In Bandung, Universitas Islam Bandung (Unisba) celebrated the graduation of around 1,400 students across various academic levels, including Doctorate, Master’s, Professional, and Bachelor’s degrees during the first wave of the 2024-2025 academic year. The ceremony spanned two days, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, February 22-23, 2025, at the Main Hall of Unisba. The event featured four induction sessions, with two sessions held on the first day and two more on the second day. This graduation marks a significant occasion as the final one for Prof. Dr. H. Edi Setiadi, S.H., M.H., the current Rector of Unisba, as his tenure is nearing the end of its second term. Prof. Edi will be passing the torch to a new Rector scheduled for inauguration in July of the same year.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by graduates, particularly the Millennial and Gen Z cohorts living in a distinct era from their predecessors, Prof. Edi emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong adaptability and continuous learning mindset. He stressed the Islamic perspective that learning has no finish line, extending beyond formal education and book knowledge into understanding the realities within society. Prof. Edi also underscored the value of humility in life and career journeys, emphasizing the absence of arrogance in the true learner’s lexicon. He urged graduates to remain humble and receptive to input from various learning sources and to uphold the reputation of their alma mater, encouraging them to return to Unisba whenever they long for the campus atmosphere.
Championing adaptability as a crucial trait amidst evolving circumstances and entrusted responsibilities, Prof. Edi highlighted the importance of executing flexibility rooted in strong values and principles. He described adaptability as a form of execution flexibility underpinned by robust values, emphasizing the need to continually develop this skill to navigate changes, seize opportunities, think ahead, seek solutions, and refrain from blaming others. This adaptability, he noted, should be complemented by a deep sense of ethics and integrity.
Challenges and Achievements
Chairman of the Unisba Foundation Board, Prof. Dr. K.H. Miftah Faridl, acknowledged the nation’s challenges, particularly in economic, welfare, and justice sectors, amidst which Unisba continues to produce graduates as a testament to societal progress. With less than 30% of Indonesia’s population attaining a bachelor’s degree, this accomplishment is significant and worthy of gratitude. Graduates were reminded to express gratitude to their parents and other individuals who played a role in their academic journey and helped guide them towards their academic achievement.
Dr. Lukman, S.T., M.Hum., Head of the Higher Education Regional Office IV for West Java and Banten, addressed the graduating class, noting that Unisba graduates would be entering a competitive job market alongside approximately 200,000 to 250,000 graduates from other institutions. However, he expressed confidence in the unique strengths and differentiating factors of Unisba graduates that serve as competitive advantages in the job market. While academic knowledge forms a crucial foundation for success, proficiency in foreign languages beyond Indonesian and English, as well as skills in information technology and communication, are essential factors in thriving in a global competition. Dr. Lukman emphasized that the completion of their academic journey marked not just an end but also the beginning of preparations for future success.
During this graduation ceremony, special recognition was awarded to Amelia Adhi Gustina from the Faculty of Communication Sciences for achieving the highest GPA of 3.95 and completing her studies in 3 years, 3 months, and 26 days. Additionally, the youngest graduate, Sri Ayuni from the Faculty of Law, graduated at the age of 20 years, 4 months, and 0 days. Unisba also honored ten schools with exceptional alumni achievements by recognizing them as the best graduating schools of this ceremony.
Each graduate’s journey represents a unique chapter in the collective narrative of Unisba’s academic legacy, embodying the institution’s commitment to excellence and fostering future leaders who will navigate the challenges of a dynamic world. Graduation is not merely a culmination but a stepping stone towards greater endeavors, embodying the spirit of lifelong learning and adaptability that defines the essence of education.
