Celebrating the 63th anniversary of Universitas Gadjah Mada, UGM academic community continues to encourage the spirit of diversity, tolerance and care amongst academic community and society. Therefore, to realise the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) and the nationhood of Indonesia, UGM hopes to be able to accommodate diversity without eliminating the uniqueness among members of the academic community.
“The theme of the 63th Anniversary is UGM serving as protector of culture of diversity and care. UGM is committed to stand at the forefront of discussion on plurality issues, accommodating diversity and knowledge issues,” said Chairman of UGM 63th Anniversary Committee, Dr. Rizal Mustansyir M.Hum, at UGM on Tuesday (16/10), explaining the events to mark the Anniversary.
Speaking to Fortakgama journalists, Rizal said that plurality is a certainty which has to be elegantly, well accommodated. Therefore, activities conducted by UGM, including the Anniversary celebration, has to have a footing on diversity and togetherness in resolving issus arising in society. By accommodating various disciplines, UGM not only became a campus to be proud of but also have the role in uniting community diversity. Because as an academic institution, UGM has to become the cultural protector that is not eroded but at the same time cares about the possibilities of cultural errosion.
“As an education institution, UGM has the commitment in playing the role to maintain that the local culture is still fluid amidst globalisation. UGM’s historical journey cannot be separated from the spirit of diversity and care,” he said.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Aprinus Salam, explained that the various events in the anniversary is related to diversity values to eliminate borders and segregation. Thus, UGM is expected to become a role model for the breeding of spirit of diversity and care,
Activities to run at this anniversay include: green campus, cultural week, sport events, arts, social service, scientific week, national gathering of alumni, exhibition, awards for outstanding members of academic community, pilgrimage and Nusantara congress. “The opening will be done on Friday, 19 October at the yard of Balairung for lecturers and staff to exercise together,” he explained.
Chairman of Nusantara Youth Congress, Drs. Haryanto, M.Si, said that the Congress would run from 27 - 28 October 2012 while youth workshop will run on 27 October 2012. As many as 20 participating universities in the province are expected to produce a recommendation in the workshop. “Recommendation in the form of declaration will be read out in the anniversary of Youth’s Oath on 28 october. This is expected to be able to reduce violence ocurring on campus as well as to develop togetherness,” Sentot Haryanto said.