Dr. Joncik Muhammad, Regent of Empat Lawang Regency in South Sumatra, was elected as the Chair of the Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Faculty of Geography Alumni Family (Kagegama) for the 2025-2028 term. The election took place at the National Congress, held at the Graha Gambut Mangrove (Gamma) Building in Central Jakarta, on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025.
After his election, Regent Muhammad emphasized his commitment to strengthening Kagegama’s alumni network across Indonesia, contributing meaningfully to national development. He believes Kagegama should serve as agents of change.
“Alumni should indeed provide solutions based on geospatial science and data in every aspect of national development,” he said in a statement sent to the press on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025.
Dean of Geography UGM, Professor Muhammad Kamal, welcomed the conclusion of the National Congress and expressed appreciation for Kagegama’s leadership team and their accomplishments over the past three years.
He described Kagegama as a shared home for alumni to engage in activities, socialize, and exchange information.
“The relationship between the faculty and its alumni through Kagegama is highly strategic. Countless initiatives can be collaborated on and advocated for through our shared home. Kagegama plays a significant role in expanding networks of communication and information,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, Mukhtar Rosyid Harjono, Chair of Kagegama for the 2022–2025 period, reported that several programs remain unfinished and entrusted their continuation to the new leadership, especially the “Kagegama Peduli” initiative, which still needs refinement.
He stressed the importance of defining how Kagegama can further empower itself through stronger communication networks and cooperation at both national and international levels.
In addition, he highlighted an organizational initiative nearing implementation: the inauguration of multiple Regional Branches, which can serve as strong local hubs to support Kagegama’s program ambitions.
“The Organizational Affairs division has communicated with and prepared several Pengda for inauguration, including in Aceh and North Sulawesi. We hope the incoming leadership will formalize these new branches so they can more effectively support the Central Board’s work,” he said.
Dean Kamal also underscored that Geography UGM has a Career and Alumni Development Unit (UPKA) tasked with building and maintaining communication with alumni, and connecting alumni to current students, helping students better understand future challenges and job opportunities.
The National Congress of Kagegama concluded with a Mangrove-focused talk show organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry.
The discussion featured prominent experts in the fields of geospatial and environmental sciences, and was attended by researchers and alumni from various generations. The event was opened by Dr. Ristianto Pribadi, Director of Mangrove Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry. Featured speakers included Professor Muhammad Kamal (UGM), Lien Rosalina (Geospatial Information Agency), and Professor I Nengah Surati Jaya (Institut Pertanian Bogor).
Author: Alena Damaris
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Kagegama