Graduating 131 Postgraduates, Dean of FMIPA UGM Highlights Scientific Ethos, Credibility, and Integrity
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere of the FMIPA UGM Postgraduate Graduation Ceremony for Period I, the Dean of FMIPA UGM, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mhd. Reza M. I. Pulungan, S.Si., M.Sc., passed on a vital message urging graduates to view their graduation as a major milestone leading toward greater responsibility and dedication. Having completed their academic journeys, the graduates are expected to step up and effectively apply the knowledge acquired at FMIPA to real-world challenges.
Prof. Reza reminded the graduates of the inherent privilege that comes with higher education. He pointed out that based on the 2020 Indonesian census, only about 8.5% of the Indonesian population had completed higher education. According to him, this position brings about a profound responsibility for graduates to give something back to society.
“Those who being graduated today truly hold an extraordinary privilege. You likely represent only 1–2% of the entire population of this republic. Therefore, from such privilege comes responsibility. Greater privilege gives rise to greater responsibility,” Prof. Reza stated.
Prof. Reza further elaborated on the philosophical meaning of the alma mater as a nourishing mother, a figure that nurtures and provides intellectual sustenance. He likened the relationship between the faculty and its alumni to a bow and arrows; the almamater is the bow that stays behind, while the graduates are the arrows ready to be shot out to reach their goals. Nevertheless, just like a mother, the alma mater will always miss her children and warmly keep its doors open for them to come back to visit, collaborate, or share their experiences.
Closing his remarks, the Dean of FMIPA UGM cautioned the alumni to maintain scientific humility and avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias. He emphasized that a true scientific ethos is not measured by how fiercely one seeks validation for a theory, but by the courage to critically and skeptically falsify one’s own ideas. Beyond intellectual sharpness, Prof. Reza stressed that integrity is the ultimate foundation that must be upheld above knowledge itself in every step of the alumni’s service to society.
“Hopefully, with this graduation, you all reach an extraordinary milestone that can be used to accomplish even greater things ahead. What lies ahead? Implementing the knowledge we possess and applying it tangibly in real life,” he concluded.
This message aligns with FMIPA UGM’s steadfast commitment to supporting sustainable development through education, scientific advancement, and community service. The responsible application of knowledge by the graduates is expected to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Author: Inna Mutifah
Photographer: Afiandina Sukma