Chairman of Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Association (KAGAMA) Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, has requested UGM alumni in various regions to be involved in local policy-making in their respective regions, especially concerning the improvement of community economic welfare. "In accordance with the democratic vision of UGM, the alumni should unite directly with the people to build the people’s economy," the Sultan said in the reunion event of KAGAMA of East Java, in Trawas, Mojokerto, East Java, Sunday (13/6).
To the East Java KAGAMA administrators and branch managers, the Sultan also hoped that they could make KAGAMA as partner of the local government to conduct in-depth review of any public decision that are made. This, according to the Sultan, is not easy to do because of the increasing political and social issues. “For example, there is still the dispute on aspiration funds and widespread circulation of porn videos," he said, adding that he believed that the alumni can implement the expectation.
While UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng, Ph.D., said that UGM alumni could participate better in developing the region through the respective economic and cultural potential of the regions. Conveyed by Sudjarwadi, the economic and cultural center of the world today has shifted to Asia Pacific and Indonesia has a very strategic role. "Other nations trust our capability, exceeding our own belief," he said.
To be able to make an optimal contribution to the people welfare through their respective alumni professions, Sudjarwadi asked the alumni to always work in top condition, always expand relationships, and work in happiness.
Secretary General of KAGAMA East Java, Ir. Irsat Syukur said that currently there are 3000 to 4000 UGM alumni across 38 regencies in East Java Province, covering various fields of profession whether in the government, bureaucracy and business. The alumni of Geology Engineering class of 1983 added, the alumni reunion in East Java is annually performed as a platform for consolidation, building and expanding business networks among them.