Presiden Joko Widodo Sambut Mahasiswa Baru dalam PPSMB UGM 2020
Presiden Joko Widodo Sambut Mahasiswa Baru dalam PPSMB UGM 2020
The 2020 UGM Success Learning and Training of New Students (PPSMB) UGM 2020 ceremoniously opened on Monday (7/9). In the online PPSMB this year during the Covid-19 pandemic, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, delivered a national oration while greeting 9,068 UGM first-year students for undergraduate and applied-undergraduate programs.
"Congratulations on becoming a Gadjah Mada Muda. I know there must struggle to enroll in a well-known university, it is indeed not an easy thing, there is intense competition, and you are the chosen ones," he said.
He also said to the PPSMB participants that it is a golden chance to study at a well-known university, learn, build leadership and networks, and prepare for the future.
He remembers a moment when he was accepted as a new student at UGM forty years ago. He said that the opportunity to become a student opens up vast opportunities in increasing nationality through friendship with people from all corners of the Indonesian homeland who has different ethnicities, religions, customs, and traditions, but still as one family, namely Indonesia.
"I constantly uphold what I got when studying at UGM. Since being a UGM student must have soaring achievements, but I must not forget the roots. The roots are a democracy, our love for the people, the nation, and state," said Jokowi.
In this era, with quick uncertain transformation, new knowledge that keeps rising, and disruption that happens in all aspects of life, students must keep updating their learning by using the available resources.
He hopes that the new UGM students will become creative and innovative students, who can hone their talents and strengthen skills. Still, they keep high social awareness values with a national spirit, a democratic spirit, based on Pancasila, the Constitution, NKRI, and Bhineka Tunggal Ika.
"We all must be prepared for a new era. Happy learning, take the benefit of this opportunity as much as possible, be a superior young generation for Indonesia's next forward," he ordered.
This year, UGM currently received 7,927 undergraduate students and 1,141 students from the 4th Diploma Program / Applied Bachelor from some pathways. They are the National Selection of State University Entrance, Joint Admission Selection of State Universities, Independent Selection, and the Higher Education Affirmation Program conducted by the Ministry of Education and Culture. From the number received, there were 22.27 percent of students who received KIP-K assistance.
UGM freshmen come from all provinces in Indonesia, although the largest percentage is still in Java. Also, 48 international students from 21 countries, including Afghanistan, the United States, Hungary, Serbia, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.
In his speech, UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., IPU, ASEAN Eng., explained that this year's PPSMB rises the theme "Gemilang Budaya, Songsong Dunia," which is in line with UGM's vision and identity.
Hopefully, throughout this theme, the entire series of PPSMB activities will provide provisions and be the beginning of the steps for new students to work and be beneficial for the Indonesians and the world and always adhere to the Indonesian nation's cultural roots.
"Throughout this theme, we hope that you will truly become CHAMPIONS, students who are Polite, Trustful, Nationalist, Happy, Honest, Excellent, Fair, Religious, and Reliable," he said.
After officially becoming UGM students, the Chancellor added they would enter a new phase of life and struggle to achieve their future and fight to contribute to the future Indonesia that is noble-civilized.
He also reminded the PPSMB participants to fight by holding on to the nation's cultural roots and Pancasila's values for Indonesia's progress and welfare and contributing to the world community according to the UGM slogan that is "Locally Rooted, Globally Respected."
"You guys are studying at UGM to become the real Indonesian, to learn to respect differences, recognize diversity, and manage diversity," said Panut.
Author: Gloria
Photo: Firsto
Translator: Natasa A