As part of the Nitilaku 2025 celebration series, the UGM Anniversary committee organized the UGM Knowledge Journey Exhibition alongside the Nitirupa Art Exhibition, adding vibrancy to UGM’s 76th Anniversary. Under the overarching theme Ruwat Rawat Kebangsaan, the two exhibitions are presented in a unique and holistic manner at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) from December 10 to 15, 2025.
The UGM Knowledge Journey Exhibition is presented first at the entrance area. Visitors are welcomed by a gate modeled after the UGM campus in its early years. Adding to the attraction, the exhibition features four zones representing the Faculties of Pharmacy, Psychology, Dentistry, and Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing.
The Head of the Nitilaku Working Group, Bambang Paningron, explained that through a small-scale study conducted with his team, they found that many students were still unfamiliar with UGM’s early history, which began at the Keraton, as well as the process of campus relocation and development in the 1970s.
“Studying at UGM feels incomplete without knowing its historical roots. When asked where UGM comes from and how its history began, that should already be basic knowledge. That is why we present this journey here,” he emphasized.
In addition, Paningron stated that Nitilaku also features an annual art exhibition titled the Nitirupa Art Exhibition. This initiative aims to emphasize that UGM is not only about science, but also about cultural preservation. It reflects how aesthetic sensibility, artistic expression, and various cultural aspects are also integral to UGM, embodied by both its alumni and students.
Paningron revealed that the artworks displayed in the Nitirupa Art Exhibition were created by UGM artists, including alumni and students. Interestingly, several artist communities from outside UGM, such as Nasirun, Budi Ubrux, Astuti Kusumo, and several others, are also involved in this exhibition.
“The presence of these artists provides even greater support for our exhibition. Going forward, we also plan to invite external communities to foster communication, build connections, and learn from one another,” Paningron said.
Paningron also expressed his hopes for the Nitilaku Exhibition and future Nitilaku programs. He hopes the exhibition can be accessed by more students, even amid a busy academic schedule, as the Final Semester Examination period approaches. According to him, the art exhibition offers a refreshing space and a new experience for students.
“After finishing exams, students can stop by here and gain new perspectives. Many are still unaware that UGM has so many artists, both students and alumni,” Paningron said.
One exhibition visitor, Eki from the UGM Vocational College (SV UGM), shared that he learned about the exhibition through Instagram and was drawn by his interest in UGM’s history. After visiting the exhibition, his curiosity was satisfied, leaving a lasting impression. “The exhibition is exciting. Friends really should come here because there is so much to learn,” he said.
Echoing Eki’s sentiment, another visitor, Tia, also from SV UGM, visited the exhibition as a refreshing break amid the Final Semester Examinations.
“This is really great. There is a lot of information about UGM, and the paintings are numerous and excellent. UGM students really should come here,” she remarked.
Authors: Alena and Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Salwa