EduAsiaNews, Surabaya – Strengthening alumni networks, the Airlangga University Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR) for the Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI Jakarta) held a gathering to foster closer ties. The cross-generational meeting took place at Menara BNI Pejompongan, Jakarta, on Sunday (April 26, 2026).
A number of prominent figures were also present at the event. The Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin, stated that the strength of a university is not limited to activities within the campus. According to him, the contributions of alumni across various sectors—ranging from government and business to professional fields—serve as a tangible reflection of the values instilled by their alma mater.
“Your contributions across various sectors—government, business, professional, and social—reflect the values that we have built together at Universitas Airlangga. We are very proud of this,” he remarked.
Transformation Towards an Entrepreneurial University
Currently, Universitas Airlangga is undergoing a transformation into an entrepreneurial university. It aims not only to produce academically उत्कृष्ट graduates, but also individuals who are innovative, adaptive, and capable of creating value and opportunities. In this regard, alumni play a highly strategic role as role models, mentors, and partners in building an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Through the Airlangga Alumni Association, we hope that this relationship will not end in nostalgia, but will evolve into meaningful collaboration—whether in student career development, research, entrepreneurship, or social contributions,” he explained.
Through IKA UNAIR, Prof. Madyan also encouraged the development of closer collaboration, not only in the form of social networking but also in tangible contributions to institutional development, including the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
“We believe that synergy between the university and its alumni is key—not only to strengthening the institution, but also to generating broader impact for society.”
He also invited all alumni to continue growing. Universitas Airlangga remains open as a home for its alumni—a place to return, share, and grow together.
“May this gathering further strengthen our bonds, reinforce our networks, and serve as positive energy to continue contributing our best to the nation,” he added.
Strengthening the Alumni Database
Meanwhile, the Chairman of IKA UNAIR DKI Jakarta, Ramdan Deni Prakoso, expressed his intention during his tenure to strengthen the alumni database, enabling better awareness of where UNAIR alumni are and the positions they hold. This, he noted, would serve as an entry point for alumni to create meaningful impact.
“This means we will piece together the puzzle of Airlangga alumni in Jakarta. We still often find colleagues in the same office only realizing later that they are fellow Airlangga alumni,” said the Executive Director and Head of the Communications Department at Bank Indonesia.
He hopes that stronger bonds will foster greater enthusiasm for interaction.
“For those of you in top management or senior-level positions, there is nothing wrong with prioritizing fellow alumni. Stronger alumni interaction will certainly lead to greater contributions to our alma mater,” he stated.
He also emphasized the spirit of Padi Band, which consistently makes time to reconnect and contribute to their alma mater, expressing hope that IKA UNAIR DKI Jakarta will become even more solid.
“Let us not fall behind the spirit of our friends in Padi Band. They take the time to be present for us. May we continue to grow stronger together.”
On the same occasion, IKA UNAIR DKI Jakarta also launched the IKA UNAIR mobile application, available for download on the Android Play Store. The application enables alumni across generations to connect, communicate, and even explore job opportunities. The event concluded with a performance by Padi Band.
