Amid the UGM graduation ceremony on Wednesday (Feb. 21), Jono (73) and Ngadinah (58) graced the stage, holding a cherished 40×60 cm frame adorned with their beloved child’s portrait.
They were specially summoned to represent their child, Dewi Sekar Rumpaka, who tragically passed away on Jan. 26. With solemn grace, the degree was bestowed upon them by the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, alongside the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry.
“I am profoundly moved and honored that Rector Emilia herself conferred the degree. If my daughter knew, she would undoubtedly be overjoyed, allowing her to rest in peace,” expressed the mother.
Dewi had encountered a fatal accident while en route to campus for her thesis defense several months prior, undergoing extensive medical treatment until her untimely passing at Sardjito Hospital.
Despite her shortened time, Dewi’s academic excellence shone through, earning her the distinction of graduating with honors, boasting an impressive cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.86.
According to her grieving parents, Dewi was diligent and cheerful, rarely complaining. During her post-accident recovery, she remained steadfast in her eagerness to partake in her thesis defense and fulfill her academic obligations.
Eyes glistening with pride, her mother fondly recounted Dewi’s academic prowess, consistently ranking at the top of her class and securing admission to the UGM Faculty of Forestry through the outstanding students from economically disadvantaged families (PBUTM) program.
Dewi’s accomplishments brought immense pride to her family and held profound significance for her siblings and closest confidants.
“She illuminated our lives like sunshine; her presence infused warmth into our home. With her gone, the house feels empty, and sorrow permeates our hearts,” lamented Ngadinah.
Dewi’s parents expressed gratitude that their child’s struggle during her studies finally paid off with a bachelor’s degree. Ngadinah shared that Dewi had expressed her plan to work immediately after graduation.
She wanted to save money to finance her younger sibling’s studies and pay off her parents’ debts. After fulfilling her promise, she wanted to continue her studies at the master’s level.
“Her professors advised her to propose becoming a lecturer for her master’s degree, but she wanted to work first,” added Jono.
Although she did not have the chance to attend her thesis defense, she was declared to have graduated based on the faculty senate meeting, as she was deemed to have an excellent academic record.
Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Sigit Sunarta, highlighted Dewi’s active involvement in student activities and her contributions to various research projects under her supervisors.
Her thesis titled “Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Forest Gecko Vocalizations in the Tahawa Village Forest Area, Central Kalimantan” received a stellar commendation from examiners, earning her an exemplary A.
In honor of Dewi’s dedication to research, the faculty intends to refine her thesis for publication in a scientific journal.
“This work is commendable and could easily rival master’s level theses. Dewi’s legacy of knowledge holds immense value and should be further developed by her peers for the betterment of our community,” remarked Dean Sigit Sunarta.
Author: Gloria
Photographers: Firsto, Donnie