Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The 75th graduation ceremony of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) was a meaningful milestone for 1,906 graduates officially conferred at the Jakarta International Convention Center on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Dr. Ismail Hasani, Special Staff to the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology for Law, Regulation, and Governance, attended on behalf of the minister. In his address, he emphasized the importance of integrity, work ethic, and the graduates’ role as pioneers of national development.
“Graduation is a joyful, grateful, and sacred moment. Yet behind the happiness, we must not forget self-reflection on the shortcomings that remain. Integrity can be destroyed in an instant by a single wrong action,” Ismail said in his speech.
He highlighted that the academic degrees earned by the graduates were the result of hard work, perseverance, and the support of their families and loved ones. “On behalf of the ministry, we extend our highest appreciation. This graduation is not only a personal achievement but also a tribute to everyone who has supported you,” he added, as conveyed in UPNVJ’s official press release.
Furthermore, Ismail praised UPNVJ’s rapid transformation into an outstanding university. “You are not just students—you are pioneers. You chose the right campus, the dream campus, a campus of national defense. I believe, with the transformation already underway, UPNVJ will gain even greater recognition nationally and globally,” he said.
Ismail also stressed the importance of building intellectual capacity alongside social awareness. He stated that a true graduate is not only academically intelligent but also embodies the spirit of mental activism—a public intellectual. “This will define your capacity for social leadership. A true intellectual is someone whose heart is moved when they see inequality and who feels called to provide solutions,” he remarked.
Quoting the philosophy cogito ergo sum (“I think, therefore I am”), Ismail reminded the audience that the human mind is its greatest strength. “The key to life is using a sound mind. UPNVJ has transformed students’ critical thinking to prepare them for future challenges,” he emphasized.
In closing, Ismail urged graduates to remain humble, uphold integrity, and spread optimism. “No matter how much knowledge you possess, if integrity is zero, then everything is meaningless. Strengthen campus governance, spread optimism not only within the academic community but also to society. Move forward, contribute, and be the bearers of hope for Indonesia toward 2045,” he concluded. (www.upnvj.ac.id)
