In response to issues related to space use in the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM), the GIK team held a dialogue on the standard operating procedure (SOP) for space usage on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at GIK UGM’s Student Center.
The session included various questions and input from stakeholders, including students and Student Activity Units (UKMs).
Garin Nugroho, Chief Program Officer of GIK UGM, explained that the building is still 40 percent complete, with the remainder in the finishing process.
He emphasized that GIK UGM has not yet conducted the building handover with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR).
“Currently, only four rooms are available for use, and September-October will be a transition phase where trial runs will be conducted in the GIK UGM spaces,” he said.
Nugroho also highlighted that the trial cooperation with partners and UGM requires feedback, criticism, and adjustments since these spaces have yet to be used to their full potential.
“Since various programs will be conducted here, we need to develop the SOP. Thus, we gather here to discuss and reach a consensus,” Nugroho stated.
During the discussion, representatives from BEM KM UGM expressed concerns about the significant shift from using the old building to the new GIK building.
They noted that although GIK UGM is designed as a public space connecting all academics at UGM, there does not yet appear to be a clear link for UKMs or students to connect.
Bambang Paningron, Head of Community & Experience at GIK UGM, addressed this question.
“Indeed, some spaces must be dedicated to students, but decisions regarding these spaces require time and a process that cannot be decided instantly,” he said.
Paningron acknowledged that the SOP had been drafted previously, but this meeting was an opportunity to obtain approval and feedback from students on the draft.
With all fences removed, the concept of openness at GIK is intended to create functional spaces and allow students to be more actively involved.
“Although this meeting may not finalize the SOP entirely, it is hoped that this dialogue will improve the process and implementation moving forward,” he said.
Questions related to funding and space usage also emerged.
The GIK UGM team mentioned that the Directorate of Student Affairs will fund most of the spaces, with only commercial events requiring sponsors to have a different funding scheme.
“This building is only 20% used for commercial activities, while 70% of the funding comes from other sources, including collaborations with institutions,” Garin Nugroho added.
The GIK team stated that no special quota is allocated to UKM spaces and space requirements curation.
Instead, curation will be based on the needs and types of activities proposed.
This approach aims to ensure that every activity conducted in the GIK spaces provides optimal benefits in accordance with GIK’s objectives.
This meeting between GIK management and UKMs marks an initial step in bridging the gap between SOP planning and implementation.
Open dialogues like this are expected to improve the process and enhance the involvement of all parties in using and utilizing GIK spaces more effectively.
GIK is also striving to maintain the value of the old building while adapting to the needs of the new GIK, which will continue to evolve.
Author: Lintang
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie
Post-editor: Lintang