The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Ova Emilia, together with members of the Central Executive Board of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni Association (Kagama), planted a Norfolk pine tree in the courtyard of the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) on Saturday (Dec. 13) as a shared commitment to environmental preservation and the strengthening of sustainability values across the campus.
The tree-planting activity was not merely ceremonial, but reflected the ecological values and philosophy that UGM has upheld for many years. This initiative is particularly relevant amid today’s environmental sustainability challenges.
“This tree planting is a symbol of our love for the sustainability of the planet we all share,” said the rector.
She also expressed her deep appreciation for Kagama’s active role in supporting campus environmental conservation by planting various types of vegetation across UGM.
These include damar trees within the campus area, symbolizing illumination and wisdom, as well as the rejuvenation of bodhi trees as part of efforts to sustain UGM’s campus vegetation.
She hopes this contribution will serve as an example for future generations in preserving the environment.
“Once again, I would like to express my gratitude for this very positive activity that contributes to our beloved campus, and I hope what we have done today can become a model for the future,” said Professor Emilia.
The Daily Chair of the Kagama Central Executive Board, Budi Karya Sumadi, viewed the Norfolk pine planting as a tangible contribution amid the various disasters and environmental crises currently facing Indonesia.
He also highlighted the environmentally friendly habits that have begun to take root at UGM, such as the use of reusable tumblers and the reduction of single-use plastic waste. According to him, these simple initiatives are rarely found elsewhere, yet they are consistently practiced at UGM.
“Small initiatives like bringing reusable tumblers are actually uncommon outside, but at UGM they have already become a habit,” he explained.
In addition to environmental action, the series of Nitilaku UGM 2025 events also featured NitiYoga, held at the GIK UGM Gym Room. This activity aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle while serving as a platform for physical and mental health education.
Involving collaboration among the UGM Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP UGM), Kagama, and UGM Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), the program also became a space for cross-unit collaboration within UGM, strengthening togetherness and reaffirming the university’s commitment to building a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable academic ecosystem.
The Chair of the NitiYoga 2025 Organizing Committee, Eza Kusuma Wijayanti, stated that the activity was designed to encourage a healthy and happy lifestyle within the UGM community.
She noted that the event also provided initial momentum to raise health awareness. With more than 100 participants in attendance, she hoped they would experience direct benefits for both their bodies and minds and carry the spirit of healthy living into their daily activities.
“We hope NitiYoga can be held sustainably and become a means of restoring physical and mental fitness, as well as fostering togetherness among members of the campus community,” she said.
The Director of Partnerships, Alumni, and International Affairs at UGM, Professor Puji Astuti, emphasized UGM’s commitment to supporting the physical and mental health of its academic community, including through activities such as NitiYoga.
She added that UGM also encourages active participation from all stakeholders to build synergy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle as part of supporting high-quality education.
“UGM is committed to achieving its goals, one of which places health as a key pillar. Through NitiYoga, maintaining both physical and mental health becomes essential to supporting campus activities and achieving quality outcomes,” she explained.
NitiYoga also received positive responses from participants, including Syifa, a UGM student. She shared that the activity allowed her to meet new friends, making the yoga experience more memorable and enjoyable. She added that the program provided a refreshing mental break amid her busy academic schedule.
“Joining yoga feels incredibly refreshing. It allows us to momentarily release stress from demanding coursework and academic activities,” she said.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Salwa