Student life does not grow solely within lecture halls. Interests honed, networks built, and concern for humanitarian issues are also important parts of shaping mature, impactful individuals.

That spirit was present at the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta UKM Expo, held Wednesday–Thursday (August 26–27, 2026) in the courtyard of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga Polyclinic. The event brought together various Student Activity Units (UKM) with new students eager to discover and develop their interests, talents, and potential during their time at university.

Through the various booths available, new students could get to know each UKM's profile, areas of activity, work programs, and character up close. The diversity of organizations present gave students the opportunity to find a space for self-development suited to their interests and potential, whether in the arts, sports, critical reasoning, spirituality, leadership, entrepreneurship, student press, or community service.

A representative from Cepedi who is also an athlete, Henry, said the UKM Expo is an opportunity for new students to find a space for self-development that matches their interests.

“What's interesting about the UKM Expo is that all the UKMs can gather and introduce their various activities to students. Every student has different interests and abilities. Some are more focused on academics, while others have potential in pencak silat, writing, and various other fields,” he said.

According to Henry, the UKM he belongs to places strong emphasis on training athletes to compete in various championships. Even so, the opportunity to join remains open to students who do not yet have basic skills. They will receive gradual coaching so they can develop according to their own potential.

Henry himself pursued this field before entering university. The presence of UKMs at UIN Sunan Kalijaga gives him the chance to continue his training process while broadening his experience.

Beyond building skills, participating in a UKM also opens opportunities for students to build networks with various parties who already have experience competing at the regional and national levels.

He believes UKM activities can run alongside coursework as long as students are able to manage their time and maintain communication. Academic responsibilities remain the priority, while organizational activities serve as a space to build discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

UKM Expo 2026 also carries a mission that goes beyond developing students' interests and talents. The Chair of the UIN Sunan Kalijaga UKM Communication Forum (Forkom), Ahmad Zidan Muzakki, said Forkom UKM collaborated with Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta to present an Open Stage and Humanitarian Fundraising Action for the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Earthquake.

“We share in the grief and have heard the call for humanitarian solidarity from our brothers and sisters in East Nusa Tenggara. Moved by that concern, Forkom UKM UIN Sunan Kalijaga, together with Dompet Dhuafa Yogyakarta, integrated the 2026 UKM Expo with an open stage and fundraising campaign,” he said.

The open stage was designed as a shared space for students and the public to showcase their work while expressing moral support for the people of the Flobamora region. The diverse artistic expressions and creativity of students are hoped to inspire further action.

Through the UKM Expo, UIN Sunan Kalijaga encourages students to make campus a space to discover their potential, build networks, produce work, achieve accomplishments, and cultivate sensitivity to the issues facing society.

In this way, UKMs are not merely extracurricular activities outside of coursework, but part of an educational ecosystem that shapes students to be skilled, resilient, collaborative, and socially conscious. (humassk)