UNAIR NEWS – A total of 46 Student Activity Units (UKMs) at Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) participated in the 2025 Panca Tirta UKM Display, a highlight of the annual Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB). Designed to introduce the wide range of student organizations available on campus, the event took place at the Student Center on UNAIR’s MERR-C campus, running from Monday to Tuesday (August 4–5, 2025).
Event coordinator Cahya Surya Laksana Gunawan explained that this year’s Panca Tirta adopted the central theme Sabda Airlangga, encouraging students to embrace the values inspired by King Airlangga. The sub-theme, which focused on Indonesian heritage, led each UKM to decorate its booth with traditional cultural elements, drawing from historical periods such as the Majapahit era and King Airlangga’s rule.
New additions and improvements
Gunawan noted several updates in this year’s UKM Display. Among them was the addition of a Golf UKM. He also highlighted a more efficient visitor route within the Student Center, made possible by new access points following the relocation of UNAIR’s Health Services Clinic. “Last year, participants had to take a longer route around the venue. This year, access has been improved to allow easier movement throughout the space,” he said.
The improved access not only eased mobility but also allowed students to explore the Student Center and become more familiar with the locations of various UKM offices. Gunawan added that beyond promoting the UKMs, Panca Tirta also addresses the ongoing issue of leadership renewal. “Many UKMs are struggling with succession planning. Through this event, we hope more new students will be inspired to join and eventually take on leadership roles,” he said.
Panca Tirta is more than just an introduction—it’s also a prerequisite. After the event, new students are required to complete an internship with a UKM as part of the graduation requirements. “The hope is that students will find at least one UKM that resonates with them—whether in the fields of spirituality, arts, martial arts, sports, or special interests. This is a platform for them to explore and develop their individual talents,” said the deputy chair of the UKM Communication Forum.
Strong engagement from new students
The UKM Display was held over two days using a rotating group system. Twenty-eight student groups, called Garuda, were divided into two sessions per day. While 14 groups explored the outdoor UKM exhibits, the remaining groups took turns attending indoor PKKMB Amerta sessions.
Among the first-year participants, Shinta Nur Aini from the Faculty of Law expressed her excitement about attending the event in person. “Before, I could only see it on Instagram, and it was hard to ask questions. Now that I’m here, I can talk to the student reps directly. I already know which UKM I want to join,” she said.
Aini shared that she plans to intern with the Dance and Karawitan UKM (UKTK), having developed a passion for dance during high school. “I hope Panca Tirta helps more new students learn about the different UKMs at UNAIR, so they can find the one that fits their talents,” she added.
Author: Nur Khovivatul Mukorrobah
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
