Source: Untar Public Relations – VH
An academic degree does not automatically guarantee that a person will remain relevant as times change. The ability to update one’s skills, uphold integrity, and solve real-world problems is essential for university graduates to make meaningful contributions to society.
This message was delivered by Universitas Tarumanagara (Untar) Rector Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M., during Untar’s 88th Graduation Ceremony, which celebrated 1,233 graduates at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) on Saturday (7/11/2026).
According to the Rector, every academic degree has a period of relevance as knowledge advances and society’s needs change. Therefore, a commitment to lifelong learning is essential to ensure that graduates’ competencies remain up to date.
He emphasized that technological progress does not remove human responsibility for decisions and their consequences. Knowledge and skills must be accompanied by the ability to consider the impact of every action.
Untar Rector delivering the academic report and remarks at Untar’s 88th Graduation Ceremony // Doc: Untar Public Relations – RJ
In addition to continuously updating their competencies, the Rector encouraged graduates to place integrity above convenience. Success should not be measured solely by the results achieved, but also by the process and moral responsibility behind them.
His third message concerned how success should be measured. He encouraged graduates not to focus solely on personal achievements, but also to consider how far their knowledge and abilities can help solve problems in society.
“Untar graduates should not merely keep up with the times, but also become leaders who can provide solutions and create a direct impact on society,” he said.
According to the Rector, the spirit of Move Beyond must be reflected in the real contributions of alumni. A university’s impact does not end with education and the awarding of degrees, but continues through its graduates’ efforts to create wider benefits for society.
Similarly, Head of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI) Region III Dr. Henri Togar Hasiholan Tambunan, S.E., M.A., highlighted the importance of work ethics, a willingness to keep learning, and social awareness in facing global competition.
A performance of “None Beken,” a traditional Betawi dance, by the Padmanagara Student Activity Unit (UKE) of the Faculty of Psychology // Doc: Untar Public Relations
Cultural Values in Education
Untar’s 88th Graduation Ceremony carried the theme “Move Beyond: Kampus Berdampak Mengiringi Jakarta yang Terus Bergerak” and featured elements of Betawi culture, reflecting the identity of Jakarta, where Untar has grown and developed.
The Rector connected the Betawi Palang Pintu tradition with the graduates’ journey ahead. The tradition conveys the message that good intentions must be accompanied by competence, while ability should go hand in hand with respect for customs and courtesy.
These values serve as a reminder that mastery of knowledge cannot be separated from character and social responsibility.
The perspective on progress and the role of individuals was also explored in a scientific address by Untar Faculty of Psychology lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dra. Fransisca Iriani Roesmala Dewi, M.Si., who invited graduates to understand progress from a psychological perspective.
Of the 1,233 graduates, 804 completed undergraduate programs, 209 professional programs, 190 master’s programs, and 30 doctoral programs. They came from nine faculties and Untar’s postgraduate programs. (CS/YS)