The Governor of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said that as a channel for alumni, the alumni association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (KAGAMA) should make a re-orientation, re-structure and re-position in order to participate with the community. He expected that Kagama as an alumni organisation to always improve itself amidst the fast growing knowledge and the ever expanding public demands.
“As an alumni organisation, KAGAMA should re-position itself and should be able to place itself among the increasing number of similar organisations,†the Sultan said at the opening of the National Meeting of KAGAMA XI Friday (24/7) at the Grha Sabha Pramana.
Sri Sultan added that the association was a channel for scientific development from the university, therefore, its development in the community should be in line and in parallel with the demand and the wish of the university, the community, the state and the nation.
KAGAMA Chairman Dr. (H). Ir. Djoko Kirmanto said that the gathering was like a reunion between alumni during which they can reminisce about their time of study at the university. This time the gathering is shrouded by grief following the JW Mariott and Ritz Carlton bombings.
“As UGM alumni, we pray for the victims and support their families,†Minister Djoko said.
He further condemned the bombings as those greatly disadvantaged the people, the Government and tarnished the image of Indonesia. He regretted that there are still people resorting to violence in order to get their message across.
In that event, the Minister expressed his satisfaction after the success of the presidential election 2009 that he considered as successful. One thing that gave pride to UGM alumni was that Prof Boediono, a member of the KAGAMA, is Vice President-elect.
“Let’s give support for Pak Boediono to carry out the mandate for the next five years,†said the alumni of the Faculty of Engineering.
Meanwhile, the Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., welcomed the National Meeting at UGM. Following the arrival of the alumni in the university, Sudjarwadi said, they were expected to be more committed and to contribute more to UGM in realising its vision and mission to become a World Class Research University as well as to contribute to the advancement of the community.
Sudjarwadi also gave information about student achievements at the national and international levels. In his opinion, those achievements were very creditable for UGM.
The Chief of the Committee of the National Meeting Ir. Airlangga Hartarto reported that the event was attended by 782 participants including central and regional executives. At the same time, a nation dialogue is also held, inviting ministers and Vice President-elect to give input for the development of KAGAMA organisation in the future.
The event opened by the Governor of Yogyakarta also presented traditional dances performed by two UGM students who hail from the USA.