Sukardi (58th) smiled as he held a folder containing a Retirement Certificate and a token of appreciation from the Universitas Gadjah Mada Employees Corps (Korpagama). Alongside dozens of other retired employees, Sukardi received the solidarity fund as a form of UGM’s appreciation for their years of dedicated service.
“On behalf of myself, I would like to express my gratitude to the Korpagama management for their attention. I hope this program will continue in the future,” said Sukardi on Friday (Oct. 3).
Sukardi shared that he had served for more than 30 years in the General Affairs and Household Section (TURT) at the University Secretariat, where he worked as a driver, supporting university leaders and various units.
Before becoming a driver, he had worked as a security officer, then as an administrative staff member in human resources, before finally being assigned as a driver.
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work and serve at UGM. Yet, time eventually limits one’s service as a staff member. Now, Sukardi is preparing to enjoy his retirement and contribute to his community using the skills he has gained.
According to Dr. Ambar Teguh Sulistiyani, Secretary of Korpagama, the presentation of the Retirement Certificate and a token of appreciation represents a gesture of gratitude and respect for the employees’ dedication and years of service to UGM. The distribution of these appreciation tokens occurs monthly, aligning with the employees’ birth months.
“Every month, we process the distribution for those retiring, based on their birth month,” said Dr. Sulistiyani.
Suwarsilah, a member of the Korpagama management, explained that the giving of certificates and appreciation tokens reflects the spirit of nguwongke (honoring others in Javanese) embraced by all UGM employees.
With the slogan “Nguwongke lan Ngaruhke Kabeh Pegawe, Guyub Rukun Saklawase” (Honoring and Valuing All Employees, Living in Harmony Forever), Korpagama symbolizes togetherness not only among active employees but also with UGM retirees.
Suwarsilah added that Korpagama routinely holds joint activities with UGM retirees, including regular exercise sessions and recreational outings.
“The important thing is to foster togetherness among retirees,” she said.
She also conveyed her congratulations to the retirees who completed their service until the end of their tenure.
“It means that Korpagama can help return retired employees to the community in a state of happiness, with an end to their service with a healthy body and mind, ready to continue contributing positively to society,” she concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: Korpagama