Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with KAGAMA Jateng (the Central Java Regional Board of the Gadjah Mada Alumni Family), hosted a gathering with the UGM delegation participating in the 39th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). At the Central Java Governor’s Office in Semarang on Wednesday evening (Nov. 5), the event provided members of UGM’s academic community to reconnect with alumni based in Central Java. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere also allowed students to receive support and encouragement ahead of the competition results.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia appreciates Central Java Kagama for welcoming and supporting the UGM delegation. On the occasion, UGM ranked first in Indonesia in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027, placing 53rd in Asia. This achievement is a source of shared pride and reflects the contributions of UGM’s academic community and the support of its alumni.
“Two days ago, UGM reached the top ranking in Indonesia. Without Kagama and our alumni, we would not have come this far.” Ova said.
Ova also noted that the students attending PIMNAS were selected after a lengthy process involving preparation and several stages. Their journey had required hard work, perseverance, and support from their faculty advisors.
She encouraged the Central Java Kagama family to continue offering prayers and encouragement to UGM students competing in the event. This is expected to motivate students to achieve the best possible results at the 39th PIMNAS.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi emphasized collaboration among various stakeholders in regional development. Provincial and local governments, universities, and communities need to work together to address development challenges.
Universities play a strategic role by applying scientific knowledge and involving their academic communities in responding to society.
“All the challenges facing Central Java are shared problems that we must address together through a collaborative approach,” he said.
Ahmad Luthfi also encouraged students to take part in community service activities across Central Java. Thematic student community service programs are one way universities can help address village-level challenges by applying knowledge from various disciplines.
The Central Java Provincial Government is open to collaboration with UGM students. He invited them to channel their energy, knowledge, and skills into activities that deliver tangible benefits to locals.
“We are available 24 hours a day, and we are waiting for UGM students to come and serve the people of Central Java,” he said.
Haerudin, Chair of Kagama Jateng, welcomed the UGM Rector, her delegation, and all participants in the 39th PIMNAS. The gathering served as a meeting point for knowledge, experience, leadership, and the younger generation’s enthusiasm for contributing to the nation.
An alumnus’s value is not measured by academic titles or positions held, but by the benefits they bring to society. The values of togetherness, harmony, and being of service remain central to the Central Java Kagama community.
“An alumnus’s greatness is not measured by the number of titles they hold or the seniority of their position, but by how much they contribute to society,” he said.
Haerudin also encouraged students to continue to think critically while offering solutions to various challenges. PIMNAS provides a platform for students to grow as innovators, researchers, and future leaders. He hoped that their experience would inspire them to produce work that addresses society’s needs.
“Do not stop at being critical; have the courage to offer solutions. The best research is not simply research that expands knowledge, but research that can address real problems in society,” he said.
UGM student representative Edi Mustofa expressed his hope that all teams would achieve the best possible results at the 39th PIMNAS. He hoped the UGM delegation would bring home medals and reclaim the Adhikarta Kertawidya Trophy as a collective achievement.
The support and solidarity shown by Central Java Kagama encouraged the students as they awaited the competition results.
“May everyone competing in the 39th PIMNAS win a medal, and may we bring the Adhikarta Trophy back to its rightful home,” he concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Firsto