Yogyakarta, September 12th 2025 — A warm and cheerful atmosphere filled the Welcoming Event for the Class of 2025 of Media and Cultural Studies Program, The Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event, held on Friday (12/09) at the Graduate School courtyard, carried the theme “KBM’s Got Talent” and successfully created a moment of togetherness across cohorts, especially between the 2024 and 2025 intakes.
The program began at 1:00 PM with committee preparations. By 2:00 PM, students from various cohorts started to gather at the venue for registration and light snacks. From the very beginning, a sense of camaraderie could be felt as students greeted one another, introduced themselves, and mingled before the official opening.
The event was opened by the MC and continued with interactive games organized by the event division. Through random group assignments, students were encouraged to play and collaborate in team activities. Joyful laughter and cheerful shouts echoed throughout the courtyard, garden, cafeteria, and surrounding areas of the Graduate School. These games were entertaining and also served as a medium to strengthen communication, foster teamwork, and build bonds beyond cohort boundaries.
The highlight of the event was the “KBM’s Got Talent” session, where each group was invited to showcase their best talents. The performances were remarkably diverse: from group aerobics, traditional and modern dances, humorous mini-dramas, to other unique acts. Every performance was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, reflecting the excitement and support across cohorts. This session became more than just a stage for self-expression—it was also a celebration of the diverse talents within the KBM community.
After the talent show, participants enjoyed a communal meal with the traditional “bancakan” concept. Sitting together in circles and sharing simple dishes, students exchanged stories, experiences, and laughter. This simple moment created a warm atmosphere that strengthened the sense of kinship, symbolizing the togetherness that characterizes the KBM community.
The best group in “KBM’s Got Talent” was announced, as the event drew to a close, followed by closing remarks from Mr. Budiawan. In his address, he expressed his appreciation for the students’ enthusiasm and emphasized the importance of non-academic activities like this in strengthening social bonds amid the demands of postgraduate study.
The program ended with a short prayer, group photo session, and a shared commitment to keep the venue clean through collective action. By 7:00 PM, the atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie lingered as students bid farewell with smiles and hopes for future gatherings.
Overall, the Welcoming Event for the Class of 2025 demonstrated that friendship and solidarity across cohorts in Media and Cultural Studies remain one of the key strengths of this academic community. More than just an introduction, the event became a space to nurture togetherness, expand networks, and strengthen the collective identity of KBM students as part of the Graduate School family of Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Author: Khoirul Mujazanah