The rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of students attending the opening of the 2025 Gelanggang Expo (Gelex) on Thursday (Aug. 21) evening. A total of 55 Student Activity Units (UKM) revived the event, which took place from Aug. 21 to 23, 2025, at the Pancasila Field.
Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, expressed hope that Gelex would serve as a platform for students, especially new ones, to explore and select from the various student activity units available at UGM.
This, he emphasized, would enable students to select activities aligned with their interests and talents as part of their personal development and overall success.
“Hopefully, through this event, new creativity will flourish, and academic life will become more meaningful, supported by activities beyond the classroom,” said Vice-Rector Sujito.
Chair of Gelex 2025, Agung Prasetyo, reported that this year’s event involves 55 student activity units and 569 performers.
Carrying the theme “Resonansi Harmoni Gelanggang” (Resonance of Gelanggang’s Harmony), he hoped Gelex would reflect the spirit of uniting diversity as a source of strength and foster a sense of belonging to Gelanggang as a shared home.
“This year’s Gelex is special as it also marks the 50th anniversary of Gelanggang Mahasiswa. Therefore, Gelex is not only a moment to commemorate the past but also to look ahead in preserving collaboration and creativity,” he said.
The opening ceremony featured a light show and a performance of Alur Jejak Rasa, a collaboration between Teater Gadjah Mada (TGM), Unit Kesenian Jawa Gaya Surakarta (UKJGS), and Unit Tari Bali (UTB) UGM.
The event was then officially opened with the symbolic placement of motifs in four public spaces, followed by a performance from the UGM Student Choir (PSM UGM).
Author: Lazuardi
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Gelex Committee