In a spirited ceremony at the Balairung UGM courtyard, Yudian Wahyudi, the Head of the Pancasila Ideology Development Board (BPIP), bid an enthusiastic farewell to 1,172 UGM students embarking on the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) on Friday (Dec. 15).
These UGM students, gearing up for the fourth period of 2023, are set to immerse themselves in community service programs spanning 13 provinces, 30 regencies/cities, and 44 districts across Indonesia.
The KKN, unfolding from Dec. 18, 2023, to Feb. 5, 2024, holds the thematic mantle of “Strengthening Pancasila Ideology, Civic Education, and Reinforcing Election Monitoring.”
In his inspiring address, Wahyudi underscored BPIP’s commitment to visiting campuses nationwide, providing assistance, and offering ideological guidance on Pancasila. This aligns seamlessly with the presidential directive to champion and guide Pancasila ideology, especially among the vibrant younger generation.
“BPIP hopes that you (students) will be the torchbearers of Pancasila values within the community through your KKN tasks. You will champion the values of divinity, humanity, unity, democracy, and the unwavering pursuit of social justice,” he fervently emphasized.
Wahyudi touched upon the imminent elections in Indonesia, a pivotal moment where candidates vie for public votes. He hoped students would communicate the essence of unity and collective strength in society. By embracing this unity, echoing the third principle of Pancasila, joint objectives can be achieved.
He also imparted advice to the students, urging them to foster cohesion, harmony, and collaborative spirit during KKN.
Designating the group leader as the unifying anchor within their group, he emphasized the critical role of effective leadership in coordinating team members for cohesive efforts. Mutual support should be the cornerstone in both challenging times and moments of joy.
“Success is the team’s collective triumph. This mirrors the essence of Pancasila, encapsulated in cooperation,” he elucidated.
Concluding his address, Wahyudi expressed profound gratitude and highest regard for UGM, acknowledging the meticulous organization of the KKN deployment and the collaboration inked between BPIP and UGM on Pancasila and the tri dharma.
He expressed optimism that this collaboration would persist, furthering the cause of promoting Pancasila values in alignment with each institution’s distinct tasks and functions.
“As you embark on your KKN duties, we pray for your safety, smooth journey, and resounding success. Be the guiding stars and disseminators of Pancasila values wherever you are!” he concluded.
The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, echoed the sentiment that KKN implementation is a tangible manifestation of UGM’s unwavering commitment, which spans over 50 years, to realize sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Crucially, UGM endeavors to instill nationalistic values and the spirit of Pancasila in its students. Understanding Pancasila as the nation’s ideological backbone is pivotal for resilience amid many challenges.
Pancasila, she stressed, has become ingrained in the nation’s life, and UGM continually strives to internalize these values in campus life. While engaged in KKN, students can catalyze change, becoming dynamic forces for fortifying Pancasila ideology and nationalism in society.
Professor Emilia urged students to synergize and collaborate with diverse partners during KKN, enhancing UGM’s reputation with unwavering dedication and exceptional work achievements. She affirmed that KKN-PPM’s success is a source of immense pride for the UGM family.
“Hearty congratulations to the participating students. May the programs you envision unfold seamlessly, bringing significant benefits to both the community and yourselves,” she concluded.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Firsto