Something felt different on Sunday afternoon, September 13, 2026, at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM). Rather than being filled with student activities, FEB UGM Plaza was enlivened by children’s laughter, music, games, and the lively atmosphere of the FEB UGM community and their families gathering for the 2026 Family Fun Evening (FFE).
The event was part of a series of activities commemorating the 71st Anniversary of FEB UGM. Faculty members, professional staff, student representatives, and their families came together in a more relaxed atmosphere, enjoying various activities prepared to celebrate FEB UGM’s journey while strengthening bonds among its community.
Dean of FEB UGM, Prof. Dr. Didi Achjari, M.Com., Ak., CA., said that FFE 2026 provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of fellowship among members of the FEB UGM community and their families.
“Thank you to everyone who supported the event and made its successful implementation possible. As FEB UGM continues to grow older, we hope that the faculty’s performance and tangible contributions to the Indonesian nation will continue to improve,” he said.
The excitement of FFE was already evident in the afternoon. The event began with a group Zumba session that energized the participants. The lively atmosphere continued with various games. Children showcased their creativity through a coloring competition, while adult participants from the FEB UGM academic community took part in several games that emphasized teamwork and interaction.
For faculty members, professional staff, and students who are accustomed to their daily work and academic routines, the event provided an opportunity to meet and interact in a different setting. Everyone came together to enjoy the afternoon and evening. The sense of togetherness grew even stronger when the main stage came alive with musical performances from various members of the FEB UGM community.
ESB Band, consisting of FEB UGM students, opened the performances. They were followed by the TOB Band, formed by FEB UGM faculty members, who entertained the audience with their performance. The program continued with Wagu Yo Band, featuring professional staff members of FEB UGM.
An artistic performance was also presented by Dharma Wanita FEB UGM, together with faculty members and professional staff, featuring an angklung performance. The sounds of the traditional bamboo instruments added another dimension to the celebration, bringing together different generations of the FEB UGM community. The various performances successfully brought the stage to life throughout the evening.
The excitement continued with the distribution of hundreds of door prizes and two electric motorcycles as the grand prizes. Nur Fuadi and Dede Putra Firmansyah, both professional staff members of KAF FEB, won the grand prizes.
For Dede, the prize was particularly special. Having attended Family Fun Evening several times before, he said he had never won a door prize. This year, however, his luck changed as he received one of the grand prizes.
“I had never won a door prize at previous FFE events. So when my name appeared on the screen during the grand prize draw, I really couldn’t believe it,” Dede said.
He expressed his happiness and gratitude for receiving the electric motorcycle. For him, the prize was a surprise that he had never imagined.
“I had no expectations at all. It turned out that I received the grand prize. This has become a very memorable experience for me,” he said.
Student representative Ahmad Dafan Robith (Management 2024) also enjoyed the excitement of the annual event. He said he was surprised and impressed to see the lecturers who teach him in class every day take the stage as band members and singers.
“I hope Family Fun Evening can continue to be held every year with the same level of excitement, with even more games added to make the event more enjoyable for everyone,” Ahmad said.
Throughout its 71-year journey, FEB UGM has continued to advance education, research, community service, and institutional development. Amid these activities, Family Fun Evening serves as a reminder that an institution is built not only through programs and achievements, but also through the people who grow and work together within it.
Report: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
Sustainable Development Goals
