On Tuesday (May 20), on National Awakening Day, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) launched a new symbol, the 3-Finger Formation, accompanied by the tagline Populist, Independent, and Sustainable.
The launch occurred at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) and marked an important moment in the institution’s new direction towards UGM 2025 and beyond.
The event, attended by university leaders, deans, heads of offices, and representatives of the academic community, was full of spirit, reminding all participants of the important role of higher education in building the nation’s future.
The series of events opened with a narration emphasizing that UGM is present not merely as a higher education institution but as a driving force for change.
The three-finger symbol introduced represents three main values now championed by UGM: populist, independent, and sustainable.
Participants were invited not only to witness this launch as a ceremony but also as an invitation to strengthen their identity and a spirit of contribution.
These three fingers are expected to be an easily recognizable communication symbol that can be used in various campus activities. With this symbol, UGM aims to convey a strong message to the public that the university is present, listens, and acts together with the people.
In the introduction to the national awakening reflection session, Dr. Andreasta Meliala conveyed that this launch was the culmination of a process that began on December 10, 2024.
At that time, UGM began to re-reflect on its previous tagline, ‘Locally Rooted, Globally Respected.’
According to Dr. Meliala, this reflection involved various parties, including community leaders, regional leaders, students, and UGM partners, both domestically and abroad.
He also mentioned that the era’s increasingly complex challenges demand that UGM be more adaptive and relevant in responding to societal problems.
“We questioned whether ‘locally rooted’ and ‘globally respected’ were enough,” said Dr. Meliala, emphasizing the urgency of renewing values.
Through a series of focused group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews, it became clear that UGM needs to provide a broader and more tangible impact.
Dr. Meliala added that these three values are not just normative narratives but concrete results of a long consultative and reflective process. The ultimate goal is to make UGM more relevant and competitive in local, national, and global contexts.
He also appreciated the unit leaders and academic community who actively contributed their views in formulating these new values. Hopefully, these values will become the foundation for all UGM policies and programs going forward.
“The public wants to see what UGM does in line with their expectations. From there, three additional words emerged: populist, independent, and sustainable,” he explained.
Professor Ova Emilia, the UGM Rector, stated that National Awakening Day serves as an excellent opportunity to present UGM’s new direction. Professor Emilia also appreciated all parties, including the academic team and strategic partners, who participated in formulating this new vision.
She emphasized that UGM’s awakening is not just symbolic but also creates new energy to work together to realize the university’s grand vision. This launch is expected to be the starting point for concrete steps that will soon be implemented across all institutional lines.
“I am very proud because UGM has always been a pioneer in social change and transformation,” said Professor Emilia.
“What’s the point of soaring high if it doesn’t bear abundant fruit?” asked Professor Emilia, emphasizing the importance of making a real impact in all university activities.
According to Professor Emilia, abundant fruit symbolizes impact, a real contribution to society that can be widely felt and sustained. The quality of a higher education institution is measured not only by its academic reputation but also by its contribution to solving real problems.
In this context, populist, independent, and sustainable values become important foundations.
Professor Emilia added that UGM must be able to bridge knowledge and real action to become a locomotive of social change. Every step the university takes must be oriented towards solutions and public benefit.
Furthermore, Professor Emilia explained the meaning of each value. The populist value does not mean everything has to be free; rather, UGM’s presence is an open space for all people with high social sensitivity.
The campus must be sensitive to diversity and capable of empowering communities through education, research, and community service. A prerequisite for realizing this value is an inclusive, fair, and empathetic learning environment.
UGM wants to ensure that every individual, without exception, has a fair opportunity to develop. This is the meaning of grounded knowledge that sides with social justice.
“Populist means seeing things in a complex way within our roles,” stated Professor Emilia.
Independence is understood as UGM’s active role in driving development through innovation and technology that strengthens national resilience.
Professor Emilia cited the Affirmation and Accessibility for Student Independence (AAKM) program, which empowers thousands of students each year. She mentioned UGM’s programs as a tangible manifestation of the university facilitating accelerated development oriented towards science and technology.
Independence also means UGM does not passively rely on but proactively creates opportunities for progress. UGM has shown real contributions through applied research in food, energy, and health.
Sustainability is interpreted as a long-term commitment to the future. The rector highlighted the importance of sustainability in responding to global challenges, such as climate change and social inequality.
In this regard, UGM continues strengthening its research portfolio and policies with long-term impacts, including social and environmental aspects.
Sustainability becomes a strategic value that will guide the university’s policy direction in the coming decades. Professor Emilia stated that sustainable development is the moral responsibility of higher education institutions in preserving the Earth’s heritage for future generations.
In other words, sustainability is not an option but a necessity.
The launch of the 3-Finger Formation and its new tagline marks a new spirit for the entire UGM academic community.
UGM is committed to not only being an ivory tower but also becoming a shared space that is relevant and impactful, and it is committed to a better future for Indonesia.
The event concluded with Professor Emilia pressing the launch button and a “Niskala Dwipantara” dance performance by Sastra Oebah accompanying the symbolism of awakening.
A group photo of the leaders and participants present marked the moment of togetherness. Participants appeared enthusiastic following the series of events until the end, marking a strong spirit of togetherness.
This launch is not an end but the beginning of a new chapter in UGM’s transformation. Populist, Independent, and Sustainable are not just slogans but concrete work, innovation, and service commitments.
UGM 2025 and beyond is not a dream but a direction we continue striving for together. This spirit of awakening will continue to be nurtured through collaboration, reflection, and real action from all elements of UGM. Ultimately, Indonesia’s future will likely begin on this campus.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie