Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) inaugurated 620 new professional engineers through its Professional Engineer Program, offered by the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Animal Science, and Faculty of Forestry. The First Professional Engineer Inauguration Ceremony of 2026 took place at Grha Sabha Pramana on Tuesday, July 14. The ceremony recognized 482 graduates from the Faculty of Engineering, 72 from the Faculty of Animal Science, and 66 from the Faculty of Forestry.
In his remarks, Professor Sugeng Sapto Surjono, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the UGM Faculty of Engineering, urged the new engineers to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct throughout their careers. “At a time when we continue to witness moral and ethical decline, today you have taken an oath that demands the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. As engineers, you will play a crucial role in advancing Indonesia’s development and improving the well-being of its people,” he emphasized.
Priyatno Bambang Hernowo, Deputy Chair for Regional and Branch Organizational Development at the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII), highlighted that the professional engineer designation is not just a recognition of technical competence, but also of integrity and accountability. “An engineer’s quality should be measured not only by project efficiency or financial gain, but also by safety, reliability of solutions, societal benefit, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
Addressing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Hernowo reminded the graduates: “We must master technology, but never allow it to replace our professional judgment. While artificial intelligence can assist with calculations and modeling, ultimate responsibility for every decision rests with the engineer.”
Representing the newly inaugurated engineers, Dr. Gerry Utama from the Faculty of Engineering stated that the engineering profession goes beyond earning a professional title; it is about solving the nation’s most pressing challenges. “Scientists discover the truth, while engineers develop solutions based on that truth to improve people’s lives,” he explained. He also stressed the importance of integrity and the courage to take responsibility as the foundation of engineering practice, noting that every technical decision has real consequences for society.
Dr. Utama encouraged his peers to become a generation capable of shaping Indonesia’s future through decisions that prioritize the public good. “Integrity is part of engineering design. Data should never be manipulated just to please superiors. Competence makes us capable, but character earns us trust,” he concluded.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Salwa