UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta once again affirmed its role as a space for national dialogue by hosting the Pre-National Meeting XV of BEM Nusantara 2026. The event, which brought together hundreds of delegates from Student Executive Boards (BEM) at universities across Indonesia, was officially opened at UIN Sunan Kalijaga's second-floor Convention Hall on Monday (7/27).

Held under the theme “Nusantara Youth Movement: Consolidating Ideas and Collaborating on Movements for a Progressing Indonesia,” the forum served as a platform for students to strengthen their networks, formulate strategic ideas, and build synergy ahead of the National Meeting XV of BEM Nusantara.

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan expressed appreciation for BEM Nusantara's decision to choose UIN Sunan Kalijaga as the venue for this national agenda. He said universities bear a responsibility to provide open spaces for dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the strengthening of leadership among young people.

“Thank you to BEM Nusantara for choosing UIN Sunan Kalijaga as the venue for this event. The theme chosen is highly relevant, as it highlights the importance of consolidating ideas and collaborating on movements to build a more progressive Indonesia,” Noorhaidi said.

He emphasized that students are the nation's future leaders, carrying significant responsibility for the direction the country takes. Forums such as this Pre-National Meeting, he said, serve as an important moment for building leadership capacity while strengthening national commitment.

Drawing on Indonesia's historical trajectory, Noorhaidi noted that students have been present at every major turning point in the nation's development, from the National Awakening of 1928 to the Proclamation of Independence in 1945 and the various reform movements that followed.

“Students have always been the backbone of national change. On your shoulders rests the future of a more dignified, more just, and more prosperous Indonesia,” he said.

Noorhaidi also underscored the importance of students' role as critical partners to the government. He said students are called not only to voice constructive criticism, but also to offer solutions through academic study and policy recommendations.

“Being a critical partner to the government is a strategic choice. Where there are shortcomings, students must be bold enough to raise criticism accompanied by ideas and recommendations for improving the nation,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Sleman Deputy Regent Danang Maharsa, who officially opened the event, expressed appreciation to all participants who traveled from various regions across Indonesia. He said students hold a strategic position as agents of change capable of delivering innovation and solutions to the nation's various challenges.

According to Danang, the Pre-National Meeting XV of BEM Nusantara serves as an important space for consolidation, strengthening collaboration among students as they formulate strategic steps to address future challenges. He also urged all participants to uphold humility in dialogue, citing the Javanese philosophy “Aja Rumangsa Bisa, Nanging Kudu Bisa Rumangsa” (“Don't assume you already know, but be willing to understand”), which teaches the importance of sensitivity, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen to other perspectives.

“The diversity of institutional backgrounds among participants will become a strength when everyone brings humility to listen, courage to express ideas respectfully, and wisdom to find common ground for the nation's interest,” he said.

Meanwhile, M. Diaz Habibie, Chair of the 2026 Student Executive Council (DEMA) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, stressed that the Pre-National Meeting is more than a gathering of student organizations; it is also a space for consolidating a national movement. He called on students to reject political apathy and build awareness that politics is a strategic instrument for advancing the interests of the public.

He said students' experience advocating on behalf of the public on various issues will serve as important preparation for the roles they may one day hold as policymakers. For that reason, he said, students must continue to nurture their spirit of activism while strengthening collaboration across universities as they help guide the direction of Indonesia's development.

The opening of the Pre-National Meeting XV of BEM Nusantara was marked by a gong-striking ceremony, symbolizing the start of a series of activities that will include discussion forums, organizational consolidation, and the drafting of strategic recommendations ahead of the National Meeting XV of BEM Nusantara 2026.

Through hosting this national agenda, UIN Sunan Kalijaga once again demonstrated its commitment as a university that not only pursues academic excellence, but also serves as a space for cultivating leadership, national dialogue, and cross-university collaboration in addressing Indonesia's future challenges. (humassk)