A total of 149 recipients of the Higher Education Affirmation Scholarship (Afirmasi Pendidikan Tinggi/ADik) from seven universities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta participated in the National Insight Development Program themed “Building ADik Students Who Love the Nation and Are Ready to Compete”.
The event was held at the Yogyakarta Education and Training Agency Building on Wednesday (Oct. 29). The participating universities included Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta, Institut Seni Indonesia Yogyakarta, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Universitas Widya Mataram Yogyakarta, Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana, and STPMD “APMD” Yogyakarta.
Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Arie Sujito, stated that over three days, from 29 to Oct. 31, students would participate in sessions on national insight and character building grounded in Pancasila values. “National insight is not merely a story of the past, but a foundation for facing the future amid global changes,” he said.
Dr. Sujito emphasized that the affirmative scholarship program is not only a form of constitutional commitment but also a manifestation of the state’s responsibility to educate the nation.
He also encouraged students to embrace tolerance and act as bridges connecting generations through history and local values. He noted that it is no longer the time for institutions to compete against one another, but rather to strengthen coordination and collaboration.
“Competition brings medals, but collaboration nurtures compassion,” he remarked.
Director of Student Affairs at UGM, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, explained that the national insight development activities encompass five key aspects: strengthening Pancasila and national values, digital literacy and academic achievement, social ethics, mental health, and the spirit of global citizenship.
In addition to lectures, the program also addressed current issues shaping the character of today’s youth. The sessions were designed to be interactive and engaging, featuring group discussions, outbound activities, and cultural practices.
One of the participants, Josje Sion Sesa, a 2025 Psychology student at UGM, shared that she was delighted to join the program as it provided valuable lessons to prepare her for contributing to national development, particularly in women’s empowerment.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Teresa Charista Arwimbar, a student from the UGM Faculty of Law. She recounted her journey of joining the ADik scholarship program, which began with self-doubt but later turned into gratitude and motivation after being accepted into UGM.
“I hope this opportunity becomes a platform for achievement. When I return to Merauke, I want to contribute and bring real change to my community,” she said.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Jesi