Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has been named Indonesia’s Most Outstanding University in 2025 by the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas), having secured a total of 669 medals.
This recognition is based on the accumulated academic and non-academic achievements in various fields, including sports, research and innovation, and the arts and culture.
According to the Talent Management Information System (SIMT), the top five universities were ranked based on the total number of medals earned.
UGM claimed the first position with 669 medals, followed by Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember with 665 medals, Universitas Brawijaya with 603 medals, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta with 503 medals, and Universitas Indonesia with 410 medals.
The awards officially recorded and counted include national-level competitions held by BPTI Puspresnas, such as the National Student Art Week (Peksiminas), the National Outstanding Student Selection (Pilmapres), the Indonesian National Student Science Competition (PIMNAS), and several others.
Secretary of the UGM Directorate of Student Affairs, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, stated that this achievement reflects UGM’s continuous commitment to providing space for student creativity and talent development.
“This is certainly an appreciation of the collaboration among all components and elements at UGM. UGM students have great potential to further develop their achievements,” he said on Tuesday, Jul. 8, 2025, at the UGM campus.
According to him, this accomplishment is not solely the result of the university’s commitment but also the synergy between departments and faculties.
Dr. Suyatna further explained that one of the key strategies in maximizing student potential and encouraging achievement is the formation of task forces and incubation programs for several competitions.
In the case of PIMNAS, for instance, UGM holds internal selection and special coaching sessions prior to the national-level competition.
This process also serves to identify outstanding talents that can be further nurtured and directed.
In addition, UGM implements an incentive scheme for students who have earned achievements. These incentives can be proposed at both the university and faculty levels.
The goal is to increase student motivation and encourage broader participation in various competitions.
UGM also identifies talented students early during the admission process through the Talent Scouting for Outstanding Students (PBUB), a special selection path for students with achievements in sports, arts, and science and technology relevant to their chosen study programs.
Moreover, the UGM ecosystem is designed to support and maximize student creativity.
“We continuously strive to create an ideal ecosystem for developing student interests and talents. Besides early selection through PBUB, UGM also offers a wide range of student organizations, from Student Activity Units (UKM) to those at the departmental and faculty levels,” he added.
Dr. Suyatna emphasized that UGM hopes for the downstream of student achievements and innovations to create a positive impact on society.
According to him, such downstream is essential in fostering a sense of contribution to societal issues, ensuring that student achievements benefit not only the individual but also the broader community.
“It’s important to note that we want to continue the downstream of student works, such as research and innovations. We hope they will generate a positive impact on society,” he concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna