IPB University Rector Invites Graduates to Become Agents of Change and Future Leaders

IPB University again graduated 800 graduates in the procession of Graduation Phase VI Academic Year 2024/2025 for Doctoral, Master, and Bachelor levels. The event was held at Graha Widya Wisuda Building (GWW), IPB Dramaga Campus, on Wednesday (5/21).

On the occasion, the Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, delivered a speech containing invitations and strategic messages to the graduates.

Prof Arif began his speech by congratulating the graduates and parents who accompanied their academic struggle. He also expressed his gratitude for the trust that has been given to IPB University in educating the next generation of the nation.

He explained that the world is now facing three major disruptive changes: demographic bonus, climate change, and technological acceleration. In Indonesia, the peak of the demographic bonus is expected to occur in 2030 with a dependency ratio of 46,9 percent.

“Extreme climate change, such as rising global temperatures, can have a significant impact. Each 1°C increase in temperature is expected to reduce rice production by 10-25 percent and reduce crop nutrient content,” he explained.

In addition, technological advances have accelerated social, business and educational transformation. Competencies learned in college are now only 60 percent relevant in the world of work.

“The speed of technological change has exceeded the speed of change of institutions, even individuals,” said Prof Arif. “Therefore, IPB University graduates must be equipped with high agility, the ability to continue learning, and readiness to lead change.”

He gave an example of how large companies such as Google have developed their own certification system. IPB University responds to this challenge by providing 8.500 microcredential accounts for free.

With this opportunity, students can take part in training and competency certification relevant to the needs of today’s industry on a number of platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and Udemy.

In his speech, Prof Arif also emphasized the importance of future mindset. He highlighted that one’s success is not only determined by academic ability, but also by the willingness to continue learning and facing challenges. 

“We have to be true learners. Ability can take us to the top, but it is character that will make us stay at the top,” he said.

Prof Arif also reminded the importance of integrity and character in life. He said that values such as honesty, discipline, empathy, and communication skills are key in building trust and collaboration.

IPB University, he added, is committed to developing innovation and encouraging works that have a real impact on society. Various achievements have been made, including the 49th world ranking in agriculture and forestry and the first position in Southeast Asia for five consecutive years.

“Congratulations to the graduates. Be agents of change, future leaders, and human beings who bring long-term benefits to the nation,” said Prof Arif ending his speech. 

Meanwhile, Director of Human Resources and General Affairs of Perum BULOG, Prof Sudarsono Hardjosoekarto also gave a speech representing the Head of the IPB Alumni Association (HA). He invited the graduates to be part of the pillars of national food security and participate in maintaining national sovereignty through the agriculture and food sector.

“Food security is not only about availability, but also affordability and price stability. There should be no worry about what to eat tomorrow. This is the big challenge that the graduates will face in the real world,” said Prof Sudarsono, who is also an IPB alumnus.

In his closing remarks, he invited the graduates to stay connected with the campus through the IPB Alumni Association which has now grown to the international level. 

“With the knowledge you have today, be part of the nation’s strength to maintain food sovereignty. Food is a matter of life and death, as emphasized by President Soekarno when laying the first stone of the Faculty of Agriculture of IPB in 1952,” he concluded. (Fj) (IAAS/NRA)