Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) honored several distinguished individuals with the Hamengku Buwono (HB) IX Award and the Universitas Gadjah Mada Award for their contributions to education, humanity, and strengthening diversity and peace.
The UGM Rector presented the awards, comprising medals and certificates, at the 75th Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration at Grha Sabha Pramana on Thursday, Dec. 19.
The HB IX Award was presented to Professor Haedar Nashir, Chair of Muhammadiyah Central Board, for his dedication to advancing education, social causes, politics, and humanity.
Four recipients of the UGM Award were also recognized: Alissa Qotrunnada Munawaroh Wahid, a psychologist and social activist known for promoting diversity and peace; Dr. Susanti, cancer pathology and pharmacology researcher; Professor Saeful Deni from Universitas Muhammadiyah Maluku Utara, recognized for empowering communities and alleviating poverty in North Maluku; and Professor Nyoman Kertia, a researcher specializing in herbal medicines and cultural studies.
Professor Nashir expressed his gratitude to UGM during a press conference for the recognition. He highlighted UGM’s unwavering commitment to upholding truth rooted in its core values.
“UGM is guided by five values and orientations, starting with truth based on knowledge connected to Pancasila, religion, and the nation’s culture. Our professors instilled in us the importance of being scientists grounded in truth wherever we are,” the awardee explained.
Professor Nashir also acknowledged UGM’s identity as a “people’s university,” emphasizing its responsibility to serve the public through practical academic initiatives like community service programs (KKN).
“This campus has long been known as the people’s university, and that means loving the people through practical, scholarly work like KKN and the roles played by its alumni and institutions,” he added.
Alissa Wahid also appreciated UGM’s strong commitment to the nation and its efforts to bridge the gap between knowledge and the public.
“UGM has a tremendous commitment to the nation and the people. Professor Ova Emilia has repeatedly emphasized UGM’s readiness to guide national leadership, ensuring it aligns with the interests of the people. It’s not just about advancing knowledge but ensuring that knowledge is brought closer to the people’s conditions to fulfill the nation’s aspirations,” Wahid remarked.
Similarly, Dr. Susanti, an alumna of UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), reflected on the values instilled during her time at UGM. These values inspired her cancer research to benefit society.
“One of the most memorable experiences for me was participating in KKN, where I deeply felt how knowledge should be used to benefit the wider community. Even though I spend most of my time in the lab, I strive to ensure that my work reaches patients,” Dr. Susanti said.
Professor Saeful Deni attributed his academic dedication to the foundation provided by UGM, his alma mater. He described UGM as a hub of knowledge that continues to impact his professional contributions.
“UGM provided us with the knowledge and experiences that guide us in our current roles. As an alumnus, I sincerely thank the rector and the academic community at Universitas Gadjah Mada,” Professor Deni concluded.
Dr. Arie Sujito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni and Chair of the 75th Dies Natalis Committee, expressed his appreciation for the HB IX Award recipients for their significant contributions to society.
“UGM’s awards demonstrate its commitment to strengthening collaboration with alumni and building the best possible reputation,” he stated.
Author: Hanif
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto