Yogyakarta, October 21th 2025 – An atmosphere full of warmth and cheerful laughter filled the back parking lot of the Graduate School (SPs) of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Saturday, October 18th 2025. The extended family of SPs UGM, consisting of the leaders, faculty members, academic support staff, students, and outsourced personnel, gathered for a lively Family Gathering event. This occasion became a special moment to briefly rest from academic routines and strengthen familial ties.
The event, which ran from morning until noon (07:00 AM to 11:15 AM), was officially opened with warm remarks from the Chief of the Anniversary Committee and the Dean of SPs UGM, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D. In her speech, Prof. Siti emphasized that the event was more than just a gathering; it was a form of appreciation and an effort to build a more solid synergy outside the formal work environment. “A strong institution is built by solid individuals, not only professionally but also personally. Today is our opportunity to get to know each other more closely as one big family,” she stated.
Various engaging activities were designed to involve all participants of all ages. The Fun Games session became the center of attention, where the aroma of dishes from a cooking competition mingled with cheers from the fishing contest area. On another side, the laughter of children participating in various games added to the lively atmosphere. Risa, the wife of one of the non-academic staff members, expressed her delight. “I am very happy to be here. Usually, I only know that my husband works in a serious environment, but today I can see firsthand how friendly and relaxed the atmosphere is. The children are also really enjoying the competitions, so they aren’t bored,” she said with a smile.
Not only focusing on entertainment, the committee also showed concern for the participants’ health by providing an integrated health post (posbindu). This facility offered free health check-ups, fitness tests, and nutrition consultations. This initiative was well-received by many attendees who took advantage of it during the event. “This is a very beneficial facility and shows the institution’s care for our families. It’s rare for a gathering providing free health checks like this,” Risa added.
The atmosphere grew even more vibrant as the entertainment stage was filled by internal talents from SPs UGM. Bands composed of non-academic staff, PSPSR students, and even faculty members took turns performing captivating songs. This moment successfully broke the ice and removed formal barriers between leaders, staff, and students. A student in attendance commented, “Seeing our lecturers play music on stage is a unique experience. It makes the atmosphere so fluid and without distance; it truly feels like a family.”
The most anticipated peak of the event, the distribution of door prizes and the announcement of competition winners, was met with great excitement. The high enthusiasm from the participants created a moment of collective joy. The Family Gathering successfully achieved its goal, serving not only as a recreational event but also as an effective medium for strengthening the sense of togetherness and kinship within the UGM Graduate School community. “We go home not just with prizes, but more importantly, with warm memories and a sense of pride in being part of the big family of the UGM Graduate School,” Risa concluded.
Author: Berlian Belasuni