On Tuesday, August 22, Professor Pratikno, the UGM Board of Trustees Chair and Minister of State Secretary, visited the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK, or Innovation and Creativity Center)’s construction site.
During the visit, Professor Pratikno was accompanied by the UGM Vice-Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho; GIK Manager, Seno Andhikawanto; and GIK Program Management Team member, Garin Nugroho.
According to Professor Pratikno, UGM launched the student hub with support from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. The new structure will serve as a learning space where lecturers and students can engage with businesses and communities.
“We are able to offer a learning facility for academics, industries, and businesses thanks to the support of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. Since GIK is located on campus, it supports a learning ecosystem with many stakeholders,” he said.
The 83-thousand square meter new student hub, which is distinct from the previous one in that it has an auditorium, sports hall, gym, classroom, gallery room, amphitheater, student center, rooftop, office, and underground parking, is built with these amenities.
“In order to provide learning programs for students, we invite people outside UGM to come in and stay here; therefore, the infrastructure is somewhat different from what is typical. The objective is to prepare students to be professionals and business owners,” he explained.
According to him, the building is progressing smoothly and on time.
“The infrastructure’s progress is extraordinary; it can be seen that it is being done well and on schedule. We hope that the quality of the building will be well maintained,” the Board of Trustees Chair said.
Professor Pratikno also highlighted the need for more professional management of the student center to avoid financial burdens on the university’s operations and maintenance.
“It is not just about architectural innovation but also management innovation, how to provide the best service for students without burdening them, innovation in managing revenue streams,” he clarified.
Vice-Rector Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho mentioned that the building was about 55.97 percent complete. Early February 2024 is the target completion date for the construction.
“The construction progress is on schedule. According to the target, it will be completed on February 7 next year,” he said.
In his presentation, Garin Nugroho mentioned several program activities that the GIK management will carry out after its inauguration in February next year.
The GIK management divided the program into three categories: cultural program, education program, and innovation and technology program. They involve business people, academics, artists, students, communities, cultural institutions, and educational institutions to enliven activities in GIK.
“For me, GIK will be like an open school, accessible to UGM students and non-UGM students, industries, and the wider community,” he said.
Garin Nugroho also informed about the program schedule in February 2024, which will hold a music concert by Sheila on 7 and a photo exhibition to launch the band’s anthology book.
Furthermore, in the third and fourth weeks, there will be a vintage market, a photo exhibition of UGM figures, and gathering activities for various communities in Yogyakarta.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto