UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga commemorated Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony at the MERR-C Campus Management Office courtyard on Sunday (Aug. 17, 2025). The event brought together the academic community to celebrate a milestone in the nation’s history.

Rector Prof. Muhammad Madyan reminded participants that independence should not only be remembered but carried forward through contributions that make a real difference.

“They fought not for themselves, but for all of us. It is our duty to continue that struggle with innovation and meaningful contributions,” he said.

Independence Day theme

This year’s theme, “Unity, Sovereignty, People’s Prosperity, an Advanced Indonesia,” was highlighted by Prof. Madyan as more than ceremonial language. He described it as a vision that reflects both the nation’s character and UNAIR’s academic spirit.

“Unity and sovereignty are the essence of our nation—rooted in tolerance and cooperation. These same values are central to UNAIR, an institution built on diversity,” he noted.

Prof. Madyan also pointed to the critical role of universities in advancing public welfare. UNAIR, he stressed, is not only committed to producing knowledgeable graduates but also entrepreneurs capable of creating new opportunities.

“Through research aimed at downstream innovation, we can create products that drive economic growth. UNAIR graduates must become job creators, not merely job seekers,” he explained.

Moment for transformation

UNAIR Rector emphasized that the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045 demands global competitiveness, strong infrastructure, and international academic recognition. UNAIR, he said, is strengthening its standing as a world-class university by producing research that responds to the country’s needs.

“UNAIR must be a center of collaboration and a source of innovation. That is how we can build a stronger Indonesia, in line with the spirit of our 80th Independence Day,” he urged.

For UNAIR, this year’s commemoration served not just as a moment of reflection but also as a call to action. The university community was urged to move beyond symbolic gestures and contribute meaningful progress.

“The spirit of unity, sovereignty, prosperity, and progress is a call for all of us. Let us answer it with real achievements,” the rector concluded.

Author: Sintya Alfafa

Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto