In a meaningful ceremony, Professor Teguh Budipitojo, the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, officially inaugurated 230 accomplished veterinarians on Thursday (Jan. 11) at Grha Sabha Pramana, UGM.
This diverse group comprises 181 women and 49 men. With this milestone, the total tally of veterinarians graduating from the faculty has soared to an impressive 6,215.
The newly minted veterinarians navigated an average study duration of 5 years, 8 months, and 11 days. The speediest graduate completed the program in a remarkable 5.5 years, while the longest scholar took 9 years and 4 months to achieve this milestone.
The coveted title of the youngest veterinarian graduate was bestowed upon Andria Meidina, who clinched her degree at 22 years, 6 months, and 10 days. The collective age of the graduates averages 23 years, 7 months, and 14 days.
During the commencement, Dean Budipitojo revealed that nearly half of the freshly anointed veterinarians have embarked on their professional journeys.
“Approximately 50 percent of today’s graduates have already stepped into the workforce, while the rest are contemplating their next career moves,” he said.
In his guidance to the new veterinarians, Dean Budipitojo emphasized the importance of upholding values and character in safeguarding the well-being of animals and human health.
Moreover, he underscored the absence of regulations specifically addressing the standardization of veterinary education in Indonesia.
Although there are overarching laws, government regulations, and ministerial decrees governing higher education, none provide a tailored focus on veterinary education.
“The current regulations are still too broad. We once had specific regulations related to veterinary education, established during the Dutch colonial era, which endured until 2009 with the Livestock and Animal Health Law issuance,” he shared.
“Consequently, the directive for organizing veterinary medicine higher education faded away.”
Dean Budipitojo called for legislative initiatives to standardize veterinary education in Indonesia, urging the new veterinarians to actively participate in championing such causes.
“To this day, the regulations are no longer sufficient because they do not align with the evolution of veterinary higher education in Indonesia. We must strive to establish legislation and regulations,” he passionately conveyed.
Meanwhile, veterinarian Andi Wijanarko, the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association Secretary-General, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly inaugurated veterinarians from the UGM Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
He implored them to uphold moral values and professionalism in executing their duties and responsibilities. Addressing the challenges ahead, Wijanarko emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in knowledge and skills and maintaining a professional demeanor to foster positive relationships with various stakeholders.
“You must be prepared to tackle various animal welfare and public health challenges. Recent incidents, such as the consumption of hundreds of dogs, highlight the need for vigilance,” Wijanarko advised.
“New veterinarians must persistently enhance their expertise and approach their responsibilities professionally to cultivate harmonious relationships with other stakeholders.”
Author: Gusti Grehenson