UGM, in collaboration with KAGAMA, conducted the debriefing for Prospective Graduates of the Postgraduate Program Period April 2021 on Wednesday (14/4) through the Zoom Meeting Room and YouTube live broadcast.
Vice-Rector for Cooperation and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Paripurna, S.H., M.Hum., LL.M, commenced the event. In his welcoming speech, he said that being a UGM graduate is not as simple as being a graduate from another university because the graduates have to maintain the UGM identity embedded during their study at UGM.
“Thus, graduates must implement UGM values such as having a virtuous attitude, being intellectual, resilient, and adaptable,” he said.
Next, the Vice-Chairman of PP KAGAMA II, Anwar Sanusi, told graduates to keep developing their careers and not focus on one potential one. It was hoped that UGM graduates could contribute to the development of the Indonesian economy in this uncertain condition.
“We must explore our potential to benefit the country and the nation. Also, do not forget the spirit of togetherness, harmony, and usefulness,” he concluded.
Two speakers were presenting in the debriefing. They were the best alumni of UGM, namely the Governor of North Kalimantan, Drs. Zainal Arifin Paliwang, S.H., M.Hum., and President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy, Ahmad Subarkah Yuniarto.
Zainal, an Alumnus of Faculty of Law UGM, explained the strategy to develop the border areas in North Kalimantan, “There are five challenges in the border of North Kalimantan. They are regional disparities, limited infrastructure, frequent cross-border violations, a large demographic area with a relatively small population, and the low competitiveness of human resources”.
He said that North Kalimantan provided many opportunities for graduates, especially from the health study program. He hoped that UGM graduates, especially those from North Kalimantan, could implement their knowledge to develop the border area of North Kalimantan. Besides, it was expected that they could advance the newly-formed province.
The President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy, Ahmad Subarkah Yuniarto (AY) delivered the next presentation. He said that geothermal energy is a part of Indonesia’s future. Therefore, it needs great resources to process geothermal energy to become a valuable natural resource for Indonesia in the future.
“Graduation means time for reflection. Do I understand my identity? Not just a name, but to fully understand who we are,” he asked in front of 1,000 participants.
He explained that there were three important things to know about ourselves to achieve success in life. They were narrative identity, development ecosystem, and personal purpose. AY said that everyone needs to recognize and understand themselves to be able to talk about themselves to themselves. Reflection is one of the media to understand ourselves fully. Besides, life experiences also play a significant role in events in life and our surroundings. Everyone undoubtedly needs a mentor, coach, and supports in their life. AY said that we have to find a good ecosystem that can support and encourage our future to be better. After that, we will imagine what the future will look like and prepare many scenarios to get there.
“Another important thing is exposure. The earlier you get exposure, the bigger you will grow, “said the alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering.
AY also hoped that the current prospective graduates could face the challenges to continue to hone themselves to become adaptive and problem-solving individuals. It will be helpful for themselves and their surroundings.
This event was expected to prepare the graduates to strengthen their character and be brave enough to face challenges in the changing era.