Student Organizations (Ormawa) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) significantly develop students’ soft skills, leadership, and collaborative abilities.
UGM has established guidelines for implementing Ormawa to enhance governance, achievements, and reputation within an inclusive and cultured university, as outlined in Rector’s Regulation No. 1 of 2017 and Rector’s Regulation No. 20 of 2022.
In 2024, UGM initiated a transformation in Ormawa’s management by adopting a new paradigm that emphasizes a growth mindset and sustainability to address future challenges.
The Directorate of Student Affairs at UGM organized the UGM Student Organization Transformation Introduction on Monday (Oct. 21) at the University Club Hotel to introduce this new paradigm.
The event, conducted in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) format, was attended by students involved in Student Activity Units (UKM) and Student Communities, along with Ormawa mentors and advisors.
Dr. Arie Sujito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, expressed his hope that this event would encourage Ormawa to become more inclusive, achievement-oriented, and sustainable in every aspect of its activities while making a tangible contribution to the university and society.
He emphasized that this transformation would encourage Ormawa to possess added value as a platform for organization, leadership, and managerial learning and as an adaptive entity responsive to change, inclusive, and mindful of issues such as the environment and mental health.
“Although participation in Ormawa is not mandatory, I always appreciate students who choose to get involved because the benefits are immense,” said Dr. Sujito, who has a background in journalism and served on the Student Executive Board (BEM) during his college years.
Dr. Sujito also highlighted the UGM Innovation and Creativity Center (GIK), a facility available to students for various arts, sports, and culture activities, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship development programs.
He hopes that GIK will be utilized to its full potential. The vice-rector believes that all UGM students are intellectually capable, but this intelligence must be supported by solid character as future leaders in all sectors.
“A student involved in nature or martial arts organizations today might become a future parliament speaker. It may seem unrelated, but these activities foster leadership skills and character,” Dr. Sujito concluded.
In line with this, UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia agreed that students who take the initiative to join UKM are those who have the competency and motivation to hone their skills and become future agents of change.
“We aim to improve students’ competencies, such as teamwork, communication, and entrepreneurship, which are essential for future generations,” said Professor Emilia.
She mentioned that UKM should be an inactive group and a dynamic entity. UGM has set new expectations and paradigms for its development, citing the example of developing UKM Cooperatives with a people’s economy spirit, which can benefit all students.
“We will discuss these paradigm shifts together to ensure that the value of students involved in UKM increases,” she explained.
Professor Emilia also stressed the role of UKM participants as mental health ambassadors. She believes that students who engage in positive activities outside academics have better mental health than those who consciously avoid UKM participation.
The rector, along with UKM advisors, pledged to support the paradigm shift within UKM. The university hopes to enhance the value and employability of its students.
During the Q&A session, Professor Amilia assured that UKM operational funds would not be changed, but she encouraged their more effective use.
“Use the development funds as a playground to think like entrepreneurs with more professional governance,” Professor Emilia advised.
In his presentation, Dr. Hempri Suyatna, Secretary of the Directorate of Student Affairs, stated that the directorate is currently promoting a new paradigm for UKM to not only carry out routine activities but also innovate and create attractive events.
Dr. Suyatna says this transformation aligns with UGM’s 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, prioritizing Ormawa development to enhance UGM graduates’ achievements, reputation, and competencies.
“There will be an evaluation system at the end of each leadership term, along with assessments to reward outstanding UKMs,” Dr. Suyatna explained.
Dr. Suyatna added that rewards would take various forms, such as ceremonial appreciation in the form of awards to Ormawa, scholarships, access to capacity-building training, benchmarking opportunities at other universities or institutions, and additional event funding.
Furthermore, rewards will be given as extracurricular activity recognition following Rector’s Regulation No. 5 of 2023, a Diploma Supplement (SKPI), and access to or improvement of facilities.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Photographer: Donnie
Post-editor: Afif