Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted a parent gathering for newly admitted students on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, held in a hybrid format at Grha Sabha Pramana, Bulaksumur. The event, attended by thousands of parents, aimed to foster collaboration between families and the university to help students achieve their academic aspirations.
“The support of parents will serve as a positive force in the educational journey of your sons and daughters. On behalf of the university leadership, we warmly welcome you and congratulate you on your children’s success in being admitted to Universitas Gadjah Mada,” stated UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia.
Rector Emilia congratulated the parents for successfully guiding their children to become part of the UGM academic community, noting that each student had to outperform 19 other candidates to secure their place at the university.
She emphasized that this gathering served not only as a moment of welcome but also as a platform for establishing meaningful connections and open dialogue between the university and students’ families.
“We believe that academic success is not the result of the university’s efforts alone; it requires collaborative support from all components, including parents. This collaboration will create a mutually reinforcing learning ecosystem, essential for achieving students’ academic excellence,” she explained.
Rector Emilia also highlighted UGM’s commitment to expanding access to higher education for all Indonesians, especially those from economically, socially, and geographically vulnerable communities.
She introduced UGM’s new Pre-University program, which provides opportunities for young people in underdeveloped and remote areas through a selection process distinct from the regular admissions pathway.
“If they had to go through the standard selection process, many would never have the chance to study at Universitas Gadjah Mada,” she remarked.
In upholding a dignified educational environment, Rector Emilia reiterated UGM’s commitment to remaining a university free from sexual violence, other forms of violence, and bullying.
UGM also prioritizes mental health education, anti-discrimination values, and disability inclusion.
“We continue to improve ourselves and deliver the best services for our students and the wider Indonesian community,” she affirmed.
A similar message was conveyed by Dr. Arie Sujito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni.
He emphasized that student life plays a central role in the success of UGM’s academic mission.
He described UGM’s educational ecosystem as one built on inclusivity, health, safety, and environmental awareness, while also nurturing a culture of social responsibility to equip students for future challenges.
“Success is not solely measured inside the classroom. UGM is committed to building a university that not only excels academically but also pays close attention to non-academic aspects. Our vision is to be a world-class national university while fulfilling our mission of carrying out the tri-dharma of higher education in a way that benefits society,” he said.
Vice-Rector Sudjito further explained that UGM is continuously developing an inclusive ecosystem that guarantees equal access for all, without any room for discriminatory practices.
As a university for the people of Indonesia, UGM must be present across the archipelago, including through its affirmative programs for students from underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions as well as students with disabilities.
“Special admission routes such as PBUB, KIP-K scholarships, and affirmative action programs, along with accessible facilities for students with disabilities, reflect UGM’s strong commitment to ensuring that inclusivity is embedded not only in our policies but also in our daily academic culture,” he noted.
During the gathering, UGM also presented laptop assistance to five newly admitted students who were granted 100 percent tuition subsidies through various admission channels.
The recipients’ parents were: Siti Tarmini, mother of Nurhidayah Agata, a new student at the Faculty of Engineering (SNBT); Epi Yandri, father of Dirgantara Fath Sulthan Alif, a new student at the Faculty of Psychology (PBUB Sports – Tennis); Eny Nawangsih, mother of Eifie Julian Hikmah, a student with a physical disability at the Faculty of Economics and Business (PBUTM); Surati, mother of Devita Febrianisa, a new student at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (PBUB Science and Scientific Writing); and Eny Setyawati, mother of Adinda Yusria Rachma, a new student at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (SNBP).
Representing the parents, Epi Yandri expressed gratitude and pride for his son’s admission to UGM.
“It is a great honor for us, as parents, to see our children accepted into one of Indonesia’s best universities, a dream shared by many young people. We are grateful to have helped our children achieve this noble goal: to become individuals who can one day contribute meaningfully to the nation,” he said.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto