UGM hosted an alums gathering in North Halmahera, inviting dozens of its best graduates on Thursday (3/8).
During the warm dialogue with the attendance of the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, UGM received quality inputs from its alums to support the development of North Halmahera through education, research, and community service activities.
Dr. Arie Sujito stated that UGM is committed to providing access for as many individuals as possible from all parts of the country to study at UGM, including those from 3T (frontier, outermost, underdeveloped) regions.
“UGM is committed to reaching even the most peripheral areas,” he explained.
This commitment is reflected in UGM’s admission policy, which aims to admit at least 30 percent of new students from outside Java Island.
“UGM will continue to strengthen the admission of new students through affirmative action programs for the 3T regions and people with disabilities,” he added.
He hoped that the alums family (Kagama) in North Halmahera could synergize with UGM in identifying and nurturing outstanding talents through this admission policy.
Ari Dwipayana, the Secretary-General of the Central Management of Kagama, expressed hope that the alums in North Halmahera could seize the opportunities provided by UGM.
“Let’s consolidate for the future because UGM has opened up opportunities through affirmative action policies for regions,” he said.
He also hoped that the alums in the region could utilize the organization as a platform to seize opportunities and drive regional development.
The chair of the alums family in North Halmahera, Erasmus Joseph Papilaya, expressed his hope that UGM could support the development of North Halmahera as a spice cosmopolis through research and community service.
Responding to the UGM’s policy to accept 30% of students from outside Java, Papilaya welcomed this initiative as it brings fresh opportunities for human resource development in his region.
He also hoped that UGM could hold its independent admission test (UM-CBT) in North Halmahera. This would motivate students from North Halmahera to apply to UGM.
“We hope the UGM entrance exam can also be held in North Halmahera. With a closer location, the opportunity for students to take the exam would be greater and more accessible geographically,” he stated.
The Chair of the UGM Senate, Professor Sulistiowati, mentioned that UGM’s presence in North Halmahera through education, research, and community service activities aims to support the nation’s progress in achieving the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. This includes conducting research related to the spice cosmopolis.
“We hope North Halmahera can become a sister city through the spice cosmopolis idea, which should be widely recognized nationally and internationally,” she explained.
Author: Ika
Photographer: Donnie