Four decades is certainly no short period of time. Yet for alums of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Class of 1986 (KAFEGAMA 86), the passage of time seemed to disappear as they reunited on the campus where they once pursued their studies.
The 40th KAFEGAMA 86 reunion was held on Saturday (22/8/2026), with a series of activities taking place from FEB UGM to Hyatt Regency Hotel Yogyakarta. The alums gathered to reminisce about their college days in various corners of UGM. They took a group photo at the UGM Central Building, Balairung, before releasing four pigeons as a symbol of the Class of 1986’s 40-year journey.
Chairman of KAFEGAMA 86, Meizar Effendi, said that the main purpose of the reunion was to strengthen ties among alumni, some of whom had not seen one another since graduating from university.
“Of course, the main purpose is to strengthen our ties. Some of us may not have seen each other again for 40 years, from the time we first entered university until today,” he said.
He related the reunion to KAGAMA’s motto, Guyub Rukun Migunani. According to him, the spirit of migunani, or being beneficial to others, is what the alums seek to keep alive through such gatherings. He hopes that the solidarity of the Class of 1986 will remain strong until their 50th reunion, while also continuing to contribute to FEB UGM.
Dean of FEB UGM, Prof. Dr. Didi Achjari, S.E., M.Com. Ak., CA., was also present to welcome KAFEGAMA 86 back to their alma mater. He expressed his pride that the bonds of friendship formed during their university years in 1986 have remained strong despite the passage of time.
“Forty years ago, you were young men and women full of dreams, pursuing knowledge in Bulaksumur. Today, you have become outstanding pillars in your respective fields,” he said.
Didi expressed his appreciation to Meizar Effendi, Chair of KAFEGAMA 86, and Diah Retno Wulandaru, Chair of the reunion committee, as well as the entire committee, for successfully organizing the reunion. He also expressed hope that the relationship between FEB UGM and the Class of 1986 alums would continue to grow stronger.
“This reunion is not merely an opportunity to reminisce, but also a momentum to continue contributing to the advancement of the nation and our beloved alma mater,” he concluded.
Diah explained that the series of activities was designed to create memorable experiences for the alumni, particularly those who came from outside Yogyakarta.
“Many of us came from outside the city, while only a few are from Yogyakarta. When they come to Yogyakarta, they get to reminisce. So, it felt right for us to gather here at the Faculty of Economics and Business,” she said.
The reunion’s grand finale featured artistic performances from each study program, namely Economics, Accounting, and Management. The event concluded with the release of sky lanterns, symbolizing the hopes and memories that the alums wished to carry with them.
One of the alums, Siske from the Accounting Study Program, said she was happy to reunite with her old friends after decades apart.
“It feels wonderful, and it brings back so many stories from the past. I hope we can meet more often. Honestly, meeting our friends makes us feel even closer, and it helps keep our friendships strong,” she concluded.
Report: Dwi Zhafirah Meiliani
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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