UGM Should Still Be University of Struggle

Yogya (KU)-UGM is expected to still hold its status as university of struggle, to run democratic mission, and to implement heroic values. Those should be maintained though it costs much to become a university that produces graduates with qualities equal to those in foreign and developed universities. That issue emerged in a gathering entitled “We View UGM: Reflection of 64th of UGM First Course”, Friday evening (9/4) at Koesnadi Hardjosoemantri Cultural Center. Attending as resource persons were the first graduates of UGM, Prof. Dr. Sudikno Mertokusumo, Prof. Dr. dr. Pramono Ahmad, Prof. Dr. Ir. Hardjoso, UGM historian Prof. Dr. Suhartono, and Chairman of  Kedaulatan Rakyat daily, Drs. Mohammad Romli.

Pramono Ahmad delivered interesting points in the event initiated by Faculty of Cultural Sciences and the Cultural Center that UGM should not let the lost generation,  the break of chain or the lost of generation that can inherit their predecessor’s intelligence. “Don’t let the lost generation happen. Don’t let clever students unable to study. I did not have to pay anything for study, including for meals and dormitory rents,” said the first graduate of Faculty of Medicine.

Meanwhile, Prof. Sudikno did not complain about UGM’s policy to increase study cost today. In his opinion, the most important thing is that UGM is still located in Bulaksumur and does not open branches anywhere. For Sudikno, studying in Bulaksumur is a pride. “Studying in Bulaksumur is a pride for people at UGM,” said the retired professor of Faculty of Law. Sudikno recalled when he was still a student, most students walked on foot to campus, several of them  went on bicycle, but they were enthusiastic and came early before the lecturers. “The lecturers had not come yet, but the students already sat in class waiting for them. In contrast with students today, the lecturer is already in class, but many students have not come yet,” he added.

It is different from Drs. Mohammad Romli, who said that education at UGM has  encouraged honesty, diligence and carefulness to its students. Because of those attitudes, he is now the stockholder and Managing Director of Kedaulatan Rakyat Daily. “We learned modesty and humbleness at UGM,” said the graduate of Archaeology. Dean of Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Dr. Ida Rochani Adi, in her speech reminded people about President Soekarno’s statement in 1946 in general lecture that UGM should use the technology for national welfare and defend Pancasila state ideology and Bhineka Tunggal Ika motto.

UGM Rector, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M.Eng., Ph.D., emphasized that UGM will always be committed to produce graduates who can offer solution for community with Gadjah Mada values that are always taught in class. “Values that were established by UGM founders are those for civilization, usefulness and happiness,” he explained.