The Library and Archives of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have been awarded the “AA” rating in the Higher Education Archival Institution category by the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia (ANRI).
This rating is the highest qualification or “distinguished,” given only to higher education archival institutions with excellent archival management. UGM is one of the institutions that achieved this national-level recognition.
The Head of ANRI, Imam Gunarto, presented the award to the Head of UGM Library and Archives, Arif Surachmanon, on Tuesday (May 28) at the Mercure Hotel Samarinda, East Kalimantan.
The event also marked the 53rd Archival Day, celebrated every May 18. Seven hundred fifty participants were invited to attend the events and award ceremonies.
The “AA” rating demonstrates that UGM, as a higher education institution, has successfully developed archival science within its environment.
In addition to UGM, three other institutions also received the distinguished rating. These are the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Jakarta III.
Arif Surachman, Head of UGM Library and Archives, expressed his joy and pride in receiving the distinguished award from ANRI. He attributed the award to the contributions of librarians and archivists who continuously innovate in library services and archival data processing.
“I believe this award motivates us to work even better in the future to support educational activities and scientific publications at UGM,” said Arif Surachman at his office on Friday (May 31).
He explained that the UGM Library was established in 1951 when the UGM campus was still within the Keraton area.
On July 1, 2023, UGM Rector Regulation Number 10 of 2023 concerning the Organization and Work Procedures of Universitas Gadjah Mada merged several units to form the UGM Library and Archives.
According to him, UGM, as one of the leading universities, is also committed to developing archival science that positively impacts the wider community and the development of quality human resources.
ANRI Principal Secretary Rini Agustiani congratulated UGM for its dedication to preserving national archives. She stated that inter-institutional commitment is one way to maintain the continuity of a country’s knowledge and memory.
“Mainstreaming the development of national archival programs includes orderly archives, digital archival transformation, and the nation’s collective memory through the synergy of archival guidance and supervision programs,” she said.
Agustiani added that the 53rd Archival Day commemoration is a moment of appreciation for achievements in archival management and an opportunity to reflect on the commitment to sustainability principles in archival management. ANRI strives to motivate other institutions to safeguard national archival assets.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson