The Chair of the Kagama Central Board, Basuki Hadimulyono, invited three deputy ministers to the podium after officially appointing the 2024-2029 Kagama Central Board members on Saturday (Dec. 14) at the UGM Senate Hall.
The three deputy ministers from the Merah Putih Cabinet—Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of Law Edward OS Hiariej, and Deputy Minister of Finance Anggito Abimanyu—took turns sharing their testimonies.
“We are grateful that 12 Kagama members are currently serving in the cabinet and contributing to the government,” said Anggito Abimanyu, listing the ministers and deputy ministers from UGM among the cabinet lineup.
These three deputy ministers are part of the newly appointed Kagama leadership. Nezar Patria has been entrusted as secretary-general, while Edward Hiariej and Anggito Abimanyu will serve as members of the Expert Council.
The board comprises over 100 members, including notable figures such as Mahfud MD, Anies Baswedan, Pratikno, Muhaimin Iskandar, and Airlangga Hartarto, all of whom also serve on the Expert Council.
Under Kagama’s motto, guyub, rukun, migunani (togetherness, harmony, and usefulness), Chair Hadimulyono encouraged the board to strengthen unity, build strong networks, and increase tangible contributions to the nation.
“We are a large and harmonious family. With over 400,000 Gadjah Mada alumni, this is a tremendous asset to forge strong networks and provide widespread benefits,” said Hadimulyono.
The newly elected leader emphasized the importance of consolidation as their first agenda item. He expressed hope that this administration would establish a solid structure and foster inclusivity among all members.
Reconnecting alumni with their alma mater, especially those who had become distanced, would also be a key priority.
“Kagama is more than just an organization. As our founders envisioned, it is a family, not a formal association. We must continue being a united and harmonious family of Gadjah Mada alumni,” Hadimulyono added.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia praised the leadership handover and expressed her pride when Hadimulyono asked her to deliver a speech. She noted that the transition represents a continuation of the achievements made under the previous leadership of Ganjar Pranowo.
“We are confident that Mr. Hadimulyono, as described by Rhenald Kasali’s term, is a ‘deliver’ type—someone who consistently realizes and accomplishes shared aspirations,” she remarked.
The rector also hoped that UGM and Kagama would continue collaborating to maximize their impact on Indonesia. She underscored the importance of society feeling the migunani (usefulness) value.
“I am proud to be part of the Gadjah Mada alumni family and would never want to be elsewhere. Gadjah Mada embodies sincerity, hard work, and, most importantly, trustworthiness,” she concluded.
Former Kagama Chair Ganjar Pranowo shared insights about the next chairperson’s selection process, revealing the previous leadership’s extensive discussions. They sought a unique figure to take on the role and ultimately found Basuki Hadimulyono to be the perfect candidate.
“He is someone with extraordinary enthusiasm who completes tasks with unwavering dedication. Even after completing his duties, he continues to push for better outcomes. That is the spirit of unyielding perseverance,” Pranowo said.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto