UNS – The Alumni Family Association (IKA) of Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Surakarta held a post-Eid al-Fitr gathering and Halal Bi Halal event for the year 1445 Hijriah, on Saturday (4/5/2024). The event took place at the Puri Agung Ballroom of the Grand Sahid Hotel Jakarta. Alumni from various generations attended this annual meeting.
The theme for the 2024 IKA UNS gathering was “UNStoppable Solidarity: Alumni Unity for the Nation.” The event was hosted by Rory Arsyari and Deandra Aurellia as the MCs. The Acting Rector and Vice Rector of UNS were present at the event. Also in attendance were deans, heads of units, and institutions within the UNS community.
Chairman of IKA UNS, Ir. Budi Harto, M.M., in his speech, expressed appreciation for the gathering of UNS alumni from various batches. He particularly highlighted the presence of alumni from the 2000s or the 21st-century batches, who were the majority at the event. According to Budi Harto, this moment signifies the continuous solidarity among IKA UNS members.
“This year’s Halal Bi Halal feels special because it is mostly attended by young alumni. The 21st-century alumni demonstrate that our unity will always continue. I express my gratitude for the participation of young alumni and everyone present,” said Budi Harto.
He added that the alumni have completed their education at UNS. The knowledge they gained during their studies should serve as motivation to continuously support the university. Budi Harto urged UNS alumni to collaborate and cooperate with the university.
This is indeed a breath of fresh air for the university, considering that one of the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of Higher Education Institutions is the collaboration with the business and industrial sectors. He explained that collaboration can begin with the various academic programs at UNS.
“Let us together establish collaborations with UNS. It can start with coordinating with each program. Anything that can be synergized together. Thus, I believe we will contribute to the growth of UNS in the future,” he added.
The Acting Rector of UNS, Dr. Chatarina Muliana, S.H., S.E., M.H., also expressed her appreciation for this year’s IKA UNS gathering. UNS is not a distant institution for Dr. Chatarina Muliana. Her fourth sibling is an alumna of the Management Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS.
She hoped that this gathering would bring happiness and become a special moment for all UNS alumni. For the Acting Rector of UNS, this event is not just a nostalgic gathering but also an opportunity to share experiences and knowledge.
“I hope that in this meeting, experiences and knowledge will strengthen solidarity to foster unity,” Dr. Chatarina hoped.
The struggles of UNS alumni in navigating the post-graduate world are highly appreciated as extraordinary achievements by the entire UNS academic community. Dr. Chatarina assessed this considering that many UNS alumni have held or currently hold strategic positions in various institutions. They have all contributed to the nation’s progress and have had a positive impact on Indonesian society.
Not wanting to be left behind, UNS, as a State Legal Entity Higher Education Institution (PTNBH), continuously strives for improvements. Of course, this can be achieved even better with the involvement of alumni. Dr. Chatarina, who also serves as the Inspector General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, representing the government, urged alumni to play a role parallel to the government in realizing the nation’s prosperity.
“We must innovate more rapidly. Challenges can change more quickly than all the planning we do,” she said.
The 2024 IKA UNS gathering was even more lively and solemn. This moment was attended by several guest stars. Maliq & D’Essentials and Bendera 80 were brought in to provide entertainment and liven up the event with their music and popular songs. Ustaz Zacky Mirza, who was also present, delivered a sermon and important moral messages.
