Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), together with the UGM Journalist Forum (Fortakgama), held a free fishing event where participants could catch bawal fish at the fish pond of UGM’s Center for Agrotechnology Innovation (PIAT) on Saturday, October 24. The media gathering aimed to strengthen collaboration between UGM and media partners and was attended by UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia; Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni Dr. Arie Sujito; and Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko. Representatives of the Academic Senate, the dean, and journalists affiliated with Fortakgama also attended.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia appreciated the media representatives’ attendance and their cooperation with UGM. The positive coverage reflects the collaboration between the university and the media, particularly Fortakgama.
“The media coverage we see today is the result of collaboration between UGM and our journalist colleagues,” she said.
UGM has sought to build its relationship with the media through various initiatives, including Pojok Bulaksumur and Kelas Wartawan. These programs aim to strengthen relationships and improve journalists’ competencies in producing credible news that benefits the public.
“Through this fishing event, we hope the good relationships we have built will grow even stronger,” she added.
Andreas, a journalist representing the Antara News Agency, also welcomed the eagerly anticipated annual event. He hopes Fortakgama members will continue to hold gatherings to maintain the positive relationships built over the years.
Andreas, who first covered UGM in 2014, said the relationship with UGM’s Public Relations Office helped media colleagues obtain information about various activities and issues on campus.
He also emphasized that media coverage extends beyond positive achievements to include issues that require explanations from the university.
“We apologize if our fellow journalists often have to chase UGM officials for information. We hope activities and traditions like this will continue, as they also give us in the media a chance to unwind,” Andreas concluded.
Meanwhile, Gusti Grehenson, representing UGM’s Office of Public Relations, News, and Protocol, explained that the fishing event was also part of Fortakgama’s 40th anniversary. The organization was established on October 19, 1986. He also explained that UGM’s Public Relations Office regularly monitors media coverage through media monitoring.
Gusti said that UGM currently produces around eight to ten news articles each day. This output has helped UGM rank first among universities in media coverage volume.
“Thanks to the various efforts we have made, media monitoring reports now show almost every week that we rank first in the volume of national media coverage,” Gusti explained.
Following the remarks, the event continued with the release of a symbolic pomfret, the event’s mascot, by the UGM rector, accompanied by the vice rectors and deans in attendance. After the ceremony, university leaders demonstrated their fishing skills before the journalists joined them at the PIAT fishpond. The organizers had prepared approximately 500 kilograms of pomfret and catfish for participants to catch.
As the event reached its highlight, the organizers announced the winners of the Free Pomfret Fishing (MBG) competition. Edi from UGM’s Public Relations Office took first place, followed by Andre from Antara in second place and Sigit in third.
The event concluded with a door prize distribution and a group photo.
Author: Agito Sitepu
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photos: Wirawan