[Unpad.ac.id, 2/09/2013] Unpad Rector, Prof, Ganjar Kurnia delivered his speech in a general lecture for Civics class for the new Bachelor program students of Unpad, Academic Year 2013/2014 on Monday (02/09) at Bale Sawala Rectorate Building, Unpad Jatinangor, with the theme “Participate for the Glory Indonesia.”
Photos clockwise: Unpad rector is giving an online lecture at Bale Sawala Unpad; new students are watching at the Faculty of Arts: new students are watching at the Faculty of Medicine; and new students are watching at Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (Photos by: Tedi Yusup)*
Kurnia said that the idea to develop the nation is implied in the national anthem “Indonesia Raya” lyrics. However, many Indonesians today do not either remember the lyrics or know how to sing the anthem correctly as the foundation of participating in the independence. He then continued that it is necessary to realize the initial goals of the proclamation, as stated in the Opening of 1945 Constitution that it is our responsible to be grateful and take a part in celebrating the freedom initiated by our Founding Fathers.
After 68 years since the declaration of independence, the goals have not been achieved, in fact there have been many problems deviated from the goals; for instances, Indonesia’s Human Development Index (HDI) is still at the 124th of 187 countries in the world, and also at the 100th place in the Corruption Perception Index. “Not to mention environmental damages, open unemployment, and poverty,” he said.
It is ironic, he said, because Indonesia has the power to emerge with its natural and human resources, technology, cultural property, and the government which have not been developed. Therefore, it is important for today’s generation to rebuild the characters as a nation. Those characters are reflected in behaviors and values that can be started with three words: greeting, apology, and thanks to everyone.
The general lecture was organized by Unpad e-learning unit and attended by the freshmen through teleconference in every faculty. Students from the Faculty of Dentistry and Faculty of Geology attended the live lecture at Bale Sawala. Besides the lecture, the event also featured a presentation on e-learning by the team from Unpad e-learning unit.
