Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the UGM Alumni Family Association (Kagama) have agreed to strengthen their synergy and produce innovative ideas and sustainable programs to advance national education.
Alumni play a crucial role in enhancing the university’s contribution to national development and societal well-being. Thus, promoting collaboration with Kagama networks across regions is essential, particularly in remote, frontier, and outermost areas (3T).
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia emphasized that the synergy between UGM and Kagama benefits both parties significantly.
Various programs initiated through this collaboration have successfully increased the inclusivity of education.
“Alumni are the backbone of the university. When we look at the UGM Community Service Program (KKN UGM) reaching 35 provinces, it is because of the network we have with Kagama,” Professor Emilia stated during the “UGM and Kagama Synergy Workshop on Mapping and Strengthening Collaboration for Higher Education’s Tri-dharma Activities” on Saturday, Oct. 26, in UGM’s Multimedia Room.
Professor Emilia reiterated that UGM consistently expands its network to reach communities in the 3T regions. Through the KKN UGM, thousands of students are sent each year to study and strengthen the synergy with Kagama in these areas.
The alumni in these regions possess valuable knowledge and information about the local community’s needs.
“This is where the real role of Kagama in solving local issues becomes evident. The KKN location model and system with Kagama must be strengthened,” Professor Emilia added.
Additionally, UGM continues to promote research dissemination and community empowerment projects to enhance the university’s societal role.
KKN UGM addresses local problems rooted in the region’s culture and needs. Professor Emilia noted that the two primary themes of KKN UGM are strengthening food security and adaptation to climate change.
“Kagama and UGM must understand the foundational issues in these regions further,” she said.
Dr. (H.C.) Budi Karya Sumadi, Vice Chair I of Kagama, supports strengthening collaboration between UGM, Kagama, and local governments.
According to him, universities must actively develop education and community service, from research to publication.
Dr. Sumadi emphasized that the public should recognize UGM not only as a high-quality educational institution but also as one that provides broad access to education and community empowerment.
“The depth of this collaboration must be considered. Development, discussions, and enhancing UGM’s reputation need to be escalated. Many unthought-of ideas can be further developed,” Dr. Sumadi explained.
He also highlighted how collaborations with Kagama have provided numerous opportunities and sustainability for students, such as the Kagama Scholarship, Gadjah Mada Peduli program, and the UGM Foster Parent Program, which have successfully graduated hundreds of alumni.
To provide public access to knowledge produced by UGM lecturers, Dr. Hatma Suryatmojo, UGM Director of Academic Studies and Innovation, mentioned the launch of ugmonline.id, an online learning platform offering courses by UGM lecturers to the public.
“UGM is no longer a place accessible only to those affiliated with the university. We aim to open educational access to the community. With the launch of UGM Online, alumni are also welcome to join this platform,” Dr. Suryatmojo stated.
Dr. Suryatmojo reported that there are currently 117 published courses and invited UGM alumni, professionals in their respective fields, to contribute to developing practical and professional learning content.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Kagama.id/Tom Blero
Post-editor: Afif