The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM) inaugurated 205 new veterinarians, comprising 49 male and 156 female graduates, on Thursday (Jan. 15) at Grha Sabha Pramana. With this inauguration, FKH UGM has now produced a total of 6,611 veterinarians, who have been serving communities across Indonesia and abroad.
The Director General of Livestock and Animal Health at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Agung Suganda, stated that the inauguration of new veterinarians marks a valuable milestone for graduates of the professional veterinary program. According to him, achieving the title of veterinarian marks the beginning of a professional career in which both scientific competence and professional ethics will be tested directly in the field, whether in rural or urban areas.
On the occasion, Dr. Suganda highlighted that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program has the potential to expand employment prospects and professional roles for veterinarians.
“Since the implementation of the MBG program and the increase in consumption, price volatility can be suppressed as effectively as possible. Therefore, the veterinary profession holds a highly strategic position in the animal- and plant-based food processing industries,” he explained.
Dr. Andi Wijanarko, Secretary General of the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (PB PDHI), expressed his appreciation to the newly inaugurated veterinarians and encouraged them to fulfill their professional duties with integrity, both for themselves and for the nation.
However, he reminded them to uphold the professional code of ethics consistently, maintain solidarity among colleagues, continually learn new knowledge, and strengthen networks and collaboration.
“Always uphold the good name of your alma mater and prepare yourselves to serve in all regions of Indonesia,” he advised.
The Chair of FKH UGM Alumni (Gamavet), Dr. Teuku Sahir Syahali, invited veterinary graduates to continue pursuing their dreams and aspirations as high as possible, accompanied by a strong spirit of learning and a focus on self-development through hard work.
The Dean of FKH UGM, Professor Teguh Budipitojo, reported that the average length of study for this cohort of newly inaugurated veterinarians was 5 years, 8 months, and 11 days. During this period, the best graduate distinction was awarded to Rana Ayuningyas Adhi Puspita, who achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.96.
Author: Diyana Khoirunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian