YOGYAKARTA – As many as 63 birds, including trotokan, bar-winged prinia, olive-backed sunbird, starling and sooty-headed bulbul, were released to freedom at the courtyard of Balairung, Friday morning (19/10). The birds add to the collection of birds in the area of Universitas Gadjah Mada campus known as ‘home’ to birds. The number 63 signifies the anniversary of the university.
Rector of UGM, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc., Sc., said that the 63rd anniversary has the theme “UGM as protector of diversity, culture and care.” Such theme is to reaffirm that UGM is the reflection of Indonesia’s diversity and care among human beings. “UGM will always care and open up for people,” he said.
According to the Rector, UGM as a populist university is not only measured in terms of managing parking lot and street vendors. “Street vendors are not evicted but relocated to increase their prospeirty and welfare,” he added.
To mark the openness of UGM for people, UGM opened the PKKH as a public space. He wants that the PKKH would become a second home to artists. “We schedule times for artists to perform or exhibit at the PKKH as had happened in the 70’s, artists would not 'have passed the grade’ if they had not made a show at the PKKH first,” he said.
Chairman of 63rd anniversary celebrations, Rizal Muntasyir, M.Hum., said that a series of events were held for the anniversary, including green campus competition, art and cultural performances, community service, youth congress, and gatherings. “All involve lecturers, staff, students and alumni,” he said.
Furthermore, the Rector and anniversary Chairman also released a balloon containing a voucher worth Rp1,263,000 in prize. The Rector also handed over the seeds of Mega teak to 18 UGM deans.