Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – The Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Ova Emilia, encouraged the emergence of various innovations and new leaps in the development of humanities scholarship during her remarks at the 80th Dies Natalis celebration of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM). The eight-decade milestone of the faculty was seen as an important moment to reflect on past achievements while strengthening the contribution of the humanities to the development of civilization.
In her speech, Prof. Ova Emilia expressed pride in the faculty progress report presented by Setiadi. She emphasized that the Dies Natalis celebration is not merely a commemoration of the institution’s age, but also an opportunity to remember the struggles of the founders and predecessors who laid a strong foundation for the development of FIB UGM.
“Eighty years is a mature age, yet at the same time it demands agility to continuously adapt and innovate,” she stated.
According to her, the various achievements attained by FIB UGM demonstrate continuous progress, both nationally and internationally. The academic community, she added, bears the responsibility to continuously produce breakthroughs and new leaps so that the faculty can not only survive but also thrive in facing future challenges.
Since its establishment in 1946, FIB UGM has demonstrated resilience through its ability to adapt and innovate amid changing times. This strength is reflected in the contributions of its alumni as well as numerous scholarly works and innovations that have produced tangible impacts on society.
Prof. Ova Emilia likened FIB UGM to a teak tree that grows stronger as it ages. The older a teak tree becomes, the stronger and higher the quality of its wood. This analogy reflects the maturity and resilience of the faculty in carrying out its role as an institution for humanities education.
She also highlighted several academic achievements attained by the faculty, including international recognition received by its lecturers and the success of several study programs that rank among the top three nationally. These accomplishments, she noted, serve as both pride and motivation to further enhance the quality of education and research.
In addition, the improvement of research performance within the faculty has also drawn attention. Despite relatively limited internal budget allocations, the number of research projects produced remains high due to funding support from various national and international partners. This, she explained, reflects strong public trust in the university.
“The substantial funding obtained from external partners for the implementation of the tridharma activities reflects public trust in the university,” she explained.
She also underscored the strong tradition of community engagement within UGM, which receives broad support from various partners. Every community service initiative carried out by the university, she noted, consistently receives positive responses from stakeholders who wish to contribute.
On this occasion, Prof. Ova Emilia expressed her gratitude to the founders, predecessors, professors, academic community members, educational staff, alumni, and partners who have significantly contributed to building and advancing FIB UGM to its current achievements. She hopes that the values of scholarship and humanity cultivated on campus will continue to grow and contribute positively to national development.
The 80th Dies Natalis celebration of FIB UGM also reflects the faculty’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Strengthening humanities education aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of inclusive and high-quality higher education. Furthermore, research collaborations with various national and international partners support SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while innovations in research and knowledge development contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Closing her remarks, Prof. Ova Emilia delivered a pantun as an expression of appreciation and hope for the faculty’s future:
Attending a celebration by riding a vehicle,
Wearing a dark red kebaya,
Eight decades mark a time of maturity,
May the Faculty of Cultural Sciences always prosper.
Happy Anniversary, FIB UGM!
[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Alma Syahwalani]
