As many as 8,322 new students of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) gathered at the Grha Sabha Pramana courtyard on Monday (7/8) to join the opening of student induction event that will last for the next five days. This year UGM accepted as many as 6,128 undergraduate students and 2,194 diploma students.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng. said, “Induction programme is an inseparable part of the university. It is the embodiment of UGM identity as a national university that has Pancasila values, the university of struggle as well as the university of the people.”
Prof. Panut further asked the students to always keep the good names of UGM and enhance the spirit of Pancasila in their daily lives.
State Secretary, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc., that came to the event delivered remarks, saying the UGM students had the noble duty to serve to the state advancement and humanity.
The Minister who is former UGM Rector further said, “UGM is a university that always upholds the value of Pancasila and that Indonesia always sticks to our hearts,” he reinstated.
“Many companies abroad can produce sophisticated technologies, but I believe that you will all make better ones. You’re obliged to develop science and technology that serve to the nation,” said the Minister.
Concluding his remarks, he asked the students to scream out the spirit of nationality and diversity. “I’m Indonesia, I’m Pancasila,” he yelled, followed by the thousands of students.
Next was the remarks delivered by Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto. He expressed his excitement seeing the new students that would start their studies at UGM.
“It’s an honour to be able to meet you all here. You should be proud of yourselves being the young Gadjah Mada students,” he said.
Afterwards, he asked several students to express their reasons for what made them proud of being Indonesian. The response, the Chief of Staff said, showed how the spirit of nationalism had been an inherent part of each individual of the young generation.
“The slogan ‘From UGM to Indonesia’ is not just a word, but a motivation for the students to welcome the glory of Indonesia. So, good luck to you all, we are awaiting for your services,” he concluded.
After the remarks, the audience who consisted of students, parents, and invitees, of the induction opening was entertained with student activities, sky diving by the Air Force, as well as the attractive airshow by the Air Force Aerobatic Jupiter unit. This attraction has made the student induction opening more lively than before.
Also in the event a handover of cars was done by Sinar Mas company to UGM student regiment unit. According to Managing Director of Sinar Mas, Gandi Sulistiyanto, the car worth 450 million was donated to support the activities of the unit and it was a form of engagement from the private sector to collaborate with higher education.