AAGN Ari Dwipayana, the Secretary-General of the UGM Alumni Family (KAGAMA), rallied association members to collaborate with stakeholders to address national issues, particularly those intertwined with sustainability.
This call to action resonated during the KAGAMA National Work Meeting hosted at the UGM Senate Hall on Saturday (Dec. 16). The event drew the participation of numerous alumni from diverse regions across Indonesia.
In his address, Dwipayana underscored that Indonesia is on the brink of confronting increasingly intricate challenges and issues in the coming years. This necessitates a society that embraces novel ideas, new technologies, and innovative thinking in the era of Industry 4.0.
“There’s no alternative; we must adapt and advance to become a Society 5.0 attuned to and concerned with sustainability issues,” he asserted.
Dwipayana highlighted nature’s critical role in providing a conducive environment and essential resources for building life and civilization. However, recently, the realization has dawned that the support of nature and the environment is finite.
Escalating surface temperatures, rising sea levels, pollution of water resources, air, and sea, and a constant surge in waste, including microplastics in the ecosystem, underscore the urgency of sustainability.
“Sustainability poses a formidable challenge. As KAGAMA members, we must collaborate with other stakeholders to devise practical solutions in addressing these global problems and preempting global risks,” he elucidated.
Furthermore, Dwipayana pointed out that Indonesia has entered a political year, with the 2024 elections looming. As a diverse nation, society harbors varying political affiliations, a norm in a democratic country.
“I hope that in KAGAMA, we consistently uphold brotherhood and unity as siblings from the alma mater, serving as the cohesive force among fellow countrymen for a prosperous and progressive Indonesia,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, Professor Ova Emilia, the Rector of UGM, emphasized that alumni play a pivotal and strategic role in enhancing the university’s tri-dharma. Additionally, alumni embody the university’s quality, with their societal roles serving as a testament to its success in educating students.
Rector Emilia underscored that UGM boasts alumni dispersed across various regions, holding influential positions. Consequently, UGM invites all alumni to sustain unity, pooling collective energy to develop impactful education, research, and service programs for the broader community.
A harmonious synergy and collaboration between alumni and UGM, she contended, would fortify the university with exceptional strength and propel progress in the future.
She expressed gratitude for the alumni’s active involvement and contributions to UGM’s programs.
“I commend the role of all alumni in advancing Universitas Gadjah Mada. Hopefully, the synergy between UGM and the alumni network can cultivate a spirit of cooperation and bolster the implementation of national service,” she concluded.
Author: Ika