As Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 74th anniversary on December 19, 2023, the spotlight was on the university’s commitment to transforming and fortifying its leadership in science and innovation, guided by the tri dharma of higher education.
In the anniversary meeting held at Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday (December 19), Professor Ova Emilia, the Rector of UGM, articulated how this effort is intricately linked to realizing “Indonesia Emas 2045” (Golden Indonesia) and positioning UGM as a frontrunner in navigating the disruptive currents of the era.
UGM extends its collaborative reach with industries to achieve these goals, fostering innovative research that seamlessly translates into downstream activities catering to societal needs.
“In response to contemporary dynamics and disruptions on national, regional, and global scales, UGM is intensifying transdisciplinary research, particularly in domains like climate change, the transition to clean energy, food sovereignty, and health innovation,” the rector said in her remarks.
“The challenges of our times demand universities to be agile and proactive. UGM also deeply engages in policy forums, contributing solutions to diverse national and global issues.”
Beyond academic development, UGM’s research-based innovations serve as tangible contributions to solving societal problems and advancing national agendas.
UGM is setting the stage for the new student hub (GIK) as a resource network. This space, primarily focusing on socio-techno entrepreneurship, is poised to be a creative hub, empowering the younger generation with diverse knowledge and future-ready skills to navigate the ever-evolving landscape.
For human resource development, UGM is implementing the Innovative Learning Ecosystem, reinforcing programs like KIPK-K, ADik 3T, and other financial aid initiatives.
These efforts underscore UGM’s commitment to providing high-quality higher education experiences to the younger generation from various regions and backgrounds, including the frontier, outermost, and underdeveloped (3T).
In its commitment to building an inclusive, eco-friendly, socially responsible, and healthy campus, UGM has established the Wellbeing Center to support the mental health of its community.
The university also champions the Peduli Difabel Student Unit and builds spiritual facilities on campus to cater to the spiritual needs of believers from diverse faiths.
“UGM follows the ‘Sabuk Sosial’ paradigm, a hallmark of developing a quality learning ecosystem by embracing and positively contributing to the community surrounding the campus through the KKN-KIBAR program, including organizing KKN-PPM at the national and international levels,” the rector explained.
UGM is propelling several translational and transdisciplinary flagship research initiatives, addressing crucial aspects like food self-sufficiency, pharmaceutical raw materials, medical devices, energy transition, climate change, environmental adaptation, and cultural and social resilience—all contributing significantly to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Furthermore, the rector shed light on UGM’s relentless pursuit of becoming a world-class university, marked by increased scholarly publications in reputable international journals and proceedings.
UGM also optimizes the Learning Center (LC) role, a vital hub for multidisciplinary learning and research, supporting the development of downstream research activities.
In the realm of campus governance, UGM remains committed to digital adaptation, recognizing its pivotal role in transforming university management.
The digital transformation program aims to create an Intelligent University through enterprise architecture and big data analytics, develop future skills and digital intelligence, and transform digitally integrated business processes.
In summary, the rector emphasized UGM’s commitment to actively contributing and impacting through several strategic programs addressing the challenges of realizing an independent, sovereign, prosperous, democratic, and sustainable nation.
Firstly, the university is steadfast in pursuing translational and transdisciplinary research to produce direct outcomes that impact solutions for food sovereignty, health, and energy independence through research ready for industrial prototypes.
Secondly, UGM is committed to fostering a dignified and inclusive education system by adapting digital technology to produce innovative and agile human resources with strong national insights and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Thirdly, community service programs based on regionalism, entrepreneurship, partnerships, and social inclusion will be reinforced to address national agendas that have a global impact.
Fourthly, UGM will fortify collaboration and synergy with the business world, industry, and communities to make the university an accelerator of human resource development and the economy and enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness.
Fifthly, the university’s role as a guardian of moral and national values will be reinforced to realize a democratic, just, and prosperous Indonesia.
“UGM’s planned and implemented contributions are poised to propel Indonesia towards independence, sovereignty, prosperity, democracy, and sustainability,” the rector affirmed.
“We seek the support of all stakeholders in our education, research, and downstream journey, as well as social advocacy for global and humanitarian issues, as these constitute critical pillars in transforming higher education.”
During the event, Professor Alva Edy Tontowi delivered a speech titled “Digital Transformation: Harmonization of Innovation and Humanity,” and UGM also awarded Professor Muh Aris Marfai, Professor Wega Trisunaryanti, and Benjamin Mangitung for their substantial contributions to science, technology, tri dharma, and the environment.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Firsto