Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again commemorated National Education Day by holding a flag ceremony at the Balairung courtyard on Saturday (May. 2). The event was attended by representatives of the academic community and served as a collective reflection on the direction and future of education in Indonesia.
During the ceremony, UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, delivered a speech themed “Menguatkan Partisipasi Semesta Mewujudkan Pendidikan Bermutu untuk Semua” (Strengthening Collective Participation to Achieve Quality Education for All). The theme underscored the role of all elements of society in building an inclusive and equitable education system. The ceremony was held solemnly with the participation of faculty members, administrative staff, and students.
Professor Ova Emilia stated that the commemoration of National Education Day serves as a momentum to reflect on the nation’s long educational journey. She explained that the teachings of Ki Hajar Dewantara, Ing Ngarso Sung Tulodo, Ing Madyo Mangun Karso, and Tut Wuri Handayani remain relevant as the foundation of Indonesia’s education system.
According to Professor Ova Emilia, education must build individual capacity while fostering character and a lifelong learning spirit. She added that education serves as a space for empowerment, bringing justice and progress to society.
“This year’s National Education Day invites us to reflect on the nation’s long educational journey while reaffirming the role of noble values in shaping Indonesia’s future,” she said.
She also explained that Indonesia continues to face complex educational challenges. She highlighted disparities in access, low literacy levels, and uneven distribution of facilities and education quality across regions.
In addition, the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence presents new challenges related to academic integrity and graduate relevance. She emphasized that strengthening participation from all stakeholders is key to addressing these challenges.
“Strengthening collective participation is expected to open opportunities for all members of society to access quality education through innovative and inclusive technological utilization,” she explained.
In her speech, Professor Ova Emilia also outlined UGM’s various achievements and contributions to supporting inclusive education. She mentioned the development of student admission schemes for those from low-income backgrounds and underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) regions, including students with disabilities.
In addition, fast-track programs, the expansion of postgraduate student enrollment, and double degree programs continue to be developed to support academic growth and global collaboration. Efforts to strengthen a technology-based learning ecosystem are carried out through various innovations, including the UGM Online platform, which provides micro-credentials and open online courses.
“These initiatives are part of UGM’s commitment to delivering education that is inclusive, adaptive, and aligned with the needs of society and industry,” she said.
She added that the UGM’s Community Service Program (KKN-PPM UGM) is one tangible example of UGM’s contributions that directly impact society. She explained that through cross-sector collaboration, students gain learning experiences that foster empathy, social awareness, and teamwork skills.
According to Professor Ova Emilia, education must shape character grounded in moral values, ethics, and respect for local culture. She emphasized that future educational challenges must be addressed through collective efforts, innovation, and continuous evaluation.
“Through quality education and strong collaboration, we can produce excellent human resources as the foundation for national development,” she stressed.
At the closing of the ceremony, UGM presented the Satya Lencana Karya Satya awards to 112 civil servants, consisting of lecturers and administrative staff. The awards were given in recognition of 30 years of service to 15 recipients, 20 years to 36 recipients, and 10 years to 61 recipients. This recognition reflects appreciation for their commitment and dedication to advancing quality education.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Firsto