The journey of the establishment of Universitas Gadjah Mada can not be separated from the role of Yogyakarta Palace. The residence of the king of Yogyakarta was once used as a place of lectures before moving to an integrated campus in the complex Bulaksumur today.
To commemorate the historical process, thousands of academic community consisting of alumni, lecturers, education staffs, and students, as well as the general public spilled on the streets along the Palace to UGM Hall to enliven the activities of “Nitilaku Perguruan Kebangsaan 2017” on Sunday (17/12).
Yogyakarta Special Region Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X himself released 7,000 participants Nitilaku 2017 who had gathered since 05.30 pm in the courtyard of the northern square of the Palace of Yogyakarta.
In his speech, Sri Sultan HB X reminded the alumni of Gadjah Mada to never forget UGM as their alma mater. The Sultan also advised all UGM academicians to never stop giving their best contribution to the Indonesian nation. “We grew up to be who we are today because of UGM’s role. Let’s continue to work and to contribute to the nation and state, and also for UGM,” he said.
After being released from Pagelaran Keraton, participants then walk down Malioboro Street to Tugu Pal Putih which became the tourist icon of Yogyakarta City. Different from the previous year, after Tugu Pal Putih, the participants continued their journey northwards through Prof. Dr. Sardjito Street to go to UGM Hall.
Participants were also presented by art attractions on the 20 stages along the route. The stages which also offer traditional foods are initiated by faculties of UGM, alumni community and some association of regional students families.
Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng. D.Eng., and the Chairman of KAGAMA, Ganjar Pranowo, both wore traditional clothes to identify with the old-fashioned nuances. Several ministers of UGM; Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi; Minister of Housing and Public Works; Basuki Hadimoeljono; and Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi were also seen participating in this activity. [Eggy/Farah]