Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and its Alumni association (Kagama) are committed to always developing and advancing the east part of Indonesia. Both will make a breakthorugh and take concrete steps to downstreaming UGM research outcomes. This topic emerged during an event titled UGM and Kagama Form Synergy for the Country, held in Century Park Hotel in Jakarta on Saturday (7/10). Attending the event were Chairperson of Kagama, Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, Rector of UGM and university leadership, UGM Board of Professors, Board of Trustees, Dean, and hundreds of alumni.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., said the position of UGM as a national university and university of the people have been realised through Student Community Service as well as admittance of students from isolated and underdeveloped regions of the country.
“This is one of UGM contributions to integrate the nation,” said Panut.
He added UGM with over 300 thousand of alumni have made much contributions to the state development. UGM and Kagama also help resolve state problems, such as poverty, radicalism and religion and ethnic groups issues.
“UGM and alumni stand in the frontlines that always uphold the unity of Indonesia,” he added.
Secretary of Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Ir. Indarto., D.E.A., reminded the alumni that they have big responsibility impacted by the identity of UGM. So, alumni of UGM need to stick to the value of UGM.
“Currently, arrests of people (accused of committing corruption practices) are rampant. Alumni of UGM ought to not get caught into this,” he expected.
Budi Karya Sumadi said alumni of UGM had to be able to keep the names of UGM good and build integrity under the UGM values. Furthermore, Budi announced programme that was already made by Kagama, such as digitalisation of Kagama card, Kagama Disaster Care, scholarship provision, etc.
“From 9 June – 7 October 2017, there are over 11 thousand of alumni having requested the Kagama card,” said Budi.
Furthermore, Budi agreed the acceleration of research downstreaming from UGM to the industry and society. He proposed the establishment of Vocational School in the Jakarta campus.
In the event that was moderated by Secretary General of Kagama, Ari Dwipayana, UGM and Kagama declared to continue to give input and agree to always form synergies. Noted alumni giving input include Bondan Gunawan, Bambang Kesowo, as well as Rector of Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, Rector of Universitas Tanjungpura, and Director General of Regional Autonomy, Soni Sumarsono.