………………….
My defense is the Pancasila spirit
I must have a positive mindset
One quality I have is a sense of responsibility
always directing my actions
We are KKN students
………………….
Such is an excerpt from the lyrics of the UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM) Anthem, which is now 36 years old. The creator behind this anthem is dermatovenereologist Antonius Wibowo, MD.
“(The song was created) 36 years ago, in 1987, when I participated in the UGM Community Service Program,” said Anton Wibowo on Monday (7/8) at the UGM campus.
Wibowo explained that the creation of the anthem began when he attended a briefing for the community service program. He shared that he was uncomfortable seeing the program instructors singing a song using the tune of the Sundanese song “Es Lilin.”
Therefore, after the coaching session, he looked at the program manual. He repeatedly read the vision and mission of the program stated in the manual.
“I reflected on that day and thought, ‘How come a prestigious university like UGM doesn’t have a KKN anthem?’” he recalled.
Wibowo said he was so enthusiastic about it that he made it briefly. The night after the coaching session, he composed the musical notation of the anthem on his guitar, while some of the lyrics were already available in the KKN manual.
The entire process flew naturally. The essential aspect was that the song should provide motivation and positive values and yield positive results for community service.
“I created it with a strong desire, so in just one night, the song was completed, and I wrote the lyrics right there. The lyrics carry out the tasks of Tri dharma (education, research, and community service),” he said.
Before releasing the anthem, he discussed it with his friends, Puspita, MD (sister of Professor P.M. Laksono) and the late Professor Edy Moeljono. Together, they were asked to perform the song for their KKN peers.
It was concluded that the song was excellent and worthy of being presented to UGM’s then Rector, Professor Koesnadi, for advice.
“Professor Koesnadi immediately appreciated it and asked for the master version to be created,” Wibowo explained.
Not only did the rector evaluate the song, but also the Minister of Education and Culture at that time, Fuad Hassan. Minister Hassan invited Wibowo to make several corrections and create the master version of the KKN Anthem.
Wibowo couldn’t remember how many times the master version of the KKN Anthem was made after that. Without his realization, many choirs started singing the anthem.
“Even the UGM Community Service Institution once called me because they found some words and notations that were inaccurate compared to the original. They asked me what the original version was like,” he shared.
It became a source of pride for Antonius Wibowo and his KKN fellows in Simo in 1987. Although their song was just a tiny part of UGM’s Community Service Program history, it became essential.
Gatot Murdjito, a UGM KKN senior figure, even requested that the anthem be considered for the national-level community service anthem. However, the request was regretfully declined.
Regardless, the UGM KKN Anthem is an emblem of UGM. It’s a song sung by many people every time the Community Service Program is held.
“I felt happy, and my consideration was just that so that UGM would have an anthem that could motivate those participating in community service,” he expressed.
Even during his experience in Simo in 1987, that community service spirit was vivid. Along with his friends, they built a bridge and various other programs.
“At that time, this song provided a unique kind of motivation. Our work results even surpassed expectations. How could community service have led to this?” he mused.
Antonius Wibowo admitted he is not a professional artist, so the concept of copyright did not cross his mind. Apart from the UGM KKN Anthem, he created anthems for several hospitals.
He hopes that the anthem he created will continue to accompany UGM’s community service students at any time. He described the anthem as timeless, containing a spirit or inspiration.
“It contains the spirit and scientific values of shaping a truly 100% Indonesian intellectual. It would be delightful if the anthem is sung during briefings, departures, and at the KKN location. Perhaps the arrangement could be updated a bit, with a slightly ethnic touch, and then shared via social media so that KKN participants everywhere can sing along,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto