In a WhatsApp group of alumni activists from Gelanggang, members were suddenly taken aback by a circulating message announcing that a retired lecturer of UGM’s Faculty of Animal Science, Ir. Gatot Murdjito, M.S., had passed away on Friday, Feb. 13, at 6:35 a.m. WIB at RSUP Dr. Sardjito.
Several alumni conveyed their condolences while recalling the figure widely known as the “Father of KKN” during the 1990s to early 2000s. The title was bestowed on him for his long tenure as head of the Institute of Community Service (LPM) at UGM.
Whenever teams of students were deployed for the Community Service Program (KKN) across Java Island or in areas around the Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Murdjito consistently made time to visit and engage with students serving in villages.
In 2011, Murdjito served as a judge at the 24th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) in Makassar, South Sulawesi. Following the event, the panel of judges from UGM received a special invitation from the Regent of North Toraja, Frederik Batti Sorring, to visit his residence in Rantepao.
After traveling by bus for approximately 10 hours, the group attended what was essentially a gesture of gratitude to Murdjito. In front of him, Sorring recalled his own experience undertaking KKN as a Philosophy student at UGM. After graduating and working as a family planning counselor in Asmat, Papua, Sorring admitted that his KKN experience greatly helped him interact with local communities.
During his lifetime, Gatot Murdjito was recognized as an academic who made significant contributions to community service. He played an active role in managing the KKN and empowering the Student Activity Unit (UKM) within UGM. In addition, he mentored various community empowerment programs in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science, Professor Budi Guntoro, stated that Gatot Murdjito was known as a firm and disciplined lecturer, yet one who embodied kindness and sincerity. According to Professor Guntoro, the late Gatot Murdjito demonstrated deep care and wholehearted dedication in mentoring students, leaving a lasting impression on those who had learned from and interacted with him.
“He will always be remembered for his dedication, exemplary character, and service to education and society,” he said.
He was also known as a warm and supportive individual to those around him. His daughter-in-law, Galih Sekarayu, shared that during his lifetime, her father-in-law treated her like his own daughter. She described him as someone who never expressed anger and consistently offered encouragement, particularly regarding work and maintaining good health.
“He always reminded us to stay enthusiastic at work and to take care of our health. That was the message he conveyed most often,” she recalled.
As an educator, he frequently imparted advice that left a deep impression on his family. One principle Sekarayu remembers most is his guidance on work: to love one’s job, to pursue it diligently, and to carry it out professionally. According to her, these values have become guiding principles in navigating life and building a career.
His dedication to education and community service remains a living legacy within Universitas Gadjah Mada. Through his role in community engagement, Gatot Murdjito instilled social awareness, leadership, and a strong spirit of service. His exemplary conduct and integrity will continue to be remembered as integral to UGM’s KKN-PPM journey.
Gatot Murdjito was born in Kutoarjo on Sep. 27, 1948. He pursued his higher education at Universitas Gadjah Mada, earning a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Animal Science in 1978 and a master’s degree from the Graduate Program in 1989. He began serving as a civil servant on Mar. 1, 1980, and concluded his tenure on Oct. 1, 2013.
The “Father of KKN” has now departed. Many alumni recall his dedication to mentoring students facing challenges while serving in remote villages across Java Island in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was laid to rest on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 10:00 a.m. WIB at the UGM Cemetery in Sawitsari.
Farewell, Pak Gatot.
Author: Diyana Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara