A Graduation Ceremony Filled with Emotion, IPB University Awards Bachelor’s Degree to the Late Anggit, Who Died in the Patriot Expedition in Papua

The IPB University Doctoral, Master’s, and Bachelor’s Degree Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 Academic Year this October (10/29) was filled with emotion.

Attended by 26 doctoral program graduates, 169 master’s program graduates, and 608 bachelor’s program graduates, this graduation ceremony was also attended by the Indonesian Minister of Transmigration (Mentrans), Muhammad Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara. The Minister’s presence on this occasion was specifically to award an honorary bachelor’s degree to the late Anggit Bima Wicaksono, who died during the Patriot Expedition in Papua.

IPB University Rector Prof Arif Satria expressed his deep appreciation to all graduates who had successfully completed their academic journey. 

The Rector’s opening poem, “Once upon a time, wounds lingered until late at night, coffee and revisions became faithful companions. Now, graduation brings peace to the face, armed with true knowledge to create real works,” created an emotional and proud atmosphere among the graduates who filled the Grha Widya Wisuda (10/29).

In his speech, the Rector emphasized that IPB graduates are future leaders of the nation who must be prepared to face the era of Society 5.0. He introduced the “4 Pillars of Leadership”: lead self, lead others, lead change, and lead the future. According to him, future challenges require not only digital skills, but also green skills, resilience, and humanity.

“Technology is developing faster than we can imagine. However, true teachers will not be replaced by AI (artificial intelligence),” said the Rector, while emphasizing the importance of IPB University lecturers being inspiring educators. 

IPB University, he said, is also the pioneer of AI-based talent management in Indonesia. This breakthrough is an effort to map the potential and talents of students, lecturers, and educational staff.

The Rector also highlighted the importance of microcredentials as a provision for graduates to be relevant to the needs of modern industry. “IPB University provides 5.500 free accounts for students to take courses from global platforms such as Google, LinkedIn Learning, and Microsoft,” he said.

In his message, the Rector emphasized three important things for graduates to become true learners, namely future mindset, learning agility, and grit. He also reminded them to maintain their character and integrity, because honesty is the key to success.

The graduation ceremony was also marked by an emotional moment when IPB University and the Minister of Transmigration awarded an honorary bachelor’s degree to the late Anggit Bima Wicaksono, a student of the Land Resource Management Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, who died while on duty in the Fakfak Transmigration Area, West Papua, during the Patriot Expedition mission.

“As a form of appreciation for his dedication and struggle, IPB University awarded the late Anggit an honorary bachelor’s degree,” said the Rector.

Regarding Anggit, Prof. Arif said, “He worked in a quiet place, far from the limelight, with sincerity and a strong desire to use his knowledge for the benefit of society. His dedication is an inspiration to us all.”

At that moment, Transmigration Minister Iftitah Sulaiman said, “IPB is not just an agricultural campus, but a school of life that produces resilient individuals and national leaders. Figures like Anggit are a reflection of the spirit of true dedication.”

This graduation ceremony reflects IPB University’s ongoing commitment to producing adaptive, character-driven, and globally competitive graduates who are ready to turn knowledge into tangible benefits for society and the nation.

At the end of the event, Dr Mahfudz, representative of the IPB University Alumni Association (HA), welcomed the graduates who had officially become part of the HA IPB University family.

“HA is a platform for serving our alma mater, fellow alumni, and the Indonesian community. The diploma you have received is not the end of your journey, but the beginning of a new responsibility to apply your knowledge, adapt to change, and benefit the environment and society,” he said.

This individual, who currently serves as Secretary-General of the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, also urged all alumni to stay connected, collaborate, and work together to preserve forests as a sustainable source of prosperity for the Indonesian nation. (Ez) (IAAS/LAN)