On Friday (May 2nd), Universitas Gadjah Mada held a ceremony to commemorate National Education Day 2025. The ceremony was not merely a symbolic celebration, but also a moment to amplify the enthusiasm for advancing quality education. Held at the Balairung UGM courtyard, the event aligned with the national theme: “Universal Participation to Advance Quality Education for All.”
UGM Rector, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., conveyed the profound meaning behind this year’s National Education Day commemoration.
“Universal participation, which is the enthusiasm on this year’s National Education Day, opens up opportunities for every Indonesian to gain access to quality education that enhances capacity, competence, and character,” stated the Rector.
Indonesia currently faces increasingly complex educational challenges—from unequal access and low literacy levels to the lack of equitable facilities and educational quality. These challenges push UGM to continue participating actively in establishing inclusive and equitable education for all society members. The Rector also highlighted several of UGM strategic initiatives aimed at tackling these issues, including the UGM Online Program, Knowledge Channel, Tower of Knowledge, and the KKN-PPM community service program.
Attended by representatives from the academic community—lecturers, education staff, and students from various faculties and units—the ceremony served as a moment to reflect on the meaning of education and to reaffirm the enthusiasm for innovation in creating sustainable, high-quality education.
Writer: Muthia Nur Arifah