After a one-year hiatus in 2024, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Forum of UGM Campus Journalists (Fortakgama) once again held a joint fishing event on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. The activity, held at the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT UGM) fish pond, was attended by dozens of journalists from various print, online, and electronic media outlets.
In his opening remarks, Gusti Grehenson, UGM’s News Coverage Coordinator, expressed his delight at the return of this much-anticipated event.
He emphasized that its main purpose was to strengthen relations and synergy with Fortakgama, which has long supported UGM in publication and crisis communication coordination.
“We are grateful for the support of our partners, especially the banking sector and the deans. Hopefully, events like this can once again become a regular tradition,” said Grehenson.
Echoing the sentiment, M. Syaifullah, a journalist from Tempo, appreciated the longstanding partnership between the university and the media community.
“The synergy between journalists and the university management has always been excellent. We consider them friends,” he remarked.
UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, expressed his appreciation for the close collaboration between UGM and Fortakgama.
He thanked journalists for their critical and independent perspectives, while noting UGM’s high media visibility.
“UGM is so visible that even a small issue can become news. I hope this camaraderie continues to bring positive benefits to everyone,” said Vice-Rector Sujito.
The fishing event was symbolically opened with the release of fish mascots into the north pond by UGM Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, and into the south pond by the Secretary of the Academic Senate, Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo.
The ceremony was followed by the casting of fishing rods by the University Secretary, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, along with the Dean of UGM Faculty of Dentistry, Professor Suryono; the Dean of UGM Faculty of Engineering, Professor Selo; and the Dean of UGM Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Sigit Sunarta.
Moments later, all participants enthusiastically cast their lines to begin catching tilapia, pomfret, and catfish.
A warm and friendly atmosphere filled the PIAT UGM pond area as participants quickly began feeling tugs on their fishing lines.
One of the happiest participants was Wijaya, a journalist from Kompas.com, who caught several fish.
“This event was truly exciting. More than just fishing, it’s a rare opportunity for us to gather and reconnect,” he said cheerfully.
Similar enthusiasm came from Agung Purwandono, Editor-in-Chief of Mojok, and Nuzul, a journalist from Metro TV.
Agung shared his preparation story with laughter.
“I got ready last night, prepared peanuts and pellets for bait, and even bought a new fishing rod since it’s been ages since I last went fishing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nuzul expressed his joy at participating in the event, which marked his first fishing experience.
He was pleasantly surprised to catch several fish and already planned to cook them once home.
“So far, I’ve caught around five tilapia and one catfish. I think I’ll fry them crispy and enjoy them with sambal later,” Nuzul joked.
During the event, dozens of door prizes were distributed, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The gathering, attended by UGM leaders and representatives from various faculties and directorates, was filled with warmth and laughter.
At the event’s peak, the committee announced winners in two categories.
The heaviest catch category went to Triya Andriyani and Edy from the University Secretariat, Agung from Radar Jogja, Andre from Antara, and Kuntet from Inews.
The smallest catch category was won by Zarodin from the University Secretariat and Mika from Kompas TV.
Upon receiving her prize, Mika entertained the crowd with her witty comment:
“Alhamdulillah, this helps me pay part of my tuition fee, from UGM back to UGM. Thank you, UGM!” Mika joked, drawing laughter from the audience.
The event was supported by several partners, including Bank BSI, Bank BPD DIY, Bank BNI, Bank Mandiri, Hotel Kimaya Sudirman, ChezMoi, Kobayashi, Kennes, Parsley, and Pandan Leaf.
Faculty and directorate sponsors included the UGM Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Psychology, Graduate School, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Geography, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Philosophy.
In addition, support also came from the Directorate of Planning, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Vocational College, Directorate of Community Service, and Directorate of Student Affairs.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Wira and GIK UGM