Thousands of alumni of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have followed the Niti Laku procession from the Pagelaran Kraton Yogyakarta to the UGM campus in Bulaksumur area on Sunday morning(13/12). The event to mark the 66th anniversary of UGM has the goal to commemorate the establishment of UGM as well as the role of the Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton Ngayogyakarta) in the birth of the oldest university in the country.
“This event is a forum for communication for all UGM alumni and UGM academic community as well as families,” said committee chairman, Toyo. S. Dipo., in his speech. Toyo said the event themed Keep Working for the Glory of the State was followed by students, lecturers, staff, cultural community, and alumni from many regions, totalling over four thousands participants.
“The event is getting more vibrant with the Angguk and Badui dance performance,” he said.
Chairman of Alumni Association (KAGAMA), Ganjar Pranowo, said in the future the Niti Laku would not only be followed by all UGM community and alumni, but also members of the public in Yogyakarta. Niti Laku will be turned into an event to promote tourism and arts. “This is a form of contribution from KAGAMA and UGM. Going forward, we will also hold arts festivals in regions,” said Ganjar.
Prior to the launching of the event officiated by Ganjar Pranowo and Governor of the Province of Yogyakarta Special Region, Sri Sultan HB X, the opening was celebrated with a fragment of play on the founding of UGM on 19 December 1949, which could not be apart from the role of the late King Sri Sultan HB IX.
Nitilaku was opened with the signing of Nitilaku UGM Charter on the Arjuna UGM Electric Car by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Ganjar Pranowo, and Rector of UGM. Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X wrote down the words “Command of Technology”, Ganjar Pranowo “Innovation for Nation”, while Rector Prof. Dwikorita Karnawati “Synergy and Innovation of Science and Technology for the Glory of RI”.
Also attending the event was Foreign Affairs Ministry, Retno LP Marsudi, and Yogyakarta Mayor, Haryadi Suyuti.