Wearing a brown Batik dress, combined with a red jacket, the incumbent president, commonly known as Jokowi, arrived at the Jakarta Convention Center along with several cabinet members and top government officials.
Jokowi belongs to the Kagama membership, as he had obtained his undergraduate degree from UGM`s Faculty of Forestry tens of years ago.
Among the ministers accompanying the head of state at the gathering were Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, and Education and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy.
Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto, State Secretary Pratikno, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan, UGM Rector Panut Mulyono, Bank Indonesia Governor Perry Warjiyo, and Chief of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman were also present.
Meanwhile, UGM Rector Panut Mulyono urged members of the Kagama to play an active role in preserving the nation`s unity in diversity.
"Leaders and members of the Gadjah Mada University Alumni Family (Kagama) should always prioritize the values of UGM and nationhood," he informed the UGM graduates attending the Kagama gathering.
The Kagama leaders and members should also preserve the dignity of UGM as a "national university", "university of struggle", "Pancasila-oriented university", "people`s university", and "university of cultural center".
Kagama General Chairman Ganjar Pranowo said the Kagama members should be the pioneers in preserving the values of nationhood.
In the meantime, Chairman of the Kagama Gathering Organizing Committee Otto Hasibuan shared the views of the rector and Pranowo, emphasizing that the presence of the UGM alumni within and outside the country can help strengthen the nation`s unity in diversity.
Highlighting the theme of "Guyub Rukun Kini and Nanti," or Togetherness, Peace, Now and Then," the gathering was expected to strengthen the solidarity and togetherness of the university`s graduates, he noted.
On the occasion, President Jokowi invited several alumni to come to the stage to share stories highlighting their personal experiences during their study at the university.
A science fiction movie, titled "Skeleton" and produced by UGM alumni, was also introduced during the event showcasing a band to entertain the attendants.
Located in Yogyakarta, UGM is one of Indonesia`s leading public universities and centers of excellence. Many of its alumni hold strategic positions both within and outside the governmental bodies.
Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo and Martha Herlinawati S
Editing by Rahmad Nasution
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
