The Indonesian struggle to achieve the word independence had not a few figures of heroes who died on the battlefield to liberate Indonesia. A strong state defense spirit made the heroes be tireless even though they fought to the last drop of blood.

This spirit has its own significance for the academic community of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Yogyakarta (UPNVY). In order to celebrate the 61st anniversary, as many as 50 UPNVY academics made a pilgrimage to the Heroes' Grave Yard and the Kings Grave Yard in Imogiri.

"Making a Pilgrimage is growing the spirit of state defense and the spirit of heroism", said the UPNVY Chancellor, Mohammad Irhas Efendi, Monday (12/15/2019).

According to him, making a pilgrimage to the grave yards of heroes and Kings in  Imogiri is also integrated to culture. The existence of cultural rituals that need to be carried out and preserved is a symbol of one's love for the country.

Everyone is facing and living in the digital age now. In the world of education, it needs to be responded by having a new model in learning.

"Yet, that is not enough. We must also have a national spirit. It must be maintained", he said.

The UPNVY academic community has an emotional connection with the heroes, especially about the process of the establishment of UPNVY. According to him, this event became an effort to realize the vision of UPNVY.

It is the vision of UPNVY to produce graduates who are the pioneers of development and have the spirit of defending the country. This event was right at the end of 2019.

"As a benchmark, we leave 2019 and head for 2020 where the ideals of the nation in 2045 become a great Indonesia. Therefore, we welcome there”, said UPNVY Deputy Chancellor for Planning, Student Affairs and Cooperation, Singgih Saptono.

By making a pilgrimage to the heroes' grave yard, it is hoped that the academic community will have a strong state of defense spirit and be willing to sacrifice for the advancement of Indonesia.