Former Jakarta Governor (2017–2022), Dr. Anies Rasyid Baswedan, delivered a lecture at UGM Campus Mosque as part of the Ramadan Public Lecture series after participating in the communal tarawih prayer on Monday, Mar. 3, 2025.
The mosque was packed with attendees eager to listen to him, who is also a UGM Alumnus.
The audience included not only students but also people from various backgrounds.
“I’m not just visiting a campus; I’m returning home,” said the former UGM Student Center activist as he opened his lecture.
In his talk, Dr. Baswedan addressed key questions regarding educational infrastructure and its impact on human development.
He emphasized that education infrastructure is not only about physical facilities but also about creating spaces that foster creativity and courage.
“Don’t just think of education infrastructure as grand buildings, but as spaces that nurture ideas and opportunities, allowing dreams to grow and inspire,” he said.
He further highlighted the importance of education in improving societal welfare.
While educational infrastructure in cities has improved, he noted that rural, mountainous, and small island regions still lag.
He stressed that the government must ensure education remains a priority and should be seen as an investment, not a cost to be cut.
Therefore, building human capital through education is not instantaneous; it is a long and gradual process.
“Education resources should not be reduced because education is a social and economic escalator that lifts us up,” he asserted.
Dr. Baswedan concluded by urging students to be a bridge for others, helping open opportunities for those without access.
He encouraged them to view education as a movement and to inspire others, especially those in remote areas, to recognize the value of education.
“Share your experiences with your hometowns so they, too, can understand the benefits of education. Don’t hesitate to share because we all need people with the same passion,” he concluded.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographs: UGM Campus Mosque