Held at the Faculty of Geography campus, the opening brought together faculty members, alumni, administrative staff, and students. The event also featured the launch of the faculty’s new official mascot, Buana, and a symbolic bird release representing hope and the faculty’s commitment to building a sustainable future.

Dean of the UGM Faculty of Geography Professor Muhammad Kamal said the anniversary should serve as more than a celebration of the faculty’s history. It should also provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and encourage the academic community to make a greater contribution to society.

He emphasized that addressing environmental and sustainability challenges requires continuous innovation, technological advancement, and stronger collaboration in developing geographic science.

“The Faculty of Geography must continue to innovate, make the best use of existing technologies, and strengthen collaboration so that the knowledge we develop can provide the broadest possible benefits for Indonesia and the world,” he said.

The 63rd Anniversary celebration will feature a range of academic, social, and community activities, including a Three-Minute Thesis Competition, Geo Awards, community service programs, cemetery visits, discussion forums, social service activities, a gathering for senior alumni, a fun walk, and an open senate meeting.

The activities are intended to strengthen relationships across the faculty while creating opportunities for collaboration in advancing the university’s tridharma missions of education, research, and community service.

Professor Kamal hoped the anniversary would become a platform for exchanging ideas and developing solutions to challenges facing society.

“I hope this anniversary celebration will not merely become a routine event or celebration but serve as a moment for all of us to communicate, collaborate, and strengthen our shared commitment to contributing solutions to the many challenges facing our nation,” he said.

One of the highlights of the anniversary opening was the introduction of Buana as the Faculty of Geography’s new official mascot.

Derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “Earth” or “universe,” Buana also represents five core values of the Faculty of Geography: Berintegritas (Integrity), Unggul (Excellence), Amanah (Trustworthiness), Nalar Spasial (Spatial Reasoning), and Adaptif (Adaptability).

These values are intended to guide the academic community in carrying out the university’s tridharma missions while responding to the challenges of sustainable development.

Professor Kamal explained that the values represented by Buana reflect the qualities that the Faculty of Geography seeks to cultivate among its academic community.

Integrity, excellence, and trustworthiness form the foundation for responsible academic and professional practice, while spatial reasoning represents a distinctive characteristic of geographic science. Adaptability, meanwhile, is increasingly important as society faces rapid technological, environmental, and social changes.

“Buana stands for integrity, excellence, trustworthiness, spatial reasoning, and adaptability,” he explained.

Through the new mascot, the faculty also hopes to strengthen its institutional identity and create a symbol that resonates with students, lecturers, staff, and alumni while inspiring them to continue innovating and serving society.

Chair of the 63rd Anniversary Organizing Committee, Dr. Retnadi Heru Jatmiko, said the Geo Inno Techno theme reflects the importance of integrating geographic science, technology, and innovation to address sustainability challenges.

According to him, the anniversary program will showcase technologies and innovations developed by the Faculty of Geography while creating opportunities for the academic community to share ideas and strengthen collaboration.

“Our tagline is Geo Techno Inno. We will showcase the technologies we have developed, the innovations we have achieved, and our commitment to advancing sustainable geographic science,” he said.

The anniversary series will continue with various activities leading up to the open senate meeting scheduled for Sept. 1. Through the program, the Faculty of Geography aims to demonstrate how geographic knowledge and technological innovation can help address environmental and societal challenges.

Following the opening ceremony and mascot launch, faculty leaders and representatives of the academic community took part in a symbolic bird release.

The activity represented the faculty’s renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation in pursuing a more sustainable future. It also marked the official beginning of the Faculty of Geography’s 63rd Anniversary celebration, which will culminate in September.

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“One of the students is Dina, a medical student from Al-Azhar University, Gaza, whose studies were forced to stop in 2023 after her campus was bombed and completely destroyed,” said the Dean of FK-KMK UGM, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata, during the Dean’s Report in the Open Senate Meeting commemorating the 80th Anniversary of FK-KMK UGM on Thursday (Mar. 5) at the auditorium.

Professor Yodi explained that this initiative is part of efforts to revive medical and health education in Gaza. 

“Dina and her friends’ story represents just one of many accounts that reflect this faculty’s role in advancing education and improving the health of the nation and the world,” he said.

In addition to accepting students affected by the conflict in Palestine, Professor Yodi stated that FK-KMK remains committed to advancing national education by admitting students from Indonesia’s 3T regions (underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas). 

He noted that FK-KMK also helps realize the dreams of many young people from remote parts of Indonesia. One example is Merlins Renatasia Waromi, a specialist graduate originally from Serui, Papua. With a study period of only 3 years, 6 months, and 12 days, Waromi completed her specialist training in clinical microbiology, making her the fastest graduate in the specialist medical education program.

In addition to providing scholarships, FK-KMK UGM also actively assists the Faculty of Medicine, Cenderawasih University in Papua in pioneering the establishment of a medical specialist education program (PPDS). 

“Alhamdulillah, last month we made history when FK Uncen launched the first specialist medical education program in Papua, namely the anesthesiology residency,” he explained.

FK-KMK UGM also strives to develop research and innovation with tangible impact. Professor Yodi explained that, through various innovations that advance the health sector, FK-KMK has helped address health problems and has become a national and international reference. 

He also noted that FK-KMK UGM seeks to implement high-quality, sustainable, and comprehensive community service by involving alumni and strategic partners to promote community independence and welfare. One example is assistance provided to victims of floods and landslides in Aceh. 

“This has also strengthened the capacity and reputation we have built in health disaster management, which is increasingly recognized globally,” he said.

Furthermore, Professor Yodi explained that FK-KMK UGM has successfully accelerated the number of doctoral degree holders over the past five years, increasing from 47 percent to 51 percent. In addition, the faculty has also increased the number of professors, rising from 8.1 percent in 2021 to 9.47 percent in 2025.

Beyond numerical growth, faculty members and educators have received numerous awards over the past five years, including UGM Awards, the Ambassador Award, and recognition in the World’s Top 2% Scientist list.

The Mayor of Yogyakarta, Hasto Wardoyo, in his scientific oration, highlighted efforts to improve public health in Yogyakarta through social policy approaches. He emphasized environmental sanitation, public facilities, the importance of family planning, stunting, and other health challenges. Therefore, he stressed that addressing these issues requires not only innovation but also transformation. 

“When we create innovation, we also hope it will be revolutionary, capable of breaking through existing systems while transforming mindsets,” he said.

The Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, extended congratulations and appreciation for the eight decades of FK-KMK UGM’s establishment. She praised the faculty’s achievements in producing impactful innovations and accomplishments, ranging from student success to downstream development of health products. 

“Congratulations to FK-KMK UGM on celebrating its 80th anniversary. May every achievement become a source of strength and a guide for the future development of education and health services in this country,” she concluded.

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On this anniversary, the FKG UGM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and enhancing excellence in education, research, and community service.

During the Open Senate Meeting, UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed appreciation for this year’s anniversary theme, which focuses on empowering social entrepreneurs in dentistry by strengthening education and adapting technology to drive transformation in oral health.

“We cannot deny that technological development has a major impact on education and healthcare services, including in dentistry and oral health,” she said.

Professor Ova noted that dental services are undergoing a shift, not only in terms of the tools used but also in the patient experience. Today, patients can easily access a wide range of health information online. As such, advances in dental service technology should be accessible to all members of society.

This is where the role of dental sociopreneurs becomes crucial, she said, as they are expected to bridge community needs with technological advancements. Dental sociopreneurs can also contribute to a new paradigm in dental services in Indonesia—one that is comprehensive, prioritizes preventive approaches, is technology-based, and employs holistic, innovative, and patient-centered methods.

“In this context, the Faculty of Dentistry plays a strategic role as a ‘learning laboratory’ to enhance the quality of human resource competencies through curriculum transformation, strengthened community service programs, improved research quality, innovation development, and the expansion of technology-based networks,” she explained.

Dean of the FKG UGM, Professor Suryono, stated that the 78th anniversary celebration in 2026 marks the conclusion of the current faculty management’s five-year leadership term. The period has been characterized by various strategic achievements resulting from sustained efforts, collaborative initiatives, and adaptive approaches to evolving dynamics and challenges.

“Over the past five years, the FKG UGM has continuously strengthened governance, improved academic quality, developed human resources, and expanded collaborative networks,” he said.

According to him, the various performance achievements reflect the synergy of the entire academic community in realizing the faculty’s vision of a leading, competitive dental education institution that contributes meaningfully to society. He acknowledged that without hard work, dedication, and collective spirit, the faculty’s Key Performance Targets (TCK) outlined in its work programs would not have been achieved.

“We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all lecturers, staff, students, partners, and stakeholders who have actively contributed and provided support throughout 2025 and during this five-year leadership period,” he added.

On the occasion, he also presented updates on various developments and progress in advancing quality, inclusive, and sustainable education, as well as strengthening a research and innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration, community engagement, and social impact.

He also highlighted efforts to cultivate a campus environment that is conducive, productive, healthy, and inclusive—one that supports the development of human resources capable of enhancing capacity, sustaining leadership continuity, and ensuring the institution’s long-term sustainability.

Among the strategic directions discussed regarding education and global recognition was the agenda to strengthen the faculty’s reputation toward achieving inclusion in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) by Subject in Dentistry. The year 2025 marks a strategic acceleration moment for the FKG UGM in strengthening high-quality education with a global reputation.

The target of entering the Top 100 QS Dentistry rankings is pursued through accountable governance, productive research, and professional contributions, supported by Outcome-Based Education, the integration of digital dentistry, and the development of students’ global competencies.

Meanwhile, the recognition of the FKG UGM within national and international academic and professional communities is reflected in its 285 collaborations in 2025. International partnerships have steadily increased, from four in 2022 to nine in 2025, with reputable universities and the World Health Organization (WHO). Academic mobility has also expanded through the participation of 22 students in student exchange programs between 2021 and 2025, as well as the involvement of global adjunct professors.

“Internationalization and student mobility programs serve as strategic instruments to broaden academic horizons. Through inbound and outbound mechanisms, we create an inclusive two-way learning ecosystem for the entire academic community, without limiting opportunities to undergraduate programs alone but also opening wider access for postgraduate programs,” he concluded.

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According to the report delivered by the Dean of the FIB UGM, Professor Setiadi, the Anthropology, Archaeology, and English Literature Study Programs at Universitas Gadjah Mada have secured the number one national ranking. The Anthropology program is ranked 101–170 globally, while the Archaeology and Anthropology programs are ranked 151–200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. In addition, in 2025, the ranking institution EduRank placed the Literature field at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM in first place among 68 literature education providers in Indonesia.

Furthermore, FIB UGM has produced 169 interdisciplinary research titles, equivalent to 201 percent of the initial target of 84 titles. The publication citation rate of FIB UGM lecturers also increased sharply from 50 citations in 2022 to 381 citations in 2025. In the same year, five journals at the faculty, Deskripsi Bahasa, Bakti Budaya, Lembaran Antropologi, Gama JTS, and Lembaran Sejarah, successfully obtained international indexing in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).

In the area of student exchange programs, the faculty successfully welcomed 150 international students at all levels, exceeding the initial target of 100. Over the past four years, FIB students have also secured 23 international, 224 national, and 48 regional achievements.

Professor Setiadi noted that these accomplishments are the result of the collective efforts of the entire academic community and not merely temporary successes. 

“These achievements represent the peaks of hard work built upon the scholarly foundations established by our teachers. We should express our gratitude to the elders, senior members, and founders of this faculty,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed appreciation for the achievements attained by the academic community of FIB UGM. According to Professor Ova, the 80th anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on the faculty’s long journey in educating the nation’s finest students. 

“Since its establishment in 1946, resilience, adaptation, and innovation have become the answers to the Faculty of Cultural Sciences’ determination in facing pressures across different eras, including economic and political crises, as well as the challenges of changing times. This demonstrates the faculty’s strength in producing alumni whose innovative works bring meaningful impact to the nation,” she said.

Professor of Anthropological Linguistics at UGM, Professor Suhandano, also delivered a scientific oration titled “Language Studies and Their Challenges in the Digital Era.” In his speech, Suhandano explained the evolution of linguistics over time and how the discipline is being tested by changes in the way people communicate in today’s digital era.

According to him, the digital era has brought noticeable changes in how people use language. Conversations on social media often involve individuals who do not know each other, resulting in looser norms, distinct linguistic styles, and frequent use of emoticons. One of the major challenges in the virtual era, he noted, is that language is often used to manipulate truth and shape public opinion through online buzzers. 

“Public opinion that has already been formed is sometimes difficult to change, but scientific language studies must not submit to that opinion,” he reminded.

Suhandano further emphasized that language influences how people perceive the world. Therefore, language studies should contribute to solving real problems in society, such as analyzing how mass media language frames climate change, which ultimately shapes public concern for the environment.

“Language studies today face many challenges, but behind those challenges lie opportunities for progress,” he said.

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In addition to the annual report delivered by the Dean of FH UGM, Dr. Dahliana Hasan, the meeting also featured a keynote lecture by Professor Ward Berenschot of the University of Amsterdam & KITLV Leiden.

UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, conveyed congratulations on the faculty’s 80th Dies Natalis and 16th Lustrum, which this year carries the theme “Constitution for the People: Unraveling Structural Injustice and Realizing Agrarian Justice.”

According to her, at the age of 80, FH UGM carries a mission to develop a scholarly ecosystem through various academic studies on agrarian issues. 

“UGM certainly encourages flagship research programs as well as trans- and interdisciplinary impact-driven research developed by the Faculty of Law community to address national challenges. The UGM Faculty of Law gives particular attention to realizing agrarian justice,” she said.

On that occasion, the rector also congratulated the faculty on its international achievement in early 2026, as ranked in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR) by Subject 2026, where it ranked first nationally and placed 201–250 globally in law. 

“Finally, through this Dies Natalis commemoration, may we continually renew our spirit to contribute through the tridharma of higher education, especially in realizing national welfare and development justice,” she stated.

Dean of FH UGM, Dr. Dahliana Hasan, stated that all progress achieved by the faculty to date is the cumulative result of sustained efforts and leadership, as well as the contributions of predecessors who laid a strong foundation for the faculty’s advancement. On this occasion, she also presented the faculty’s achievements in 2025 and its development plans for the coming year.

In addition to reporting on Academic and Student Affairs, the dean also highlighted progress in Cooperation and Alumni Relations, Finance, Infrastructure and Facilities, Human Resources, Research and Publication, Community Service, and Technology and Information Systems. 

Dr. Hasan noted that FH UGM consistently maintains academic quality by implementing the Tridharma of Higher Education. This is reflected in national and global rankings in 2025; based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the faculty maintained third place nationally and ranked 201–250 globally.

Furthermore, FH UGM also achieved recognition in the Times Higher Education (THE) by Subject rankings, placing 201–250 globally while maintaining first place nationally. 

“This achievement demonstrates the Faculty of Law’s consistency in maintaining and improving the quality of education, research, and community service at both national and international levels,” she said.

A total of 214 cooperation initiatives were undertaken by FH UGM throughout 2025. She acknowledged that all these partnerships involved active collaboration with numerous partners during the year. 

“There were 97 active partners, both domestic and international. In addition, 117 collaborative activities were organized by departments, research centers, and LO/LSO units,” she explained.

International collaborations were also strengthened throughout 2025 through the signing of memoranda of understanding with several partners, including Durham Law School at Durham University, the Hong Kong Association for International Communication of Higher Education Limited, and Maastricht University.

Students of FH UGM also achieved notable accomplishments throughout 2025, winning awards in various regional, national, and international competitions. 

“We recorded 123 achievements from 129 national competitions and 23 medals from 26 international events. These accomplishments reflect continuous improvement in students’ quality and competitiveness compared to previous years, supported by the active role of the entire academic community and sustained efforts to develop students’ competencies and skills,” she elaborated.

Meanwhile, in his keynote address, Professor Berenschot stated that Indonesia’s independence did not fundamentally dismantle the country’s legal architecture. Despite legal reforms and decolonization efforts, including the adoption of a new Criminal Code, Indonesia’s legal system, he argued, remains influenced by colonial legacies. 

“Some changes have occurred, but unfortunately, the law still appears to facilitate resource extraction and accumulation by elites at the expense of ordinary people,” he said.

At the peak of the 80th-anniversary celebration, the UGM Law School Award was presented to three distinguished individuals: Professor Otto Hasibuan (alumni-contributive figure category), Aat Rahmawati (sustainable-pioneer figure category), and Vincen Kwipalo (justice-advocate figure in Papua category).

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Dean of Psychology UGM, Dr. Rahmat Hidayat, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to continuously strengthening its position as a center for the development of psychology that is excellent, relevant, and impactful, serving as a science hub that bridges research, education, and evidence-based practice, firmly grounded in Pancasila values and national culture.

According to him, the 61st Anniversary not only marks the passage of time but also serves as a strategic moment for reflection, reaffirming the direction and role of the Faculty of Psychology amid rapid technological developments.

“Amid complex external dynamics such as changes in higher education and psychology profession regulations, increasing demands for public accountability, and rising public expectations for psychology’s contributions to mental health, well-being, education, and the world of work,” he said.

In the academic sphere, Psychology UGM has demonstrated a high level of public trust.

This is reflected in the intense competition for admission, underscoring the faculty’s position as one of the most sought-after institutions for psychology education in Indonesia. This achievement is supported by various academic policy adjustments and innovations. 

“In line with academic strengthening, Psychology UGM places student well-being as a priority through the provision of free mental health services and sustainable financial support,” Dr. Hidayat stated.

Throughout 2025, Psychology UGM distributed educational assistance through the Dana Dosen Peduli program to students in need.

In addition, a tuition fee (UKT) refund policy was implemented for students who graduate on time, along with UKT reductions for regular undergraduate students, as academic incentives and support for study completion.

The year 2025 also marked an important milestone for the Professional Psychology Education Program at Psychology UGM. 

“For the first time, Psychology UGM graduated and inaugurated its first cohort of general psychologists,” he explained.

In addition, Psychology UGM organized a Bridging Course Program for prospective professional students, serving as a bridge between the undergraduate curriculum and the demands of professional education.

In the field of scientific publications, Psychology UGM maintained both productivity and the quality of its research outputs.

A total of 48 articles were published in Tier I and II international journals, accompanied by an increase in publications in Tier III and IV journals. The level of international collaboration reflects the faculty’s active engagement in global research networks.

Psychology UGM has also been actively involved in large-scale community service programs integrated with research outcomes.

These community service activities include community assistance, public psychoeducation, professional capacity building, and disaster response, with a focus on children, adolescents, families, older adults, and vulnerable groups.

In her welcoming remarks, the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that psychology plays a vital role in building a resilient and prosperous nation.

Universities, she said, have a mandate to produce high-quality human resources through character development, mental well-being, and the promotion of science-based literacy and advocacy. 

“Mental health is a key element of strong development, serving as social capital for building a resilient nation,” she remarked.

She also expressed her appreciation for the assistance and contributions of Psychology UGM during disasters in Sumatra. Through integrated psychosocial recovery programs for affected communities, the faculty has supported community recovery and assisted vulnerable groups.

On that occasion, Professor Emilia also addressed mental health issues related to the rising phenomenon of suicide and depression that threaten Indonesia’s younger generation. Therefore, she emphasized that programs initiated by Psychology UGM are highly valuable in contributing to the nation.

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The presence of academics, alumni, and partners underscored the strong bonds that position UGM as a shared home for service to knowledge. At 76 years old, UGM reaffirmed its determination to continue growing as a university that remains relevant and impactful for the nation.

In the Rector’s Annual Report, UGM opened the series of events by expressing its deepest condolences for the floods that struck several regions in Sumatra. 

This expression of sympathy served as a reminder that empathy and solidarity are core values the university continuously upholds. 

The Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that UGM has taken an active role through various humanitarian initiatives involving faculties, alumni, and strategic partners. 

“On behalf of Universitas Gadjah Mada, we extend our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. May they be granted strength and recovery,” she said.

From this humanitarian reflection, the rector went on to outline UGM’s achievements and the direction of its future transformation. 

UGM places research and innovation at the forefront of responding to global and national challenges. 

The shift from a teaching university toward a research- and innovation-based university is seen as a strategic step to strengthen the campus’s role in society. 

“UGM is committed to transforming its academic culture from a teaching culture into a research and innovation culture so that the research and innovations we produce can deliver tangible impact,” she emphasized.

This transformation stems from the understanding that the nation’s future is largely determined by the quality of healthy and resilient human resources. 

This understanding was highlighted in the address delivered by Professor Adi Utarini. She stressed that health is the primary foundation for harnessing Indonesia’s demographic bonus. 

“If the quality of health and education is not improved, the demographic bonus can turn into a burden, and we will lose a golden opportunity,” she stated.

In this context, Professor Utarini elaborated on various health challenges faced by younger generations that often go unnoticed. 

Issues ranging from nutrition and mental health to environmental impacts and climate change are interconnected in shaping human quality of life. 

She emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration so that policies and innovations truly reach everyday life. 

“We must build bridges between science and humanity so that innovation is present in social realities,” she said.

Universitas Gadjah Mada Awards

Efforts to build a healthy generation must go hand in hand with strengthening self-reliance and entrepreneurship. 

This spirit was reflected in the presentation of the Universitas Gadjah Mada Award for entrepreneurship development to Professor (Emer.). Eka Sari Lorena Soerbakti. 

She has been actively involved in developing the UGM Preneurs ecosystem together with the Faculty of Agricultural Technology and several other faculties to bridge academic research with the needs of society and industry. 

This ecosystem is designed to enable students to understand the downstreaming of innovation, the strengthening of business ecosystems, and the sustainability of science-based ideas. 

“We want UGM students to be independent, courageous in creating new things, and able to bring research so that the community can directly feel its benefits,” she remarked.

Professor Soerbakti added that strengthening entrepreneurship continues through efforts to build ecosystems that foster sustainable innovation. 

Collaboration among universities, industry, and society is seen as key to ensuring that ideas do not remain within academic spaces. 

With the right ecosystem support, students are expected to compete at the national and global levels. 

“UGM has great potential. Its students are no less capable than those from abroad. Therefore, I am confident that UGM can produce entrepreneurs with strong character who contribute to the nation,” she said.

The spirit of delivering research with public impact was also reflected in the strengthening of another strategic field, namely halal product research. 

The UGM Award for the development of halal product research was conferred upon Professor Abdul Rohman from the Faculty of Pharmacy. 

He emphasized the importance of science-based halal research to address regulatory needs and consumer protection in Indonesia. 

“UGM is present to respond to the challenges of halal research through strong and sustainable scientific approaches,” he said.

The series of events marking the 76th Anniversary Open Senate Meeting reaffirmed the campus’s role as a meeting place for knowledge, empathy, and commitment to the nation’s future. 

From humanitarian reflection and the strengthening of research to appreciation for the dedication of the academic community, UGM demonstrated a consistent direction of transformation.

A healthy campus is understood as an ecosystem that nurtures people holistically—physically, mentally, and socially. 

With this spirit, UGM moves forward at 76 as a pillar of self-reliance and national resilience.

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Following the disasters, UGM promptly delivered direct assistance to affected communities through fundraising efforts involving its academic community, partners, and alumni. The university also accommodated the needs of students originating from the affected areas. 

Records show that a total of 217 UGM students were impacted, comprising 81 students from Aceh, 93 from North Sumatra, and 43 from West Sumatra. 

In addition to collecting data on affected students, UGM provided various forms of assistance and necessary support. 

Based on the assessment results, the needs of impacted students varied widely, including tuition fee relief, daily living cost assistance, meal support, basic food packages, housing cost assistance, and counseling services. 

Several students were even at risk of applying for academic leave due to family conditions in their home regions, where they had lost homes, jobs, or sources of income.

UGM also deployed volunteer teams comprising medical personnel, including multidisciplinary medical specialists, nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, and sanitarians from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) and the Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) to disaster-affected areas. 

These volunteers conducted assessments of medical and pharmaceutical needs and coordinated with local hospitals to ensure the continuity of healthcare services. 

During the emergency response period, UGM dispatched four medical teams on a rotating basis to provide healthcare assistance while mapping hospital capacities in Aceh.

Meanwhile, UGM’s psychosocial team also placed special emphasis on the psychological recovery of disaster survivors. 

The team conducted on-site assistance and deployed several members to actively engage in the affected locations. 

In addition, the team organized psychosocial support training in collaboration with Syiah Kuala University as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable assistance capacity in impacted regions. 

Several teams also developed applied technologies, including the installation of solar-powered water purification systems at community health centers and hospitals in Bener Meriah Regency and North Aceh, as well as flood and tsunami detection devices in Aceh.

Regarding the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase, UGM is currently formulating policy recommendations for government use. 

These recommendations cover the provision of temporary housing and settlements, economic and socio-cultural recovery, and legal aspects of the rehabilitation and reconstruction process. 

Given the extensive impact of the disasters, the availability of temporary housing before transitioning to permanent residences remains a critical need.

UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, during the celebration of UGM’s Anniversary on Friday (Dec. 19, 2025) at Grha Sabha Pramana, conveyed her deepest condolences and sympathies to those affected in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh. 

“May the affected families be granted patience, resilience, swift recovery, and renewed strength,” she stated.

According to the rector, UGM has become an integral part of the solidarity movement by delivering aid to disaster locations, developing a geoportal-based database, conducting disaster assessments, formulating standard operating procedures and mitigation strategies, designing rehabilitation and reconstruction scenarios, providing psychosocial assistance, and managing public communication related to disaster mitigation. 

To further strengthen its humanitarian contribution, UGM has also collaborated with various stakeholders, including alumni, philanthropists, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the central government. 

“These initiatives are currently being integrated with government actions during the emergency response period and in the preparation of the rehabilitation-reconstruction roadmap coordinated by the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs,” she explained.

Impactful Campus

Carrying the Anniversary theme “Healthy Campus, Pillar of National Independence and Resilience,” UGM reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity of higher education institutions by providing quality and impactful educational spaces and academic ecosystems. 

This effort reflects UGM’s responsibility toward humanitarian values, national solidarity, and the promotion of adaptive sustainable development in response to climate change.

As an impactful campus, UGM demonstrated contributions to human resource development, socio-community advancement, and economic empowerment across multiple sectors in 2025. 

These initiatives ranged from promoting self-reliance in pharmaceutical raw materials and medical devices, addressing stunting and tuberculosis, realizing food sovereignty and a just energy transition, to environmental adaptation, artificial intelligence-based technology development, and poverty alleviation through community empowerment. 

Throughout these processes, UGM consistently upheld three core principles: being inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable.

As a national university, UGM carries a social mandate to deliver quality and accessible higher education. 

To ensure affordability, UGM has designed scholarship programs. 

In 2025, the university successfully partnered with approximately 229 scholarship providers, benefiting around 18,617 students.

In terms of financial independence, UGM has intensified collaboration programs across the tridarma of higher education, as well as asset utilization and revenue generation from UGM business units, to support operational costs for education, research, and community service. 

To ensure continuous quality improvement, expanded public access to education, and strengthened national human resource competitiveness, UGM designed the Innovative Learning Ecosystem (EPI) to transform higher education and address future challenges. 

Innovation is presented through EduTech by providing MOOCs on the eLOK Learning Management System for internal users and UGM Online for the public.

EPI, accessible to the broader community, represents UGM’s tangible commitment to knowledge inclusivity.

Strengthening a collaboration-based innovation ecosystem can also be achieved through knowledge-dissemination videos, which effectively spread information, inspire interdisciplinary collaboration, and reinforce the integration of innovation. 

With accessible visual delivery, innovation ecosystems can grow faster, increase societal benefits, and encourage active participation in creating sustainable solutions. 

“UGM has released 854 knowledge dissemination videos from various clusters, including 531 faculty-produced videos available on the UGM Channel,” she elaborated.

To ensure human resource quality improvement, UGM continuously addresses the demographic bonus. 

While it presents opportunities and capital for progress, it also poses challenges, particularly when physical and mental health quality and degenerative diseases remain obstacles. 

Therefore, health quality is a key prerequisite for innovation and scientific advancement, serving as an essential pillar of national resilience and sovereignty amid dynamic global conditions. 

Rector Emilia noted that UGM currently has 410,128 alumni spread across regions in Indonesia and abroad.

Research and Innovation Works

Building university independence also means establishing a pillar of national sovereignty. 

Universities play a crucial role as centers of technological innovation and research downstreaming, as a sovereign nation requires intellectual and technological independence.

“We firmly believe that research and innovation are vital elements in strengthening the position of higher education as centers of knowledge development,” she stated.

Research outputs, innovations, and product prototypes generated by higher education institutions are expected to support national sovereignty. 

However, many research products in Indonesia remain unmapped and face significant challenges related to production and distribution permits at an industrial scale. 

At this point, state support in creating an innovation and downstreaming ecosystem becomes crucial. 

To address this, UGM has sought to orchestrate an integrated research and innovation ecosystem by establishing flagship research areas, strengthening research institutions, improving research infrastructure, and building research partnerships such as MIT REAP, Kedaireka, ADB, Primestep, and PUAPT.

UGM has also strengthened the research-to-downstreaming cycle, covering product testing, R&D and innovation reinforcement, fabrication laboratories, and entrepreneurship catalysis through UGM Science Technopark, as well as the development of the Intellectual Property Management Office (IPMO).

This cycle is expected to form an incubation and acceleration ecosystem that will lead to industrialized products.

Over its 76-year journey, UGM has not only produced national leaders and socio-economic development drivers but also generated research and innovation outputs in demand from industry. 

In the energy sector, UGM successfully developed renewable energy innovations, including biodiesel and bioethanol sourced from forest areas, including bioethanol derived from sorghum plants, where 100 ml of sorghum sugar water yields 60 ml of bioethanol, and three stalks of sorghum can produce 100 ml of sugar water.

In the food sector, UGM innovations have resulted in various food commodities and processing products under the Gamafood label. In engineering, numerous innovations have been adopted by industry. 

Meanwhile, in the socio-humanities field, policy engineering and strengthening societal foundations have enhanced campus relevance to social challenges. 

In health and pharmaceutical innovation, UGM has developed products such as Rapid Assessment Diabetic Retinopathy (RADR), RZ-VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure), Dental SilkBon, Divabirth, Aphrofit, Konilife Memora, ImunoGama, Essonina, OST-D, and Hesdrink.

Regarding international publications, UGM recorded 1,825 publications, of which 690 involved international collaborations. 

UGM continues to promote collaborative research to enhance visibility and impact while offering more comprehensive solutions. 

Currently, UGM has 12 journals indexed in Scopus to support publication quality and quantity. 

“We are proud that this year, 14 UGM faculty members were listed among the Top 2% World Scientists 2025 released by Stanford University, double the number from last year,” she said.

For research in downstreaming and commercialization, UGM has strengthened innovation readiness, evidenced by royalty income from products adopted by industry partners, including the first shipment of 10 tons of Gamagora rice seeds to PT Agrinas, the downstreaming of Venindo ventilators, and UGM CTLI chocolate makloon for ATJ and Tokyo Food. 

“For Gamagora rice, seed production has reached 28.6 tons distributed across 15 regencies and cities nationwide,” she revealed.

Community Service

Becoming an impactful university also involves empowering communities. 

In this arena, UGM develops appropriate technology through the Community Service Program (KKN-PPM), which forms part of inclusive, impactful initiatives addressing societal challenges. 

Throughout 2025, UGM deployed approximately 9,242 students across 35 provinces, 28 regencies/cities, and more than 500 villages.

The program has also strengthened synergy and collaboration with Kagama in innovation development and social advocacy, enhancing community capacity. 

KKN-PPM has even received recognition from the President of Timor-Leste and various partners as a UGM academic excellence model that is replicable internationally. 

The internationalization of education and community service programs in higher education is inseparable from the digitalization of information and communication technology, a tangible manifestation of globalization supported by technological advancement.

At the conclusion of her address, Rector Emilia emphasized that collective, institutional efforts to strengthen education, research, publications, and alumni reputation were reflected in UGM’s QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) 2026 achievement, where UGM reached 224th globally, an increase of 15 positions from the previous year. 

The Academic Reputation indicator also rose 11 ranks to 134th worldwide.

Meanwhile, in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, UGM ranked first in Indonesia and 409th globally, reflecting sustained efforts in environmental management and social responsibility. 

“Thank you to the entire academic community and all parties who have contributed positively to UGM’s development. We continuously strive for independence, yet translating national independence requires our collective effort as a nation and state,” she concluded.

To anticipate future developments, UGM is committed to strengthening dynamic capabilities and transforming its culture from a Teaching Culture to a Research and Innovation Culture. 

Rector Emilia outlined four key commitments: enhancing the production of globally competitive graduates, strengthening research and innovation, and developing downstreaming ecosystems to achieve national independence; intensifying community service based on socio-techno innovation; and reinforcing tridarma support ecosystems through sustainable green campus and intelligent university initiatives.

With the programs designed and implemented, UGM aims to reaffirm its position as an enabler of human resource development and future technology advancement. 

Upholding the spirit of “Merakyat, Mandiri, dan Berkelanjutan (Inclusive, Self-Reliant, and Sustainable),” UGM aspires to continuously contribute impactful education, research, and community service oriented toward public interest, national sovereignty, and sustainable development.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna

Artikel As an Impactful Campus, UGM Expands Its Humanitarian Contributions pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The General Treasurer of the Kagama Central Executive Board, Triweka Rinanti, accompanied by the Chair of the 76th UGM Anniversary Committee, Professor Suryono, officially flagged off the participants by waving the starting flag to mark the beginning of the race. 

“Despite the rain, I sincerely hope that Nitirun can run smoothly, successfully, and joyfully,” said Professor Suryono as he raised the start flag.

Shortly afterward, participants began running, accompanied by a message and prayers from Professor Suryono, who reminded them to remain cautious along the route. 

“Please be careful on the road, enjoy the run with joy, accompanied by prayers and blessings, and see you at the finish line,” he said.

The enthusiasm of student participants was evident, as many were joined by family members and friends from their hometowns. One of the parents, Aris Purnomo from Boyolali, also took part in the event. He shared that Nitirun offered him a new experience, exercising in the rain. 

“It was quite exciting. This is my first time jogging in the rain,” he said.

A similar experience was shared by 12-year-old participant Barin Putra Alhanief, who ran with his teacher and school friends. He said that this fourth running event he had participated in felt different due to the light rain, yet remained enjoyable as his heart rate zone decreased. 

“I feel happy joining this event because my heart rate went down,” he said.

Author: Jesi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

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Artikel Despite Heavy Rain, Hundreds Join Nitirun for UGM’s 76th Anniversary pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

“We believe vocational education plays a vital role in preparing human resources capable of meeting the needs of national infrastructure development,” said Dr. Dwi Purwantoro.

In his address, Dr. Purwantoro emphasized the importance of synergy between educational institutions and the government in supporting programs aimed at ensuring food, energy, and water security.

He explained that modern water resource management now goes beyond physical infrastructure development and is grounded in principles of sustainability.

“We are developing the concept of smart water management to ensure efficient and sustainable use of water while involving communities at every stage of development,” he stated.

Dr. Purwantoro also commended SV UGM for producing graduates ready to work in the fields of civil and environmental engineering. According to him, applied graduates have a competitive edge because they directly understand industry needs.

“In our ministry, there is no distinction between regular and applied bachelor’s graduates. What matters most is their competence and ability to adapt to field demands,” he noted.

He further emphasized the importance of ecological innovation in water management, including the construction of environmentally friendly dams and the rehabilitation of watershed areas.

Collaboration with universities, he said, is crucial to ensure infrastructure projects progress in harmony with nature conservation.

“We are not merely constructing dams or irrigation networks, but also maintaining river ecosystems to support environmental sustainability,” he added.

Meanwhile, UGM Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, Professor Wening Udasmoro, expressed her appreciation for SV UGM’s achievements over its 16-year journey.

She praised the college’s transformation from a diploma-based institution into a modern, adaptive model of applied education.

“Vocational College exemplifies how an educational institution can transform rapidly with a spirit of collaboration and progressiveness,” said Professor Udasmoro.

The vice-rector further emphasized that UGM’s strength lies not only in financial resources but also in the social capital of its academic community.

She encouraged leveraging social networks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international partnerships to strengthen UGM’s global standing.

“UGM’s true strength lies in the social capital of its lecturers, staff, and students who mutually support one another and contribute to the nation,” she explained.

The professor added that substantial social capital can evolve into financial capital when managed through trust and collaboration. Academic and professional networks established through research, community engagement, and industry collaboration can generate sustainable economic value for the university.

“When social capital grows into financial capital, the impact extends beyond the institution; it also reinforces UGM’s contribution to national development,” she remarked.

Dean of SV UGM, Professor Agus Maryono, in his annual report, stated that the college now manages 22 applied bachelor’s programs, two applied master’s programs, and is in the process of establishing six new master’s and one doctoral program.

He described this as a major milestone in the development of internationally recognized applied education.

“We continue to promote impactful applied education through innovative research, teaching factories, and strategic partnerships with industry,” said Professor Maryono.

In addition to academic development, SV UGM achieved several notable milestones throughout 2025.

A total of 1,601 students participated in professional internships, 2,703 students received scholarships, and 50 percent of graduates secured employment before graduation.

“These achievements demonstrate the strong alignment between our curriculum and industry needs, reaffirming our commitment to preparing competent, character-driven, and impactful vocational graduates,” he emphasized.

In closing, Professor Maryono affirmed that SV UGM will continue to strengthen its role as a center of excellence for applied education focused on real-world solutions for the nation.

He believes the future of vocational education lies not only in technical expertise but also in innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

“We aim to make UGM Vocational College the driving force of applied education in Indonesia, a place where young professionals are not only skilled in their fields but also possess social empathy and a passion for nation-building,” he concluded.

Author: Triya Andriyani

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Artikel UGM Vocational College Strengthens Role of Applied Education in Its 16th Anniversary Celebration pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.