SLEMAN - The Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia (HUT RI) is always an important moment to improve the spirit of nationalism and strengthen the unity of the nation. The commemoration of the Indonesian Anniversary is also a reflection of the nation's journey as well as the contemplation of the founding fathers’ ideals of "the creation of an independent, united, sovereign, just, and prosperous nation" which must be achieved.

The 72nd  Anniversary of the Indonesian Republic with the theme of "Indonesia Bekerja Bersama " becomes a moment to invite all stakeholders of research, technology, and higher education to work together to answer the biggest challenge nowadays namely improving the quality of Human Resources (HR) Indonesia in order to realize the independence of the nation.

"To answer these challenges, Kemenristekdikti has set a strategic goal of 2019 that we must achieve that is the increasing of relevance, quantity and quality of highly educated human resources, and the ability of science and technology and innovation for the excellence of competitiveness of the nation" said Rector UPNVY, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sari Bahagiarti K, M.Sc. as the Trustees Ceremony when reading remarks Minister of Research, Technology, and Higher Education, Thursday (17/08/2017).

In his speech, Minister believed by working together, strategic objectives could  be achieved. In addition, Nasir explained that the joint work between universities, research and industry was a strategy way in improving the addition value of  the research results into a market-based innovation and science and technology products.

"By working together, the progress of Indonesian sovereign, independence and personality can be quickly realized," said Rector read out the speech.

Indonesia as a big country with its pluralistic society has various challenges in the life of nation and state. The minister also takes advantages of the moment of this RI 72nd  anniversary to remind how important the unity of the nation is. The unity is a key prerequisite to be an advanced and competitive nation state.

Furthermore, in the speech, the minister added that currently there were many irresponsible people who abused social media to spread hatred, blasphemy, sedition, hoax information, and radical understanding.

For that reason, Nasir invited us to return to Bhineka Tunggal Ika, to have the state and nation unity, sowing responsible freedom, and jointly ward off radicalism.

To counter radicalism, we do not need weapons. Good knowledge and education can counteract it.

UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta (UPNVY)  held the ceremony of the 72nd  anniversary of RI for the reason of becoming a state university in 2014, this was the first time the flag ceremony with new students simultaneously with Introduction of Campus Life (PKK).

In addition to new students, the ceremony was followed by PKK implementing committee, and UPNVY academic community. Served as flag raiser is the Student Regiment. This procession was accompanied by Vocalista Paradiso choir and marching band UPNVY. (wwj/ humas)