The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Fisipol UGM) held an Open Senate Meeting to commemorate its 70th anniversary on Friday, Sep. 19, 2025, at the Fisipol UGM Auditorium. Carrying the theme “From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Communities Shaping a Shared Future”, the celebration served as both a moment of reflection and a commitment to continue contributing in the face of social uncertainty.
Dean of Fisipol UGM, Dr. Wawan Mas’udi, emphasized the importance of gratitude for Fisipol’s long journey and the many achievements made by the institution, both as an academic community and as individuals.
“These contributions are evident in the ongoing social changes and will continue to be strengthened across all aspects of the university’s tri-dharma,” he said.
The dean further underscored the faculty’s commitment to bridging knowledge with society, while viewing uncertainty not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity to build a more inclusive and resilient shared future.
In his scientific oration, Professor Janianton Damanik from the Department of Social Development and Welfare, invited the Fisipol UGM academic community to reflect on the life of society within the vortex of social uncertainty.
He noted that uncertainty arises at three levels: global uncertainty, such as climate change, national economic instability, and local instability, which is reflected in various community issues.
Nevertheless, Professor Damanik highlighted that Indonesian society possesses effective coping mechanisms.
“The tradition of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), networks of solidarity, and community-based economic practices serve as cushions that enable society to overcome crisis after crisis,” he explained.
According to Professor Damanik, this reflection is not merely a matter of anxiety, but also a reminder that the academic community plays a crucial role in shaping future agendas based on the values of recognition, solidarity, and social morality.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Fisipol UGM