Four UGM students, Dita Novita Sari (Faculty of Psychology), Eva Lutviatur Rohmah Ningsih (Faculty of Social and Political Sciences), Ria Verentiuli (Faculty of Cultural Sciences), and Chordya Iswanti (Faculty of Agriculture) were welcomed by colleagues at the Balairung Hall, Friday (26/8). The four students are members of the UGM International Expedition (UIE) III "Peak of The Ancestor" Mapagama. The four have managed to climb up to the top of Stok Kangri Mountain, India, which has an altitude of 6,153 meters above sea level.
The entire team of climbers were carried by dogcart from Kridosono Stadium to the Balairung Hall. According to the Coordinator of UIE, Rizal Fahmi Priyono, this tradition has been implemented since decades ago to welcome the team of Mapagama who completed an expedition. "They paraded like a knight returning from the battlefield," added Rizal.
UIE team welcoming ceremony was attended by UGM Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. dr. Iwan Dwiprahasto, M.Med.Sc., Ph.D, Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Drs. Senawi, MP, colleagues and alumni of Mapagama. Iwan in his speech said he was happy and proud of the achievement of the UIE team. "The four girls, not only represents UGM, but beyond that, they represent the people of Indonesia," said Iwan.
Iwan thanked the entire team of Mapagama that always provide intensive information regarding the condition of the UIE team. In addition, according to Iwan, not many parents in this country give permission for their daughter to climb a Himalayan peak and raise Indonesian flag there.
"I would also like to thank the parents of the climbers who have given permission and also gave support to their daughter to conquer the Stok Kangri Mountain in India," said Iwan.
Meanwhile, one of the team members, Eva Lutviatur Rohmah said that she was happy and proud to conquered Stok Kangri Mountain. "(I) could represent UGM, Mapagama and Indonesia to reach one ofHimalayan Peaks, feels amazing," said Eva.
In line with Eva, Chordya also expressed her pleasure to be able to climb Stok Kangri Mountain. "Many lessons can be learned from the expedition in the Stok Kangri, we are required to always keep our spirit, physical and mental conditions well. We were also expected to keep the teamwork, complete the technical preparation, and adjust to the new environment," said Chordya. (UGM / Adelily)