UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Faculty of Da’wah and Communication Inspires New Students to Lead with Integrity and Courage

Yogyakarta – “Who can change the situation? Every individual — including you — if you are creative and brave enough, then you have the power to make change.”
With that statement, Ganjar Pranowo opened his address at the Stadium Generale of the Faculty of Da’wah and Communication (FDK), UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, held under the theme “Ideas for Social Transformation in Indonesia” on Friday (October 3, 2025).

The event, attended by Dean Prof. Dr. Arif Maftuhin, faculty leaders, lecturers, staff, and hundreds of new students, became more than an academic orientation—it evolved into a forum for reflection on integrity, civic responsibility, and the role of youth in shaping the nation’s moral landscape.

Ganjar emphasized that social transformation demands integrity, collaboration, and the courage to act. “Without integrity,” he warned, “ideas lose their substance and become mere commodities.” Politics, in his view, should not be reduced to a contest for power, but should serve as a vehicle for meeting people’s essential needs—such as education and public service. 

He also highlighted the persistent issues of corruption, collusion, and nepotism as the root causes of Indonesia’s stagnation. According to him, anti-corruption values must be instilled early, especially through education. “Corruption often draws the spotlight, but collusion and nepotism are just as dangerous,” Ganjar said, calling on students to embody ethical leadership and become models of integrity within their academic environment.

Ganjar also advised students to use digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) wisely. While AI can support learning, it must be approached critically, grounded in empirical data, valid research, and proper regulation. “There is no shortcut to learning—not even in politics,” he stressed. “Consistency, integrity, and process matter.”

He added that academic achievement alone is not enough to create change. Soft skills—leadership, communication, and problem-solving—are equally vital. “Join organizations, discussion groups, and intellectual forums,” he urged. “That’s where leadership and empathy are forged.”

Complementing Ganjar’s message, Dra. Hj. Evi Septiani Tavip Hayati, M.A., Head of the Center for Da’wah Technology Development (PPTD), underscored the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical expertise. Through initiatives such as Suka TV, Rasida Community Radio, and Difikom Design and Photography Club, students are trained to develop professionalism in media production, broadcasting, and visual communication.

Meanwhile, Bayu Mitra Adhyatma Kusuma, S.AP., M.AP., encouraged students to expand their academic horizons through international study opportunities. “The world is like a book,” he said. “If you never leave your hometown, you’re only reading one page.” He reminded students that success is not an instant result, but a long, demanding process that requires perseverance and self-discipline.

On another front, Andayani, S.IP., MSW., representing the Integrated Service Center for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PLT PPKS), addressed the issue of campus safety. She reminded the audience that sexual violence can occur even in academic settings, urging students to maintain ethical communication, mutual respect, and professional boundaries in all interactions.

Overall, the Stadium Generale reaffirmed UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s commitment to nurturing a generation of socially conscious scholars—students who are not only intellectually capable but also ethically grounded, empathetic, and ready to lead Indonesia’s social transformation with vision and integrity. (humassk)