Cum laude distinctions for Sarjana programme produced as high as 37.51%, very satisfactory 57.88% and satisfactory 4.61%. Cum laude distinctions for Diploma programme are 45.23%, very satisfactory 44.62%, and satisfactory 10.16%.
Average GPA for Sarjana is 3.37 and for Diploma III as high as 3.38, Diploma IV: 3.05. The graduate with highest GPA (4.00) from Sarjana degree is Nikko Vanda Limantara (Medical Education); from Diploma degree May Eka Rahasti (Medical Record) earning GPA 3.95.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph.D., in her remarks congratulated all graduates who have completed their studies. In her opinion, they are all the best children of the nation who have completed their Sarjana and Diploma degrees in the university of struggle, the largest university in the country, “So, the graduation is the start to the long journey of your life ahead whether in further studies, or work. Your role is really much awaited amidst the open opportunities for the development of Indonesia’s civilisation,” said the Rector in the Grha Sabha Pramana Hall UGM on Wednesday (18/5) .
She recounted the struggle of the young people with the Budi Utomo movement on 20 May 1908. The youth organisation sparked the spirit of nationalism and patriotism, which eventually led to the Youth’s Oath, pledged in 1928, followed by the Independence in 1945. The patriotism spirit further triggered the establishment of UGM in 1949 during the times when the Dutch wanted to re-colonialise Indonesia.
“UGM founding fathers along with Sri Sultan HB IX in the Yogyakarta’s Palace of Kraton launched the birth of UGM on 19 December 1949, right on the same day with the Dutch military aggression. We wanted to prove to the world that despite the reoccupation, Indonesia was still existing with the symbol of national university, university of struggle. So, the birth of UGM was purposedly designed, showing the world that Indonesia was still standing tall inspite of the colonialisation,” she said.
The Rector added the spirit of nasionalism has to be fought for and sustained by all UGM members of academic community and alumni. “The significance for us as young intellectuals is to raise the nationalism and patriotism spirit. Let’s prove that UGM graduates are not only fighting for our own interests but also to contribute to society, building a better Indonesia,” she concluded.