The Finance Director of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi, Bayu Kusuma Dewanto, shared insights with thousands of prospective graduates from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)’s postgraduate programs on Tuesday (Jan. 20) at Grha Sabha Pramana. The UGM alumnus delivered inspiring messages on the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities in building a professional career.
“Good fortune can be cultivated. One way is by expanding networks so that more opportunities can open up,” he said.
He likened career development to surfing at the beach.
“Work like a surfer, follow the waves. Be a solution and bring benefits to the people around you,” he advised.
Nevertheless, Dewanto reminded graduates to continuously enhance their competencies.
In today’s era of technological disruption, the ability to solve problems has become a key benchmark in professional life. He cited one of the challenges PT Pertamina faces amid the decline in national oil production.
“It is not only Pertamina; all oil players in Indonesia are experiencing a decline in national production, while population growth and energy demand continue to increase,” Dewanto explained.
He emphasized the crucial role of excellent human resources in responding to these challenges.
“We need experts who are capable of addressing the energy trilemma: how to produce and distribute energy across the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Natural Disaster Management Department of PP Kagama, Moch Agus Ramli, stated that UGM’s new graduates are now part of the UGM Alumni Family (Kagama).
According to him, Kagama is not merely an alumni identity, but a platform for connection and contribution.
“Kagama is not only about what we can gain, but also about what we can give, in line with Kagama’s tagline: guyub, rukun, migunani,” he emphasized.
On the same occasion, UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, expressed his appreciation to the postgraduate graduates for entrusting UGM as a place to learn and grow.
Dr. Sujito reaffirmed UGM’s continued commitment to addressing humanitarian issues, including assisting disaster victims in Sumatra. He also highlighted UGM’s openness to collaboration with various stakeholders.
“UGM is open to working together with the institutions where prospective graduates are affiliated, to deliver broader benefits to society,” he said.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya