The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM), officially welcomed its new undergraduate students for the 2025 academic year through the PIONIR SIMFONI event, held on Wednesday (August 6, 2025) at the FEB UGM Campus. The event was a formal welcoming ceremony for 586 new undergraduate students from 32 provinces across Indonesia.
Of the 586 new students, 419 enrolled through the regular track and 167 through the International Undergraduate Program (IUP).
The PIONIR SIMFONI event took place on August 6–7, 2025, and its theme was “Affirming the Integrity of the Nation’s Young Pioneers, Creating Social Impact.” The opening ceremony began with the launch of a symbolic rocket, representing the new students’ (Gamada) readiness to push their limits, overcome obstacles, and soar into the future.
All new students participated in two-day orientation activities, designed to introduce them to FEB UGM, their new academic home. There, they received training and support to become future leaders.
Dean of FEB UGM, Prof. Dr. Didi Achjari, M.Com., C.A., stated that the PIONIR SIMFONI event symbolizes the beginning of an intellectual journey imbued with UGM’s core values.
“This is what sets you apart from students and graduates of other universities. Here, you will gain knowledge and learn to embody the values of leadership, integrity, empathy, innovation, and unity in the spirit of Indonesia,” he said in his welcoming speech at Plaza FEB UGM on Wednesday (August 6).
Didi further explained that this year, FEB UGM accepted 586 new undergraduate students from all over Indonesia—ranging from Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in the west to North Maluku in the east, from North Sulawesi in the north to East Nusa Tenggara in the south.
“This campus is a miniature of Indonesia, diverse, inclusive, and tolerant,” he emphasized.
He also highlighted FEB UGM’s commitment to inclusivity by providing access to students from various economic backgrounds. More than half of the new students, or 50.36%, received tuition subsidies (UKT), with 11.69% receiving full 100% tuition waivers.
“This is a concrete form of FEB UGM’s commitment to providing equitable access to education and nurturing excellent talents from diverse social, economic, and geographic backgrounds,” he added.
He encouraged the new students to focus on academics and actively engage in extracurricular activities, such as student organizations, sports, and the arts.
“Don’t just be KUPU-KUPU students ‘kuliah pulang, kuliah pulang’ (class and go straight home),” he said.
Didi reminded the new students that their journey at FEB UGM begins today and that their success will depend on their steps.
“Promise yourself to graduate on time for yourself, those who supported you, and your parents who constantly pray for your success in silence. Welcome to the big family of FEB UGM,” he concluded.
During a talk session with the new students, Efie Julian Hikmah, an Accounting Program student from Kediri, East Java, who enrolled through the underprivileged student track (PBUTM), expressed her gratitude and pride in joining FEB UGM, a childhood dream of hers.
“I’m so grateful and proud to be accepted into the Accounting Program at FEB UGM. I’ve been a hardcore UGM fan since junior high school,” she shared.
Efie is one of the new students who received a full 100% tuition subsidy. Despite living with a physical disability, she has achieved numerous accomplishments in athletics, including 2nd place in the 200 meter sprint at the Surabaya Mayor’s Cup, a gold medal in long jump at the 2023 National Paralympic Student Week, and a bronze medal in the 400 meter sprint at the 2024 National Paralympic Games.
Sheril Kristiani Noya, a new Halmahera, North Maluku student, echoed the same sentiments. She expressed her excitement about being accepted into her dream university, FEB UGM, and hoped for a smooth academic journey.
Report by: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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