Yogyakarta, August 17th 2025 – Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) solemnly held an Independence ceremony to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in the courtyard of Balairung UGM on Sunday (17/8/2025). Carrying the national theme “United in Sovereignty, Prosperous People, Advanced Indonesia,” the ceremony served as a moment for the entire academic community to reflect on the meaning of unity as the main pillar of the nation’s progress.
The ceremony, led directly by the Rector of UGM, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.,Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., and was attended by university and faculty leaders, lecturers, students, and educational staff. Full participation was also demonstrated by various work units, including all educational staff from the UGM Graduate School (SPs), who followed the proceedings in an orderly manner, showcasing a spirit of togetherness in celebrating independence.
The UGM Rector stated in her speech the theme for the 80th anniversary specifically invites all elements of the nation to re-examine the meaning of unity and oneness as the primary force for safeguarding sovereignty and enhancing prosperity. “This year, Indonesia enters its Eighth Decade of independence, represented by the symbols of the numbers 8 and 0, interconnected without end, illustrating eternal unity as the foundation of national sovereignty and the people’s welfare,” said Prof. Ova Emilia.
She added that celebrating independence is not merely about commemorating a historical event, but a call to continue the struggle to build a just, prosperous, and thriving Indonesia. As the ‘Campus of Struggle’ and ‘Pancasila Campus,’ UGM is committed to be an inclusive institution. “The spirit of being ‘People-oriented, Independent, and Sustainable’ further strengthens UGM’s commitment to impactful work in education, service, and innovation that is oriented towards the interests of the community,” she added.
The Rector also noted that amidst the complexity of global challenges, the Indonesian nation is required to be more agile, adaptive, and innovative. Therefore, maturity in expressing opinions and constructive aspirations is a critical strength for collective progress. In addition to the ceremony, the event also featured the conferment of the Satyalancana Karya Satya Medal of Honor from the President of the Republic of Indonesia to public servants at UGM who have served for 30, 20, and 10 years. The awards were symbolically presented to:
Prof. Dr. Zullies Ikawati, Apt. (Faculty of Pharmacy) for 30 years of service.
Raden Triyanto, A.Md. (Directorate of Planning) for 20 years of service.
Imam Muslih, S.Kom. (Faculty of Pharmacy) for 10 years of service.
On the same occasion, the Satyalancana from the Rahmat Indonesia Foundation was also presented, marking a collaboration between UGM and the foundation.
The Rector also invited all ceremony participants to continue giving meaning to independence by fostering a spirit of togetherness and holding firm to the values of Pancasila. “Long live the Republic of Indonesia, Merdeka!” she concluded with great enthusiasm.
Author : Berlian Belasuni