Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a briefing session for postgraduate candidates of the 2024/2025 Academic Year’s Period IV on Monday (Jul. 22) at Grha Sabha Pramana.
The event featured Alfreno Kautsar, the youngest Special Staff member at the Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, who is also an alumnus of UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM).
At just 26 years old, Kautsar has been entrusted with a strategic role in the ministry. His presence served as an inspiration for the graduates preparing to face a new phase after graduation.
In his presentation to hundreds of prospective master’s, doctoral, medical specialty, and medical subspecialty graduates, Kautsar emphasized that an academic degree from UGM holds strategic value.
This value strengthens the graduates’ position in society. He believes that higher education is not just about personal achievement but also about how one can provide the widest possible benefit.
“When we serve and have credibility with a degree, people listen to us more,” he said.
He encouraged UGM graduates to confidently showcase their best capacities without losing the humility that is characteristic of Gadjah Mada.
Kautsar also invited graduates to actively build an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem in Indonesia.
According to Kautsar, digitalization challenges such as technological disruption and artificial intelligence must be met with adequate digital readiness and literacy.
He emphasized that the younger generation plays a central role in shaping the new face of innovation-based industries.
“Post-graduation is the momentum to produce works, entities, and studies that have a broad impact,” Kautsar advised.
Kautsar believes that every graduate has the potential to become a leader of change in the digital era.
UGM Vice Rector for Planning, Assets, and Information Systems, Dr. Arief Setiawan Budi Nugroho, in his remarks, expressed hope that graduates would always uphold the good name of their alma mater.
He reminded us that the title of UGM graduate carries a moral responsibility to continue contributing to society.
“Not just working and having a career, but developing this nation and upholding UGM’s good name with integrity,” Dr. Nugroho asserted.
According to Dr. Nugroho, integrity and dedication are essential assets in facing current global challenges.
Meanwhile, the Chair of Kagama Surakarta, KGPH. A. Dipokusumo, also conveyed a special message to the prospective graduates.
He invited the graduates to stay connected with the alumni community as part of continuous synergy.
“Welcome to join and synergize with Kagama to serve and build the future,” Dipokusumo said.
According to Dipokusumo, the alumni network is a collective strength that can serve as a platform for cross-sector collaboration for the nation’s progress.
UGM has graduated 917 postgraduate students on Wednesday (Jul. 23). This briefing is part of the university’s effort to equip graduates not only academically but also mentally, in networking, and with practical insights.
Through this activity, UGM hopes that its graduates will be ready to contribute to various sectors with a spirit of service and benefit. This moment also serves as a reminder that a degree is not an end but the beginning of a real contribution to society.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian