Drawing on his experience in the banking industry, Waluyo encouraged students to prepare for a workplace where success depends not only on individual achievement but also on collaboration and continuous learning.

“The key is how to create impact, influence your team, build teamwork, and collaborate. It is no longer about yourself, but about what we can achieve together,” said the MBA graduate of UGM’s Faculty of Economics and Business.

Waluyo said professionals must continue creating value for themselves and the organizations they serve, emphasizing that learning should never stop after graduation.

“Especially in an era of rapid change, everyone is expected to become a lifelong learner,” he said.

He explained that technological disruption has transformed the banking industry. Banks now deliver services primarily through digital platforms rather than physical branches, with customers conducting around 70–80 percent of banking transactions through mobile applications.

“As customer behavior changes, so do jobs. Around 3,000 employees at my company no longer perform the same roles they once did, and every year we relocate around 400 employees to new functions,” he said.

Waluyo also cited research by CB Insights showing that the average lifespan of companies listed in the S&P 500 has shortened dramatically over the past several decades. According to him, organizations that fail to anticipate technological and business changes risk becoming obsolete.

For that reason, he said, today’s professionals need competencies that extend beyond their academic disciplines. Referring to data from the World Economic Forum, he noted that many of the most sought-after skills are technology-related, regardless of one’s educational background.

“By 2030, perhaps one-third of the skills we have today will no longer be relevant. We need to start developing new skills and competencies now,” he said.

Waluyo likened career development to running a marathon rather than a sprint, requiring endurance, adaptability, and continuous self-improvement throughout one’s professional life.

He identified four essential elements of long-term career success: competence, character, consistency, and contribution.

“Character multiplied by competence, multiplied again by consistency, and multiplied again by contribution. If any one of these four is zero, then the final result will also be zero,” he said.

UGM Vice Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, said the orientation serves as an important bridge between university life and the professional world.

“We are equipping our graduating students with the essential foundation they need as they move into the next stage of their journey,” he said.

Dr. Sujito added that universities must continue strengthening relationships with alumni to remain responsive to developments in the professional world. Beyond producing graduates, he said, higher education institutions also have a responsibility to build networks that help connect alums with career opportunities.

“We also have a responsibility to ensure that the networks we have built over the years serve as bridges that help our graduates pursue the careers they aspire to,” he concluded.

Also speaking at the event, Chair of the Gunungkidul Chapter of the UGM Alumni Family Association (Kagama), Ir. Eddy Praptono, M.Si., encouraged graduates to remain connected through the alum network.

He said Kagama offers graduates opportunities to learn, collaborate, and expand professional networks while continuing to uphold UGM’s values through meaningful contributions to society.

“Graduation also comes with the responsibility of upholding UGM’s good name by achieving excellence and making positive contributions to the nation,” he said.

Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Donnie

Artikel BTN Director Urges UGM Graduate Students to Build Impact Through Lifelong Learning pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“Based on our tracer study, UGM graduates secure employment within an average of 2.9 months after graduation, while graduates from the health sciences find jobs in just 1.9 months on average,” Professor Wening said during the Workshop on the Accreditation Mechanism for Higher Education Institutions and Study Programs Under Ministerial Regulation No. 39 of 2025, organized by the University Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit (SPMRU) on Monday (Jun. 29) at the UGM Central Office Building.

According to Professor Wening, graduates’ job-waiting time reflects the quality of higher education, as demonstrated by their achievements in the workforce. The degree to which graduates’ jobs align with the competencies acquired during their studies is another important indicator. For example, 87.7 percent of graduates from engineering disciplines are employed in positions that match their academic qualifications.

“These figures did not emerge by chance. They reflect the hard work of our faculties, study programs, lecturers, educational staff, and students, who uphold the quality of UGM’s tri-dharma every day,” she said.

Professor Wening noted that graduates’ reputation in the workplace is an important factor in global university reputation rankings. According to her, UGM’s achievements in various international rankings result from the university community’s collective commitment to continuously fostering a culture of quality.

This year, UGM climbed 18 places in the QS World University Rankings, rising from 224th to 206th. Over the past three years, the university has also improved its position in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, moving from 81st to 41st, reflecting its contributions to sustainable development.

“These achievements are certainly encouraging, but what matters most is the quality behind them. Rankings reflect how consistently we manage education, research, community service, and student support,” Professor Wening said.

To further improve educational quality, Professor Wening said UGM supports the government’s initiative to transform the national accreditation system through the newly issued regulation.

“UGM is encouraging all units to prepare for implementing a quality assurance system that can adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education,” she said.

Professor Indra Wijaya Kusuma, Head of UGM’s University Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit, who moderated the discussion, said the workshop provided an important opportunity for all university units to understand the direction of Indonesia’s new higher-education accreditation system.

He emphasized the need for early preparation, as UGM is scheduled to undergo institutional accreditation in 2027 using the latest accreditation instrument. Currently, approximately 84 percent of UGM’s study programs have achieved the highest national accreditation status, either Unggul (Excellent) or Grade A, and continuous quality improvement remains a priority.

“We want everyone across UGM to have the same understanding. When the new accreditation instrument is implemented, what we prepare should not merely be documentation but a quality assurance system that truly operates in practice,” he said.

Professor Ari Purbayanto, Executive Director of the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT), explained that Ministerial Regulation No. 39 of 2025 replaces Ministerial Regulation No. 53 of 2023 on Higher Education Quality Assurance and serves as the legal foundation for improving the national accreditation mechanism.

The regulation introduces the 2025 National Accreditation System (SAN 2025), which streamlines the assessment framework from nine criteria to four core areas: quality culture, relevance, accountability, and mission differentiation. Accreditation status has also been simplified into three categories: Accredited, Excellent Accredited (Terakreditasi Unggul), and Not Accredited, based on compliance with the National Higher Education Standards.

“These changes are intended to ensure that accreditation genuinely measures the quality of higher education delivery rather than merely assessing administrative completeness,” Professor Ari said.

Professor Ari added that the new accreditation system places greater emphasis on the effectiveness of each institution’s Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI). Assessment will no longer depend on the volume of documents prepared before an evaluation but on the consistent implementation of education, research, and community service, as well as their measurable impact on society and industry. He stressed that every university must also establish a clear development strategy aligned with its distinctive mission and strengths.

“What we assess is whether the quality assurance system is genuinely embedded in the university’s daily operations and whether it produces demonstrable impact,” he said.

He further noted that the regulatory changes serve as a reminder that a university’s reputation must be built upon continuous quality improvement. Higher education institutions must continually adapt to advances in science and technology, as well as the evolving needs of society and industry, to remain competitive. In this context, accreditation functions not only as an evaluation mechanism but also as an instrument for strengthening institutional quality.

“If we believe our current achievements are sufficient and stop improving, both the quality and reputation of our universities may decline,” he warned.

In the following session, Professor Slamet Wahyudi, a member of the BAN-PT Executive Board, presented the implementation of the Higher Education Institution Accreditation Instrument (IAPT) 4.1 and SAPTO 2.0 as operational tools for the new accreditation system. He explained that the assessment indicators are designed to evaluate the relationship between inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes, and the impact of universities’ tri-dharma activities. The system also utilizes integrated higher education databases, making the assessment process more objective and efficient.

Professor Slamet explained that accreditation now centers on four main criteria: quality culture, relevance, accountability, and mission differentiation. Every university is expected to maintain an integrated information system that consistently documents both academic and non-academic data. These data serve as the foundation for evaluating the effectiveness of education, research, and community service while measuring universities’ contributions to society.

“Good data are not data compiled shortly before accreditation but data that are consistently maintained as part of an institution’s quality culture,” Professor Slamet emphasized.

Concluding his presentation, Professor Slamet encouraged universities to view the regulatory changes as an opportunity to strengthen their quality assurance systems. He expressed confidence that a consistently cultivated quality culture would lead to greater public recognition, stronger competitiveness, and an enhanced institutional reputation at both the national and international levels. According to him, successful accreditation is ultimately the result of maintaining quality every day.

“When a culture of quality becomes a habit, accreditation is no longer a burden but a reflection of the university’s true quality,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Jessi

Artikel UGM Prepares for National Accreditation System Transformation pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Despite the common perception that livestock farming is a male-dominated profession with limited economic prospects, Mila has proven otherwise. Together with her husband, Sahroni, she has developed a goat and sheep farming business with multiple business lines, including livestock fattening, breeding, dairy production, and the sale of livestock production supplies (sapronak). What began as a modest venture has grown into a business generating hundreds of millions of rupiah in revenue.

Mila’s journey was far from easy. When she decided to enroll at the UGM Faculty of Animal Science, her family initially questioned her choice. However, their doubts became her motivation to prove that livestock farming could be both a rewarding profession and a meaningful way to serve the community.

“My family was initially unsure when I chose to study animal science,” Mila recalled during an interview at the Kerabat Ternak farm in Tuban, East Java, on Monday (Jun. 29).

Born on Jan. 1, 1999, into a modest family, with a father working as a timber entrepreneur and a mother who was a homemaker, Mila developed a strong work ethic and independence from an early age. Her interest in livestock farming began during her teenage years. Long before becoming a university student, while still in her second year of senior high school in 2014, she started raising five sheep, laying the foundation for the business that has since grown significantly.

After graduating from Animal Science UGM in 2020, Mila decided to devote herself fully to livestock farming. The knowledge she gained during her studies became a strong foundation for building her business. She said her education emphasized not only theory but also practical training and field experience relevant to the livestock industry.

“At Animal Science UGM, we learned not only theory but also practical skills and field experience. That has been incredibly valuable now that I’m running my own business,” she said.

During her university years, Mila actively expanded her knowledge by learning directly from lecturers, industry practitioners, and experienced livestock farmers across Indonesia. She believes success in livestock farming comes from combining scientific knowledge with hands-on experience.

“Theory is important, but it’s not enough. You have to get into the field directly,” she said.

Her entrepreneurial journey was not without setbacks. Mila experienced financial losses when some of her livestock died. However, she treated every case as an opportunity to learn, carefully investigating the causes to prevent similar incidents in the future. Those experiences deepened her understanding of livestock health management, from pneumonia caused by temperature changes to various infectious diseases that commonly affect goats and sheep.

Today, Kerabat Ternak 1-3 has grown into a modern livestock enterprise that prioritizes not only herd size but also animal quality and welfare. In addition to maintaining clean housing facilities, Mila carefully manages feed, using approximately 1.5 hectares of forage land supplemented with tofu pulp and dried water spinach to meet the animals’ nutritional needs.

Rather than focusing solely on increasing livestock numbers, Mila prioritizes improving animal quality and genetics. This strategy has significantly increased the value of her livestock. Premium-quality goats are sold for between Rp16 million and Rp23 million each, while local breeds are priced between Rp3 million and Rp5 million. In addition to supplying livestock for qurban and aqiqah, Kerabat Ternak also markets livestock production supplies, including milk replacers for young goats, vitamins, and various farming equipment, which are distributed throughout several regions in East Java.

The Eid al-Adha season marks one of the busiest periods for the business. During the two months leading up to the 2024 Qurban season, Kerabat Ternak recorded revenues ranging from Rp500 million to Rp700 million. Outside the festive season, its aqiqah services, livestock breeding, milk sales, and livestock production supplies generate around Rp50 million in monthly revenue, with an additional Rp75 million coming from livestock production equipment sales. Its market continues to expand to Lamongan, Bojonegoro, and other parts of East Java.

Beyond managing her business, Mila has actively shared her knowledge through TikTok since 2023. Her educational content introduces modern livestock farming practices and highlights the importance of applying scientific knowledge and practical skills to manage a successful livestock enterprise.

Kerabat Ternak has also created positive social impacts within the local community. Mila and her husband currently employ two staff members and actively support community livestock groups. One beneficiary is Erma, a member of one of the assisted livestock groups, who said Kerabat Ternak has been especially helpful in marketing goat milk and improving farmers’ knowledge.

“I no longer have to worry about selling my goat milk. I’ve also learned so much through the livestock group and from Kerabat Ternak,” she said.

A similar experience was shared by Agung Setiawan, a vocational student from SMK Negeri 4 Bojonegoro, completing his industrial internship at Kerabat Ternak.

“I’ve gained so much knowledge during my internship here,” he said.

For Mila, business success is measured not only by financial gains but also by the ability to create learning opportunities, empower communities, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local people. What began with five sheep during her high school years has grown into an inspiring example of modern livestock farming driven by scientific knowledge, practical experience, and community empowerment.

Her determination to challenge stereotypes, resilience in overcoming setbacks, and consistency in building her business make Mila an inspiration for young people, especially women. She has demonstrated that the livestock sector offers promising career opportunities and provides a meaningful space for women to thrive. Behind the livestock barns lies a story of courage to dream, resilience in the face of failure, and a belief that livestock farming is not merely a profession but a calling that can improve people’s livelihoods.

Reporter: Satria, Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Courtesy of Faculty of Animal Science Public Relations

Artikel UGM Alumna Builds Modern Livestock Business From Just Five Sheep pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The Startup Grind Global Conference is one of the world’s leading gatherings for startups, annually bringing together startup founders, investors, and innovators from around the globe. In 2026, the conference drew over 5,000 participants, with more than 400 venture capital firms involved, 150 startups showcasing their products, and 175 discussion sessions focusing on developments in the global technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Bellatrix’s participation in the forum was part of the Pertamuda Overseas Program, an initiative awarded to the top three winners of Pertamuda Seed & Scale 2025. On this occasion, she was the only representative from UGM to attend one of the world’s most prestigious startup forums in person.

During the conference, Bellatrix said she served as an official delegate, conference participant, and representative of an exhibiting startup through the Pertamuda pathway. One of her notable achievements was the opportunity to participate in the One Minute Pitching session before global investors, where she presented innovations developed by Orionex to international stakeholders and opened opportunities for potential cross-border collaborations. Her appearance in the pitching session marked a strategic step in showcasing the innovation capabilities of Indonesian startups on the global stage.

“Several industry players and international investors expressed interest in the solutions presented, including representatives from several investment institutions attending the conference,” said Bellatrix in a statement received on Monday (June 22).

Amid the conference agenda, Bellatrix and fellow members of the Indonesian delegation also met with the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in San Francisco. The meeting explored various opportunities for Indonesian startups to expand into global markets, including strengthening international networks, fostering cross-country collaborations, and securing diplomatic support for startups interested in expanding overseas.

Through her participation, Bellatrix said she gained valuable insights into global standards for building technology startups while expanding her professional network with investors, ecosystem stakeholders, and prospective strategic partners from various countries.

 “The relationships established during the conference are expected to support the growth of PT Orionex Solusi Digital and create more opportunities for international collaboration in the future,” she said.

Bellatrix’s participation in the Startup Grind Global Conference 2026 demonstrates that DTETI UGM alumni are capable of competing and contributing within the global innovation ecosystem while bringing pride to Indonesia on the world stage of technology entrepreneurship. 

“This achievement is expected to inspire students and alumni to continue creating and innovating with tangible impact at the international level,” she concluded.

Reporter: Noor Rasya (DTETI)
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: Courtesy of Bellatrix

Artikel Bellatrix’s Journey: UGM Alumna Participates in Startup Grind Global Conference in Silicon Valley pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“Tomorrow is an ordinary day, and the real test does not happen on special days like today, but during the long ordinary days that follow,” he said in a speech representing the Advisory Board of the Central Executive Board of KAGAMA on Wednesday (May. 20) at Grha Sabha Pramana.

Anies explained that life’s challenges will always come and go in different forms. Difficult times and easier times, according to him, are not the primary factors determining the direction of one’s life. What matters most is an individual’s ability to learn and endure in every circumstance. He encouraged graduates not to fear uncertainty, as every generation faces its own challenges. 

“Generations graduating during difficult times often become the strongest because they learn to persevere and find solutions amid limitations,” he remarked.

He then spoke about first jobs, which are often viewed as too small or less than ideal by young graduates. Anies explained that a first job is not about position or high income, but rather a space for character formation. Through a first job, individuals learn to uphold responsibility, keep promises, and complete simple tasks sincerely. Small experiences that may appear insignificant often become the foundation of a long-term career journey. 

“Do not wait for the perfect job to give your best, because character is built precisely through small things carried out with full responsibility,” he said.

Anies also reminded graduates about the challenges of entering institutions and professional work systems. In professional environments, individuals can gradually lose their idealism as they become accustomed to unhealthy practices. He emphasized the importance of maintaining supportive friendships, cultivating reading habits, and continuously remembering the original reasons for choosing a particular path in life. According to him, principles must be upheld even as positions and circumstances continue to change. 

“Positions may change over time, but principles must endure across generations,” Anies advised.

In his speech, Anies noted that every UGM graduate carries a social responsibility after leaving campus. He said UGM has long been known as a university of struggle with a strong concern for society. Therefore, UGM graduates are expected to become part of the solution to the nation’s problems. He encouraged graduates not to stop at ideas alone, but to courageously engage directly in social life. 

“If good people choose to remain silent, then the problems in this country will never be resolved,” he stated.

Anies then shared the personal message he remembers most from his mother. According to him, the most valuable thing a person possesses in life is a good name. Positions, wealth, and status may change at any time, but one’s good name will always remain attached to them. Anies believes that the measure of success in life is not praise, but the benefit one brings to others. 

“What we truly possess is only our good name, so protect it well,” he said.

Closing his speech, Anies encouraged graduates to realize that the future is built through small decisions made every day. He recalled once sitting as a graduate in the same place, unaware of what life journey awaited him after graduation. According to him, a person’s life is shaped not by a single major decision, but by the accumulation of simple choices made consistently over time. 

“Congratulations on embracing the future, because the real journey of life begins with the simple decisions you make after leaving this campus,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Donnie

Artikel Anies Baswedan Calls on UGM Graduates to Uphold Integrity and Reputation pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that this cross-sector collaboration represents a concrete step by the university to align the potential of higher education institutions with the real development needs of the regions.

According to Professor Ova Emilia, UGM’s extensive alumni network across various sectors serves as significant social capital for advancing regions with substantial potential that has not yet been fully optimized. 

“The alumni network must continue to be nurtured and directed to provide tangible benefits through education, research, and community service. As a people-oriented university, UGM is committed to always being present in supporting regional development through these three pillars,” she said.

Professor Ova Emilia expressed hope that the collaboration would strengthen human resource capacity, foster applied research, and provide solutions to various regional development challenges. 

“We hope this collaboration will generate concrete and sustainable contributions to society,” she remarked.

South Lampung Vice Regent, M. Syaiful Anwar, emphasized that collaboration between regional governments and universities is a key foundation for science-based development. According to him, South Lampung possesses a wide range of potential that remains highly open for joint development. 

“South Lampung has various potentials that can be developed together. We hope this collaboration will bring progress and prosperity to the community,” he said at the Official Residence of the Governor of Lampung on Saturday (May. 16).

Chair of the Lampung Regional Board of KAGAMA, Qodrotul Ikhwan Karyonagoro, highlighted Lampung’s enormous potential as one of Indonesia’s national food barns. Nevertheless, he observed that this potential has not yet been fully optimized. 

“Lampung serves as the kitchen for Java and Sumatra, but much of its potential still needs to be developed through technology and innovation,” he explained.

Through this momentum, Qodrotul also encouraged all alumni to strengthen the values of togetherness, harmony, and meaningful contribution that embody the spirit of KAGAMA. According to him, stronger synergy between UGM and KAGAMA will further expand alumni contributions to society. 

“The stronger the solidarity we build, the greater our energy to contribute to society,” he concluded.

Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Alumni Office

Artikel UGM Encourages Research Application and Human Resource Development in Lampung pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The discussion, titled “Bahasa dan Sastra Sebagai Diplomasi Bangsa” (Language and Literature as Cultural Diplomacy), opened with Okky’s views on the news regarding the closure of study programs such as Literature, History, and Anthropology. The International Relations undergraduate alumna of UGM argued that these programs are, in fact, highly relevant to industry needs. 

According to her, language and culture have great potential to drive the national economy. She cited concrete examples such as K-pop culture, the popularity of Javanese songs, and Eastern Indonesian songs that are currently on the rise. 

“Korea has a strong bargaining position, which is why many studies and academic programs focus on it, including at UGM. K-pop is one example of how cultural distribution and promotion have successfully become a key pillar of a country’s economy,” she added.

From this perspective, literature and language play an important role in diplomacy, shaping Indonesia’s position in the global arena. Indonesian cultural products should have significant potential, considering the country’s strategic position along global trade routes. As the largest country in Southeast Asia, Indonesia could contribute substantially to the national economy through its cultural products, Okky emphasized. However, the question remains: how can these cultural products be introduced more widely?

During the question-and-answer session, students from diverse backgrounds asked a range of questions. One of the prominent concerns was the decline in the use of standard language on social media. Okky believes that language should not be rigidly standardized, as different forms of language use can reflect social dynamics. In her view, language should not be controlled; rather, its users naturally follow trends shaped by technological developments.

“Language on social media reflects how today’s generation communicates. KBBI must continue to document new vocabulary and expand its coverage, including terms emerging from social media. This ongoing renewal reflects the richness of language,” she said.

Furthermore, Okky emphasized that language should be dynamic and used according to context. Formal Indonesian may seem out of place if used in inappropriate contexts. The presence of so-called “language policing” would distance information from reality. Instead, users should adapt, choosing appropriate language for writing essays, short stories, and poetry, or for using regional languages in daily conversations. 

“On social media, language does not have to be strictly correct. Any form of language can be used in different situations and conditions, depending on the context,” Okky concluded.

Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Wikipedia and UGM Residence Documentation

Artikel Amid Calls to Close Study Programs, Okky Madasari Stresses Value of Language and Culture pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Opening his session, he pointed out that internet penetration and mobile device usage in Indonesia have reached extremely high levels, even exceeding the total population. This indicates that society now operates within a highly intensive digital ecosystem. He added that these changes have shifted the primary sources of public information from conventional media to social media. 

“Today, sources of information have largely shifted toward social media,” he said.

According to Metta, this condition requires individuals, especially university graduates, to continuously adapt to the evolving digital communication landscape. Data shows that 90% of information is transmitted to the brain through visuals. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of transforming how information is delivered in the digital era from text-based formats to visual storytelling. 

“This condition inevitably demands that individuals no longer rely solely on long-form text. Instead, information needs to be packaged visually to be more effective and easier to understand,” he explained.

He further elaborated that digital transformation has introduced various forms of automation in content production and distribution. Technologies such as speech-to-text, text-to-voice, and text-to-video are rapidly advancing and widely used in the media industry. In addition, content distribution has become increasingly personalized through algorithms, where audiences receive information tailored to their preferences and digital activities. 

“This phenomenon enables content that someone has just discussed to quickly appear on their social media timeline. It shows that today’s digital communication ecosystem is not only fast but also highly personalized,” he added.

He also noted that the development of artificial intelligence (AI) affects not only the media industry but also economic structures, politics, and global geopolitics. He cited how communication technologies are now part of strategic tools in international conflicts. Nevertheless, he stressed that beyond these challenges, AI also presents significant opportunities to enhance efficiency and innovation across sectors.

Metta emphasized the importance of data in the digital era, where it has become a key asset in decision-making across business, media, and politics. Data is no longer merely complementary but serves as the foundation for generating insights, understanding audience behavior, and shaping policies. 

“Indonesia has great potential to become the largest digital economy in Southeast Asia. Therefore, leveraging data is crucial to remain competitive globally,” he stated.

At the end of his presentation, he reiterated that new graduates must equip themselves with “new tools” to face inevitable technological disruption. He argued that complex ideas must be communicated concisely and effectively to ensure quick understanding while remaining relevant to the increasingly dynamic demands of industry. He also emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among younger generations, from being solution-oriented to becoming impact-oriented.

UGM Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Arie Sujito, extended his congratulations to the postgraduate candidates from various regions across Indonesia. He expressed hope that these future members of the UGM alumni community would play active roles in strategic sectors amid increasingly complex global dynamics. Dr. Sujito also encouraged alumni to maintain strong ties with the university and contribute to the advancement of education, research, and community service. 

“Alumni must become strategic actors wherever they work and uphold professionalism as a responsibility for the knowledge they possess. Let us preserve the good name of ourselves, our families, and our alma mater, while continuing to contribute to societal transformation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Sports and Recreation Department of the UGM Alumni Association (PP Kagama), Agus Supriyo, introduced Kagama as a large alumni network guided by the principle of guyub rukun migunani (harmonious, united, and beneficial). He explained that these values serve not only as an identity but also as guidance for graduates on how to contribute to society. 

“Do not let our knowledge remain confined to academic journals. Let us translate it into policies, applied technologies, or solutions that truly benefit society,” he emphasized.

Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Donnie

Artikel Turning Data into Clarity: The Power of Visualization pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

His involvement began during his master’s studies at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania, Australia. He explained that the opportunity to join the expedition came from his supervisor, who invited him to return to East Antarctica, specifically the Cook Region, to collect samples.

The sampling was conducted to continue his master’s thesis research and to serve as a foundation for his doctoral (PhD) studies. In his research, he examines ancient DNA from seafloor sediments, with a focus on the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

The expedition he joined was part of an international research voyage studying marine ecosystems and sediments in East Antarctica. He noted that the activity aimed to better understand marine environmental dynamics and climate change in polar regions that have experienced relatively minimal human intervention. 

“My thesis research focuses on sedimentary ancient DNA, particularly DNA obtained from seafloor sediments, with a focus on the Southern Ocean and Antarctica,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (Mar. 31).

During his time in Antarctica, he had to adapt to various extreme conditions. Over the 57-day expedition, he lived aboard a research vessel while facing high waves in the Southern Ocean and temperatures dropping to minus three degrees Celsius. These conditions posed a particular challenge for a researcher from a tropical country. 

“As an Indonesian who has never experienced cold weather, this was a unique challenge for me,” he said.

In addition to adapting to the weather, he explained that adjusting to life on a research vessel for nearly two months was also challenging. Limited space, tightly scheduled activities, and the need to maintain physical fitness throughout the research were among the difficulties encountered during the expedition. Nevertheless, he was grateful to have successfully completed the entire series of activities. 

“Overall, everything went smoothly. I was able to complete all expedition activities well,” he recalled.

Amid these extreme conditions, he and the research team successfully collected marine sediment samples using the coring method, which involves extracting seafloor sediment layers with a hollow cylindrical tube inserted vertically into the sediment. This sampling is a crucial component of the research aimed at identifying genetic changes in marine organisms preserved in the sediment. He described the moment of directly observing the retrieved samples as the most memorable experience of the expedition. 

“When we were finally able to see the sediment we collected ourselves from the seafloor, it was truly memorable,” he said.

In addition to sample collection, he gained firsthand experience observing Antarctic ecosystems he had previously studied only in theory. Expansive ice formations and wildlife such as whales, seabirds, and penguins became part of daily life during the expedition. He directly observed the activities of various species living in this extreme environment, including whales, seabirds, and penguins.

This experience strengthened his scientific perspective on the importance of polar regions as research sites. He explained that Antarctica is a relatively untouched environment, meaning that environmental changes occurring there reflect the Earth’s natural ecosystem dynamics. 

“Polar regions are largely untouched by humans, so any environmental changes that occur are truly natural, without human interference,” he explained.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the research findings are not only relevant to polar regions but also have implications for other areas, including Indonesia. By understanding patterns of genetic change and how marine organisms respond in extreme environments, this research can serve as a reference for anticipating environmental changes in tropical regions. 

“If environmental changes occur there, we can predict future effects and how marine animals will adapt. This knowledge can later be applied if similar environmental changes occur in Indonesia,” he said.

Looking ahead, he plans to continue his research at the doctoral level using the collected samples. Through DNA analysis of marine sediments, he hopes to trace genetic changes in marine organisms, particularly mollusks, in response to environmental shifts. These findings are expected to help predict how marine ecosystems will adapt to climate change in the future. 

“Hopefully, this research will contribute to future studies in understanding and predicting genetic changes in marine animals,” he concluded.

Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Courtesy of Ezra

Artikel UGM Alumnus Joins Antarctic Scientific Expedition to Study Ancient Sedimentary DNA pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Rif’an recalls being accepted into the Geography program at Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2012. The first person who opposed his decision to attend university was his own father. The reason was both simple and difficult: their family did not have enough money, while his six younger siblings were still young and required care and support.

His father worked as a freelance Quran teacher, while his mother was a homemaker. Both felt unable to finance their children’s education. They often even encouraged their children to start working immediately after graduating from high school.

However, his father’s request did not weaken the eldest son’s determination to pursue his dreams. For Rif’an, continuing his education was not merely a personal ambition. He wanted to improve his family’s circumstances and help his siblings achieve a better life.

From his school years until entering university, he had already been accustomed to taking on part-time jobs. He understood his family’s financial limitations and did not expect much support. Fortunately, Rif’an was a high-achieving student who had won numerous national awards.

The resistance from his family did not end there. For a time, Rif’an even felt as if he had lost the support of his own family because of his decision to continue studying at university.

Surviving as a Student

The early days of his studies at the Faculty of Geography at Universitas Gadjah Mada in 2012 were not easy for Rif’an. Without sufficient financial support from his family, he had to find ways to survive as a student. Fortunately, he received the Bidikmisi scholarship, which helped support his daily living expenses until graduation.

He became active in various campus organizations. For many students, organizations provide opportunities for learning and networking. However, Rif’an had a simpler reason: at least he could get meals during committee activities. 

“I liked joining activities because I knew there would be food,” he recalled with a smile.

At certain times, he had to be extremely frugal just to afford meals. When he was very hungry, he searched for the cheapest food stalls around campus. With about Rp4,000 in pocket money, he would usually buy rice, vegetables, and a single fried snack. 

“The important thing was that I could eat,” he said.

At that time, Rif’an did not even own a computer to complete his coursework. Instead, he found a solution by working at an internet café, earning a salary while also using the computers there. 

One day, he mustered the courage to meet the Vice Dean for Student Affairs at the Faculty of Geography and explained his reason for working part-time at the internet café, despite the stigma that students who worked there would graduate late. After hearing his story, the lecturer personally gave Rif’an a used computer so he could complete his assignments more easily.

Even in the busy campus environment, Rif’an often felt that he was going through everything alone. Some of his friends may have thought he was unusual because he rarely joined them just to eat, but this was largely due to his financial limitations.

A Turning Point

A major turning point in Rif’an’s life came in 2014 when he was accepted into a leadership development dormitory program now known as Rumah Kepemimpinan. The program provided accommodation and a monthly allowance of around Rp500,000. This support became a significant milestone in his life. For the first time, he was able to save money and begin thinking about his future. With those savings, he also made his first trip abroad, taking a short visit to Kuala Lumpur with fellow dormitory residents.

Despite this progress, his relationship with his family still felt distant. On one occasion, he tried to invite his family to eat out using prize money from a competition he had won. However, his father chose not to come. 

“Throughout my life before that, we had never eaten out together, and this was the first time I invited my family to a restaurant. I invited them to eat satay at Pak Pong,” he recalled.

In his final semester, Rif’an applied to become an English mentor in Kampung Inggris Pare, Kediri. The program provided accommodation and training, but living expenses had to be covered independently. For nearly 10 months, he was in the program while completing his undergraduate thesis. He continued to live frugally, usually eating only once a day at a simple food stall that offered unlimited rice and noodles for around Rp4,000 to Rp5,000.

It was there that his English skills improved rapidly. His TOEFL score, which had previously been around 456, eventually increased to about 570. However, taking the TOEFL test presented another challenge. The Rp1 million he had brought to pay for the test was stolen shortly after he got off a bus in Kediri.

With almost no money left, his friends in Pare collected donations to help him register for the test, eventually raising about Rp800,000. With that amount, Rif’an was finally able to pay the TOEFL fee. 

“My friends helped by collecting money. That’s how I was able to take the test,” he recalled.

In short, the test results ultimately led to his securing the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship.

Dried Tempeh from His Mother

In December 2018, Rif’an departed for the United States to pursue his master’s degree at Arizona State University. At the time of his departure, his mother prepared something simple yet deeply meaningful: dried tempeh as travel provisions. Throughout his life before that, Rif’an had rarely received food prepared for him from home, making the moment particularly memorable.

He carried the food with him on the long journey to the United States. Upon arriving there, he received assistance from the Indonesian student community through the Indonesian Students Association (PPI) in finding accommodation and adapting to the new environment. Even though his financial situation had significantly improved thanks to the LPDP scholarship, Rif’an continued to live modestly. He often cooked for himself and utilized the campus food bank to obtain groceries.

The COVID-19 pandemic eventually altered his study plans. After about 15 months in the United States, he returned to Indonesia and completed his master’s program remotely, graduating in 2020.

Pursuing Doctoral Studies

After returning from the United States, Rif’an briefly worked at the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) and is now a lecturer at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Yogyakarta. However, his academic journey did not stop there. In 2024, he once again received the LPDP scholarship and continued his doctoral studies at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, focusing on water resource management and agriculture.

For Rif’an, the academic journey he has pursued is not merely a personal achievement but also an opportunity to contribute to society. 

“If I may share a message for anyone who is struggling, I always believe in one thing: Gusti mboten sare, God never sleeps,” Rif’an said.

According to him, every effort and hardship a person experiences is never truly in vain. 

“The journey may be long and sometimes feel very heavy. But as long as we keep trying, there will always be a path that opens,” he concluded.

Today, Rif’an is completing his doctoral studies at one of Europe’s leading agricultural research universities. Yet he continues to remember every twist and turn of his long journey, about dreams, the courage to overcome adversity, and the hope of contributing meaningfully to agriculture in Indonesia.

Writer: Astri Wulandari
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Firsto

Artikel From Financial Struggles to PhD in the Netherlands, Rifan’s Academic Journey Begins at UGM pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.