Universitas Gadjah Mada has inaugurated as many as 1,420 graduates, consisting of 1,287 masters, 73 specialists, and 60 doctorates. The average study time is 2 years and 11 months for graduate level (S2), 4 years and 1 month for specialist, and 5 years and 11 months for doctoral. The graduate student, Yos Adi Prakoso from Veterinary Science, became the one completing the study the fastest in just one year. For specialists, the fastest was Evy Tri Utami from Dental Conservation Science in 2 years and 5 months. While for doctoral level, it was Ida Ketut Mudhita Mahosadi from Animal Sciences Study Programme that finished in 3 years and 5 months.
The youngest magister graduate – 22 years 2 months and 14 days old – was Kukuh Daud Pribadi from Electrical Engineering; for specialists, it was Putu Mariati Kaman Dewi from Dental Conservation Science at the age of 27 years and 20 days old. The youngest in doctoral programme was Siti Wahyuni from Physics that earned her doctorate at the age of 35 years and 12 days old.
The number of cum laude holders in graduate degree was 172 (13.36%), in doctoral degree 6 (10%). Average GPA was 3.54 for graduate, 3.6 specialist, and 3.71 doctoral level.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Dwikorita Karnawati, M.Sc., Ph.D., in her remarks congratulated the graduates that had completed their graduate programme at UGM. She touched upon the commemoration of the national heroine, Kartini, on 21 April on which is a time for reflection on the nation progress and the role of Indonesian women. “We can reflect on and evaluate the progress of human resource development in Indonesia, especially, the quality of women,” she said.
According to the Rector, Kartini that was born at the end of the 19th century was a symbol of young women pioneering to make change. Under the Dutch colonialism, she made the breakthrough to build the new 20th century’s civilisation. “Her vision surpassed way beyond her time, trying to realise women’s emancipation,” said the first female rector of UGM.
Kartini then established a school for young girls. This was, according to the Rector, can be made a role model that inspires the young generation of today to be the initiators, daring to take risks, and making change in society.
To the new graduates, the Rector expected them to give service to their surroundings once they return to their hometown by making contributions to women’s empowerment programme through various areas such as health, education, and infrastructure.
Dawam Suprayogi, graduate representative from Faculty of Biology, said he was one of the young people from a remote region that had the chance to get his education at UGM. He would give back the science he had learned at university to his hometown. “It is a priviledge for me to be able to study and graduate from UGM, I will give back what I have learned at UGM so far to build my home town whilst inspiring my fellow young people to keep studying and do good works,” he said.