Minister of Public Works and Housing Basuki Hadimuljono recently attended his daughter’s graduation ceremony at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
His daughter, Dira Mediani, completed her master’s in health policy and management at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing.
Clad in batik attire, the minister spoke to reporters, admitting that this was the first time he attended a postgraduate graduation at UGM. Previously, he had only attended three bachelor’s degree graduations when his three children graduated from the university.
“The first child graduated in psychology, the second in civil engineering, and the third has completed a bachelor’s in medicine, and now a master’s in health policy and management,” Minister Hadimuljono shared.
His second child has finished a doctoral program and is a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Engineering. His third child is working in the city of Bekasi.
“Coincidentally, my two children-in-law are also UGM graduates. So, we are a UGM alumni family,” he smiled.
Minister Hadimuljono shared that this graduation reminded him about his time studying in the Geological Engineering program at UGM.
He never anticipated that his children would eventually follow in his footsteps and study at the first university established by the government of Indonesia.
“All of us, including myself, are very grateful for having graduated from UGM, a highly reputable university in Indonesia,” he said.
He holds the prestige of the university’s name dear, but also the message from educators to always maintain the alma mater’s reputation while making a positive impact in society.
“Always remember the pledge (the alumni oath), uphold the good name of the alma mater, continue to innovate, and advance knowledge,” he emphasized.
Following the graduation ceremony, the minister didn’t have time for a family photo in front of the stage. Instead, he was busy accommodating the requests of the graduates and guests who were vying to take pictures with him.
Fortunately, his wife and children patiently waited as the Minister fulfilled each request for photos.
The public highly regards this quirky member of President Joko Widodo’s cabinet and his achievements in massive infrastructure development over the past decade. In addition, he is known for his skill in playing the drums and his hobby of photography.
Author: Gusti Grehenson