To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a ceremony at the Balairung courtyard on Sunday (Aug. 17). Carrying the theme United and Sovereign, a Prosperous People, an Advanced Indonesia, the ceremony was led by UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia.
The rector said this year’s theme is a call for all to reflect on Indonesia’s spirit of unity as the strength to safeguard sovereignty and advance national prosperity, a vision that endures today and for generations to come.
Celebrating independence, she remarked, is not only about remembering the historic moment when Indonesians freed themselves from the chains of colonialism. It is also a collective effort to answer a greater call, to continue the struggle of building a just, prosperous, and equitable Indonesia. Independence is a reminder to all to preserve national unity.
“Indonesia this year enters its eighth decade of independence, symbolized by the interconnected numbers 8 and 0 without an endpoint, representing eternal unity as the foundation of sovereignty, people’s welfare, and the nation’s journey toward becoming an advanced Indonesia. This new decade also demands a renewed spirit and courage to represent our nation’s identity in its entirety, grounded in the noble ideals of our founding fathers,” said Professor Emilia.
Addressing university and faculty leaders, lecturers, staff, and students, Professor Emilia emphasized that the complexity of global changes requires all to be agile, adaptive, creative, and innovative. At times, however, transformations and policy shifts may create tensions due to differing perspectives.
“Maturity in expressing opinions and aspirations constructively, in this context, becomes a strength in advancing together,” she affirmed.
As the Kampus Perjuangan (Campus of Struggle) and Kampus Pancasila, deeply connected to Indonesia’s independence journey, UGM remains committed to being an inclusive university that upholds equity in education by ensuring broad access to knowledge for people from diverse backgrounds.
“The spirit of People-Centered, Independent, and Sustainable further strengthens UGM’s commitment to education, community service, and impactful innovation, dedicated to public interest, national sovereignty, and sustainable development,” she stated.
The rector also urged that the Independence Day ceremony be a moment of reflection, encouraging all to nurture a spirit of togetherness and hold firmly to the values of Pancasila as the guiding principles of national life to realize a prosperous and advanced Indonesia.
“Happy Independence Day, Republic of Indonesia. Merdeka!” she concluded.
As part of the ceremony, the Satyalancana Karya Satya award from the President of the Republic of Indonesia was presented to individuals who have served for 30, 20, and 10 years.
Symbolically, the 30-year award was given to Professor Zullies Ikawati from the Faculty of Pharmacy, the 20-year award to Raden Triyanto from the Directorate of Planning, and the 10-year award to Imam Muslih from the Faculty of Pharmacy.
In the same event, the Satyalancana Yayasan Rahmat Indonesia award was also conferred through a collaboration between UGM and the Rahmat Indonesia Foundation. The award was marked by the presentation of a foundation pin by the Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Rahmat Shah, to the UGM Rector, Professor Emilia.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto A