The UGM Faculty of Geography celebrated its 60th anniversary on Friday (September 1). The celebration’s peak was attended by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, and the Minister of Transportation of Indonesia, Dr. (HC) Budi Karya Sumadi.
In his anniversary report speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Geography, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, mentioned that 60 is a mature age for an institution that has made significant contributions to society, the nation, and the country through education and the downstream of research results.
“I express my gratitude to the lecturers, non-teaching staff, students, alumni, and partners who have contributed to the progress of the Faculty of Geography,” he stated.
“Our future task is to synergize more widely so that the Faculty of Geography can meet the needs of society in this highly competitive global era.”
The dean also mentioned that the current number of students is 1,524, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. There are 80 lecturers in total, with 62 holding doctoral degrees and 18 holding master’s degrees.
“Eighteen of them are currently pursuing doctoral education,” he added.
Regarding collaboration results from 2018 to 2023, the Faculty of Geography has established 326 cooperation agreements.
“Every year, we establish at least 54 cooperation activities. In 2023, we have already established 52 collaborations, consisting of 45 collaborations with central and regional government institutions and seven collaborations with state-owned and private companies,” the dean explained.
The Rector of UGM congratulated the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Faculty of Geography, an institution that has significantly contributed to UGM’s progress over the years.
“Congratulations on the 60th anniversary and the 12th lustrum. I hope you remain enthusiastic to provide motivation and a more adaptive role in technological advancements for the nation’s progress while preserving the Earth’s sustainability,” she said.
Dr. (HC) Budi Karya Sumadi, the Minister of Transportation, emphasized the importance of geography in transportation, as it serves as a coordinator between the networks of people and goods transport.
He appreciated the Faculty of Geography’s contributions to the Ministry of Transportation in research downstream and advancing transportation in Indonesia.
“What geographers think is not for themselves but contributes to society. We want the advancement of science and technology to boost our nation’s progress because Indonesia is predicted to become one of the top four economies in the world after the United States, China, and India. This can be achieved if we can fill the economic and scientific space carefully,” he concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Firsto