EduAsiaNews, Bogor – The sixth graduation ceremony of the 2025/2026 academic year was a special moment. In addition to being the first graduation ceremony in 2026, this procession was also the first to be held with the new Rector, Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet.
At the event, which took place at Grha Widya Wisuda (2/11), the Rector inaugurated 800 graduates consisting of 67 doctors, 284 masters, and 449 bachelors.
For Dr Alim, the graduation ceremony is always rich in tradition. “The gown, the procession, and the pride of being part of an agromaritime university are our identity. However, IPB does not only thrive on tradition, but also on the courage to transform in response to the challenges of the times,” he said.
In his speech, Dr Alim touched on the relevance of universities amid the disruption caused by artificial intelligence (AI). His presentation addressed many public doubts about the role of universities in the AI era.
According to him, AI is indeed capable of answering many questions, but it lacks conscience and human values. “The challenge for humans is no longer finding answers, but determining the right questions. AI works based on the past, while universities work to shape the future,” he said.
One of IPB University’s tangible contributions can be seen in the achievement of rice self-sufficiency in 2025 through superior varieties such as IPB 9G. The Rector also appreciated the role of alumni in various development sectors. “This campus has produced innovations that strengthen food sovereignty and leaders who contribute to the nation,” he added.
Three Messages from the Rector
The Rector imparted three main values to the graduates, namely integrity, innovation, and inspiration. Regarding integrity, he cited the case of Volkswagen Dieselgate in 2015, when software engineering was used to manipulate vehicle emission tests.
‘Technically, the technology was sophisticated, but ethically it was wrong. It worked, but it violated scientific integrity and responsibility towards the environment. This is proof that technical intelligence does not automatically mean truth,’ he said.
Meanwhile, regarding innovation, he recounted the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, which was born out of sensitivity, not from a grand plan.
The value of inspiration is summarised in the expression “Urip iku urup” — life is about shining and giving light. He reminded us that life is not just about personal achievements, but about bringing hope, fostering enthusiasm, bringing benefits, and paving the way for others.
The Chair of the IPB University Alumni Association, Fauzi H Amro, SPt, MSi, hopes that IPB graduates will become the driving force behind national growth. ‘The economy is expected to grow by 5,9 per cent in 2025, and we are being encouraged to reach 8 per cent. IPB alumni must be at the forefront of development,’ he said.
Representing the graduates, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Indonesia and IPB University Doctoral programme graduate, Dr Sudaryono, encouraged graduates to maintain their idealism. According to him, the pandemic experience has taught us that health and social care are far more important than material things.
“A good education is not enough. The future is built on preparedness, character, and the courage to help those who are left behind,” he said. (AS) (IAAS/LAN)
