Welcoming New Students at IPB University, KDM: West Java Provincial Government Prepares 30 Billion for Scholarships Up to S3
The 62nd New Student Orientation Program (MPKMB) at IPB University has officially commenced. On the first day of the opening (8/11), West Java Governor Kang Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) attended to welcome 5.563 new IPB undergraduate (S1) students.
During the event, IPB University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the West Java Provincial Government (Pemprov Jabar). Rector Prof Arif Satria and KDM agreed to collaborate on several matters, including scholarship programs.
KDM stated that the West Java Provincial Government is ready to provide scholarships for IPB University students, even up to the doctoral level (S3). He committed to allocating a budget of Rp30 billion.
“I will provide spaces for IPB University to excel in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. And I will provide scholarships for the best IPB University students who can produce the best products for the people’s benefit, even up to the S3,” he said.
He emphasized, “I will prepare 30 billion next year,” he said, greeted with cheers and applause from ‘Jatayu Harsakala,’ the nickname of the 62nd batch of freshmen, who filled the Grha Widya Wisuda Hall at IPB University’s Dramaga Campus (8/11).
According to him, IPB University has significant potential to actively contribute to sustainable development. “IPB University already has a complete cycle,” he stressed.
“There is agriculture, livestock, fisheries, marine sciences, and in the future, we can develop organic medicine that relies on nature as a stimulus for human health,” he added.
KDM also shared several messages with the new IPB University students. Students, he said, should not only learn in the classroom but also learn from life experiences.
“If you only rely on campus lectures, you won’t achieve anything. Learning from life experiences is what will lead to success,” he explained.
In shaping character, he introduced five principles: Cager (healthy), Bager (social empathy), Bener (words aligned with actions), Pinter (intellectual), and Singer. “The key to success lies in Singer, which means being willing to do anything without pride,” he explained.
KDM also criticized the low motivation of today’s generation, who are easily tired, discouraged, and picky about jobs. “Today’s youth are smart because of easy access to technology. However, they have low determination, are unwilling to work hard, and get tired easily,” he explained.
According to him, this is influenced by eating patterns that are no longer natural due to pollution and genetic modification of food. From fisheries contaminated with mining materials, livestock farming that no longer aligns with natural processes, to agriculture that does not use the best seeds and overuses pesticides.
“Agricultural productivity must begin to focus on character development. IPB University must restore agricultural cycles to their natural state and build a robust agricultural ecosystem,” he said.
Finally, KDM urged new IPB University students to consistently build national character. “The dedication to building character must be filled by young people willing to develop the agricultural sector. Agriculture still contributes 60 percent to economic growth in West Java. This is a significant opportunity,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/RMH)
