The UGM Forestry Alumni Family (KAGAMAHUT) held a reunion for the Class of 1980 titled “Reuni SPIRIT ‘80: Guyub, Rukun, Migunani” on Saturday, Jul. 26, 2025, at the UGM Faculty of Forestry (FKT UGM).
The 45th alumni gathering was filled with a warm and nostalgic atmosphere as dozens of alumni reunited with long-time friends and cherished their memories on the beloved campus.
Adding to the special occasion was the presence of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir Joko Widodo, accompanied by his wife, Iriana.
After many years, Joko Widodo finally reunited with his classmates and reminisced about their university years.
He shared that his time in college was an unforgettable journey.
Beginning a new chapter in life and seeking knowledge at UGM, often called the blue campus, left a lasting impression that stayed with him even during his presidency.
“I remember my advisor, Ir Kasmudjo, once visited my factory four times. I was having trouble with the drying process, and he mentored me through it,” he recalled.
He also spoke about the difficulty of achieving high marks in several subjects.
From the challenges faced as a freshman to joining the community service program (KKN) and eventually graduating, he looked back fondly on those moments alongside his fellow Class of 1980 alumni.
The reunion had long been planned, but only recently found the right time.
Arif Hidayat, Chair of the Class of 1980, noted that exactly 45 years ago, they began their academic journey at UGM.
Over the past year, the desire to reunite with fellow comrades grew stronger.
He expressed his appreciation to all the alumni who traveled from across Indonesia to attend.
“On July 28, 1980, we were officially welcomed into this beloved Faculty of Forestry. The fact that this event came together is incredible; there are alumni from Manado, Lombok, Bali, and many other regions,” said Hidayat.
The Class of 1980 reunion once again strengthened the bond between alumni and their alma mater.
As is well known, the UGM alumni family (KAGAMA) shares the same spirit as UGM in continuously contributing to the nation.
Through various collaborative programs in education, research, and community service, KAGAMA aims to empower alumni and promote inclusivity and equitable access to higher education.
Johannes, the Chair of the Organizing Committee, emphasized that Yogyakarta has become a shared home and that the reunion marked a return for alumni who have achieved success in their respective fields.
“This gathering aims to strengthen our bonds. We are grateful to have the time to reunite, even as we have each gone on our own life paths,” he stated.
He added that the strong sense of solidarity and enduring friendships among alumni made the reunion possible, with attendees coming from all over the country.
The SPIRIT 80 alumni continue to embody a powerful spirit of togetherness and mutual support.
Dean of the UGM Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Sigit Sunarta, expressed his appreciation for the warm and supportive atmosphere of the gathering.
“The presence of all alumni here today marks a long and meaningful journey for the Class of 1980. We are especially honored by the attendance of Mr Joko Widodo among us. We hope that this event continues to strengthen the alumni network,” he conveyed.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographer: Firsto