Balairung (August 17th) Eighty one staff members, consisting of administrative and teaching staff from the UGM Graduate School, participated in the commemoration of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day at Balairung UGM along with the entire UGM community on Saturday, August 17th, 2024.
With the theme “New Nusantara, Advanced Indonesia,” the staff enthusiastically joined the ceremony dressed in traditional costumes, though some wore black and white attire.
In line with this year’s Independence Day theme, UGM Rector Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp. OG(K)., Ph.D. delivered a speech as the ceremony’s official speaker. The Rector noted that this commemoration coincides with several historic moments for the Indonesian nation, including the reception of the Nusantara Capital of IKN, the national leadership transition, and the nation’s spirit to continue progressing towards Gold Indonesia 2024.
Regarding the development of IKN, UGM has initiated the creation of Wanagama Nusantara. “UGM has initiated the establishment of Wanagama Nusantara as part of efforts to support the development of the Forest City and adaptation to global climate change. With a potential area of 621 hectares, and the initial phase covering 28 hectares in IKN, Wanagama Nusantara aims to replicate the successful land restoration in Gunung Kidul, which is now home to our Wanagama,” said Prof. Ova.
“Wanagama Nusantara is expected to become a platform for the development of transdisciplinary and sustainable research and community service, covering areas such as Biomedical, Reforestation, Sustainability and Microclimate, Smart and Inclusive Society, and Green Economy. Collaboration with various domestic and international parties, Wanagama Nusantara will show various innovations and smart technology adaptations for sustainable climate change mitigation,” she added.
Additionally, the Rector mentioned that UGM remains committed to being an inclusive campus. “The development of superior and competitive human resources and mastery of science and technology, which is one of the focuses of achieving Indonesia’s vision for 2045, UGM, as a campus with a strong historical connection to the independence struggle, continues to commit to being an inclusive campus by providing educational access to the community regardless of geographic or socioeconomic background. This liberating education is expected to open access to quality education for the community to be competitive in welcoming Gold Indonesia 2045,” she said.
Following the Rector’s address, the ceremony concluded with a prayer and a performance by the UGM Student Choir and Marching Band Corps, featuring the song “Indonesia Merdeka” and “Berkibarlah Bendera Negeriku” performed by the Rector, followed by Prof. Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Education and Teaching, and finally joined by almost all of the ceremony participants.
This event aligns with the implementation of the SDGs: No Poverty (Goal 1), Good Health and Well-being (Goal 3), Quality Education (Goal 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (Goal 6), Life on Land (Goal 15), and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Goal 16).
Keywords: 79th RI Independence Day, IKN, Wanagama Nusantara, Inclusive Campus.
Author: Arni Wistriatun Editor: Ana Angraini