UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta once again reaffirms its commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically excellent, but also capable of creating real change in society. That spirit is reflected in the work of Muhamad Fahry Azizurahman (Fahry), a student in the Psychology Study Program at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FISHUM), who has earned a series of national awards for the social movement he founded to prevent violence against women and children.

The fourth-semester student from Bengkulu is the founder of Generasi Anti Kekerasan (GAK) Indonesia, the Anti-Violence Generation movement, born out of his concern over the rising forms of violence among young people, including electronic-based sexual violence (KSBE). What began as a small initiative has since grown into a national network with 36 chapters across Indonesia.

Fahry's commitment to building safe spaces for young people has earned him a number of prestigious awards. He was named a recipient of the 2025 DPD RI Award in the Inspiring Public Figure category, listed among Pijar Foundation's 30 Inspiring Young Leaders of Indonesia, and selected as an Ashoka Indonesia Young Changemaker in 2023. His work has since expanded further through the founding of the Jaga Foundation (Youth Safety Network Foundation), which aims to reach at least 100,000 beneficiaries through various education, mentoring, and community empowerment programs.

For Fahry, these achievements cannot be separated from the learning process he underwent at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta. The university's academic environment shaped his comprehensive approach to social issues through the integration-interconnection paradigm, bringing together science and Islamic values to produce solutions with real impact for society.

In his Psychology studies, Fahry learned various theories on leadership, emotional regulation, and coping mechanisms. He has since applied this knowledge to social work grounded in humanity, empathy, and solidarity with vulnerable groups.

“As Kalijaga's youth, we have to interconnect religious knowledge with science. This shapes us into people of integrity, staying faithful to religious values while also applying knowledge toward humanitarian action,” Fahry said.

According to him, the integration-interconnection concept that distinguishes UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta is not merely academic discourse, but a way of thinking that pushes students to address social issues through a multidisciplinary approach. This value forms the foundation for building inclusive social leadership while reinforcing the spirit of Fastabiqul Khairat, racing one another in doing good.

Building a social movement inevitably comes with challenges, from limited resources and organizational dynamics to earning public trust. Even so, the support of his lecturers, study program, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga's academic environment has been an important foundation for Fahry to keep growing while maintaining a balance between his academic work and his community service.

Fahry's story shows that universities have a strategic role in shaping a generation that is not only intellectually capable, but also socially aware and equipped with leadership skills. In line with UIN Sunan Kalijaga's vision to educate, foster peace, and promote prosperity, students are encouraged to turn knowledge into real action that benefits the wider community.

Closing his story, Fahry encouraged fellow students to be bold in taking on roles that address the issues around them. According to him, change always begins with the courage to take the first step, to build collaboration, and to stay sincere in one's work.

“Holding on to hope and the drive to bring about change is the most important thing. Never hesitate to shine and to give benefit, both to yourself and to the wider community,” he said in closing.

The achievements of Muhamad Fahry Azizurahman stand as proof that UIN Sunan Kalijaga produces not only competitive graduates, but also a generation of changemakers capable of integrating knowledge, Islamic values, and social awareness to address the nation's challenges. (humassk)